A Breath of Fresh Air
The fall in Japan offers the perfect time to take in the great outdoors and sleep under canvas. by Megan Waters
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f you have ever strapped on a rucksack to tour Europe, South America or other far-flung spots around the world, the chances are, at some point, you pitched a tent. Campground facilities vary greatly from country to country, and Japan is no different. “Japan is Asia’s premier four-season destination. Each season is draped in different sights, sounds and colors and this makes Japan an amazing place for camping,” says Gardner Robinson, editor in chief of Outdoor Japan Traveler magazine. “There are mountains in every direction, as well as beaches and lakes if you get out of the city and
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look around. Autocamping is also quite popular and makes for a hassle-free way to get away with the family.” Some 3,000 campgrounds are scattered all over the country, while campsites where vehicles can be parked alongside tents are common. Mostly owned and managed by public bodies, Japanese campsites are generally well equipped, clean and offer various facilities and equipment, from showers, cooking utensils and rental tents to tennis courts and kids’ playgrounds. While camping spots differ, they are often located close to hot springs and in picturesque surroundings. Robinson recommends grounds in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, Nokonoshima, a “fun little island” in Fukuoka, and Sado, during the annual Earth Celebration music festival on the Niigata island. “I've always enjoyed camping next to water. There’s something special about waking up next to the ocean and getting up to go surfing or swimming,” says Robinson. “I’ve also really enjoyed camping by some beautiful lakes,
such as Inawashirako in Fukushima, Kizakiko or Aokiko near Hakuba in Nagano or Akanko in Hokkaido. Exploring the lakes is a great way to spend the day or get out and do some wakeboarding or waterskiing. You can do all of that here in Japan if you look around a bit.” The majority of campsites are accessible by bus, but some require a car to reach. If driving isn’t possible, it may be worth choosing a campground within walking or cycling distance from a train station. And if you’re unsure about access, try calling the local information center for advice and recommendations. Although reasonable, daily charges at campsites range considerably. While a nightly fee is more common, some places include a charge per person. Expect to pay between ¥500 and ¥2,500 a night. Some sites, though, are completely free of charge. Easily accessible from Tokyo for a weekend trip is Hikawa Campsite—just five minutes from Okutama Station