Camping in Japan キャンプ場
Under the stars
With the approach of summer, outdoor activities are back on the scene ... and camping becomes a feasible option for accommodation while staying in Japan. Alongside Western hotels and ryokan accommodation, tents offers a good alternative to save some cash and live some great experiences.
Very traditional people as well as ultra modern Japanese are against camping, yet this does not stop visitors from camping on the archipelago. Now there are over 2000 sites to camp on throughout Japan with prices ranging from 500 to 1500 yen per night. The main problem is their location. Often difficult to access without a car and poorly served by buses and shuttles, advance preparation is needed for adventurous to ensure accessibility. But the journey is rewarded by the prime locations of campsites, often close to the hot springs and lost in the middle of nature. The municipal tourism offices usually have a lot of information on regional camping.
Find your campsite
The Japan National Tourism Organization offers a list of the main campsites in Japan in English. It covers all the regions of Japan and provides a great base to build your own "nature trip." There are not only addresses but also things to do in the area, prices, and possible access routes to the campsites. If you do not find what you're looking among the places listed by the JNTO, the website Mapple has more than 2,000 addresses in Japan. Each campsite is easily located through its data sheet. A scoring system allows you to sort through all these references. For Japanese speakers, the site Autocamp is also a good way to find out about information on campsites in Japan.
Camping in the Tokyo area
The gap between the urban side of this electric city and the beautiful silence of nature is quite large, but around the capital offers surprising solutions for amateur nights under the stars. Do however be careful to choose the nearest JR station location, for easy access. Most Japanese campsites rent and sell all the necessary equipment, in case you forget.
Hikarigaoka park allows you to camp close to Tokyo. A 5-minute walk from the subway station on the Toei Hikarigaoka Oedo line, it is a breath of fresh air in a very urban area and you will find football, basketball, tennis courts and an aviary. South of downtown Tokyo, Jonanjima Seaside Park is a must try for camping. It features over 1,000 pitches for campers! But beware because the spaces go quickly, especially in summer! Hikawa Campsite also offers pitches for camping, cabins and equipment. Just a 5 minute walk from Okutama station (2 hours by train from central Tokyo), it is the perfect place to relax a few days!
Find free campsites
Specializing in free campsites, the website Hatinosu displays red labels for paid for and blue labels for free campsites. The site is in Japanese but thanks to the automatic translation of Google, you will have no problem in making your choice. For an unforgettable experience, camp on Niijima. This volcanic island forms part of the Izu islands off Tokyo. They have extraordinary white sandy beaches, remarkable hot springs and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it comparable to Okinawa. Best of all, you can camp for free just steps from the beach at Habushi Kyampu Jo-ura among other places! Please note that free camp sites are municipal and numerous, offering good access to bathrooms and restaurants. In addition, there almost everywhere along the beaches.
