Hiking And Camping In Autumn


2017.03.31

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Despite priding itself on its distinct seasons, Japan tends to skip over a bunch of autumn activities as it jumps from Halloween to Christmas.

  • However, for the city dwellers who are looking for an escape, autumn is the perfect season to sneak in some hiking and camping. While most people are already making their ski trip plans, enjoying the crisp air of a Japanese mountain side is always worth the trip. Thankfully, even if you are on a tight budget you can make your way to greener pastures without too much trouble.

  • 02

    Finding the Right Spot

    A quick search for decent trails or camping spots is more than likely to leave you lost along your tabs with a mix of blog entries and indecipherable Japanese websites. Your best bet is to ask some locals about where to go to enjoy whatever outdoor activity you want to do.

    A quick trip to the local tourist center or ward office is bound to be fruitful as most local governments encourage visits to their parks and recreational landmarks

    New in town? A quick trip to the local tourist center or ward office is bound to be fruitful as most local governments encourage visits to their parks and recreational landmarks. After receiving a thick stack of flyers, you will also get the briefing on the rules and regulations that keep campsites and trails so pristine. Because most Japanese people tend to consider camping and hiking to be spring and summer activities, you will find making reservations to be much less of a hassle. In the autumn seasons, it is likely that you will have an entire place to yourself.

    Once you find a spot with the right balance of river to mountain ratio, the next step is getting there.

    If you are going to drive, think small. A big car is not fun on narrow two-way roads.

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    Getting to Remote Areas

    More than often, the trip out to the more rural parts of Tokyo can be just as rewarding as the final destination. Taking in the scenery of quaint rice farms while listening to the chimes of old, but faithful train cars will make you feel like you have been transported into your favorite Miyazaki film. Japan’s public transport has amazing coverage, so be sure to plan out your trip with our favorite NAVITIME for Japan Travel app before you set out ; )

    If you can find enough adventurers to go with you, renting a car is also a great option to give you a bit more freedom at your final destination. It might even save you some cash if you plan things out right. Having your own transport can be a lifesaver if you end up camping overnight at a remote spot, even if it is just to stock up at the local convenient store. The most important thing is to rent a car as small as you can. Getting around some of the tight roads in mountainous areas can be a scary experience.

    Investing in a decent sleeping bag is the first step to preventing a pleasant trip from going downhill fast…

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    What to Expect

    Most camping sites are relatively well-equipped with running ground water, a fully lit bathroom, and usually some barbecuing equipment you can buy or rent. However, as far as the camping gear goes, make sure to come with everything you need. Investing in a decent sleeping bag is the first step to preventing a pleasant trip from going downhill fast since temperatures drop into the night.

    If you cannot find a friend to lend you a tent, you can pick up a decent one at any sporting goods store. It might be harder to find camping gear at the usual odds and ends store, as they have probably made the switch to Christmas items by late-October. Otherwise, Amazon Japan might be a decent option.

    Every campground has its own rules about check-in times, fires, and what goes where. There is usually a fee of between JPY 500 – 2,500 that is paid to the groundskeeper when you arrive. Even if your surroundings do not look like downtown Tokyo anymore, the rules all still apply. Save yourself the headache, stick to the rules, and head back home completely refreshed with some great stories to tell.

    Posts by Jimi Okelana

    Hikawa Camping Ground
    rating

    4.0

    14 Reviews
    place
    Tokyo Nishitama-gun Okutamamachi Hikawa 702
    phone
    0428832134
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