Akiruno

While Tokyo may not seem like a camping haven, with its sky-high towers and heavily concreted downtown area, it is an ideal place to get out, enjoy the sights and pitch a tent -- if you know where to go. Whether you’re on the hunt for some novel big city camping, the ideal BBQ spot, a little luxury glamping or a natural retreat (but you don’t want to go too far), this prefecture has it all. That’s why we put together a list of awesome Tokyo camping sites to help you out. Top tip: If you want to make your camping trip a true adventure, consider renting a camper van to see parts of Japan that many never will. Jump to: Camping spots around Tokyo Glamping packages beyond Tokyo Very important note: Make sure you reserve a spot online or by phone before heading over to any campsite! Camping spots around Tokyo 1. Wakasu Park Camping Ground A little slice of nature in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Wakasu is a sprawling park with excellent views of Tokyo Bay and plenty of space to run around and set up camp. This park is a great option for those who prefer city views to full-on nature. From the park, you can see the city lights and Tokyo Gate Bridge. It’s more of a one-night experience than a nature retreat, but that’s not to say it can’t be fun. Wakasu is popular with families and school groups as it’s easily accessible by public transport and has fully equipped bathrooms, washing stations (for your dishes and the like), and large communal furnaces for cooking a BBQ feast. Price: per person (until 10 am the next morning) Address: 3 Chome-2 Wakasu, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0083 Closest station: 15 minutes by bus from Shinkiba Station (Keiyo Line) Months of operation: All year round, except Tuesdays and during year-end holidays Phone: 03-5569-6701 Reservations: By phone only Website: In English (although the Japanese site provides more information) 2. Heiwajima Park Camping Ground Situated just south of Shinagawa in the suburb of Ota, Heiwajima Park Camping Ground is a campsite/park hybrid that offers easy access to one of Tokyo’s most popular areas and enough surrounding foliage to feel like you’re really out in the wilderness. The site also sits right near Oifuto Central Seaside Park, an easy place for family-friendly fun and a great spot for a casual BBQ. The campground started with just three themed areas (stream, mountain, and grassland) but now offers 18 campsites. Set up camp and enjoy a different side of inner-city Tokyo living. Price: Ota ward residents: ; out-of-ward residents: Address: 4 Chome-2-2 Heiwajima, Ota City, Tokyo 143-0006 Closest station: 10 miniutes by foot from Heiwajima Station (Keikyu Line) Months of operation: All year round, except from Dec 28 (evening) to Jan 3 Phone: 03-3766-1607 Reservations: By phone only Website: In English, but more info on the Japanese page 3. Jonanjima Seaside Park Also situated within close proximity to Heiwajima Park and not too far from Wakasu Park sits Jonanjimakaihin Koen Camping Ground. It seems Tokyoites really like to camp on the water, and why not? As the sun goes down and city lights start to twinkle, guests can properly feel the power and beauty of this often-overlooked corner of the city. The park itself isn’t that big (you can walk the entire thing within about 40 minutes), but the way that it’s set up -- facing out onto the water -- gives the park a feeling of openness and space. There are on-site toilets, BBQ facilities (popular with day visitors), and a skateboard plaza. And if you’re an airplane geek, you’ll be happy to know that it’s a prime position for spotting airplanes as they arrive at and depart from Haneda Airport. Note: Pets are not allowed at this campsite. Price: to spend the day and for the first night. Plus from the second night onwards. Address: 4-2-2 Jonanjima, Ota-ku, Tokyo Closest station: Omori Station (Keikyu Line). Take the bus from Omori Station to Jonanjima 4-chome. Months of operation: All year round, except for Wednesdays. No overnight stays December to February Phone: 03-3799-6402 Reservations: By phone only Website: Official site (in English, but more info on the Japanese page) 4. Hikawa Campsite Hikawa Campsite, which sits on the Tama River, is technically located within Tokyo but right on the border near Saitama. Out of all the picks on the list, this would have to be the most rugged and the most camping-like site. Okutama, the area in which this site is located, is a picturesque summer retreat, right by the river and surrounded by mountains. When it comes to facilities, this campsite is perfect for those beginner or occasional campers as you’ll find nearby convenience stores, BBQ facilities, and rental shops where you can pick up any necessities you may have come without. Hikawa also offers chalets and bungalows to rent. There are other terrific campsites in the area, including the Kawai Camping Ground nearby. Price: /person for day camping, /person for overnight tent camping. A simple bungalow (i.e. just beds) for two people costs , and goes up from there. A lodge that accommodates up to five people and includes a toilet, refrigerator, kitchen, mattress, and blankets costs –. Address: 702 Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo Closest station: Okutama Station (Ōme Line) Months of operation: Open year round, closed from December 28 to January 5 Phone: 04-2883-2134 Reservations: By phone or online (view website below) Website: Hikawa Campground (in Japanese) 5. Nagatoro Auto Campground The Nagatoro Auto Campground is perfect for first-time campers. It has vending machines, bungalows, a small convenience store, utensils to rent, and even a meal set with meat and vegetables for campers to cook in one of the Nagatoro BBQ areas. Even though all this comfort isn’t very cheapo, the camping also has its "auto" component: open areas where you can set up your own tent and take a break from Tokyo's hectic atmosphere. The site’s proximity to the Nagatoro River allows campers to try river sports like rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. And if you can't resist staying connected to the virtual world, there's also wifi near the reception. Price: There are a number of different auto campsites from small and basic to large with river views. Prices start from /person for the cheapest campsite on a weekday, up to for the largest sites on a peak-season weekend, plus a facility charge of per adult. Rental prices for a bungalow vary from (3-person bungalow on a weekday) to (10-person tatami bungalow on a peak weekend). Address: 559-1 Oaza Ido, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Closest station: 15-minute walk from Nogami Station on the Chichibu Tetsudo Line and 20-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Main Line Months of operation: March 10 to December 26 Hours of operation: Auto camp check-in is from 12 pm to 5 pm and check-out is from 8:30 am to 11 am the next day. Bungalow check-in is from 2 pm to 5 pm and check-out is from 8:30 am to 11 am Phone: 04-9466-0640 Reservations: Book online, pay in cash upon check-in Website: Nagatoro Campground (in Japanese) 6. Kanotoen Camping Ground Kanotoen Campground is situated in the Okutama mountains, near the Akigawa Valley. The camp doesn't have many facilities, just barbecue sites and a fishing hole (there's a small fee to use either). However, there are many activities to enjoy around the campsite, such as a free-of-charge rock climbing area (1 minute away from the site), and onsen with spa accommodation and restaurants (20 minutes away by car). If you don’t feel like driving there to eat, the camp also sells traditional Japanese meals from to . Price: per pitched tent. There are also bungalows available from /5 people. Parking is quite limited with only 30 spots at each. Address: Nishitama Hinohara Village 8018, Tokyo Closest station: JR Musashi Itsukaichi Station Months of operation: March to December Contact: 04-2598-0107 Reservations: By phone only Website: https://hinohara-kankou.jp/spot/kanotoen/ (in Japanese) 7. Kouan Campsite (Yamanashi) For a quintessential Japanese camping experience, head to Kouan Campsite and feel like you just stepped into a 1,000 yen note. The famous image on depicting Mount Fuji on the bill is the exact view you will be enjoying as you crawl out of your tent directly on at the foot of the famous mountain. The camping site is separated into north and south sections. Make sure to stay on the north side to catch a glimpse of the Fuji reflection in Lake Motosu. It is 40 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station. Price: per adult + for tent space. The bath is per visit. There are also cabins (from per 4 people) Address: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun 409-3104, Yamanashi Prefecture Closest station: Kawaguchiko Station Months of operation: April 1 to November 30. Some cabins open year round Contact: kouan@mx6.nns.ne.jp Reservations: By email Website: Kouan Campsite (in English) 8. Otake Campground This campsite offers you the best of both worlds: It's conveniently located in Tokyo (fairly close to the city center), but it's tranquil with a “million miles away” vibe. It is located on a creek, which makes it a nice getaway from the sweltering summer heat in the city. There is fishing nearby, the Otake Limestone Caves and the Otake Falls. It’s a 30-minute bus ride from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (on the JR Itsukaichi Line). Wait at bus stop 1 and get off at the Odake Shonudo Iriguchi bus stop. Note: No pets allowed. Price: Tent site , plus per person per night Address: 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo Closest stop: Odake Shonudo Iriguchi bus stop Months of operation: All year round Contact: 04-2596-2326 Reservations: By phone Website: Otake Campground (in Japanese) 9. Hana Hana no Sato Camping Ground (Chiba) This is a really interesting campsite located on former rice terraces in Chiba, Tokyo’s neighboring prefecture. Try to get one of the higher sites for a nice view. There are also pretty good facilities with baths, hot showers and a restaurant and cafe that serves great pizza. For those who wanna go off adventuring, there are nearby hiking trails. Price: Auto site for 5 people, plus per person. Solo camp from . Address: 648 Kami, Futtsu-shi, Chiba-ken Closest station: 5.2 kilometres from Onuki Station on JR Uchibo Line Months of operation: All year round Contact: 0439-65-5126, hanahananosato.dam@nifty.com Reservations: By inquiry form or phone or email Website: Hana Hana no Sato Camping Ground (in Japanese) 10. Ochizawa Youth Center One of the more lesser known sites, Ochizawa Youth Center is an outdoor activity center and campsite located in Machida, just on the outskirts of central Tokyo, not far from Mt. Takao. There are cabins and campsites available as well as a multipurpose room, which can be used as accommodation -- handy if the weather is bad, and BBQ facilities. Price: /person for a tent site from 14:00 to 10:00 the next day. A cabin is (capacity of 8 people) Address: 5307-2 Aiharamachi, Machida, Tokyo 194-0211 Closest station: JR Musashi Itsukaichi Station Months of operation: Check their calendar Contact: 04-2782-3800 Reservations: By phone only Website: Ochizawa Youth Center (in Japanese) Bonus option: Hottarakashi Camping Ground (Yamanashi) Situated not far from Mt. Fuji, Hottarakashi Camping Ground is the ideal in-between site, with lush privately forested areas, clean bathroom facilities, and some spectacular nighttime views of the downtown areas of Kofu and Fuefuki. Top tip: Before you set off, here's where you can get all the necessary camping gear and supplies in Tokyo. Glamping packages beyond Tokyo Recently, Tokyo has been in the midst of a glamping obsession with luxury tents and “day glamping” (which is really just fancy BBQing) facilities popping up all over the place. For those among us with an affinity to comfort, here's a round-up of glamping spots and packages that include the best of both worlds: a nature escape and proper holiday rolled up in one. Fureai Hiroba Fureai Hiroba is a glamping destination located on the west side of Tokyo, heading out past Hachijoji, not far from Saitama. The site features luxurious bell-style tents set up on spacious decks complete with BBQ facilities and moody lights. Some of the setups also have an open-air bath for that complete luxury experience. Prices ranges from to per camp site. Glamping near Mt. Fuji If you want to glamp it up with a Mount Fuji backdrop, then . Take in the views while hiking, kayaking, or relaxing in a hot spring in the nearby area. Back at the campsite, enjoy a chat around the campfire while roasting marshmellows. Prices start from around /per couple. Glamping and grilled seafood at Ise-Shima's "Strawberry Beach" (Mie Prefecture) A minimum of three beach bums can enjoy one night at Kabuku Resort in Ise-Shima. The resort has lots to keep you entertained and relaxed, including a hot tub, sauna tent, and barbeque with everything set up for you. The area's famous Ama divers will gather fresh seafood for you to grill. You can join the following activities for an extra fee: forest yoga, sunrise beach yoga, standup paddleboard, and surfing.Your tent will include a bed, sofa, air conditioner, heater, and refrigerator. Prices start from /person. Glamping at Tanesashi Natural Lawn in Aomori Prefecture in the far north of Honshu. After meeting at Tanesashi Information Center, you can go on a hiking tour (included) or relax at the campsite. In the evening, you'll be treated to fresh barbecued seafood and Aomori Kuraishi beef. Price: /person While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in August 2014 and updated in August 2022.

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