Having weathered over 140 years, Fujiya Hotel and the descendants of Yamaguchi Sennosuke can proudly boast to the world of their heritage as well as their dedication to the hospitality industry. Their story began in 1878 when Yamaguchi Sennosuke acquired the ryokan Fujiya Inn and reopened it as Hakone Miyanoshita Fugakukan Fujiya Hotel. Intending to cater mainly to foreign visitors, he remodeled the building with Western aesthetics and began offering Western-style stay experiences, such as serving meals with bread and meat. A blaze that was known as the Great Miyanoshita Fire of 1883 destroyed Fujiya Hotel, but the Yamaguchi took this as an opportunity to rebuild the property in a fully Western style.

Yamaguchi Shozo would inherit the leadership of Fujiya Hotel in 1914. By then, he already had extensive experience in management, having been adopted by Sennosuke and made manager at the hotel. His knowledge of the hospitality industry in foreign countries was also highly valued, having worked in the United States and England for many years before returning to Japan. During his tenure, he added the dining wing and the Flower Palace building to the estate. Another project of his was the Fujiya Hotel Sengoku Golf Course, recognized as among the finest golf courses in Japan, and is now the country's second oldest. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 also happened during Shozo's time, but their quick and resolute action and providing aid to the locals won the Yamaguchi and Fujiya Hotel the region's high regard for decades to come.

Shozo passed on his mantle of leadership to Yamaguchi Kenkichi in 1941. Known for his mild-mannered and down-to-earth personality, he took on the Yamaguchi name after marrying the second daughter of Yamaguchi Sennosuke. Under his management, he oversaw the construction of another building, the Forest Lodge. Rocky years soon arrived, caused by World War II and the eventual American Occupation, wherein the US Military commandeered hotels from all over Japan for their use. Kenkichi would successfully navigate these rough times and reopen Fujiya Hotel in 1954, after the US Military released its control of the hotel.

Fujiya Hotel coasted along the decades that followed, riding the economic bubble and weathering the recession that followed. It wouldn't be until 2013 that significant remodeling and renovations would be done, brought about by new amendments to the 1995 Act on Promotion of Seismic Retrofit of Buildings. The management took this as an opportunity to once again transform Fujiya Hotel, along with celebrating the hotel's 140th anniversary in 2018. Construction was completed in 2020 , just in time to welcome the arrival of Japan's Reiwa Era.

Design and Architecture

Fujiya Hotel's four large buildings come with their own themes and aesthetics, reflecting the philosophy and sense of the company president who established them. The Main Building was built in 1891, during the Meiji Era, and reflects the early blending of Western and Japanese styles with the temple-like roof and louver windows. The Comfy Lodge and Restful Cottage were built in 1906, still in the Meiji Era, but by this time, the distinct architectural styles of the period were much better defined. Similar to the main building, these two mansion-like buildings feature a temple-like roof but also a gabled entrance. The interior design for these two buildings are very much in the Western style, and some guests might even mistake them to be contemporary despite the age of the buildings.

The next addition to Fujiya Hotel wouldn't be until 1936, when Yamaguchi Shozo added the Flower Palace. This one features a mix of gabled roofs and walls inspired by log cabins. Rooms are a mix of Western-style designs and heritage architecture with detailed woodwork that features classical construction styles. The latest of the four properties is the Forest Wing, added in 1960, and features a colorful modern exterior contrasted by sleek minimalist interiors.

The Fujiya

Opened in 1930 as the main dining hall of the hotel, The Fujiya will bring guests on a gastronomic trip to Europe with its incredible French Cuisine. 

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 10 am (Breakfast); 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (Lunch); 5:30 pm - 8 pm (Dinner)

Kikka-So

A former vacation villa in Miyanoshita Onsen meant for use of the Imperial Family, acquired by Fujiya Hotel and renovated into a restaurant. Guests can look forward to Japanese gourmet cuisine while admiring the Japanese garden and classic architecture.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 10 am (Breakfast); 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (Lunch); 5:30 pm - 8 pm (Dinner)

Restaurant Cascade

A banquet hall from the 1920s restored into a modern restaurant with menus featuring Western cuisine. 

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3 pm (Lunch); 5:30 pm - 8 pm (Dinner)

Bar Victoria

Bar hall with classical Western architecture and a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner alongside their drinks and cocktails.
Opening hours: 5 pm - 11 pm

Restaurant reservations are required for evening dinner, and can be made through the hotel's website.

The historic setting of Fujiya Hotel might be that bespoke destination wedding location you've been searching for. Whether it's a Western-style wedding or a traditional Japanese shinzen kekkon, Fujiya Hotel has several venues and numerous photo locations for you to take advantage of.

Aside from Fujiya Hotel's historic buildings, the former Imperial Villa Kikka-so and its garden are also available for bookings, particularly for the Western-style ceremony. If you're looking for a traditional Japanese experience, a shinzen kekkon at Hakone Shrine will make your special day one of the most memorable and blessed. Fujiya Hotel can even assist should you need to rent bridal dresses and kimonos for your nuptial shoots. They can also prepare the services of salon beauticians and stylists for your photo shoots and wedding day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The mountains and coasts of Hakone make for a majestic retreat, where travelers can embrace the grandeur of Mount Fuji and discover all sorts of amazing adventures. Book a cruise on Lake Ashi to see the view of Mount Fuji from the sparkling waters. While there, don't forget to drop by Hakone Shrine, which has stood there since 757. Other ways to see Mount Fuji include hiking up Mount Sengen, and crossing the Mishima Skywalk.

For days you're recuperating from your outdoor adventures, you can visit the Fujiya Hotel Museum and check out the many famous celebrities who have been guests of the hotel. There are also plenty of cultural spots to check out, including the Homma Parquet Museum of Art, and the Hakone Open-air Museum.

Other Celebrations

For guests with a special day they're looking forward to celebrate, it's worth a try getting in touch with the management to see if some personalized arrangements can be made. If you're just looking to enjoy a private birthday or anniversary, the hotel's restaurants may be able to provide personalized service. Alternatively, you may be able to book a private venue should your event involve a larger group.