Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa グランドメルキュール八ヶ岳リゾート＆スパ 八岳美爵溫泉度假酒店

Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa is a highland resort hotel located on the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Sitting at an elevation of around 1,000 meters, the property offers sweeping views of the Yatsugatake range, as well as Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps on clear days. With easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area—about two hours by car via the Chuo Expressway (Nagazaka IC or Kobuchizawa IC)—the hotel is well positioned for weekend drives and extended family stays.

With 250 guest rooms, it is one of the larger hotels in the Yatsugatake region. Room types include twins, doubles, Japanese-Western hybrids, and family rooms, all offering a spacious 36 sqm or more. Many rooms face the Yatsugatake range, Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, or the surrounding forests, allowing guests to enjoy changing mountain scenery throughout the day and across the seasons. The generous room size makes the property especially suitable for families and groups traveling with larger amounts of luggage.

The hotel’s concept centers on “a highland resort with panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps.” Interiors feature warm wood tones and natural motifs inspired by the Yatsugatake environment, creating a relaxing mountain-resort ambiance across the lobby, lounge, and kids’ areas. In 2025, a new Executive Lounge for suite and premium rooms, as well as the family-oriented “Forest Lounge,” is scheduled to open, enhancing the hotel’s lounge offerings even further.

A signature feature of the property is its focus on family-friendly activities. The all-weather indoor kids’ space “Mori-no-Eight” offers large play equipment and ball pits, allowing children to enjoy themselves regardless of weather. Near the rooftop, the “Yatsugatake SoRa Deck & Astronomical Dome” provides panoramic views during the day and stargazing opportunities at night. Special astronomy events and telescope programs are held on select days, making it an appealing destination for families looking to create memorable experiences.

The onsen area features a spacious indoor bath, open-air bath, and sauna. Guests can enjoy the crisp highland air in the open-air bath, or unwind more deeply after a day outdoors. A wellness lounge is available for relaxation after bathing, offering a comfortable place to cool down or enjoy a drink. While the bathing facilities themselves are simple, the combination of mountain scenery and quiet surroundings creates an authentic highland onsen experience.

Dining centers on a buffet restaurant serving Japanese and Western dishes that incorporate ingredients from Yamanashi and neighboring regions. Dinner buffets include live-kitchen stations, child-friendly dishes, and desserts, allowing each family member to choose according to preference. Breakfast features familiar selections such as breads, eggs, salads, rice porridge, miso soup, side dishes, yogurt, and fruit—easy to enjoy even on busy travel mornings.

A major highlight of the hotel is its all-inclusive program. Many stay plans include dinner, breakfast, drinks (wine, beer, and soft drinks), light snacks at the lounge, onsen access, and selected activities. With lounge access provided to all guest rooms, guests can enjoy beverages and snacks while taking in mountain views from check-in to check-out—a signature element of the Grand Mercure brand’s resort experience.

Facilities include restaurants, multiple lounges, a bar lounge, shop, game area, karaoke rooms, and banquet/meeting spaces, making the property suitable for families, group travel, and corporate retreats. Beyond the kids’ spaces and stargazing deck, the hotel hosts seasonal events and workshops, supporting a stay style that emphasizes time spent within the hotel.

The hotel is primarily accessible by car—about 20 to 30 minutes from the Nagasaka or Kobuchizawa interchanges on the Chuo Expressway. A spacious on-site parking area is available free of charge. For train travelers, buses or taxis from nearby stations (such as Kobuchizawa or Nagasaka) are commonly used, and selected plans may include shuttle service. As road conditions and shuttle availability vary by season and plan, checking the latest information before travel is recommended.

With its panoramic views of the Yatsugatake range, Mount Fuji, and the Southern Alps—alongside family-focused facilities, an all-inclusive lounge experience, onsen, and stargazing programs—Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa is a strong option for families seeking a relaxing highland retreat. The spacious rooms and well-equipped kids’ areas also make it an appealing choice for multi-generational trips and group stays centered on enjoying nature, comfort, and quality time together.