Camping in Japan?

[yellowlightman]

Not sure if this is an okay place to post this, but you gusy seem pretty knowledgeable about Japan in general so I figured I'd ask here.

I'm currently planning my second trip to Japan for this summer (starting researching for it early) and I've discovered that camping seems to be a cheap way to stay in Japan when not in bigger cities. Has anyone here ever done it, or even better, have any info about it? The JNTO has information on some, but only about sixty out of the supposed 2800+ around Japan.

For that matter does anyoen have any other recommendations for cheap travel or lodging in Japan? I've found some cheap places online and I'm kicking aroudn theidea of hitchiking for some of it, but new ideas woudl be really appreciated.

Currently my plan is to fly into Kansai, visit friends in Okayama then Kyushu, travel along the northern coast of Chugaku (how rural is it?) then back to Himeji, Kyoto and on to Tokyo over the period of 1-2 months.

I've taken about four years of Japanese and been there before, so I'm not looking for your typical tour bus and business hotel type vacation.
Thanks in advance.

[Big Booger]

Well dude,
I can tell you I have been camping here. Went to Fukui for the weekend, pitched a tent right on the beach for free.. Made a fire, roasted hotdogs, swam in the ocean the works..

Some sites that might help you:

KAO SITE:
http://www.koa.com/where/japan/

Great English source
http://gojapan.about.com/library/weekly/aa070201.htm

Outdoor Japan:
http://www.outdoorjapan.com/columns/backroads-8e.html

Japanese only site:
http://www.an.wakwak.com/~asakawa/camp.html

Another Japanese Only Site:
http://www.campjo.com/

heading to Kanto?
http://www.insite-tokyo.com/column/tom/index03.html

That should help you out.

You can also do Temple stays.. but you better be able to speak Japanese quite well:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2025.html

that site above lists all the different kids of accommodations Japan has to offer on the cheap.

From that site:
Dormitories
typically 1,500 to 3,000 Yen per night and person
Dormitories, usually housed in older buildings, can mainly be found in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

Youth Hostels
typically 2,500 to 3,500 Yen per night and member
Japanese youth hostels do not differ much from the ones in North America or Europe. Click here for more information.

Capsule hotels
typically 3,000 to 4,000 Yen per night and capsule
Capsule hotels offer nothing but a bed in a small capsule, a television and a shared bathroom. They target business men and people who missed the last train. Some capsule hotels are for men only.

Love hotels
typically 6,000 to 12,000 Yen per room and overnight stay
Not meant as tourist lodgings, love hotels are visited by couples who wish to enjoy some undisturbed time together. Click here for more information.

Temples
typically 3,000 to 10,000 Yen per person and night
It is possible for tourists to overnight at some Buddhist temples. One of the best places to experience a night at a temple is Mount Koya.

Minshuku
typically 4,000 to 9,000 Yen per night and person
Minshuku are Japanese style bed and breakfasts. Click here for more information.

Pensions
typically 4,000 to 12,000 Yen per night and person
Pensions offer Western style rooms and are usually family run. Breakfast and sometimes dinner is included in the room rate. Some pensions feature a special theme (for example, German style) with rooms decorated and meals prepared accordingly.

Ryokan
typically 4,000 to 15,000 Yen per night and person
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns and a must for travelers who wish to experience a little bit of traditional Japanese lifestyle. Click here for more information.

Business hotels
typically 5,000 to 9,000 Yen for a single room and 7,000 to 12,000 Yen for a double room
Business hotels target business people. They offer small Western style rooms, and snacks and drinks are available at vending machines.

Western style hotels
typically starting around 10,000 Yen for a single room and 12,000 Yen for a double room
Western style hotels, including various international and Japanese chain hotels, can be found in all Japanese cities. Use the above form to search and reserve hotel rooms online.


Longer stays

Gaijin houses
typically 50,000 to 100,000 Yen per month and person
Gaijin houses, also politically correctly known as guesthouses, are among the most inexpensive ways to stay in Japan. Rooms are usually rented on a monthly basis, but some houses offer them also for shorter periods. Click here for more information.

Homestay
Living with a Japanese family. Popular among international exchange students.

Club Tocoo!
Last-minute booking service, able to offer incredibly low rates for ryokan, minshuku and hotels across Japan.
Japanese Temple Accommodation (BuddhaNet)
Information on temple accommodation.
visit the link directory for more links


Lonely Planet Japan
Book by Chris Rowthorn
Gateway to Japan
Book by Kodansha
Eyewitness Travel Guides: Japan
Book by DK Travel Writers


September 11, 2003

Copyright © 1996-2003 Kinboshi Media All rights reserved
site map - privacy policy - contact us - advertising - home

Prices vary according to the economy and the strength of the yen.. as well as the location..

I have stayed in a capsule hotel in Kobe.. not too bad.. 1 room 6 futon, 6 sleepers per room.. if you don't mind sharing it is not so bad.. If you get a person who snores or stinks, you're screwed.