Yamanakako's Hidden Gem: Discover the Day Post General Glanping Village!
Yamanakako's Hidden Gem: Discover the Day Post General Glanping Village!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Yamanakako's Hidden Gem, the utterly charming (and slightly chaotic) Day Post General Glanping Village! Forget your perfectly polished hotel reviews, this is the real deal, the slightly-off-kilter, "I-forgot-my-toothbrush-but-it's-okay-because-the-view-is-insane" experience. Let's get messy!
Yamanakako's Hidden Gem: Discover the Day Post General Glanping Village! - The Unfiltered Truth
Right, so "Glanping Village" sounds all posh and Instagram-worthy, right? And it IS, to a certain extent. But trust me, it's also… well, let's just say it's REAL. And that's why you'll love it.
Accessibility: Getting There… and Around (Mostly Easy!)
- Accessibility: The location is a breeze with easy access to Yamanakako and parking.
- Car Parking [Free of Charge]: YES! Free parking – a lifesaver in Japan. Finding a space, however, can be a slight adventure. Embrace the chaos!
- Airport Transfer: I didn't use it, but the option's there.
- Taxi Service/Car Park [On-site]/Valet Parking: Options galore here. I spotted a Tesla charging station, so someone's going fancy!
- Elevator: Crucially, the main buildings have elevators. But remember, it's a village, so some paths might be… rustic. But hey, more for the Glamping vibe!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Provided
- Wheelchair accessible: Accessibility is really good, and if you're a wheelchair user, this is a great place to stay.
- Bicycle parking: I saw bikes and thought, "I should do that!" which means it's easily accessible.
On-Site Restaurants, Lounges, and the "Gourmet" Glamping Grub
- Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops, and a Poolside Bar: Options! Plenty of options. The food, though… ah, the food. Let's just say, it’s… variable. But that's part of the charm, right? Some dishes are fantastic!
- Breakfast [Buffet], Breakfast [Buffet] and Asian Breakfast, Western Breakfast: They really lean into the morning meals - no complaints here.
- A la carte in restaurant: I'm a sucker for a la carte.
- Snack bar: Gotta love a snack bar.
- Alternative meal arrangement, Vegetarian restaurant: catering to all tastes.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: I love the sweets.
- Poolside bar: I spent a whole day at this one.
- Bottle of water: Supplied.
The Rooms: Your Glamping Sanctuary (With A Few Quirks)
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Room: Okay, the room… it was beautiful. Really. The view of Mount Fuji from my window? Breathtaking. Absolutely. I could have stared at it all day. But… and there’s a but… The internet in my room was patchy, maybe it was the location? And the fridge… well, it was loud. And the lighting was maybe a little… romantic for my taste, shall we say.
Non-smoking rooms: Excellent.
Couple's room: The proposal spot, for sure.
Room decorations: Just lovely and fitting for the area.
Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Top marks!
Things to Do: Glamping for the Soul (and the ‘Gram)
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The infinity pool? A MUST. The views are ridiculous. Seriously, bring your camera. But be warned: it can get busy!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: All the relaxation goodies. I indulged in a foot bath – pure bliss after hiking.
- Gym/fitness: I saw a gym. I did not go.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: If you are into the spa stuff, you will be happy.
- For the kids, Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They've actually thought about families. There’s a playground and some kid-friendly activities. Brilliant.
- Things to do: It's all about exploring the area - hiking, visiting the lake etc. The village is a base, not the destination.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Pandemic Times…
- Cleanliness and safety: They're very serious about hygene.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: This is clearly a priority for the management.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good for peace of mind.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, Shared stationery removed: Freedom of choice here.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Glamping Adventure
- Restaurants: There are several.
- Room service [24-hour]: I'm not gonna lie, I did order room service at 3 am. Totally worth it.
- Happy hour: Always a good time.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Choices, choices, choices.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant: The mix is awesome!
- Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet is the stuff of legends. The staff is good.
- Coffee shop: Need your caffeine fix? They got you.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Mostly)
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: The usual suspects.
- Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities: I was in full holiday mode, so I didn’t check these out.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in summer.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Useful stuff, particularly given the remote location.
- Invoice provided: great for corporate travelers
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: I spotted one or two weddings. Very photogenic.
- Smoking area: For those who indulge.
- Terrace: The view here. OMG the view.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Contactless check-in/out: Smooth, efficient.
- Cashless payment service: Easy peasy.
Internet & Connectivity: Stay Connected (If You Must)
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: The Wi-Fi was a bit shaky in the room. But hey, you’re there to escape, right?
- Internet, Internet services: all good.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't travel with kids, but there are family friendly services.
Getting Around:
- Access, Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking: All you need to get around.
Safety/Security Features:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Wake-up service.
Everything Else (The Little Things That Make a Difference)
- Shrine, Smoking area: Quirks
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my (slightly disastrous, probably glorious) glamping adventure at THE DAY POST GENERAL GLANPING VILLAGE YAMANAKAKO in Yamanakako, Japan. And trust me, this isn't your polished travel brochure kind of experience. This is the real, sweaty, mosquito-bitten, utterly ridiculous, and probably amazing version. Here's the messy schedule:
BEFORE WE EVEN LEAVE THE HOUSE (A.K.A. The Pre-Trip Panic Attack)
The Packing Disaster: Let's be honest, packing is my Achilles heel. I start with grand plans of minimalist perfection, then end up with a suitcase overflowing with "just in case" items. This time, I swear I packed for three climates. Mountain gear? Check. Beachwear? Double-check. Space suit (you never know)? Okay, maybe not the space suit, but you get the picture. Also, forgot the important stuff. Like a functional phone charger. And possibly underwear. Don't judge.
The Pre-Trip Mood Swing: One day, I'm bouncing off the walls with excitement, the next, I'm convinced the entire trip will be a disaster filled with torrential downpours and aggressive wildlife. Which, you know, is a very real possibility in Yamanakako.
Learning Basic Japanese Expressions: Tried to learn some basic Japanese. "Konnichiwa" and "arigato" were fine, but I struggled with more complicated ones. Like "Where are the nearest public toilets?"
The Phone Call From Hell Called up to the hotel to confirm my booking but was met with a barrage of Japanese. Even though they speak English. I gave up DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND THE GREAT TENT-BUILDING (OR LACK THEREOF) DILEMMA
Arrival (or Attempted Arrival): Got on the train with my overpack. Landed in Yamanakako around noon. Beautiful. Then I saw the little bus. Filled with families. Oh boy.
Check-in and the Initial Glimpse: The glamping village looked stunning in the pictures - think Instagram heaven. Reality? Still stunning, but with a healthy dose of "rustic charm." (That's code for "maybe a bit rough around the edges"). The staff were super friendly, though, bless their souls, dealing with my broken Japanese attempts.
TENT TIME: A Comedy of Errors: Apparently, my brain swapped "easy-peasy" with "brain-meltingly complex." I thought the tent was going to be a breeze to set up. Wrong. So, so wrong. Picture me, wrestling with poles, fighting the wind, and generally looking like a bewildered walrus. The tent took ages.
Observation #1: I was SO overconfident about my tent-building skills. Lesson learned: watch more YouTube tutorials. And maybe hire a professional.
The Lake Yamanaka Gaze: The view of Lake Yamanaka was spectacular, though. The sky, a perfect canvas of blues and pinks. I could see Mount Fuji on the horizon.
The First Meal: Ramen Redemption: After the tent fiasco, I needed fuel. The on-site restaurant? Divine. The ramen? The kind of comforting slurp that washes away all your worries.
Observation #2: Food is the universal language of joy.
The Sunset and the Mosquitoes: Watched the sunset over the lake. Majestic, until the mosquito army descended. I'm now covered in bites. Bug spray? I remembered everything except the bug spray.
Wandering Around and the First Night's Fears: After dinner, went for a wander around the village. The stars were coming out and it was incredibly beautiful. However, I started to wonder how safe it was. My brain thought about every single horror movie I had ever seen.
DAY 2: MOUNT FUJI BLISS (AND SLIGHTLY LESS BLISSFUL MOMENTS)
- Sunrise Spectacle (and Photographic Fails): Woke up before dawn, determined to capture the perfect sunrise photo. Unfortunately, my phone's camera skills were less than impressive. Still, the view of Mount Fuji was breathtaking. The lake was mirror-like, the sky was ablaze.
- Observation #3: Reality often outshines even the best photos.
- Breakfast and Regret: The breakfast was delicious, the pancakes so fluffy. But I felt like I should have eaten the pancakes the day before, when I was starving, instead I got a croissant.
- Attempted Hiking (or the Hike That Didn't Happen): I had grand plans to hike around the lake and get a closer view of Fuji-san. Ended up getting lost. Found a small abandoned shrine.
- Observation #4: "Ambitious" is a polite word for "delusional" when it comes to my hiking abilities.
- The Onsen (Hot Spring) Experience: Pure Bliss (Mostly): The onsen was the highlight of the trip so far. Dipping into the steaming water, the chill in the air, it was incredible. The perfect way to end my hikes and my sore legs.
- Observation #5: Onsens are truly a gift from the gods. (And maybe a little bit from the Japanese culture.)
- Dinner and the Stargazing Debacle: Dinner was a barbecue. I swear I have a talent for burning even the simplest things. However, the stargazing was good.
- The Final Night's Thoughts: I think I love this place.
DAY 3: DEPARTURE AND THE PONDERING OF LIFE
- Last Glance at Fuji: Woke up, saw Mount Fuji, took some photos. Sad that I was leaving.
- Packing AGAIN: This time, I vowed to be more organized. Didn't happen.
- Departure and the Reflective Mood: The bus came, I got on. Sat on the plane.
- Verdict: This glamping trip was a wild, imperfect, unforgettable adventure. I laughed, I sweated, I almost got eaten alive, and I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever imagined. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't polished, and it was absolutely, unequivocally, me. And that, my friends, is what makes a trip truly amazing. Now, where's that bug spray?
Yamanakako's (Secret?) Glamping Haven: All Your Fuzzy Questions Answered (Probably)
1. Okay, spill the tea. What *is* this "Day Post General Glamping Village" place, and why have I never heard of it?!
Right, so... Day Post General Glamping Village. It's in Yamanakako, right by the lake. Think... well, glamping! Like, fancy camping. Yurts and beautiful tents, proper beds, maybe even a little kitchenette situation (depending on the package – keep reading!). I'd stumbled upon it on Instagram. Found it, basically, because I was bored scrolling and suddenly a perfect, sun-drenched photo of a yurt popped up, practically *begging* me to book it. Never heard of it, either! Found it weirdly difficult to find much info online, which honestly, I kind of loved. Felt like I was stumbling onto a secret!
2. Is it REALLY as gorgeous as the photos? 'Cause, you know, Instagram lies...
Okay, okay, I'm gonna be brutally honest here. Yes and no! (Surprise!) The *location*? Absolutely breathtaking. The lake, the mountains... stunning. Seriously, I spent like an hour the first morning just gawking. The actual *yurts*? Well, they're nice. Modern, clean. The pictures aren't lying about the aesthetic, which is all natural wood and fluffy white everything. But here's the thing: the Instagram pictures *do* omit the slightly wonky placement of some of the tents. Ours felt a *little* close to the next one, which made for some awkward forced eavesdropping on a couple's anniversary dinner the first night. Oops. But, lake view saved the day!
3. What even *is* glamping? Am I expected to... you know... *rough it*? Because I'm not about that life.
Glamping is camping, *but* with a healthy dose of luxury. Think proper beds, comfy bedding, sometimes even private bathrooms. At Day Post, you're definitely not roughing it. We had a *real* bed, with crisp white sheets. There were these ridiculously fluffy blankets. And, blessedly, a working heating system. Now, I'm a city girl, right? My idea of roughing it is a hotel with a slightly dodgy wifi. So, this? This was bliss. You *could* opt for a package that includes a fire pit and cooking facilities, which... *sigh*... I *did* try. Failed miserably at building a fire, but the marshmallows were good. Very, very good. So, yeah. Glamping is for people who like camping *elements* (nature! peace!) but not the actual, you know, inconvenience. Thank God.
4. Okay, sold. What are the different accommodation options and what do they cost? (Be real with me here!)
Right, the details. They have a few options. Yurts seem to be the main deal, and they vary in size and what's included. There are also some "tents" that are more like... well, slightly fancier tents. (Think safari chic). Prices? I'm gonna be honest, it's not budget travel. It's glamping! We paid a pretty penny. You're looking at starting prices (depending on the season and what is included) starting around 30,000 yen a night. That's excluding food (unless you get a package). But look, it's an experience, right? You're paying for the location, the peace, and the feeling of, dare I say it, *escape*. And sometimes, that's worth the splurge. Just maybe don't look at your bank account the next day. (I didn't). Check the specific packages on their website as it can vary depending on the time of year and if they have promotions.
5. Food: Do I have to cook? Because I'm a danger to myself and others in the kitchen.
Thank GOD, no. (Unless you actively choose to, in one of the packages). There are packages that include meals. You can book a BBQ setup, which we attempted (and failed to build the fire!). The food they provided – pre-prepared, of course – was actually really good. The other option is to bring your own supplies, which honestly, sounds tempting for breakfast since it can often be a bit of a wait for the BBQ service. There aren’t a lot of nearby options in the immediate area. So, plan your meals! Factor in a cute picnic in the yurt, because honestly, glamping is all about the aesthetics.
6. What's the vibe like? Is it all couples, or is it okay for friends/families?
Vibe-wise, it's chill. Think relaxed, romantic (especially if you can avoid the aforementioned eavesdropping). We saw a mix of people: couples, small groups of friends, and a few families with (very well-behaved) kids. It wasn't overly loud or rowdy. It's definitely a place where you can unwind, read a book, or just stare at the lake and contemplate the meaning of life. Or the superior quality of the fluffy throws. Whatever floats your boat. It's definitely a place to *disconnect* (though the wifi *was* decent, which I appreciated, naturally).
7. Transportation: How do I get there? Is it remote?
Okay, this is important. Yamanakako is accessible from Tokyo, but you'll need to factor in travel time. It's about a 2-hour drive, depending on traffic (which, let's be honest, is always a gamble). Or, you can take the train to Otsuki Station, and then a bus. Plan ahead - the bus schedule isn't super frequent, and the journey is a bit of a trek. If you're driving, make sure you have the address and are prepared to navigate some smaller roads once you get into the Yamanakako area. It IS a little bit remote. Which, for me, was a *huge* part of the appeal. Made it feel even more like an escape. Just be prepared to be a little off the grid, which is honestly what you want, right?
8. Are there activities nearby? I can't just sit around staring at the lake *all* day... (can I?)
Okay, yes, you CAN *absolutely* just sit around staring at the lake all day. It's glorious. But if you're the type who needs to be *doing* things, there are options! Yamanakako itself is beautiful. You can cycle around the lake (bikes seem readily available to rent). There are hiking trails. There's a cute little museum (I didn't go, shame on me, but IGlobe Stay Finder
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