Are you hesitant to try winter camping because you think it's too cold?
Winter camping offers a sense of the extraordinary that summer camping doesn't provide. If you've been avoiding it because of the cold, you should give it a try.
The appeal of winter camping
The appeal of motorcycle touring and camping
Essential equipment and items for winter camping
Clothing needed for winter camping
Shoes: Water-repellent shoes with a fleece lining are ideal. Insoles will add extra warmth.
Outerwear: A down jacket is essential. Choose one that blocks the wind.
Since sparks from the campfire will fly, it's recommended to wear fire-resistant clothing.
Make sure to choose warm shoes to match.
Recommended outfits for men
Layering clothes is a good idea when it's cold, but simply layering them without any thought can make you look bulky, which is a bit of a shame.
By using wool as underwear, a highly insulating fleece as a mid-layer, and a windproof fabric as the outermost layer, you can maintain functionality while also looking stylish.
Recommended outfits for women
Be careful not to let your lower body get cold.
I recommend wearing a knit or quilted wrap skirt over leggings or tights.
Recommended clothing for children
Running around in nature will quickly make you sweat profusely, so choose moisture-wicking and quick-drying underwear for your child.
We pack more changes of clothes than adults.
For winter camping, heating is essential to combat the cold.
Winter camping bedding (sleeping bag, mat, cot, blanket)
Choosing a sleeping bag with good insulation will help you get a comfortable night's sleep.
Another way to block out the cold is to combine it with a cot.
A cot is an efficient way to block out the cold.
Prepare a sleeping bag with slightly over-engineered features.
Sleeping bags are expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, try to save money by allocating it to heating.
Recommended stoves
While large campfires and wood-burning stoves with chimneys extending from tents create a charming atmosphere, kerosene stoves that don't require electricity are recommended for beginners.
Don't forget to have a carbon monoxide detector ready.
A recommendation for camping with a heated table (kotatsu)
If the campsite has a power outlet, a heated table (kotatsu) would also be a good option.
Your back will get cold, so prepare a blanket or something similar.
Your child will want to dive in. Please be careful to prevent burns.
Intertwining your legs with your family will keep you warm, and it's also a great way to bond with each other – killing two birds with one stone!
It would be even better if there were oranges.
Winter camping cooking and meals
Recommended recipes
A hot pot that warms you to the core
For winter camping meals, a warming hot pot is definitely the best choice.
Once you've finished eating, add some udon noodles to make it even more filling.
breakfast
The air and our bodies are freezing in the morning. How about coffee for Dad, and hot cocoa for Mom and the kids?
Adding a hot sandwich to that makes for a simple yet warm meal.
Let's go winter camping!
If you're unsure, start with lodge or cottage camping.
Camping in the snow without any prior planning takes courage, doesn't it?
In such cases, starting with a stay in a lodge or cottage is a good option.
With this setup, heating is sometimes provided, making winter camping much more accessible.
Recommended campsites
Recommended campsites for your first winter camping trip
Here are three key points to keep in mind when choosing a campsite for your first winter camping trip.
Camping is possible even without all the necessary equipment, but it's always better to have it. Consider it as a precaution.
- AC outlet: This allows you to use appliances such as the kotatsu (heated table), electric carpet, and electric foot warmer mentioned earlier.
- Hot springs attached to the campsite: You can soak in the hot springs before going to bed and feel warm and cozy before falling asleep. If the campsite is far away, it gets dark in winter, which makes driving risky.
- Lodges: Even if you plan to spend the night in a tent, there are times when you just can't fall asleep. In such situations, having a lodge to take refuge in provides peace of mind.
Another thing is that I always change my car's tires to snow tires.
Even if it's sunny in the plains, it's common to find snow cover deep in the mountains.
Chains are only for emergencies. Replace them beforehand.
Oarai Campsite
access
Joban Expressway via Tomobe JCT
10 minutes from Mito-Oarai IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway/Higashi-Mito Road.
- Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo
- Approximately 30 minutes from Kasama
- Approximately 2 hours from Oyama
- Approximately 1 hour from Kashima
Forest bathing – a pleasant wooded campsite selected as one of Japan's Top 100.
The renovated cabins are equipped with air conditioning.
The cabins have bunk beds, but bedding is not provided, so you will need to bring your own.
We also have a wide selection of rental equipment.
Shiobara Green Village
1230 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture 329-2921
Tohoku Expressway: From Nishinasuno-Shiobara Interchange, take National Route 400 towards Shiobara for 14km.
Tohoku Expressway: From Kuroiso-Itamuro Interchange, take National Route 400 towards Shiobara for 20km.
From National Route 4, head towards Shiobara at the Mishima intersection in Nasushiobara City for approximately 18 km.
From Kinugawa/Kawaji Onsen area, take the Nichien Momiji Line (600 yen for regular cars) to Shiobara Onsen town.
The cottages are very well-equipped.
In addition to heating, the rooms are equipped with down comforters, a microwave, and even an indoor bath.
With this, you can enjoy the crisp winter air with peace of mind.
ACN Santa Hills
967 Miwa, Nakagawa-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
access
Route from Utsunomiya Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway (approximate travel time: 45 minutes)
From the Utsunomiya IC exit on the Imaichi/Nikko/Ujiie/National Route 293 side, go straight and turn right at the intersection with National Route 293.
You will eventually reach a dead end with National Route 4, but turn right and then turn left at the "Kawagishi" traffic light about 1 km ahead. Continue on National Route 293 again.
Continue straight for about 30 minutes, pass the "Nakagawa Town" sign, and go down the hill. You will see a traffic light and a Santa Hills sign, so turn left.
Route from Naka Interchange on the Joban Expressway (estimated travel time: 70 minutes)
From the Naka Interchange exit, head north on National Route 118.
Turn left at the "Higashitomi" intersection with National Route 293, about 10km ahead, and continue straight for about 40 minutes.
Entering Nakagawa Town, you'll pass Nasu Ogawa GC and Jun Classic CC in about 10 minutes. Soon after, you'll see a traffic light and a Santa Hills sign, so turn right.
Common routes for nearby areas
Continue straight along the road for about 2 km, and you will see a Santa Hills sign on a utility pole on your left, so turn left there.
Continue straight ahead, and at the first Y-junction, turn right. After 200 meters, you will see a sign for the Santa Hills entrance; turn right to enter.
This campsite has a Christmas theme and is particularly well-equipped with cottages.
The cottages are handmade by the staff and feature fireplaces and hearths.
A private dog run is available, allowing you to enjoy nature with your pet.
