It all started when an acquaintance of my wife owned several plots of land in the countryside outside Beijing. The land was available, but no one wanted to come, and access from the city center was inconvenient, so it couldn't be used for apartments or shops. She asked if we could come up with a good idea and wanted to create something right away.
It was 2019. Back then, the world didn't really know the word "corona" except in reference to beer.
At the time, the concept was "enjoying abundant nature even though there's nothing around," and since there was a cycling course nearby, we were trying to create a hotel for cycling enthusiasts where they could get their bikes maintained, eat meals, and stay overnight.
Even before the world was in an uproar over COVID-19, China was already buzzing about a strange infectious disease that had started spreading in Wuhan around the end of 2019.
I made numerous site visits, and as soon as we started the project, the travel mood in China suddenly disappeared, the era shifted to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the plan was scrapped.
Later, I became an executive at a web-related company, and during the pandemic, I worked too much remotely, which took a toll on my mental health. So, I drove to Okutama on a whim, seeking release from my stress in nature. The scenery before me was a mountain landscape that I'm sure hadn't changed in 10, 20, or even longer. The scent of trees. The chirping of birds I'd never heard in the city. I was completely captivated by all of this, and that's how I started solo camping.
Then, in 2023, the idea that had fallen through back then resurfaced: "Can we do something in Beijing?"
The camping industry in China has grown tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic. I decided without hesitation: I'm going to build a campsite in China.
What makes a good campsite?
When I used to camp in Japan, I didn't go to wild campsites very often, and I used campgrounds with fewer people. But since coming here, I've come to realize how well-designed Japanese campgrounds are. Japanese campgrounds have a way of pleasing all five senses. I've summarized the conditions I've noticed so far in bullet points.
- The site has a good balance of tall trees and a large usable area.
- In places with water, such as rivers, the water itself must be clean.
- There must be enough space for a car to pass through.
- The ground is divided into sections with gravel and grass, making it easy to drive pegs anywhere.
- There is a spectacular view.
- It has a scent that evokes nature.
- It's easy to drive in by car and load and unload luggage.
- Having experiences that you'll want to tell others about, like "I was able to see fireflies."
These are just some of the things that came to mind off the top of my head. I'll be working hard from today towards the opening next year, aiming to fulfill each of these goals one by one.
