This hostel has two buildings. The main building with rooms with a shared bathroom, and the two Kiku rooms with private bathrooms on the 3rd floor above the FabCafe Fuji. We booked the Kiku room (also called the Standard Twin Room on booking) for two nights with breakfast. The room is probably the most spacious room we booked in our entire 1 month trip here in Japan and it’s very reasonably priced. If you book the Kiku room you also get access to the rooftop terrace, which you can get a great view of Mt. Fuji from without the crowds. Great views, spacious room, rooftop terrace, breakfast downstairs, centrally located, not much more you could ask for!

It’s on the 3rd floor with only stairs which was fine for us but just FYI for those booking this specific room. Also, there is no parking here and you have to park in a lot nearby which can get pricey if you’re staying a few days.

Staff are amazing. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. The breakfast was so fantastic I regretted not getting breakfast again as we were leaving early on the second morning. The bedding are very comfortable too. Bathrooms even the shared ones are sparkly clean. I really liked the toiletries too and decided to purchase some before we left. So all in all, fantastic.

- I was in the tatami room, I think it smelt a tad weird like something is a bit damp. - it’s not a problem for me, but the door can be tricky for the tatami room (very short), so you kind of need to bow down to get in - also not a problem for me but it can get quick bright early in the tatami room

Beautiful guesthouse with a very tasteful interior design. For breakfast they provide an option a couple of doors down the road in a wonderful cafe. It's a 15-20 min walk from the Arakura Park with stunning views of Mount Fuji.

The town of Fijiyoshida itself was much less charming than we had imagined our hoped for. The hotel is on one of the main roads but the town has little to offer. At night, we had a hard time finding a decent place for dinner so best arrange something in advance, perhaps with the help of guesthouse staff. While the hotel was great, we won't come back to Fijiyoshida if we can help it...

We had a double room, and it was perfect. Two large beds, seating area, plenty of space. The hostel has a charming little kitchen with all the utensils; they offer free coffee and choices of excellent herbal teas you can brew yourself. And being able to use the bikes was just an additional treat, for 500 yen per day per person. We rented the bikes and did a tour around Lake Kawaguchi and the bikes were in surprisingly good shape. Location is great - some 10 min from Shimoyoshida station - which is convenient for trains within the region but also for the buses to Tokyo (which are behind/near the station). Just from outside the hostel, is the famous crossing with the view of Mt Fuji, where everyone takes pictures. This makes it a great location because in the morning, you can just peak out the window to see how the sun is shining on Mt Fuji and hop outside to take pictures. It is also close to the Pagoda platform of Mt Fuji 15-20 minutes - basically up the mountain behind the station. And that covers pretty much the major sightseeing spots.

The only thing is that you have to walk a bit to find a convenience store. That;s not a fault of the hostel of course - just a statement. So if you run into one, just buy your stuff and bring it as there is none just next door. The rooms in the main building (above the reception) are up some narrow stairs - if you have heavy luggage, or issues walking up stairs, be aware of that. Also because the toilets are down the stairs next to the kitchen.

The room was very spacious. The staff was very friendly, and they let us keep the luggage until check-in. Location very close to the train station if you are coming on the express train from Tokyo. The hostel has a rooftop with beautiful views.

The bed was a bit too soft for our liking. Right on the road, so a bit noise at night and early morning. The breakfast that they recommend it's not worth the price - literally one slice of toast, one egg, and one slice of bacon. Better served at a convenience store for a fraction of the price.

The view from our room was incredible, waking up to the mountains was perfect. The room we stayed in was huge, felt like our own little apartment, well equipped with a kettle and crockery. The room had great decor, comfortable beds and we loved the shower too. The staff were very hospitable, they even showed us the artist residency building which was great to see! The breakfast was delicious, we bought our breakfast voucher when we checked in and the cafe was lovely. We also asked for a recommendation for dinner and it was a great local Izakaya called “Sasaume” which was delicious and very friendly staff. Would highly recommend this place to anyone staying in this area.

Only having one night here!! Definitely book for longer as it’s just perfect.

Everything, great communal area with locally grown tea available, plus coffee, with a fireplace to keep it cosy Futon were really comfy, and the room was large. Communal showers and toilets were really clean and always tidy. the Location was perfect, and we found some excellent Izakaya a couple of minutes walk from the Hostel. We were super impressed with the stay - we were there for 3 nights, and would have happily stayed for more.

The hostel is in the middle of a typical old middle-class Japanese village lost in time, perfect for a one or two-night stay exploring Mont Fuji. The hostel is simple but very charming, super pretty, quiet and calm. I would stay there again.

The view from the room window was disappointing, as the backyard of one of the neighbours was a mess, super dirty, and full of trash. But I think that's something they can't do much about it. If you close the curtain is fine.

I have read a lot of great reviews about Hostel Saruya before experiencing one-night stay here. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, recommending us with supermarket and dining options nearby. Hostel facilities are great, there is a supermarket within 8-minute walk so we could buy groceries and cook some food. The hostel is right at the famous spot for taking photo of Fuji-san at Honchou street so you can wake up early and go out to take some pictures before it gets too crowded. The vibe here is relaxing, although I think they may have changed some of the set-ups. Beds are super comfy and our room is spacious too. There are not that many rooms so you can feel relaxed like at home. The hostel can be suitable for people travelling for work as well.

The stairs are a bit steep so you have to be careful going up and down. Train stations are not that close so walking to and from the hostel can be somewhat tiring, especially with luggage. Even though beds and provided duvets were warm enough, the air condition seemed to not function properly.

Beautifully restored old homes within the Shimoyoshida area. The property has a focus on revitalising the local area by connecting with local artists, using local products in the bathrooms and for the bedding etc. The staff could not have been more helpful: assisting with local food recommendations, directions to places of interest and local art events, and how to operate the washing machines. The room was peaceful and connected to a shared area where you can cook if you wish. 'The street view' of Mt Fuji is just outside the front of the accomodation. Overall, a must visit for those who love art, interior design, and architecture.