【Complete Guide to Odakyu Hotel de Yama】A Serene Retreat: Special Moments by Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi

The origins of Odakyu Hotel de Yama trace back to a villa built in 1911 by Baron Iwasaki Koyata, the fourth head of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu. The baron created an exquisite garden and hosted numerous guests at his villa. Later, the property was purchased and converted into a hotel, opening its doors in 1948. After renovations, the current building was constructed in 1978, modeled after a Swiss château by Lake Geneva, transforming it into a quintessential Western-style resort hotel.
Today, the hotel continues to innovate for guest comfort, preserving its classic and authentic ambiance. A variety of room types are available, including standard options, deluxe rooms with views of Mt. Fuji, and top-floor rooms featuring onsen-view baths. Each provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring a memorable stay.

Despite its proximity to Tokyo, the area surrounding Lake Ashi is rich in unspoiled natural beauty. Situated at an elevation of approximately 720 meters, the deeply varied seasonal temperatures offer travelers a diverse repertoire of captivating landscapes to see throughout the year. From flowers blooming in the garden to the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, Mt. Fuji stands in back in all its majesty, especially in its iconic snow-capped form.
Every guest room offers a stunning lake view of Ashi, allowing you to relax and soak in the serene scenery—a truly luxurious way to spend your time.

The expansive hotel grounds feature a stunning garden inherited from the villa of Baron Iwasaki Koyata. This historic garden blooms with seasonal flowers like roses and hydrangeas, set against the picturesque scenery of Hakone, making it a favorite spot for guests. Among its highlights are the approximately 3,000 azalea bushes, many of which date back to the villa era. Their vibrant colors bloom harmoniously with the natural undulations of the terrain. In May, the garden reaches its peak beauty as around 300 rhododendron bushes burst into bloom alongside the azaleas. Many rare species are included, and both the azaleas and rhododendrons are recognized as a "National Collection" by the Japan Association of Botanical Gardens, preserving them as a plant heritage for future generations.

At the hotel’s hot springs you’ll find open-air baths in the large shared bath area and private onsen-equipped rooms, where the unique "Tsutsuji-no-Yu" of Ashinoko Onsen awaits. This self-sourced hot spring defied the long-held belief that "no hot springs exist with views of both Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi." After a year of excavation, the hotel proudly uncovered its private spring.
The waters are classified as an alkaline simple hot spring, loved for its moisturizing effects, earning the nickname "Beauty Spa." Perfect for soothing travel-weary bodies and minds, this hot spring offers a tranquil escape to relax and rejuvenate.

Delicious meals unique to a destination are one of the joys of travel. For dinner, guests can choose between two exquisite restaurants: "Vert Bois," known for its authentic French cuisine crafted by chefs, and "Tsutsuji no Chaya," offering beautifully presented kaiseki dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and delight both the palate and the eyes. Both restaurants offer an exquisite dining experience. Guests can also choose between Western and Japanese options for breakfast, catering to diverse tastes.
During your stay, don’t miss visiting the dessert restaurant "Salon de thé Rosage," located in an annex that appears to float on Lake Ashi. This elegant spot offers stunning views alongside its original sweets and fine teas, making it the perfect setting for a refined afternoon tea.