Camping in Japan is something we've been excited about since the beginning. In our very first boat shipment a year ago! we packed some of our gear (keeping behind the bits we needed for our Newfoundland Adventure) Last fall, once the heat began to dissipate we began trying to figure out how to camp in Japan.
Multiple google searches and website translations led to one of two situations. Either the campground was already closed for the season because it was 'too cold' or the campgrounds were all booked up. Lets take a moment to point out that lows in the 50s are not too low for camping. #onlyinJapan.
Disappointed we shifted gears, celebrated the winter season and promised to camp just as soon as the grounds opened.
Multiple google searches and website translations led to one of two situations. Either the campground was already closed for the season because it was 'too cold' or the campgrounds were all booked up. Lets take a moment to point out that lows in the 50s are not too low for camping. #onlyinJapan.
Disappointed we shifted gears, celebrated the winter season and promised to camp just as soon as the grounds opened.
Fast forward to thawing temperatures and now campgrounds are closed to prevent Covid. Rumors of lifting state of emergencies and plans begin to be hatched. Aided by a friend who speaks the language, websites are navigated, calls are made. And it turns out, campgrounds are already booked solid, before they even open! #comeonJapan #wejustwanttocamp
More googling, searching places further away. Places that have a minimalistic web presence but they do have a phone number. Thankful for friends and their language abilities we get the scoop. No reservations, but if we show up at checkin time it should be no problem to get a spot. It's not a glamorous campsite, no big frills. But the views- incredible! See that tiny patch of sand across the lake? That's our campground- surrounded by mountains and these big skies and this water.
We meet our friends at 12:30, our temperatures are taken then we're invited to check in. Jesse writes down all our pertinent details and we're handed a clip for our tent. Then we're let loose to explore the campsite and stake our claim on our space.
We've camped in National Parks, state parks, back yards and back country Utah with the worst pit toilet we've ever smelled. But we've never encountered a place like this. First of all, these views. Second of all, it's a free for all. A kind, respectful, courteous of your neighbor free for all. Spots aren't numbered or even separated, it's just one big open, beautifully open field. In the winter this area is used for a parking lot.
But in the summer, this is likely the most perfect camping spot in Japan!
We've camped in National Parks, state parks, back yards and back country Utah with the worst pit toilet we've ever smelled. But we've never encountered a place like this. First of all, these views. Second of all, it's a free for all. A kind, respectful, courteous of your neighbor free for all. Spots aren't numbered or even separated, it's just one big open, beautifully open field. In the winter this area is used for a parking lot.
But in the summer, this is likely the most perfect camping spot in Japan!
We wander around, exploring the options, looking for the most perfect space until we find it- this large patch of sand jutting out into the lake. Big enough for our rowdy crew and their American sized tent.
In planning our weekend we carefully watched the weather report, noting the fluctuating predictions of rain. It seems we've officially entered rainy season in Japan- what seems like the chance of pop up storms most afternoons. We decide to gamble with the forecast and keep our fingers crossed.
The men folk shuttle our gear from the far away parking lot to our site and we begin setting up our camp. The wind begins picking up and it's all hands on deck trying to raise tents, attach rain flies before they actually fly away into the middle of the lake.
The men folk shuttle our gear from the far away parking lot to our site and we begin setting up our camp. The wind begins picking up and it's all hands on deck trying to raise tents, attach rain flies before they actually fly away into the middle of the lake.
The steady sound of rain on our luckily waterproof tent. Perfect ambiance for relaxing and napping.
After a quick downpour the rain clears away to these fantastic colors!
After a quick downpour the rain clears away to these fantastic colors!
We had originally imagined hiking along the lakeshore for a couple hours, wandering to the top end of the lake. Instead, we stayed at our beach, exploring the campgrounds and watching the changing colors in the sky and water mountains all around us.
Campfires, one of the very best parts of camping. This campground which may be typical of Japan doesn't include fire rings at the campsite. In fact 'open fires' are illegal. Luckily we inherited this grill/firepit thingy from an expat as they were leaving. It's designed to be cooked on, but once we removed the grate it held our campfire perfectly! Soon a friend of a friend joined us. They were quite amused by our 2 grill setup. One grill for cooking and the other just 'for staying warm'
Sunsets over the mountains are amazing and beautiful and come very close to rivaling those over the ocean.
And then, at the ridiculously ridiculous early hour of 4:30...sunrise over Nantai.
And then, at the ridiculously ridiculous early hour of 4:30...sunrise over Nantai.
Coffee and a morning campfire using up the last of the wood. The most relaxing way to start the day.
And it wouldn't be a weekend in the mountains without a plan to hike up one! Originally we intend to take a route along the lake then up and over a ridge. As we start down the trail, a kind older stop politely inquire where we are headed. A quick explanation of our plan, then the words of advice: There's a rope blocking the trail. Technically you could still cross it and continue but 'it would hurt your soul' Heading those words of wisdom we tackle the trail from the other end.
So we climb. And we climb and we climb and we climb. Balancing on narrow trails with steep descents down one side. Admiring old fallen trees and the new growth that follows.
A quick break at the top for snacking and admiring views.
Noting the neighboring Mountain NanTai is still so much taller than we are.
Noting the neighboring Mountain NanTai is still so much taller than we are.
We wander past the famous Ryuzu falls and our friend tells us the meaning of the name: Head of a Dragon. Sometimes it's hard to spot, but one of us caught it right away!
As we drove back to town we wondered if this will end up being our most favorite camping place in Japan.
Best timing ever= Jesse had to go into the office to work on Monday so I was able to take over his space. Necessary step for removing ALL THE SAND that we carted home with us.