10 Spots To Go Glamping in Japan

Ibaraki Prefecture

Choose from a tent or cabin on this widespread farm grounds and enjoy a quiet reprieve just outside of Tokyo. The “cabins” are actually re-purposed shipping containers with simple-and-sleek decor.

Depending on the season, you can pick plump strawberries at night from a greenhouse equipped with disco lights. It’s like the strawberries are having a rave — a truly unique experience! In the morning, enjoy a no-frills breakfast in the clubhouse that is the true embodiment of farm-to-table sustainability.

• Why go? Nighttime strawberry picking with hot mulled wine!
• Lake Echo bus stop
• Container style from ¥16,000 a night (breakfast and BBQ dinner included)
• http://farmglamping.namegata-fv.jp/ (Japanese only)

Chiba Prefecture

Another chance to glamp on an actual farm and experience the simple life in style. The huge complex contains a BBQ area, vegetable farm, cafe, and hot spring. Get hands-on experience planting vegetables, or canoe the Ono River through nearby Sarawa town, past traditional Edo and Meiji era buildings. You can choose exactly how rustic you want to get, too. Opt for a basic tent, luxury tent, or full-blown cottage.

• Why go? Just look how cute those freaking goats are.
• Closest Bus Stop: Kurimoto Bus stop (the staff will pick you up from there. Pickup arrangements can be made through their website)
• Varies from ¥26,600 a night.
• https://www.thefarm.jp/stay.html (Japanese only)

Tokyo

Unleash your inner pit-master. Go ahead and relax under a breezy tent at this cook-your-own BBQ “camp” with all-you-can-drink options. Rather than being a place for overnight guests, the camp is a good alternative for those who want the glamping in Japan experience for a few hours. Steps away from Tokyo’s high rise buildings and neon lights, you’ll find the necessary tools including the meat, grill, charcoal, and grilling utensils are provided. The star-speckled night view over Tokyo Bay makes this urban getaway worth the trip.

• Why go? Epic barbecue feast. Halal BBQ is available too!
• Closest station: Shin-Toyosu Station
• From ¥5,400 per person
• http://wildmagic.jp/ (Japanese only)
• Wildmagic used to operate under the name The Third Park which offered overnight glamping. They have yet to offer it since their revamp in 2017.

Mie Prefecture

Chill out in a log house on a private lagoon with your own canoe sitting out front. The gigantic pet-friendly campsite features all kinds of playgrounds for the kids and a dog run for your fur babies. Its seasonal kids’ craft workshops make it the perfect vacation choice for the whole family. Don’t forget to sample the delicious Ise-ebi (Japanese lobster), a delicacy in the area.

• Why go? Dog-friendly cabins!
• From ¥ 23,000 a night per person
• http://www.everglades.jp/ (Japanese only)
• Closest Station: Kintetsu Shima Ayabe Station or Kintetsu Anagawa Station

Chiba Prefecture

The deluxe tents at this “glamping park” are decked out with elegant and comfortable decor. Think fluffy beds, plush sofas and chandeliers hanging from high ceilings! To kick it old school, stay in one of the vintage chrome trailers which are furnished as if they came straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. For an even more glamorous option, opt for a room at the Rhinos Camping Hotel. Variety is key here.

• Why go? Close to both the beach and Mistui Outlet shopping mall.
• Mitsui Outlet Park bus stop
• Trailers from ¥11,060 a night; deluxe tents from around ¥13,000 a night per person.
• http://wildbeach.jp/kisarazu/zone/wild-kingdom/ (Japanese only)

Hyogo Prefecture

Beach bar? We think yes! Relax alongside beach bonfires on the shores of Hyogo Prefecture’s Awaji Island. This beachside camp is right off the Seto Inland Sea and features stylish teepees furnished with swanky furniture, grills, and oil lamps. Or, you can opt for a cozy Scandinavian-inspired cottage fitted with full kitchens and fireplaces. Classic tents are also available for rent if you prefer to just rough it.

• Why go? Hip bohemian-style tents.
• Glamping tents available from ¥25,000 a night.
• https://www.fbi-camping.com/awaji/
• Torikai-minami Bus Stop

Shizuoka Prefecture

Live your best private island life on this tiny tourist island south of Tokyo. The resort offers a full range of activities including scuba diving, fishing, zip sliding and a treetop adventure obstacle course. Choose from a minimalist trailer or villa complete with a fresh seafood BBQ. For maximum relaxation, take a load off in the huge pool or hot spring bath with calming ocean views. Ahhh, paradise.

• Why go? Faux-tropical island vibes.
• Closest station: Atami station
• You can reach the island by ferry from Atami Port in about 25 minutes.
• From about ¥13,000 a night per person depending on the season.
• https://www.pica-resort.jp/hatsushima/about/ (Japanese only)

Hokkaido

Sitting around a fire surrounded by snow and mountains at this Hokkaido resort is a fantastic way to warm your bones in winter. That’s right, glamping isn’t only for warm seasons. Spacious tents fitted with kerosene heaters and two-storied cabins with tatami mats and futons are available for up to six people. Glampers are also offered discounted tickets to several nearby hot springs. Take advantage of the camp’s close proximity to Niseko Village Ski Resort while you’re at it!

• Why go? Winter camping within 10 minutes of Niseko Village Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri Ski Area.
• Niseko station. The owner of Bongo Square can arrange pickup from the station for you.
• From ¥14,000 a night per person in winter. Prices vary per season and number of guests.
• https://www.bongoniseko.com/

Yamanashi Prefecture

Sleep in a minimalist capsule that looks like it came straight from outer space at Hoshinoya Fuji in Yamanashi — one of Japan’s most grandiose glamping spots. Each cabin opens up to a window with a forward facing view of Mount Fuji thanks to the campsite’s position over Lake Kawaguchiko. An impressive activity roster includes wood chopping, canoeing, horse-riding on private trails and coffee brewing classes.

• Why go? The views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko are unrivaled.
• Closest Station: Kawaguchiko station
• Single night stays from ¥39000
• https://hoshinoya.com/fuji/en/

Nagasaki Prefecture

Glamp in Scandinavian tents among the lush greenery and sparkling beaches of Fukue, one of five islands that make up the Goto Islands in southwestern Japan. The islands are home to several Christian churches that were built in secret when Christianity was outlawed in Japan.  In fact, practitioners were persecuted for it during the Edo era until about 1873, making them a historical treasure. Only breakfast is provided by the camp, but you can bring your own food and utilize the community kitchen. Explore a bit of unknown history, go horseback riding, stargaze, or take a private sightseeing jet around the island like a boss.

• Why go? Gothic churches holding a dark part of Japanese history. Plus the tents have Wifi!
• Closest Airport: Fukue Airport
• Take the ferry from Nagasaki Port (about three hours)
• From about ¥32,000 a night. Extra fees vary per activity.
• https://www.nordiskvillage.jp/en/index.html