Autumn Outdoor Experiences in Japan

Moderately cool and pleasant autumn is the perfect season for camping and hiking. In this article, we will introduce recommended hiking spots, campgrounds, glamping facilities, and the charms of Japan's autumn outdoor experience. Please be sure to read to the end.

■ Camping Attractions Unique to Japan

One of the best parts of camping is relaxing and taking it easy in an extraordinary space with abundant nature.

There are many moments that can only be experienced at camp, such as bonfires, meals, and fresh air, that are sure to heal the body and mind.

Japan has as much beautiful nature as any other country in the world, and you can enjoy spectacular scenery and activities through camping.

In addition, Japan has four distinct seasons, so you can enjoy the unique scenery of each season, as well as the process of transition.

With the recent camping boom in Japan, you should not miss the excellent facilities that meet the various needs of campers.

Rates and facilities of campgrounds in Japan

The market price of campsites in Japan varies widely, from those that are free of charge to those that cost more than 10,000 yen.

The main reason for this is that there is a very wide range of campgrounds, and they are developed in a variety of ways depending on the purpose and the way to enjoy them.

In addition, the management style of campgrounds varies from municipality to corporation to individual, and there are also regional differences, so the fees are likely to vary.

Types of campgrounds

Campsites can be divided into the following two main categories

・Campsites (campground sites): The distance between the tents and the parking lot is greater, allowing you to enjoy nature more. Generally, campgrounds are called “00 campsites.

・Auto campsites: These campsites are for beginners and are relatively well-equipped, allowing vehicles to get in and out of the tent area.

Mode of Use

The following three types of use are typical.

• free site

  A campground where you can freely use the premises. Features include the ability to set up tents anywhere you like, spacious use of facilities with a sense of openness, and easy interaction with other campers.

• Compartment site

  A campsite where the area and location of use are designated. They are characterized by the fact that they can be enjoyed without worrying about surroundings, do not require work to secure space, and are well-equipped.

• Accommodations (lodges, cottages, etc.)

  Facilities located near campgrounds, with names changing depending on the facilities. They are easy for beginners to enjoy camping, do not require camping equipment, and are more comfortable than tents.

The price range increases in the following order: free sites, compartmentalized sites, and lodging facilities.

Facilities vary widely from campground to campground, but the best ones are equipped with toilets, showers, and AC power.

Some facilities may have additional fees such as entrance fee, setup fee, parking fee, etc., and often have extra charges during peak season, weekends, etc. Therefore, when selecting a campsite, please be aware that there are official HP, etc., fees for each campsite.

Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website before choosing a campsite.

What about the camping equipment you need?

When camping in Japan, either “renting at a campground” or “using a camping equipment rental service” would be realistic options.

The easiest option is to go to a campground that rents out camping essentials such as tents, tables, and sleeping bags.

If the campground you are looking at does not rent supplies, you will need to use a rental service. The advantage of a rental service is that you can use items of your choice from a wide variety of brands at a reasonable price.

There is also a direct delivery service to the campground or other designated location, and the service company will clean the items after you return them, saving you the trouble of having to clean them.

Note, however, that popular items fill up quickly, and overage fees will apply if the items are returned after the due date.

Since this is only a rental service, be careful not to damage or lose the equipment and handle it with care.

Many sites are not multilingual, so it is recommended that you choose a campground that has adequate facilities and camping equipment available for rent.

■ “Glamping” to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and lightness

Glamping became popular in Europe and the United States around 2010, and started spreading in Japan around 2015.

With glamping, there is no need to set up a tent, and depending on the facility, there is a choice of accommodation types such as cottages and trailer houses. Of course, showers and toilets are provided.

Some facilities have air conditioning inside the tents so they can be used in any season, while others have hot springs, athletic facilities, and farms where you can experience harvesting on the premises.

You can arrange to have all meals prepared and cooked for you, or you can leave the preparation and cleanup to us and do the cooking yourself. Some facilities also offer catering services for luxurious outdoor meals.

The good thing about glamping is that beginners find it inconvenient and difficult to camp, and glamping is a luxurious and comfortable way to spend your time.

Glamping in the fall, when the leaves change color, is a great time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and bonfires, as the weather is pleasant and comfortable.

■ Fall is the best season for hiking

Japan is a beautiful country with four distinct seasons, of which autumn is a favorite season for many people.

One of the most spectacular sights of autumn is the changing colors of the leaves. In particular, you should not miss the autumn foliage in the mountains, where trees turn various colors such as red, yellow, and orange.

Hiking in autumn is highly recommended because it is cool and comfortable, and you can also see the autumn leaves. Why not enjoy autumn foliage viewing while being surrounded by a world of extreme colors?

■ Recommended hiking spots to visit in autumn

Each mountain offers different attractions, such as the autumn foliage seen from the summit, along the trail to the summit, and around the ponds. Here are some recommended mountains in the Kanto region that are easy to reach from Tokyo and perfect for hiking, even for beginners.

Mt. Takao, Tokyo

Takao is popular among men and women of all ages throughout the year because of its easy access from central Tokyo and the many variations of trails. Because the summit can be reached easily by cable car and lift, the mountain is crowded with climbers, including beginners and families, especially during the season of autumn foliage.

Mt. Mitake, Tokyo

Mt. Mitake is home to the Musashi-Mitake Shrine and has long been known as a mountain of mountain worship. The area is full of sights such as a 1,200-year-old zelkova tree, colorful autumn leaves, and a waterfall that flows through a mossy forest.

Mt.Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture

Mt. Tsukuba, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, is also famous as a power spot. The crimson maple trees illuminated by lights are a sight to behold.

Daibosatsu Pass, Yamanashi Prefecture

After passing through the trail of autumn leaves, Daibosatsu Pass offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. This is a popular mountain that can be climbed by families and beginners alike.

Tanigawa-dake Ichinokurasawa,Gunma Prefecture

The autumn leaves of Ichinokurasawa and the rocky peaks of Tanigawa-dake are especially beautiful and crowded during the season.

Mt. Nikko Shirane, Tochigi and Gunma Prefectures

If you get off the ropeway at the summit station, there are footbaths and walking paths, so if you are not confident about going to the top of the mountain, it is recommended to enjoy yourself here.

Mt. Nasu (Chausu-dake), Tochigi and Fukushima Prefectures

Nasu, which is popular for its beautiful collaboration of colorful autumn leaves and Mt. Even beginners can enjoy climbing Mt.

■ Enjoy an outdoor experience in the fall!

Camping, glamping, hiking, and other outdoor experiences that you should definitely experience in autumn in Japan

I have described some of the outdoor experiences such as camping, glamping, and hiking that you should definitely experience in autumn in Japan.

When you come to Japan in the fall, we recommend that you not only go sightseeing, but also try some special outdoor experiences.

Let's go and see many beautiful sceneries that can only be seen during this season.

*Crowding is expected everywhere during the fall foliage season, so be sure to do your homework well in advance.