A Guide to Camping in Japan: 15 Amazing Spots

Camping is a popular hobby and pastime in Japan and, for a country with such beautiful natural scenery, it’s easy to see why. A camping trip is one of the best ways to take in all of Japan’s natural wonders as you’ll be fully immersing yourself in it.

Many Japanese families regularly go on camping trips in the school holidays during summer but, with over 3,000 campsites nationwide, it’s possible to go at any time of the year. We always recommend camping trips for tourists because, if it’s popular with the locals, then it must be worth trying for yourself.

If you’re wanting to embark on a camping trip whilst in Japan, then we’re here to help show you the best camping spots. This guide will look at 15 beautiful camping spots that all have their own unique qualities. From city camping near Tokyo to wild camping and car camping – this is our ultimate guide to camping in Japan.

15 camping spots for you to try in Japan

1. Heiwajima Park Camping Ground

The first camping spot on our list is near Tokyo. We figure that many of you reading this will be visiting the capital during your time in Japan, so why not try something a bit different? Heiwajima is effectively a campsite and park all in one – it’s located in Ota, just outside the special city of Shingawa.

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, without actually leaving the city, a night camping in Heiwajima is a great option. It’s open almost all year round, only closing from 29th December – 3rd January and has great public transport links. There are also three themed areas in the campsite, so take your pick and experience the quieter side of Tokyo.

2. Lake Motosuko, Shizuoka

A tranquil camping spot with spectacular views of one of Japan’s most famous natural spectacles – sounds pretty incredible, right? At Lake Motosuko, you’ll get exactly that. Not only can you enjoy various watersports in between a BBQ on the lake’s shores, but you can do all of this with Mt. Fuji in the background.

You can also choose whether you’d like to stay in a cabin or set up tents for a traditional camping experience – the Koan Camping Ground has both. Another benefit of camping at Lake Motosuko is that you don’t have to walk far from your car to get to your camping spot. Camping in Japan doesn’t get any better than this.

3. Kamikouchi, Nagano

This beautiful mountain range is known colloquially as ‘The Japanese Alps’ and it’s easy to see why. The Hida Mountains are a sight to behold – full of beautiful colours, clear lakes and rivers, and some of the best wild camping in Japan. You can delve as deep into the valley as you’d like, making it a great option for those wanting a quiet camping retreat in Japan. Alternatively, there are plenty of established campsites all the way along the highland.

If you don’t own any camping equipment, don’t panic. Some of the campsites found in the Hida Mountains offer equipment rental – the riverside camp of Konashidaira is well-known for this, in particular. However, there are also cabins you can camp in if you’d prefer a more luxurious camping experience.

4. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan is one of Japan’s many national parks. This vast, 220,000 hectares of land is a beautiful place to pitch your tent in Japan. With this in mind, it’s not recommended that inexperienced hikers and campers go on this journey alone – it’s important to have strong map reading skills and knowledge of the routes.

There’s opportunities for wild camping in this area of Japan, but you can also stay in a hut if you pre book. The Hakuundake Mountain Hut is a popular place to stay when visiting the national park, but you can also book a pitch to sleep under the stars. We recommend visiting Daisetsuzan National Park from summer to early autumn.

5. Kanotoen Camping Ground

This site is another option for camping near Tokyo. Because there are not many facilities here, you’ll get the full Japanese wild camping experience. That being said, there are BBQ sites, a fishing hole and a free climbing wall to keep you busy.

We advise booking a pitch in advance to secure your spot in this idyllic camping location. The camping ground is easily reachable from JR Muasashi Itsukaichi Station, making it a great choice for a weekend away. For more information on the site itself, you can visit their website here.

6. Go Family Camping, Nagatoro Auto Camp-jo

Calling all family groups and first-time campers – Go Family Camping is an ideal destination in Chichibu in Saitama. With discounted rates for children, you can choose to stay in one of the bungalows at the site, or in your car. Car camping in Japan is very popular and is a good option for those wanting something in between staying in a tent and staying in a bungalow or hut.

This site also has great facilities, including showers and a fantastic playground for the kids to explore and enjoy.

7. Ama Beach Campground

Ever considered camping on a beach? No? Well, why not try it out for the first time at this diving hotspot. Ama Beach has its own campground and is popular with divers, campers and water sports fans alike.

Primarily a summer camping location, Ama Beach Campground is a short ferry ride from Okinawa to Shirajimi Island. The fun doesn’t stop at diving though – you can island hop and whale watch from this island or others nearby. It’s the perfect camping escape by the sea.

8. Mt. Kita, Yamanashi

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you manage to make your way to the top of Mt Kita’s 3,000-meter peak, then you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Fuji that can’t be seen anywhere else.

Tent space is provided at the peak of the mountain by the Kitadake no Koya mountain hut. However, if you’re drained from the journey and can’t face camping – they have indoor space for you to seek refuge.

9. Treehouse Village, Odagiri Garden

Ever dreamed of having your own treehouse as a child? Well, why not live that dream as an adult! Perfect for all ages, Treehouse Village is a unique camping spot in Japan. It consists of 13 treehouses and plenty of space to pitch tents.

There are forests to explore that lead to mountain hikes, as well as tree swings to enjoy and barbecue areas for you to socialise in. This is a great camping spot in Japan if you’re looking for something just that little bit different.

10. Sunayu, Campjo

If you’re going camping with a big group, it can be hard to please everyone. However, at Sunayu Campsite, you can trust us when we say there’s something for everyone. Situated on Hokkaido’s Lake Kussharo, this incredible campsite has beaches, springs and beautiful nature walks.

One thing to note about this camping spot is that it’s incredibly busy in summer, so it’s well worth booking your spot in advance.

11. Tazawako Campground

This site is a jack of all trades – there’s so much to do at Tazawako Campground. Canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and windsurfing are just a few of the exciting activities you can experience in this incredible camping spot in Japan.

Here you’ll also get to camp beside Japan’s deepest lake – Lake Tazawa. Because of its great depth, you’ll get to see its beautiful range of colours, ranging from pure blues to dark greens and indigos.

12. Hoshinoya Fuji

While not technically camping, a stay at Hoshinoya Fuji will give you all the benefits of camping but with added comfort. Glamping is camping but without the tents and sleeping bags. Here, you’ll stay in small huts that have basic facilities included, making them a great option for those not totally comfortable with camping.

Set amongst the beautiful red pine forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji, this camping spot is the perfect place for a restful break. We recommend watching the sunset and then spending your night stargazing on the balcony.

13. The Farm Camp

This one does exactly as it says on the tin. It’s camping…on a farm. It might not seem the most entertaining, but the educational benefits for children and families are huge. This campsite is a great opportunity to show children where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

You can plant and harvest your own vegetables and also enjoy an outdoor hot spring. There’s also an on site cafe that serves lovely meals using all of the fresh produce grown on the farm.

14. Wakasu Park Camping Ground

Another top contender for the best camping spot near Tokyo is Wakasu Park Camping Ground. The main reason it’s a popular one for people living in the capital is that it’s right in the centre.

At this popular camping spot, you’ll be staying right at the waterfront at the tip of the peninsular near Shin-Kiba Station. From here, you can look across Tokyo Bay and see some other well-known landmarks in Tokyo.

15. Hikawa Campground

Hikawa Campground is considered a well-kept secret by many, so we apologise to those people trying to keep this camping spot on the down-low. That being said, we don’t think this will be the case for long – not just because we’re including it on our list, but also because it’s just too perfect to miss.

It’s not far from Tokyo, full of picturesque panoramic views and has on-site amenities including convenience stores, BBQ facilities and rental shops so you can take part in a variety of fun activities.

Where will you choose to camp in Japan?

What’s the most important question of all – now you’ve got all the information you need about the best camping spots in Japan, where are you going to stay? We hope you’ve found this guide helpful and, wherever you decide to go, stay safe, have fun and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces Japan has to offer!