Zabou
Room Types
3
Water
Alkaline Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Zabou (formally Fuefukigawa Onsen Zabou) is a boutique luxury hot spring resort of 22 rooms along the Fuefuki River in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, operated by the Maruki Winery. Transformed into a luxury establishment in 2015, the property features naturally sourced alkaline hot springs with a remarkable pH of 9.6, known for their skin-beautifying properties. Fourteen rooms include private open-air baths, select rooms feature private saunas, and the main dining experience takes place in a converted 140-year-old wooden farmhouse serving seasonal tea cuisine paired with wines from the Koshu Valley. The property is a rare fusion of Japanese onsen tradition with local wine culture.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Zabou?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Kaede — Japanese-Western Room with Sauna
Japanese-Western style room in the main building featuring a private two-person sauna, modern furnishings blended with tatami elements, and a wood deck terrace.
- Private two-person sauna
- Japanese-Western hybrid design
- Wood deck terrace
- Refrigerator and tea set
- Yukata robes and bath amenities
- Air conditioning and heating
Kinpo — Detached Room with Open-Air Hinoki Bath
Japanese-style detached room with 10 tatami mats and a private hinoki (Japanese cypress) open-air bath with natural hot spring water, accommodating up to 4 guests.
- Private hinoki open-air onsen bath
- Traditional 10-tatami Japanese room
- Wood deck terrace
- Refrigerator and tea set
- Yukata robes and bath amenities
- Air conditioning and heating
Kotogawa / Tsuzumigawa — Japanese-Western Suite
Spacious Japanese-Western suite with generous living areas, premium furnishings, and either a private open-air bath or semi-open-air bath with natural hot spring water.
- Private open-air or semi-open-air onsen bath
- Spacious Japanese-Western living areas
- Wood deck or terrace
- Premium amenities and furnishings
- Refrigerator and tea set
- Yukata robes and bath amenities
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Alkaline simple thermal spring (pH 9.6, clear with slight sulfur scent and mild viscosity)
Private Baths
- In-room private open-air bath (14 of 22 rooms)
- In-room semi-open-air bath (2 rooms)
- Private two-person sauna (select rooms)
Duration: In-room baths and saunas available 24 hours
Indoor Baths
- Large communal indoor bath with alkaline hot spring water
Outdoor Baths
- Communal outdoor rotenburo with cave-style bath section
- Private open-air baths in 14 rooms
- Rinse your body at the washing stations before entering shared baths
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Keep hair tied up and out of the water
- Be mindful of noise in the communal bathing areas
- In-room baths may be enjoyed freely at any time
Dining
Heritage farmhouse restaurant — 140-year-old converted wooden farmhouse for kaiseki dinner
Library-wine bar for evening wine tasting and drinks
Breakfast dining area featuring local Yamanashi ingredients
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Peach blossoms blanket the Fuefuki River valley in pink
- Mild temperatures ideal for garden strolls and open-air bathing
- Spring tea cuisine features tender mountain vegetables
- Golden Week is popular — book ahead
- Some spring days may be cool in the valley
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green vineyards and garden at peak vibrancy
- Summer stone fruit (peaches, grapes) from Yamanashi at their best
- Refreshing open-air bathing by the river
- Humid — morning and evening baths are most pleasant
- Book ahead for summer holidays
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Grape harvest season — vineyards are alive with activity
- Spectacular fall foliage along the Fuefuki River and surrounding mountains
- Wine nouveau events at local wineries
- Autumn cuisine features mushrooms and seasonal delicacies
- Harvest season (September-November) is the busiest period
- Book well in advance for autumn weekends
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Hot alkaline baths contrast beautifully with crisp mountain air
- Clear winter skies reveal stunning Mt. Fuji views from the area
- Fewer tourists for a peaceful retreat
- Hearty winter tea cuisine with warming preparations
- Temperatures can drop significantly — pack warm layers
- Some wineries may have reduced winter hours
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The hot spring source is within the property grounds — about as fresh as onsen water can be
- The Shingen Plan includes a full bottle of Zabou original wine to take home
Select rooms have private two-person saunas — a rare ryokan amenity
The koi pond in the Japanese garden is especially beautiful at twilight
Must-Try Experiences
- Wine-paired kaiseki dinner in the 140-year-old farmhouse restaurant featuring Maruki Winery selections
- Private onsen soak in pH 9.6 alkaline beauty water — notice the silky, slightly viscous texture on your skin
Evening visit to the library-wine bar for local Koshu Valley wine tasting
Experience Tips
- Try both the communal cave bath and your private room bath for different experiences
- Visit the library-wine bar after dinner for local wine tasting
Ask about current wine pairings — the selections change seasonally
Walk through the Japanese garden at different times of day for changing light effects
Explore nearby Koshu Valley wineries for a half-day excursion
Cultural Notes
- The Koshu Valley is Japan's premier wine region, with Koshu grapes cultivated for over 1,000 years
- Tea cuisine (cha-kaiseki) originated in the tea ceremony tradition — simple, seasonal, and deeply refined
The 140-year-old farmhouse restaurant connects guests to Meiji-era rural Yamanashi architecture
Yamanashi is known as the "Kingdom of Fruits" — peaches, grapes, and plums are local treasures
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- JR Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji from Shinjuku to Enzan Station (approximately 90 minutes)
- Taxi from Enzan Station (approximately 10 minutes)
- Car access via Chuo Expressway, Katsunuma IC
- Shuttle service may be available — confirm when booking
- Rental car recommended for exploring Koshu Valley wineries
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Book the Shingen Plan for wine pairing and a bottle of Zabou original wine to take home
- Request rooms with private open-air baths — 14 of 22 rooms have them
- Sauna rooms are limited — book early if this is a priority
- Autumn grape harvest season and spring are peak periods
- Weekday stays offer better availability and a more intimate atmosphere
Preparation Tips
- Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are provided
- Bring a camera for the beautiful farmhouse restaurant and garden
- A rental car enhances the experience for winery hopping in Koshu Valley
- Limited English — a translation app is recommended
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Enzan Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
History
The Koshu Valley in Yamanashi Prefecture has been Japan's premier wine-producing region since the late 19th century, and Koshu grapes have been cultivated here for over 1,000 years. Zabou's connection to the Maruki Winery — one of Japan's oldest — grounds the property in this viticultural heritage. The main restaurant occupies a 140-year-old wooden farmhouse, preserving Meiji-era rural architecture. The property itself was established about 25 years ago as a modest onsen inn before its transformation into a luxury retreat in 2015, bringing together the area's three great gifts: hot springs, wine, and seasonal cuisine.
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