Some Great Places to Camp Around Tokyo

Whilst holiday-makers in Japan largely gravitate towards traditional Japanese ryokan and large-scale hotels, gaining popularity in recent years has been car camping or in common Japanese parlance auto camp. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan has more than 3,000 campsites dotted across the country. For those travelling around Tokyo where accommodation costs can be expensive, bringing your own tent and experiencing some beautiful scenery along the way is a worthwhile option. Though amenities at campgrounds in Japan tend to vary, they generally fall short of the conveniences you find in North America and Australia. But with a good number starting from only 500 yen ($4.50 USD per person a night) there’s not much to complain about.

Many campsites, at least in the Kanto Region are open all year round, though some are closed during the winter months or at least during the New Year holiday season. One point to be aware of is most campsites are inundated with students and families during long weekends and the summer school holidays from July 20 through August 15 where booking ahead is essential. At other times they are quiet and arriving unannounced generally won’t pose a problem. The following list of campsites can be accessed by public transport or a short taxi ride from some train stations and are all within 3.5 hours’ travel of central Tokyo.

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# 1. Odake Campground (Tokyo)

Located on a rather tranquil creek, the Odake campsite embodies much of what is nice about camping in Tokyo – quiet enough to feel you’ve escaped the rat race but still accessible enough from downtown Tokyo. In the summer months cool off in the cool mountain waters, enjoy some stargazing, fish for trout or visit the nearby Odake Limestone Cave and Odake Falls.

Address: 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 1,500 yen plus 500 yen per adult per night.

Access: 30-minute bus ride from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (JR Itsukaichi Line) Bus stop 1 get off at the Odake Shonudo Iriguchi bus stop 1.6 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 042-596-2326 URL http://otakecamp.web.fc2.com

# 2. Inekesaki Campground (Chiba Prefecture)

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Perfectly positioned on shores of Lake Kameyama makes this campground an attractive proposition. The lake is popular year round for its bass fishing and the local area has has numerous nature walks. Ideal for those looking for a quiet campsite and some relaxing time out. The autumn is also a good time enjoying the changing leaves.

Address: 866 Kusagawara, Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 520 yen per adult per night.

Access: Kazusa-Kameyama Station (JR Kururi Line) 1.5 kilometres.

Months of operation: April – November.

Contact: 0439-39-3390 URL http://www.city-kimitsu.jp/kanko/spot/asobu/camp-inagasaki.html

# 3. Hikawa Campground (Tokyo)

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The Hikawa campground is located only a short 5-minute walk from Okutama Station, around 2 hours travel from central Tokyo. Like many popular camping areas in the Kanto Region it sees plenty of day trippers in the mists of the summer holiday onslaught, thankfully there are plenty of secluded river verges to escape to take in the natural surrounds. Meals can be had in the cafe or cooked in the designated BBQ areas.

Address: 702 Hikawa, Nishitama District, Okutama, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 800 yen per adult per night.

Access: Okutama Station (JR Ome Line) 400 metres.

Months of operation: All year round (closed from December 28 to January 5).

Contact: 0428-83-2134 URL http://www.okutamas.co.jp/hikawa

# 4. Shiraiwakeiyuen Campground (Saitama Prefecture)

Nestled in the Naguri Valley of Chichibu finds the humble Shiraiwakeiyuen Campground a lovely spot to while away hot summer evenings. Flowing through the campsite are the crystal clear waters of the Iruma River, ideal for cooling off after a long hike. Being a good distance from Tokyo also allows for some impressive stargazing in clear weather.

Address: 2305 Kaminaguri, Hanno, Saitama Prefecture.

Cost: 600 yen per adult per night.

Access: 50-minute bus ride from Hanno Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) North exit get off at the Nago bus stop 2.1 kilometres.

Months of operation: April – November.

Contact: 042-979-0755 URL http://shiraiwakeiryuuen.racms.jp

# 5. Morinomakiba Auto Campground (Chiba Prefecture)

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Overlooking expansive grasslands, the Morinomakiba Auto Campground is one of the more popular campsites in Chiba. This upscale campground includes all the mod cons including showers complete with flush toilets and vending machines. There is plenty of space to spread out so less chance of a neighbour hemming in your view.

Address: 562-1-3 Hayashi, Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 2,100 yen per adult per night.

Access: Higashi-Yokota Station (JR Kururi Line) 3.5 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round (closed from December 27 to January 7).

Contact: 0438-75-2966 URL http://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/morimaki

# 6. Sainokuni Camping Village (Saitama Prefecture)

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Set in a rather remote corner of Chichibu alongside the Urayama River, the Sainokuni Camping Village manages to meld well in its natural surrounds. During the summer enjoy a spot of fishing or wading through the cool stream waters. The campsite includes open pit BBQs and for children there are rabbits and goats waiting to be hand fed. Note the sites are gravel so a groundsheet or a footprint for your tent is recommended.

Address: 3236-10 Urayama, Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 520 yen per adult per night.

Access: 24-minute bus ride from Seibu Chichibu Station and get off at the Urayama bus stop 3.3 kilometres.

Months of operation: April – December.

Contact: 0494-25-3148 URL http://www2.tba.t-com.ne.jp/sainokuni/index.htm

# 7. Uchiurayama Kenminnomori Camping Ground (Chiba Prefecture)

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Located in one of the wetter regions of Kanto and surrounded by natural forests the Uchiurayama Kenminnomori Camping Ground truly brings you back to nature. The area is ideal for hiking with several family friendly trails criss-crossing the hills and up to the Okutani Dam. There are two campsites with 50 sites and facilities include BBQs, a basic kitchen, campfires and after a long hike relax in a hot spring bath for 400 yen.

Address: 3228 Uchiura, Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site up to 2 adults (small tent) 730 yen per night.

Access: Awa-Kominato Station (JR Sotobo Line) 4.2 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 0439-38-2222 URL http://www.chiba-forest.jp/uchiurayama/index.html

# 8. Yamano Furusatomura Camping Ground (Tokyo)

Resting beside Lake Okutama the Yamano Furusatomura Camping Ground is popular for nature starved Tokyoites looking to unwind. There are 25 well-spaced campsites, along with an undercover kitchen / BBQ area and plenty of outdoor picnic tables.

Address: 1740 Kawano, Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 200 yen per adult per night.

Access: 30-minute bus ride from Okutama Station (JR Ome Line) Ogouchi Jinja bus stop and walk across Lake Okutama floating bridge 2.4 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 0428-86-2551 URL http://www.yamafuru.com/

# 9. Hana Hanano Sato Camping Ground (Chiba Prefecture)

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Interestingly this camping ground rests on former terraced rice fields with the higher sites providing a nice outlook. Not to be underdone there are baths, hot showers and a café / restaurant dishing out reasonably priced stone oven pizzas from the main building. A hiking trail also meanders its way up to the nearby Gun Dam.

Address: 648 Kami, Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 4,000 yen (Up to 5 adults per night).

Access: Onuki Station (JR Uchibo Line) 5.2 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 0439-65-5126 URL http://hanahananosato.com/

# 10. Eleven Auto Camp Park (Chiba Prefecture)

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Situated smack bang in the middle of the Boso Peninsula finds the rather picturesque Eleven Auto Camp Park. The camping ground has over 100 sites and is well equipped with a kitchen, hot water showers, flush toilets and a BBQ area. For kids there a fishing pond and a swimming pool to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.

Address: 300 Kuritsubo, Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 3,240 yen plus 1,080 yen per adult per night.

Access: Hirayama Station (JR Kururi Line) 2.6 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 439-27-2711 URL http://www.eleven-camp.com/

# 11. Jonanjima Beach Park Camping Ground (Tokyo)

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The Jonanjima Seaside Park in Ota Ward is one of two camping grounds located within the special 23 wards of Tokyo. Along with a BBQ area, the artificial Tsubasa Beach and boardwalk its proximity to Haneda Airport makes it a perfect place to checkout low flying aircraft and ships entering and leaving the Port of Tokyo.

Address: 4-2-2 Jonanjima, Ota, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 600 yen per adult per night.

Access: Omori Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line) East exit. Take a Keikyu bus Mori32 (Jonanjima round route) and get off at the bus stop Jonanjima 4 chome 200 metres.

Months of operation: All year round (closed every Wednesday and from December 29 to January 3).

Contact: 03-3799-6402 URL http://seaside-park.jp/jonanjima/camp.html

# 12. Wakasu-koen Park Camping Ground (Tokyo)

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On the opposing side of the Tokyo Gate Bridge finds another downtown Campground at Wakasu-koen Park. This artificial island is largely comprised of a golf course though there is plenty of open space and shared fireplaces to BBQ to your hearts content.

Address: 3-2-1 Wakasu, Koto, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 600 yen per adult per night.

Access: Shin-Kiba Station / Metro Yurakucho Line. Take city bus Ki-11 route to Wakasu Campground.

Months of operation: All year round (closed every Tuesday and from December 29 to January 3).

Contact: 03-5569-6701 URL http://www.tptc.co.jp/en/c_park/03_09

# 13. Ochizawa Youth Center Campground (Tokyo)

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The Ochizawa Youth Center Campground sits on an attractive forested easement in Machida City. Nearby is Machida’s highest peak Mount Kusado about an hour’s hike away. Facilities include an outdoor kitchen, flush toilets and vending machines.

Address: 5307-2 Aiharamachi, Machida, Tokyo.

Cost: Tent site 600 yen per adult per night.

Access: Aihara station (JR Yokohama Line) take a Chuo Kotsu bus and get off at the Youth Center entrance bus stop 800 metres.

Months of operation: All year round (closed every Tuesday and from December 28 to January 4).

Contact: 042-782-3800 URL https://www.city.machida.tokyo.jp/kodomo/ootizawa/index.html

# 14. Tsukigawaso Campground (Saitama Prefecture)

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This campground in Saitama Prefecture really comes into its own in the autumn with the changing Fall colours. In the summer enjoy swimming or fishing in the river with BBQ facilities available. While the campsite is set on a grassy field, tents can also be pitched under the trees which surround the site.

Address: 2604 Kamagata, Ranzan-machi, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 870 yen plus admission fee 300 yen per adult per night.

Access: Musashi-Ranzan Station (Tobu-Tojo Line) 3.3 kilometres.

Months of operation: April – October.

Contact: 0493-62-2250 URL http://tukigawasou.jimdo.com/

# 15. Ashinoko Camping Village (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Sitting alongside the shores of Lake Ashi and only a short walk from Togendai Station finds the quaint Ashinoko Camping Village. The campsite comes well equipped with BBQ facilities, a kitchen and an onsite public bath available for 350 yen. There is also a small shop stocking daily necessities.

Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 1,000-2,000 yen plus admission fee 540 yen.

Access: Togendai Station (Hakone Ropeway) 600 metres or 45 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Line) to Togendai bus stop.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 0460-84-8279 URL http://campmura.com/facility_campsite/

# 16. Shinodo Campground (Kanagawa Prefecture)

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The Shinodo Campground is nestled along a river bend on the outskirts of Sagamihara City. Along with its delightful location the campsite includes a rudimentary kitchen, showers, flush toilets and an open air hut. BBQs may be had by the river along with trout fishing.

Address: 2362 Suwarashi, Midori Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 900 yen per adult per night.

Access: JR Hashimoto Station or Sagamiko Station (JR Yokohama Line) take a bus for Mikagi, transfer and get off at Kashino bus stop 1 kilometre.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 042-787-0141 URL http://www.shindocamp.com/local.html

# 17. Sakatagaike Park Campground (Chiba Prefecture)

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Located virtually on the door step of Narita Airport means this campsite could pay end to expensive airport hotel charges. The Sakatagaike Park Campground includes 28 campsites starting at a ridiculous cheap 300 yen a night and a coin operated shower is also on hand. The area surrounding the campsite also has a pleasant ambiance.

Address: 1450 Odake, Narita, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 300-600 yen per night.

Access: Shimosa-Manzaki Station (JR Narita Line) 1.4 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 0476-29-1161 URL http://www.city.narita.chiba.jp/sisei/sosiki/koen/std0018.html

# 18. Taibusamisaki Campground (Chiba Prefecture)

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The Taibusamisaki Campground on the Southwestern Boso Peninsula has two camping zones. The first campsite surrounded by trees offers more protection from the elements, while the second area is open and exposed. There is a basic cooking hut and a separate BBQ area. The Daibusamisaki Natural Park which encompasses the campground includes opportunities for hiking, bird watching and exploring tidal pools along the coastline.

Address: 1212-29 Tomiuracho Tadara, Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 620 yen per night.

Access: Tomiura Station (JR Uchibo Line) 3.7 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round (closed from December 28 to January 4).

Contact: 0470-33-4551 URL http://taibusa-misaki.jp/camp/camp.html

# 19. Kitamoto City Outdoor Activity Center (Saitama Prefecture)

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While the facilities at the Kitamoto City Outdoor Activity Center are basic the campsites are well laid out and offer some degree privacy. There is an undercover cooking / BBQ and washing up area and the grounds surrounding the centre are well maintained.

Address: 9 Chome-143 Takao, Kitamoto, Saitama Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 500 yen per night.

Access: Kitamoto Station (JR Takasaki Line) 2.9 kilometres.

Months of operation: April – October.

Contact: 048-593-0008 URL http://kcoac.ecnet.jp/

# 20. Aone Campground (Kanagawa Prefecture)

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The Aone Campground is located in Northwest Kanagawa Prefecture perched beside a relaxing river. The campsite is well worth visiting year round with plenty of scope for local hiking adventures, BBQs and river fishing. Facilities include flush toilets and hot water.

Address: 807-2 Aone, Midoriku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Cost: Tent site 1,100 yen plus admission fee 760 yen per adult per night.

Access: Fujino Station (JR Chuo Main Line) take a bus for Aone and get off at Okusagamiko bus stop 2 kilometres.

Months of operation: All year round.

Contact: 042-787-1380 URL http://aonecamp.jp/