Skip to Content

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

So you’ve checked out Mt. Fuji, have full bellies and now it’s time to check-in somewhere for the night.

Luckily we’ve found a choice that is both kind to the budget traveler and those not wanting to compromise on some home comforts.

The Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel (富士吉田ユースホステル) is our pick of the bunch for Fuji accommodation. Despite the name, it’s really nothing much like a youth hostel. You’ll find no dorms or noisy common areas here, with guests of a wide range of ages. Each room is private Japanese style – tatami mats and futon. If you’re visiting Japan and wanting to try a more traditional style lodging, this is your chance!

Rooms are equipped with a TV, A/C and the traveler’s holy grail – free Wi-Fi! While we don’t spend much time watching TV – in fact, we don’t have one at all at our home in Tokyo – you have to turn it on at least once when the town has gone to sleep for the night just to experience a Japanese variety show – it really is a window into Japanese culture.

A washing machine and drier are available for use at ¥150 and ¥200 per load respectively – especially convenient if you’ve just scaled Mt. Fuji. Guests can enjoy free use of the refrigerator, microwave and hot water dispenser with complimentary tea and coffee.

Bathrooms are shared but immaculate and, given the small capacity of 13 people, waiting is never really an issue.

Here’s the best part! This is actually a Japanese family home – the Tanabe family live on the first floor while the guest accommodation is on the second. Established in 1956, the hostel has been run by three generations and is now managed by granddaughter Mikiko san. Mikiko san is extremely friendly and kind, and her English is sure to be of assistance to non-Japanese speaking travelers. It was her smiling face that we saw when we returned from our last climb of Mt. Fuji six years ago and the homely hospitality hasn’t changed a bit since then. She can also help you out with things like maps, bus timetables and information about the local area.

If I haven’t sold you already, then here’s the icing on the cake! A night here starts from only ¥3000 per person – can’t get better value than that!

So if you’re interested in having a more unique accommodation experience and supporting a local family business, check out the Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel on your next Fuji adventure.

To book, simply call 0555-22-0533 and speak to Mikiko san directly.

UPDATE: This property is now fully bookable online here.

Address: 3-6-51 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 〒403-0004

〒403-0004 山梨県富士吉田市下吉田3-6-51

Please note that breakfast is not available at this time.

For those traveling by car, parking is available out the back (accessed via a side street). Streets are narrow so take care accessing the parking area – it might take a few goes back and forth to straighten up. :)

The hostel is accessible by foot from three different train stations but can be a little difficult to find as it is tucked away in an alleyway so be sure to reference this map. Please note that as of July 2011, Fujiyoshida Station was renamed Fujisan Station, however, many local people and maps still refer to it by its former name.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel Map, Japan

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

The unassuming exterior of the Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

View from our room. Soon we’ll be up there!

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

One of the guest rooms.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Upstairs bathroom.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Meet “Love” (pronounced “Rabu” in Japanese), the Tanabe family’s dog.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

A feature of the family home – the original stairs to the second floor. Please note: they are extremely steep so guests with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Slippers.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

The official stuff.

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Me and Rabu chan (the suffix -chan is used as a term of endearment in Japanese).

Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Me with Mikiko san and Rabu chan.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jo

Wednesday 8th of August 2018

Hi! How did you go from the Hostel to the Fuji Subaru 5th Station?

Climbing Mount Fuji: Your Ultimate Climbing Guide

Saturday 6th of August 2016

[…] an inexpensive and traditional place to stay in Fujiyoshida, we recommend this guest house and if you’re visiting on August 26th-27th, we also highly recommend attending this […]

5 of the Best Japanese Festivals in August

Friday 9th of January 2015

[…] walking distance to the Shrine, the Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel is our accommodation of choice when visiting Mt. Fuji and surrounds. If you are going to book this […]

dibesh

Wednesday 12th of June 2013

Had a wonderful time staying in the youth hostel. Great people, amazing hospitality. Must place to stay if your anyone is looking for a good, Japanese style accommodation.

Jessica Korteman

Wednesday 12th of June 2013

That's great, Dibesh! It's a wonderful place to stay for anyone wanting a more intimate Japanese experience. It's our top pick for the Fuji area. Always feel at home there! Where are you off to next?

Karen Lentz

Monday 20th of May 2013

Hi Jessica,

We’re the Lentz Family – Karen, Cliff and our daughter’s Katelyn (age 15) and Claire (age 12). We are looking for accommodations for July 13, 14, and 15 in the Fuji area. The Fuji Yoshida Youth Hostel seems perfect for us, but can't find an email address for them. If you can send us one, that would be great. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Karen

Jessica Korteman

Monday 20th of May 2013

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much for your message.

Unfortunately, the Fujiyoshida Youth Hostel doesn't have an email address. Reservations are by phone only. However, the fact that they are a bit disconnected and give a true family feel is one of the reasons why we love this place! Mikiko san does speak some English so if you speak slowly and clearly you shouldn't have a problem making a reservation over the phone.

Have an amazing trip to Japan and we hope you love this place as much as we do!

Best regards,

Jessica

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.