Best Solo Camping Spots in Japan with "Laid-Back Camp" Locations

What to expect for a solo camping trip in Japan?

Sometimes it’s good to be away from your hectic life and relax in nature. Having alone time and letting yourself free would help you get rid of some stress or worries in your daily life. In this article, we introduce some tips for solo camping and great locations in Japan based on the popular anime called “Laid-Back Camp”

What should you bring when camping in Japan?

As for solo camping, bring something absolutely necessary rather than something useful. Try to pack light and choose the small sized items. You will need to bring at least;

Tent
Sleeping bag
Table and chair
Lantern
Camping stove
Cookware

Choose items you can bring all by yourself or can easily build by yourself. You can buy a small tent which can be easily built on your own or cookware suited for a solo traveler. There are some solo camping items available at shops so choose wisely what to bring!
This ultimate camping checklist will come in handy when you start packing. Check their tips for solo camping with the list of necessary camping items.

Also, there are some places you can rent the equipment so that you don’t have to bring anything to the camping site. Check this article for The Best Fully Equipped Campsites near Tokyo.

Something you have to be careful about in Japan

When you start camping alone, be careful to bring too many things that you can’t handle by yourself. And be prepared for any emergency events which might occur.

Bring insect repellent items. There will be many insects in Japan you might want to avoid such as horseflies or centipedes. Especially if you want to go camping in summer, this is a must.
Bring your medicine to prepare for the emergency including the first aid kit.
Bring a tent lock. Usually it is very safe to camp in Japan but it is always better to be extra careful when you are camping alone.
Learn how to build the tent or how to use the tools beforehand. There is a possibility that you can’t use the internet when you get to the campsites. To prevent panicking at the campsites alone, study the basic skills you can use before you go!

Where is a good place for solo camping?

To decide the destination for solo camping, Laid-Back Camp has great examples. Most of the locations appeared in this anime are real and you can actually visit these beautiful campsites. If you haven’t watched the anime before, don’t worry, whether you have watched it or not, these locations are perfect places for a solo traveler and worth a visit anyway!

Koan Camping Ground

This camping ground is located in Lake Motosu Area which is close to Mt.Fuji. From Lake Motosu, you can see the same view printed on the back of a ¥1,000 bill! Go to the reception at Motosu Central Lodge first to check in. The popular area is of course near the lake but there is no bathroom nor cooking space around the area. You can also choose to set up your tent in the “Tent site area” where you can easily access a bathroom, shower room and cooking space. Koan Camping Ground appeared in the first episode of Laid-Back Camp. If you want to camp near Mount Fuji, this is an ideal place!

Fee

Adult ¥600 / night, +tent set up fee ¥1,000 / night, tarp set up fee ¥500 /night
Check-in time 8am – 8pm , check-out time 10am.

Access

From Kawaguchiko Station, drive 40 minutes to Koan
From Shinfuji Station, drive 60 minutes to Koan
From Kaitokiwa Station, drive 40 minutes to Koan
Or you can take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Koanso Iriguchi Bus Stop.
But please note that there is only one bus on the way back to Kawaguchiko Station per day and there is none on the weekend.

Fumotoppara Camping Ground

Fumoto means at the foot of the mountain, and this camping ground is at the foot of Mt.Fuji! It is a very wide and popular campground, you can set up your tent anywhere in the wide grassland. You can enjoy the view of Mt.Fuji from everywhere! There are many facilities you would need during the camp like a bathroom or cooking space. Wake up in the early morning and see the sunrise next to Mt.Fuji. The view would be something you will always remember.

Fee

Adult ¥1,000 / night
Check-in time 8.30am – 5pm, check-out time 2pm
*Please make a reservation beforehand
Website

Access

From Kawaguchiko Station, take a bus toward Fujinomiya/Shinfuji “Kaisoku Bus” to Asagiri Green Park Bus Stop, walk for 20 minutes.

Pine Wood Camping Ground

It appeared in Episode 5, you can see the same beautiful view over Kofu Basin from there. It is close to Hottarakashi Onsen hot spring and Fuefukigawa Fruit Park. It is a 20 minutes walk to Hottarakashi Onsen from the camp site, so we totally recommend going there during your stay! There are some rules to follow at the site, for example, you have to extinguish your bonfire by 12am and get ready for sleep by then. The owner is very helpful and kind, so you can ask any questions coming up at the reception and listen to the rules you will have to follow during your stay.

Fee

¥3,000 /night
Check-in time 12pm, check-out time 12pm
You must make a reservation at 0553-22-6096／090-3142-2427 beforehand

Access

From Yamanashishi Station, take a bus to Fruit Center Bus Stop and walk for 30 minutes.
Map

Shibireko Suimeiso Camping Ground

Shibireko is a beautiful small lake located in Yamanashi. It is known as a hidden place among the campers. You can get the experience of literally staying in nature. There is nothing extra but just untouched nature will welcome you. You can also enjoy kayaking on the lake, fishing, and climbing up the mountain close to the campsite. Especially when it’s full of stars at night makes it worth staying overnight at this place! Please note that the reservation will be required beforehand.

Fee

Call +81 055-272-1030 to make a reservation (9am – 7pm)
Opening hours 8am – 5pm
Website

Access

From Ichikawadaimon Station, take a taxi to Suimeiso Camping Ground.

Jinbagatayama Camping Ground

Surrounded by the Japanese Alps and located on the top of the mountain with an altitude of 1,445m, it is called “Camping ground in the sky” and you can see the beautiful views over the mountains and town. If you are lucky, you can see the sea of clouds at the campsite. It occurs more frequently during winter from October to February. Please make a reservation at least one month prior to your visit.

*Due to the heavy rain in July 2020, there was a landslide on the road and this camping ground is temporarily closed at the moment. They will open again in September 2020.

Fee

Free!

Access

There is no access using public transportation, so come by car. Exit Chuo Expressway Komagane IC and drive 60 minutes or rent a car at Iijima Station and drive to Jinbagatayama.

Do you recognize any of the camping grounds above from the anime? Most of the places open throughout the year. If you want to avoid the crowd, camping in the winter like Laid-Back Camp will be recommended. But in that case, don’t forget to keep yourself warm! Let’s try solo camping to get some alone time in nature, it is also a good way to keep social distance and relax during the pandemic.

Happy travelling!