When people mention Japan, you might think about the robots and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, or how it’s an anime fanatic’s paradise. But what you don’t often hear is that close to 70% of Japan is forest and mountains. And with over 3,000 camping spots scattered across the country, deciding where to go to get back to nature can be daunting. That’s why we put together a list of awesome Tokyo camping sites to help you out. You don’t even need to leave Tokyo’s borders to get to most of them. You’re welcome.

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.

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Very important note: Make sure you reserve a spot online or by phone before heading over to any campsite!

Camping spots near Tokyo

1. Wakasu Kaihin-koen Camp-jo

If you like to barbecue, or were a former Scout, this is the place for you. Popular for holding school events, the camp has 33 fireplaces, 5 cooking buildings, and even multiple fire circles, which explains its popularity with the Girl/Boy Scouts. The location is also a convenient 15-minute bus ride from Shinkiba Station. Because the camp is equipped with shared fireplaces, it gives you the perfect opportunity to hold hands and sing Kumbaya.

Price : ¥ 600 per person (until 10 am the next morning); tent rental for 1–2 people is ¥ 3,000

: per person (until 10 am the next morning); tent rental for 1–2 people is Address : 36 Wakasu, Koto-ku, Tokyo

: 36 Wakasu, Koto-ku, Tokyo Closest station : 15 minutes by bus from Shinkiba Station, Keiyo Line

: 15 minutes by bus from Shinkiba Station, Keiyo Line Months of operation : All year round, except Tuesdays and at year-end

: All year round, except Tuesdays and at year-end Phone : (03)5569-6701

: (03)5569-6701 Reservations: By phone only

By phone only Website: http://www.tptc.co.jp/en/c_park/03_09 (in English, although the Japanese site provides more information)

2. Jonanjima Seaside Park

Jonanjima Seaside Park in Ota is the nearest auto-camp site (“auto-camp” meaning you bring your own tent) to central Tokyo. Besides the usual camping area bit, Jonanjima Seaside Park has an artificial beach, BBQ area and skateboard plaza. Moreover, its location, at the far end of Jonan Island across from Haneda Airport, allows campers a close-up view of airplanes taking off and landing. This site is perfect for a cheapo who wants to experience camping in one of the busiest places on earth. Note: pets are not allowed at this campsite.

Price : ¥ 300 to spend the day and ¥ 600 for the first night. Plus ¥ 300 from the second night onwards.

: to spend the day and for the first night. Plus from the second night onwards. Address : 4-2-2 Jonanjima, Ota-ku, Tokyo

: 4-2-2 Jonanjima, Ota-ku, Tokyo Closest station : Omori Station on the Keikyu Line. Take the bus from Omori station to Jonanjima 4-chome.

: Omori Station on the Keikyu Line. Take the bus from Omori station to Jonanjima 4-chome. Months of operation : All year round, except for Wednesdays.

: All year round, except for Wednesdays. Phone : (03)3799-6402

: (03)3799-6402 Reservations: By phone only

By phone only Website: http://seaside-park.jp/park_jonan-en/ (in English, but more info on the Japanese page)

3. Hikawa Camp-jo

Hikawa Camp-jo is just 5 minutes from Okutama Station, in the Nishitama District. Like Jonanjima, Hikawa provides cheap camping tools for forgetful campers. Situated near a stream, Hikawa also offers chalets and bungalows to rent. In addition, the camp gives you the option of either cooking your meal in one of their BBQ areas or eating in their cafe (not to mention the convenience stores near the campsite for your 4 am tuna and mayo rice ball cravings).

Price : A simple bungalow (i.e. just beds) for two people costs ¥ 4,000 , and goes up from there. A lodges that accommodates up to five people and includes a toilet, refrigerator, kitchen, mattress, and blankets costs ¥ 37,500 – ¥ 40,000 .

: A simple bungalow (i.e. just beds) for two people costs , and goes up from there. A lodges that accommodates up to five people and includes a toilet, refrigerator, kitchen, mattress, and blankets costs – . Address : 702 Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo

: 702 Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo Closest station : Okutama on the Oume Line

: Okutama on the Oume Line Months of operation : Open year round, closed from December 28 to January 5

: Open year round, closed from December 28 to January 5 Phone : (04)2883-2134

: (04)2883-2134 Reservations: By phone only

By phone only Website: http://www.okutamas.co.jp/hikawa/ (in Japanese).

4. Nagatoro Auto Camp-jo

The Nagatoro Auto Camp 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 ¥ 1,100 /person for the cheapest campsite on a weekday, up to ¥ 13,500 for the largest sites on a peak-season weekend, plus a facility charge of ¥ 600 per adult. Rental prices for a bungalow vary from ¥ 4,500 (3-person bungalow on a weekday) to ¥ 125,000 (a huge, 30-person bungalow on a peak weekend).

: 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 (a huge, 30-person bungalow on a peak weekend). Address : 559-1 Oaza Ido, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama.

: 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.

: 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 1 to November 30

: March 1 to November 30 Hours of operation : Auto camp check-in is from 11 am and check-out is until 11 am. Bungalow check-in is from 2 pm to 5 pm and check-out is from 8 am to 11 am.

: Auto camp check-in is from 11 am and check-out is until 11 am. Bungalow check-in is from 2 pm to 5 pm and check-out is from 8 am to 11 am. Phone : (04)9466-0640

: (04)9466-0640 Reservations: Book online, pay in cash upon check-in

Book online, pay in cash upon check-in Website: http://www.nagatoro-camp.com/ (in Japanese)

5. Kanotoen Campground

Kanotoen Campground is situated in the Okutama mountains, near the Akigawa Valley. The camp doesn’t have many facilities, just barbecue sites (¥400) and a fishing hole (from ¥170 to ¥380). 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 ¥300 to ¥1,250.

Price : ¥ 3,500 per pitched tent, there are also bungalows available from ¥ 10,000 per 6 people. Parking is quite limited with only 10 spots at ¥ 500 each.

: per pitched tent, there are also bungalows available from per 6 people. Parking is quite limited with only 10 spots at each. Address : Nishitama Hinohara Village 8018, Tokyo

: Nishitama Hinohara Village 8018, Tokyo Closest station : JR Musashi Itsukaichi Station

: JR Musashi Itsukaichi Station Months of operation : November 30 to mid-March

: November 30 to mid-March Contact : (04)2598-0107

: (04)2598-0107 Reservations: By phone only

By phone only Website: http://outdoor.tachikawaonline.jp/29-kanotocamp.htm (in Japanese)

6. Kouan Campsite

For a quintessential Japanese camping experience, head to Kouan Campsite and feel like you just stepped into a ¥1,000 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 directly on Lake Motosu 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 : ¥ 600 per adult + ¥ 1,000 for tent space. The bath is ¥ 500 per visit. There are also rather pricy cabins (from ¥ 17,600 per 6 people).

: per adult + for tent space. The bath is per visit. There are also rather pricy cabins (from per 6 people). Address : 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun 409-3104, Yamanashi Prefecture

: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun 409-3104, Yamanashi Prefecture Closest station : Kawaguchiko Station

: Kawaguchiko Station Months of operation: April 1 to November 30

Contact : kouan@mx6.nns.ne.jp

: kouan@mx6.nns.ne.jp Reservations: By email

By email Website: http://kouan-motosuko.com/en/ (in English)

7. 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.

Price : Tent site ¥ 1,500 , plus ¥ 500 per person per night.

: Tent site , plus per person per night. Address : 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo

: 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo Closest stop : Odake Shonudo Iriguchi bus stop

: Odake Shonudo Iriguchi bus stop Months of operation : All year round

: All year round Contact : (04)2596-2326

: (04)2596-2326 Reservations: By phone

By phone Website: http://otakecamp.web.fc2.com (in Japanese)

8. Hana Hana no Sato Camping Ground

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 : Tent site ¥ 1,500 , plus ¥ 500 per person.

: Tent site , plus per person. Address : 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo.

: 1587 Yozawa, Akiruno, Tokyo. Closest station : 5.2 kilometres from Onuki Station on JR Uchibo Line

: 5.2 kilometres from Onuki Station on JR Uchibo Line Months of operation : All year round

: All year round Contact : (04)39-65-5126, hanahananosato.dam@nifty.com

: (04)39-65-5126, hanahananosato.dam@nifty.com Reservations: By inquiry form, phone or email

By inquiry form, phone or email Website: http://hanahananosato.com/ (in Japanese)

Glamping packages beyond Tokyo

For those among us with an affinity to comfort, here’s a round-up of glamping packages. They include the best of both worlds: a nature escape and proper holiday rolled up in one.

Three-day glamping near Mt. Fuji

Bring some warm clothes, and the rest is provided for you. This package offers three days of stress-free glamping at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Take in the views while hiking, kayaking, or relaxing in a hot spring in the nearby area. Back at the campsite, dinner will be waiting for you. In the evening, enjoy a chat around the campfire while roasting marshmellows.

Price: ¥71,000/person

Glamping and grilled seafood at Ise-Shima’s “Strawberry Beach” (Mie Prefecture)

A minimum of three beach bums can enjoy two days, 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 one of 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.

Price: ¥10,800/person

Mountainside glamping at Field Suite Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture)

This package includes two days and one night of glamping 1200 meters above sea level in the Japanese Alps. After being picked up at Nagano Station, you can go on a hiking tour (included) or enjoy a spa treatment (extra). In the evening, you’ll be treated to Italian fine dining, as well as marshmallow roasting and live music.

Price: ¥100,000/person

Two-day camping and fishing trip in the mountains (Yamagata Prefecture)

It’s definitely not glamping, but this package will ensure a smooth outdoor experience for wilderness-averse folks. A guide will be right there as you hike, harvest vegetables and fish, cook your own dinner, and pitch a tent in the mountains.

Price: ¥27,500/person

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in August 2014. Updated: August 20, 2020.