5 Camping Spots In & Around Tokyo

It's time to get out of the concrete jungle and get back in touch with nature.

Now that summer is heavily upon us with its scorching nights and long days, there’s no better time to escape the sweltering, concrete-reflected heat of inner-city Tokyo. Luckily, there are plenty of incredible outdoor getaways just a short trip away, including some of the best camping spots in and around Tokyo.

From lush mountainous terrain and crystal-clear lakes to breezy beachside hangouts and rustic farm-style glamping, the options are far more diverse (and closer) than you might think. Here’s a guide to some of the best.

1. Nagatoro Auto Camp (Saitama)

An ideal spot for first-time campers, or those who aren’t too keen on just living off the bare essentials, the Nagatoro Auto Camp-jo in the foliage-covered hills of Chichibu, Saitama, is definitely worth looking into. Beyond the plentiful facilities, what makes this place so special is its idyllic location. Tucked deep between towering hills, it is a watersports and hiking haven on the banks of the Arakawa River.

The fully equipped site features a small convenience store, a rental outlet for camping equipment, vending machines, on-site BBQ facilities, and even prepared meal sets for sale, ready to be cooked on the aforementioned BBQs. If you don’t have a tent, don’t sweat it. There are also rental cabins available on-site, as well as more classic camping areas.

• Location: 559-1 Ido, Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture (Google Map Link)
• Price: Campsite fee: From ¥1,800〜; Individual usage fee: ¥800 (Adults), ¥400 (Children), ¥400 (Pets); Free for preschool children and under. Add up the campsite fee with the number of users for the total price.
• Open: March to the end of December

2. Wakasu Park Camping Ground (Tokyo)

Did you know you can go camping by the waterfront practically in the center of Tokyo? Sitting at the tip of the peninsula just south of Shin-Kiba Station, looking out onto Tokyo Bay is where you’ll find Wakasu Park Camping Ground, a breezy open campsite with open views of the sea backdropped by some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, including Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Gate Bridge and of course Mt. Fuji.

If you don’t have the time or means to travel too far, this is an ideal spot to satisfy your campsite cravings without having to overcommit or over-prepare. The site features communal BBQ facilities, a kitchen and plenty of nearby attractions, including tennis courts, a golf range, and the shopping centers of Odaiba.

Please note that this campground will be temporarily closed for renovation starting in April 2025.

• Location: 3-2-1 Wakasu, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
• Price: Daycamp: ¥300 (Adults), Overnight: ¥600 (Adults). These prices may change once the renovation is complete.
• Open: All year round, except Tuesdays and some days at the end of the year

3. The Farm (Chiba)

Glamping (‘glam’ camping) is a vacationing style that has gained some serious traction across the world over the past decade, including here in Japan. Combining the best bits of camping with the best bits of enjoying a luxury holiday, it’s pretty much a win-win situation for nature lovers and high-maintenance holiday goers alike. Glamping facility The Farm in Chiba has garnered a reputation for being one of the best in Kanto, so if you’re new to the camping world, it’s an ideal place to start.

Located in Katori City, Chiba, about an hour and a half from Tokyo by car, The Farm is divided up into high-end campgrounds and more regular lodges, both with access to an on-site natural onsen (hot spring), BBQ facilities, and a café which serves locally harvested produce. Offering fully equipped tents and day use facilities, it’s a great place to go if you’re planning a short visit or want to go on a camping adventure but don’t want to go out and buy all the necessities.

• Location: 1309-29 Nishitabe, Katori-shi, Chiba (Google Map Link)
• Price: From ¥9,900 per person
• Open: All year round, check online for available dates

4. Kouan Campsite (Yamanashi)

Sitting along the banks of Lake Motosu at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Kouan Campsite is one of the most surreal and stunning camping locations near Tokyo. The site is split into two sides, north and south. Hot tip: Take the north side for the best view of Mt. Fuji and its towering snow-capped reflection on the calm, tranquil waters of Lake Motosu. This site is so picturesque that it has been immortalized on the back of the ¥1,000 note.

The perfect place to really leave it all behind and get back to the basics, the area does have nearby restaurants, BBQ facilities and cabins. Rental equipment, however, isn’t available, so it’s best to be prepared.

• Location: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi (Google Map Link)
• Price: Campsite fee: ¥1,400; Individual usage fee: ¥1,000 (Adults), ¥600 (Children). Add up the campsite fee with the number of users for the total price.
• Open: From March to end of December

5. Hikawa Campground (Tokyo)

© Photo by Hikawa Campground

Popular with locals, but still a relatively well-kept secret beyond those in the know, the area of Okutama is an excellent summer retreat just a short trip from inner-city Tokyo. Home to the picturesque and clear Tama and Nippara rivers, this mountain-surrounded, foliage-carpeted pocket of Japan is the perfect place to set up camp, escape, and enjoy the rejuvenating Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, also known as ‘forest bathing’ or, in layman’s terms, immersing yourself in nature.

In terms of categories, this campsite sits nicely in the middle of the spectrum between ‘back to basics’ and ‘glamping.’ On-site, you’ll find nearby convenience stores, BBQ facilities, and rental shops where you can pick up any necessities you may have left at home.

• Location: 702 Hikawa, Okutama-cho, Nishitama District, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
• Price: Campsite fee: ¥2,000 per person (Primary school students and above)
• Open: All year round except for December 28 to January 5

Camping in Japan Tips

© Photo by iStock: visualspace

Weather

Summer in Tokyo can be the best time of year to go camping. However, with the recent heat waves and annual typhoons that take hold during this time, it can also be some of the most dangerous months. Be sure to always check weather forecasts and be prepared for any potential wild weather outbreaks. Also, many campgrounds are closed in winter.

Plan Ahead

Especially throughout the summer months (July to August), camping is a pretty popular local pastime in Japan. If there’s a place you really have your heart set on, it’s safest to book well in advance. Also note that the national week-long holiday Obon runs through mid-August (usually, Aug 13-15). There may be a little extra competition nabbing a spot during that time.

Bathing

If your campsite doesn’t have bathing facilities, don’t sweat it. There’s a pretty high chance you’ll be within a short distance of an onsen (hot spring) or sento (public bath). An easy Google search should be able to point you in the right direction.

Garbage

This should be a given, no matter where you camp in the world. However, always be aware of your environmental impact on the area in which you’re staying. As many are probably already aware, Japan has fewer garbage bins than many other cities, so do be prepared to bring your trash home with you if need be.

Let us know if you visit any of these camping spots in and around Tokyo!