The story began when my wife's acquaintance, who owned multiple plots of land in a rural area on the outskirts of Beijing, approached us. He had the land, but it wasn't attracting visitors, and its access from the city center was inconvenient. Therefore, it couldn't be developed into apartments or shops. He asked if we had any good ideas and expressed a desire to build something immediately if a good idea came up.
That was in 2019. It was a time when the world wasn't very familiar with the word "corona" outside of beer.
At that time, the concept was "enjoying abundant nature even though there's nothing else around." Since there was a cycling course nearby, we planned to build a hotel for cycling enthusiasts where they could maintain their bikes, eat, and stay overnight.
Before the world started buzzing about COVID, China had already begun to discuss a strange infectious disease spreading in Wuhan around the end of 2019.
After several site visits and just as the project began, the travel mood in China suddenly vanished due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this plan was canceled.
After that, I became an executive at a web company, and working remotely too much during the pandemic caused me mental distress. I drove to Okutama on a whim, seeking to relieve stress in nature. Before my eyes stretched a mountain that had probably looked the same 10, 20 years ago, and even longer. The smell of trees. The chirping of birds I'd never heard in the city. Completely captivated by these, I began solo camping.
Then, in 2023, the previously canceled plan resurfaced. "Can we do something in Beijing?" During the pandemic, the camping industry in China had grown significantly. I decided without hesitation: let's build a campsite in China.
What makes a good campsite?
When I used to camp in Japan, I rarely went to wild camping spots, preferring campsites with fewer people. After coming here, I realized how well-designed those Japanese campsites were. Japanese campsites have a way of delighting all five senses. I've compiled a list of conditions I've noticed so far:
- Tall trees growing in good balance, with ample space for campsites.
- If there's a body of water like a river, the water itself should be clean.
- Enough space for vehicles to pass.
- The ground should be divided into gravel and grass sections, making it easy to pitch pegs anywhere.
- There is a spectacular view.
- There are natural scents.
- Vehicles can drive in and out, making loading and unloading easy.
- The ability to have an experience worth talking about, such as "seeing fireflies."
That's just off the top of my head. To fulfill each of these conditions, I'll be working hard from today until next year's opening.
