If you're thinking of going camping but find the idea of gathering all the gear daunting, we recommend campsites where you can enjoy "empty-handed camping."
The Kanto region offers numerous facilities where you can easily enjoy camping without bringing any equipment.
This article introduces a selection of top empty-handed campsites in the Kanto region.
What you'll learn in this article
・Discover empty-handed campsites accessible from Kanto
Contents of this article
- Reasons to recommend empty-handed camping
- 6 recommended empty-handed campsites in Kanto
- 3 recommended empty-handed campsites near Kanto
- Precautions for empty-handed camping
- Summary
Reasons to recommend empty-handed camping
Empty-handed camping is a service that allows you to enjoy camping without bringing almost anything.
The Kanto region has many campsites that support empty-handed camping, enjoyed by a wide range of people from beginners to veterans.
Here, we will explain in detail why we recommend empty-handed camping.
Rent equipment and camp easily
At empty-handed campsites, you can rent all the necessary camping items.
Essentials like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils are included in the plan, saving beginners the hassle of preparing their own gear.
Some campsites even set up the tent for you, so you can start enjoying camping immediately upon arrival without spending time on tent pitching.
No need for equipment storage or maintenance
With empty-handed camping, you don't need to buy, store, or maintain your own camping gear.
Using equipment provided at the campsite can significantly save you time and cost.
Moreover, empty-handed camping is extremely convenient for those who don't have space to store camping equipment at home.
Accommodation and leisure facilities are also available
Some empty-handed campsites also have accommodation facilities such as cottages and bungalows, or leisure facilities like amusement parks and hot springs.
If tent camping is difficult with small children, you can use these facilities with peace of mind.
Combining it with leisure facilities doubles the fun of camping.
6 recommended empty-handed campsites in Kanto
Ibaraki: Daigo Koiki Koen Auto Campsite Green Villa
Daigo Koiki Koen Auto Campsite Green Villa is an entertainment facility with a variety of options, allowing you to enjoy camping not only in tents but also in trailers and cabins.
It also features a spacious hot spring, where you can soothe your fatigue from camping and hiking while enjoying a barbecue.
Nearby is the famous Fukuroda Falls, making it a perfect camping spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in nature.
Chiba: Narita Yume Bokujo Family Auto Campsite
Narita Yume Bokujo Family Auto Campsite is a popular campsite where you can interact with various animals like sheep, goats, and rabbits.
Within its vast grounds, there are a total of 7 camping areas.
The tent pitching spaces and cooking areas are separate, allowing for comfortable and clean camping.
Some plans include a barbecue set, making it a popular facility where you can easily enjoy the outdoors empty-handed.
Ibaraki: Oarai Sun Beach Campsite
Oarai Sun Beach Campsite is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of the sea and marine activities.
Various marine activities are popular here, such as dragnet fishing, clamming, sea fishing, and Canadian canoeing.
The campsite is divided into areas such as a covered camping area, a high-ground area, and a family area, offering the appeal of being able to spend a satisfying time according to your preferences.
Saitama: Dairaira Observatory Star and Green Creation Center
The Dairaira Observatory Star and Green Creation Center is a unique campsite that has been redeveloped from a National Astronomical Observatory observation site.
Within its grounds, there is an observation dome, and stargazing events are also held.
It's a recommended place for those who want to enjoy beautiful starry skies.
The Star and Green Creation Center offers not only Mongolian-style tents but also log houses and bungalows.
Day camping is also possible, making it a popular spot for those who want to enjoy a casual barbecue.
Gunma: Kawarayu Onsen Station Campsite
Kawarayu Onsen Station Campsite is a well-maintained campsite where even beginners can feel at ease.
Tents and sleeping bags are provided, so you can easily enjoy camping empty-handed.
Day trip barbecues are also available.
You can also experience marine sports like kayaking and SUP, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy time close to nature.
"Asobi no Kichi NOA" nearby also has a hot spring, so you can relax and recover after a day of fun activities.
Kanagawa: Kamigo Mori no Ie
Kamigo Mori no Ie is a conveniently located campsite in Yokohama City.
Friendly staff are always on hand to support beginners, and you can enjoy camping by pitching your tent on individual, independent decks.
It offers day-trip barbecues and glamping options, making it an attractive spot that caters to various needs.
Kamigo Mori no Ie also has a large public bath, so you can relax and soothe your fatigue in the hot spring after working up a sweat with activities.
Furthermore, it boasts facilities like a cafe restaurant and studio, adding to its appeal with diverse ways to enjoy your time.
3 recommended empty-handed campsites near Kanto
Nagano: Snow Peak LAND STATION HAKUBA
Snow Peak LAND STATION HAKUBA is a campsite located in the beautiful highlands of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.
It offers a wide range of camping equipment rental services, and you can stay in pre-pitched tents.
Lecture services for beginners are also available, making it highly recommended for first-time campers.
The site also has cafes and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy various dining options during your camping trip, not just barbecue.
It's a wonderful campsite where you can fully enjoy the outdoors in an open environment surrounded by nature.
Shizuoka: PICA Fuji Greenpa
PICA Fuji Greenpa is a unique campsite with an amusement park attached.
With a variety of attractions, children are sure to have a blast at the amusement park.
Pre-pitched tents and cottages themed after Sylvanian Families are available.
For camping barbecues, there's also a set where you can enjoy "Fujinokuni," a brand-name pork from Shizuoka Prefecture.
PICA Fuji Greenpa also has bathing facilities, guaranteeing a comfortable stay for both adults and children.
Yamanashi: Belga Ojira no Mori Campsite
Belga Ojira no Mori Campsite is a family-friendly campsite with extensive services.
During peak season, only 2 families are accepted, leading to fierce reservation competition.
You can play in the Ojira River within the grounds and relax in the secluded brownish hot spring, "Ojiro no Yu."
It's an attractive leisure spot where you can experience various activities.
Camping equipment can be rented, and unique services like baking Baumkuchen over a bonfire are also offered.
It's a wonderful place to deepen family bonds in a warm environment surrounded by nature.
Precautions for empty-handed camping
While empty-handed camping offers the great advantage of easily enjoying camping, unexpected problems can arise if you're not accustomed to it.
Here, we've summarized precautions you should keep in mind for empty-handed camping, so please use them as a reference.
Prepare appropriate camping attire
With empty-handed camping, equipment like tents and sleeping bags can be rented, but you need to prepare your own clothes.
During summer camping in Kanto, the climate at the campsite can differ significantly from your home area.
Especially when camping in the highlands, be aware that temperatures can be unexpectedly low, making you feel cold.
It's also important to prepare outerwear and rain gear to cope with weather changes.
Since temperatures often rise during the day, don't forget to prepare items like hats to prevent heatstroke.
Prepare insect repellent and sunscreen
At campsites, insects can be abundant, and you may be exposed to strong sunlight.
It's convenient to have insect repellent spray or cream to avoid being bothered by mosquitoes, horseflies, and midges.
While you can avoid direct sunlight under a tent, it's recommended to apply sunscreen.
When outdoors, wearing a hat or long-sleeved clothing is also an effective measure.
Observe campsite etiquette
Observing etiquette is extremely important at any campsite, whether it's one that supports empty-handed camping or a general one.
To avoid inconveniencing other campers, take your trash with you or dispose of it in designated areas, and avoid making loud noises.
When using shared facilities, it's expected that you share and cooperate with others.
Cherish the natural environment of the campsite and strive to maintain it in a beautiful state for future visitors.
Summary
The Kanto region boasts numerous unique campsites that support empty-handed camping.
Even those who are unsure about choosing or storing camping equipment can easily enjoy the outdoors with empty-handed camping.
Empty-handed camping is enjoyed by a wide range of people, from outdoor beginners to experienced campers.
Please experience the luxurious time spent in nature.
