• Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san

        Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Food and Drinks
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

Japan Camping Guide: Camping in Chugoku

Camping guide to Chugoku (Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi Prefectures).

CHUGOKU

Qkamura Hiruzen Kogen (Okayama)
This campsite and resort rests on the Hiruzen Highlands. At 500 meters high, this campsite offers pristine views of Jersey cattle grazing on idyllic pastures, vibrant autumn foliage, a natural hot spring bath and even skiing in the winter.
Accommodation: Camping, Glamping
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, blankets, tables, chairs 
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Food available for purchase.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hiruzen IC on the Yonago Expressway.
Address: 1205-281 Hiruzenkamifukuda, Maniwa, Okayama-ken 〒717-0602

Hiruzen Shiogama Camping Village (Okayama)
Cool down in Hiruzen Highlands with refreshingly cold and clean water from Shiogama springs, said to produce one of Japan’s most delicious waters. This campsite has something for everyone: whether it’s glamping or sleeping under the stars in a sleeping bag. Local produce available for BBQ. Kids can enjoy the netted adventure park among the trees.
Accommodation: Camping, Glamping
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, blankets, tables, chairs 
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Food available for purchase.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Hiruzen IC on the Yonago Expressway.
Address: 27-50 Hiruzenshimofukuda, Maniwa, Okayama-ken 〒717-0504

Yunose Onsen Camp (Okayama)
After a day of setting up camp, BBQ and playing in the river, check out the highlight of this camp: Yunose Onsen’s hot springs.
Accommodation: Camping, Bungalows
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: No 
BBQ Facilities: No
Access: 50 minutes by car from Okayama IC on the Tomei Sanyo Expressway or 30 minutes from Ukan IC on the Okayama Expressway.
Address: 1538 Toyookashimo, Kibichuo, Kaga District, Okayama-ken 〒709-2661
Tel: (0867) 35-0539

Chirorin Village Camp (Okayama)
This campsite overlooks the Chugoku mountains but it is unique for its on-site activities including geocaching and drone flying. There is also a small farm. If you’re lucky, you might be able to sight wild owls and foxes.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping, Cabins, Bungalows, Trailers
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, lanterns, blankets, tables, chairs 
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Food available for purchase.
Access: 50 minutes by car from Okayama IC on the Tomei Sanyo Expressway or 30 minutes from Ukan IC on the Okayama Expressway.
Address: 1612-1 Kanse Kibichuo, Kaga-gun, Okayama-ken 〒709-2401

Sunagawa-koen Camp (Okayama)
This campsite along the Sunagawa River features a water slide in summer. 
Accommodation: Camping
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: No
BBQ Facilities: No
Access: A 15-minute walk from Hattori Station on the Kibi Line.
Address: 792 Kuroo, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken 〒719-1105
Tel: (0866) 92-1118

Matsue Shinji Furusato Forest Park (Shimane)
This campsite is in Matsue Shinji Furusato Forest Park and is a gateway to exploring Izumo City, home to the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. Seafood BBQ available for purchase at a reasonable price. Inasa Beach is located close by.
Accommodation: Camping, Glamping, Auto Camping, Lodges
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags and mats, chairs, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes.
Access: Five minutes by car from Shinji IC or ten minutes by car from JR Shinji Station.
Address: 3353-2 Sasou, Shinji-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken 〒699-0406

Canoe no Sato Oochi (Shimane)
Become an expert paddler at this canoeing and kayaking campsite near Gonokawa River, the largest river of the Chugoku region.
Accommodation: Camping, Trailers
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, tarp, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes.
Access: 60 minutes by car from Miyoshi IC on the Chugoku Expressway.
Address: 54-1 Kamemura Misato, Ochi-gun, Shimane-ken 〒699-4707

Matsue Shinji Furusato Shinrin-koen Camp (Shimane)
Shimane’s brackish Lake Shinji produces delicious seafood and offers beautiful sunset views. There are many cultural attractions near the campsite including Matsue Castle and Shinjiko Onsen. 
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping, Cabins, Cottages, Log Houses
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, tables, chairs 
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Food available for purchase
Access: 20 minutes by bus from Shinji Station to Shinrin Koen Bus Stop.
Address: 3353-2 Sasou, Shinji-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken 〒699-0406

DACG Daisen Auto Camp (Tottori)
This campsite is at the base of Mt. Daisen, the Chugoku region’s highest mountain popular for its similar appearance to Mt. Fuji. Daisen Onsen is located close by. Learn more about Tottori here.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping
English-Speaking Staff:  No
Rental Equipment: Tents, tarp, sleeping mats and bags, chairs, tables, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 15 minutes by car from Mizoguchi IC on the Yonago Expressway or 25 minutes by car from Daisen Smart IC.
Address: Fukukane, Hoki, Saihaku District, Tottori 〒689-4216

Tanpori-sou (Tottori)
Cool off with sawanobori, navigating up the clear Saji River which flows along the campsite. The majestic Sanno Waterfall is also a 15-minute walk from the camp. Meals available at the lodge (must be reserved one week prior to stay).
Accommodation: Camping, Lodges, Cottages
English-Speaking Staff:  No
Rental Equipment: No
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 60 minutes by car from Tottori Station.
Address: 108-2 Sajichonaka, Tottori-ken, 〒689-1325

Tottori Nichinan Mura Mokumoku Camp (Tottori)
This 600-meter-high campsite opened in August 2020 and sits at the border of Shimane, Tottori, Hiroshima, and Okayama prefectures. Great for families with pets as there is a dog run park.
Accommodation: Camping, Glamping, Cabins
English-Speaking Staff:  No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags and mats, tarp, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Food available for purchase.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway or 20 minutes by taxi from JR Ikuyama Station.
Address: 2962-1 Kadonokami Nichinan, Hino-gun, Tottori-ken 〒689-5662

Ryokusui Lake Camp (Tottori)
Tottori is said to have the clearest night sky visibility in Japan. Camp under starry skies at this campsite nestled in the highlands on the border of Tottori and Shimane prefectures. You can also rent full camping gear by Japanese outdoor brand Snowpeak here.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping
English-Speaking Staff:  No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, table, chairs, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 20 minutes by car from Yonago City (Yonago Nishi IC) on National Road 180 or 30 minutes from Mizoguchi IC for those coming from Okayama or the Kansai region. 20 minutes by taxi or car from JR Yonago Station.
Address: 1128-1 Shimonakatani Nambu, Saihaku-gun, Tottori-ken 〒683-0343

Yanagijaya Camp (Tottori) – FREE
This free campsite provides easy access to Tottori’s famous landmark including the Tottori Sakyu (sand dunes).
Accommodation: Camping
English-Speaking Staff:  No
Rental Equipment: No
BBQ Facilities: No
Access: 30 minutes by bus from Tottori Station to Tottori Sakyu Kodomo-no-kuni Bus Stop.
Address: 1157-115 Hamasaka, Tottori-shi, Tottori-ken 〒680-0001

HOKKAIDO | TOHOKU | CHUBU | KANTO | KANSAI | CHUGOKU | SHIKOKU | KYUSHU | OKINAWA | CAMPING CAR RENTALS | KIDS’ SUMMER CAMPS

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Li...

Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

Kumano’s Path Less ...

A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

Categories