See how our one-night camping trip as a beginner tourists who wish to go camping in Japan is like.
We will show you how our day looks like going to and staying in a camp ground and what you can expect, along with a review of the camp ground we went to; feel free to treat it as an itinerary.
We will also tell you how a camping plan could be postpone, and when it is better not to camp.
*scroll to the bottom for recommendation.
1510 Hidakacho Hajiri,
Toyooka,
Hyogo 669-5359,
Japan
Dear Readers,
After watching some camping anime and seeing Japanese people going camping on YouTube, we made it a bucket list item on our recent trip to Japan!
Midway through our 2-week trip in Japan, after spending a night at a coastal town in Obama city, we head to Toyooka to fulfill one of our Japan bucket list dreams, which is camping!
You may wonder if it is possible to go camping without any experience, and as a tourist on a short visit to Japan, the short answer is yes.
We head out from our accommodation in Obama early in the morning for a two-hour and forty-five-minute drive to Yunohara Hot Spring Auto Camping Ground, where we have our campground reserved for the night. If you dislike long drives, you could plan your stay closer to the camping ground, but for us, it is not a problem.
Lunch Stop - Totogen Higashi-Maizuru
We first made a stop for lunch at Totogen Higashi-Maizuru, a small detour to the coastal city of Maizuru on our way to Toyooka. Since we were driving along the seaside cities, it would be a crime not to stop for some seafood, and we chose this place on our way. A local restaurant that serves set meals, with a variety of items to choose from, including cooked and raw dishes, and a price point that would not completely break your bank account. The set meal is a good portion, and the fish is fresh!
Groceries stop for dinner cooking at the camping ground!
The rain started falling hard after our Lunch as we continued our drive to our next stop before arriving at the camping ground. As we plan to cook some dinner over the fire, we stopped at Gumpy (ガンピー穀物倉庫) to grab the ingredients and some disposable cutlery. We went for some meat for Yakiniku, canned shishamo, some pre-cooked rice, and grabbed some bread, butter, and spreadings for breakfast.
Arrived at Yunohara Hot Spring Auto Camping Ground
A Recommended Change of Plan
For those who only want to see the camping tent spot, scroll past this section.
Upon entering the camping ground, we can see some cottages on our left and a sign to drive further to the campsite ahead, but before we could do that, we had to stop at the reception area near the onsen entrance.
Remember the rain that started pouring down at 11 AM? Well, it has not yet stopped, and both the forecast and the staff at the campground say it will probably carry on through the night. With the rain continuing on and the temperature dropping well below what we had prepared for, the guy at the reception started recommending we stay at one of the cottages instead.
After considering our experience in camping, which is none, and seeing that there was no one beside us apart from another solo camper in a big truck, we assumed we might not be prepared for a wet and cold camp and took the advice from the staff to stay at one of the cottages instead.
With some regrets in our hearts, we accepted the situational change of plan. The cottage was huge, with two stories and enough beds for 6-8 people, a small kitchen area, and a toilet and shower room.
Why do you not want to camp on a rainy day?
Although the tent will be dry, the area around it will not be. Unavoidable circumstances like going to the toilet, cooking dinner, and washing dishes at the wash station will all require you to walk or stand in the rain, and without modern appliances, it can be tough and messy. Muddy ground and a temperature drop will also make for a less enjoyable experience.
Especially for a beginner, first-timer, or people who do not yet know if they will enjoy the added difficulty and discomfort on a vacation, we strongly advise you not to camp in the rain, unless fully prepared.
Sometimes accepting the circumstances and choosing to postpone a plan is better than sticking to it just to find that you did not enjoy an activity, one that you might in a more optimal situation.
Camping Dinner and Onsen
As we are the only guests there for the night, the camp people allow us to use the fire stove at the cottage, which is available for rent at the campground along with firewood and starter. With that, we were able to stick to our plan of cooking dinner over the fire.
We spent a good amount of time having yakiniku and canned shishamo on the terrace of the cottage as the rain continued to fall, while talking and drinking, before ending our day at the onsen. There was only one older couple apart from us in the onsen, making it almost a private experience.
With our bodies warm and clean, we came back to our cottage and went to bed early for the night. Both of us squeezed in on the top bunk in one bed, as the spacious cottage is a little daunting. The night passed by quickly, albeit being a little cold even inside, and soon the morning came.
We began our day by lighting the fire back up and started preparing our breakfast. We had some easy toasts and some snacks we bought from the grocery store the day prior, before quickly cleaning up and checking out of the place.
Camping spot
One reason you can go camping on your regular trip is through a tent service, where the campground can rent you a tent, sleeping bag, and even set it up, ready for use!
This is a great choice if you do not want to waste luggage space carrying bulky tents or camping gear. It is also a perfect opportunity for a first-timer or beginner camper who wishes to try out camping in Japan.
Although we did not stay in the tent due to the rain that lasted throughout the day and night, we had asked to visit the tent that had originally been prepared for us the day prior, before the change in our plan.
We were a little underprepared with our clothing; however, we would say it is totally doable even in a drizzle with appropriate clothing.
Recommended things to bring with you for camping!
As this campsite has most of the things ready for you, these are all you need!
- Food and Snacks (as the closest convenience store is at least a 15-minute drive)
- Extra clothing (for when the temperature drops)
- Waterproof clothing
- Power Bank
- Things to do (books, drawing, etc.)
- A disposable plate or a camping mess tin
- Aluminum foil for warming up food and cooking
With love for travelling,
Travel Tegami
Review Summary:
Style of review: Camping Ground
Do note that under this criterion, our evaluation will assume a personal (rental) car as the default form of transportation, considering the location. The criteria will also be set for a quiet rural area, which will not mark the lack of a convenience store or nighttime activity as a minus.
Our scoring has also taken into account the price point: 18,000 yen per night (including all rented items) (payment in cash only)
Our recommendation: recommended stay
A great camping site, with everything you need provided, clean facilities, and beautiful scenery.
So, if you are looking for a place to go camping, we can recommend this place. Perfect for family, couple, solo, and beginner-friendly.
Overall atmosphere:
Type: Cottage and rented tent + plot
Accommodation capacity 1-8 persons
Very Clean 10/10
Location 8/10
Ambience 8/10
Additional scoring:
Onsen +
Clean toilet +
Quiet +