Hoshinoya Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji is one of Japan's most ethereal places to stay; with glassy lakeside cabins that open up into red pine forests, guests feel completely immersed in nature and the views are spectacular. This is glamping done brilliantly, striking the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. On arrival guests are greeted with binoculars, maps, blankets and a headlight before heading off to a minimalist cabin in the mountainous forest. There are only 40 cabins and each one is air conditioned with floor to ceiling doors leading out to the balcony and onto Aokigahara forest, Lake Kawaguchi and on a clear day, Mt Fuji. A third of each room is connected to the outdoors, to make the most of the stars and the roaring fire and with a series of wooden walkways, you are never far from forest walks. Hoshinoya Fuji is much more than just comfortable cabins; with horse riding and canoeing taking center stage too.

Dining is also a highlight here with the dining room enjoying glorious views of the pine forests. With focus on simple grilling, particularly high quality Japanese beef and local vegetables. The Cloud Terrace also offers a small and intimate alfresco dining space with food prepared entirely in Dutch ovens. Here you'll also find pizza workshops at lunch time, a fantastic family activity.

We particularly love the details and the nod to camping at Hoshinoya Fuji, with modern campfires on the cabin balconies, titanium cups and a refined take on camping food.

Hoshinoya is not the place for those who need gold taps and luxury suites; it's more suited to those who want to be experiencing the outdoors with somewhere comfortable to return to at the end of the day.