Our family fell down the Japanese camping rabbit hole about three years ago after binge-watching Yuru Camp together on Netflix. Apparently, watching anime girls cooking outdoors and waking up to Mount Fuji was enough to convince us that we needed a tent and an entirely new hobby.
Living in Yokohama with a three-year-old, Shizuoka was an obvious place to start. It’s close enough for a weekend trip, and Yuru Camp gave us a few locations to look up before we even bought our gear. I wanted to see how those places compared with their anime versions and very quickly realised that it did not cover the miserable bits, like wrestling a dripping canvas dome in sudden rain while our toddler threw tantrums for snacks in the mud.
Still, we stayed hooked. Over the years, our family has pitched tents around most of Honshu, but Shizuoka remains our default weekend run. Yes, a big part of that is because it is an easy drive for us along the Tomei Expressway. But other than that, Shizuoka is truly one of the biggest outdoor hubs in Japan and is a camping enthusiast’s dream.
Why Is Camping in Shizuoka So Popular?
One reason Shizuoka is such a popular camping destination is the variety of landscapes within the prefecture. Around Fujinomiya, you can camp on open grassland with Mount Fuji in front of you. Further west, Lake Hamana offers a completely different setting, while inland areas such as Kakegawa have wooded campsites surrounded by greenery. Head down the Izu Peninsula and you can swap mountain views for the Pacific coast or Suruga Bay.
Mount Fuji is a big part of the appeal, of course. The Asagiri Plateau around Fujinomiya is home to several well-known campsites where the mountain dominates the view on a clear day. Just don’t plan your entire trip around seeing it: clouds can hide the summit even when the weather seems fine elsewhere.
Shizuoka is also a practical option for a weekend trip from the Tokyo area, particularly if you’re travelling by car. The prefecture is large, though, so don’t assume that every campsite is a quick drive from the next. The Asagiri Plateau, Lake Hamana and the southern Izu Peninsula are quite different destinations, and it’s worth choosing your campsite based on the kind of trip you want.
There’s also a good range of camping styles. Some sites are spacious, open grounds where you bring your own equipment and choose a spot, while others offer marked pitches, electricity or ready-made accommodation. That makes it possible to find somewhere that suits your experience level and idea of a weekend outdoors.
Campsites with Mount Fuji Views
If your trip centres on unzipping your tent to see a volcano towering over your breakfast skillet, the Asagiri Plateau around Fujinomiya is a good place to start. Several campsites here have wide-open views of the mountain with zero power lines blocking your view, but the wind is the trade-off. Very strong gusts sweep down the volcanic slopes, so be sure to bring heavy forged steel pegs.
As the area sits hundreds of metres up the foot of the mountain, camping here in the summer brings a welcome break from humid city heat, and winter mornings regularly drop well below freezing.
Fumotoppara
Location: Fumotoppara Campground on Google Maps
Official website: Fumotoppara
Fumotoppara is my favourite campsite, but I’m hardly unique in my admiration for the place. In fact, a lot of campers here refer to it as Japan’s camping mecca, and it is probably one of the first names you’ll come across when researching camping in Shizuoka. The campground covers a huge stretch of open grassland, with Mount Fuji on one side and Mount Kenashi behind you.
The site is spacious, and you can drive your car onto the camping area, making it easier to unload your gear. You also freely choose your own spot within the designated area, so you can look for a position with a good view and enough room for your set-up. Just keep in mind that a Mount Fuji-facing view isn’t guaranteed from every pitch.
Because it’s so popular, getting a booking can be a challenge. My husband and I have developed a habit of checking on Friday evenings for last-minute weekend cancellations. Sometimes, that’s our best chance of snagging a spot. I realise this might be harder if you’re visiting Japan on a tight itinerary with only a few specific dates available, though. In that case, try to book as early as possible. If everything looks full when you first check, don’t give up just yet. Keep checking, as cancellations do happen.
I also can’t stress enough how exposed the campground is. There’s little shelter from the wind, and at more than 800 metres above sea level, temperatures can drop quite a bit after sunset. Be thoughtful about the gear and clothing you bring. I say that as someone who prioritised “fashion” over practicality on my first trip and genuinely thought I was going to freeze to death.
There are no powered pitches, and generators aren’t allowed. The campground also has strict quiet-hour rules and restrictions on vehicle movement after 5 pm.
Asagiri Camp Base Sorairo
Location: Asagiri Camp Base Sorairo on Google Maps
Official website: Asagiri Camp Base Sorairo
Sorairo is another option in the Asagiri area, with several sections that have different layouts and surroundings.
Yuttari is the largest of the four free-site areas and is recommended for families and campers bringing dogs. Doppuri occupies a former baseball field, with views of Mount Fuji from across the site. If you’d prefer something quieter, Shippoli sits further out, surrounded by nature, with views of both Mount Fuji and Mount Kenashi. Mattari, meanwhile, is closest to the reception building, which is handy if you want facilities within easy reach.
Because of its facilities, Sorairo was a lifesaver for us when we were just starting out with camping and my son was a lot more fussy. They have cooking areas with hot water, warm showers, and even toilets with heated seats. These might not sound particularly exciting when you’re looking at campsite photos, but they can make family camping a lot more comfortable, especially when the weather turns cold or you have a small child who suddenly needs the toilet in the middle of the night.
Another useful option is the powered-site area, which has six individual pitches with electricity. These are located within Mattari, so if you rely on powered equipment or simply want a little more convenience, it’s worth checking availability there.
Lakeside Camping in Shizuoka
For a different kind of camping trip, Shizuoka has options beside both Lake Tanuki and Lake Hamana. Lake Tanuki, near Fujinomiya, is known for its views of Mount Fuji across the water, while Lake Hamana in western Shizuoka has a more coastal feel and easy access to local cycling, fishing and sightseeing.
Lake Tanuki Campground
Location: Lake Tanuki Campsite on Google Maps
Official website: Lake Tanuki Campground
Lake Tanuki Campground is in the Asagiri Plateau area near Fujinomiya, with Lake Tanuki in the foreground and Mount Fuji rising behind it on clear days. It’s a particularly appealing spot for photographers, but the view isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing where to pitch your tent.
This isn’t an auto-campground, so you can’t drive directly onto the tent area to unload your equipment. You’ll need to leave your car in the car park and carry your things to your chosen spot using the facility’s carts.
The campground has a large tent area, but you still need to pitch within the permitted camping zone. A spot close to the water might offer the view you’re after, while another location could be more convenient for getting to and from the car park and facilities.
Lake Tanuki is also known for Diamond Fuji, when the rising sun appears to meet Mount Fuji’s summit and the scene is reflected in the lake. The viewing period is seasonal and depends on the conditions, so check current local information if seeing it is a priority for your trip. Photographers often arrive early to get into position.
Facilities here are relatively simple, so don’t arrive expecting a fully serviced resort-style campground. Tent and sleeping-bag rentals aren’t available. Swimming is also prohibited, and you cannot bring your own canoe or boat, but rental boats are available during the season.
Hamanako Camp Field ASOVIVA
Location: Hamanako Camp Field ASOVIVA on Google Maps
Official website: ASOVIVA
Hamanako Camp Field ASOVIVA sits beside Lake Hamana in western Shizuoka. It’s a relatively small campground, with a mix of pitches and ready-made accommodation rather than one large open field where everyone spreads out wherever they like. That makes it worth considering if you’d like to camp near the lake but want a more defined set-up.
There are several ways to stay here. The options include four container rooms, two ready-pitched Nordisk tents, six sectioned pitches for campers bringing their own equipment, and a small free-site area for solo campers or duos. Some of the pitches have electricity available as an optional extra. There’s also a separate lake-facing site advertised for one group per day, so check the current booking options if that kind of stay appeals to you.
The free-site area is small and limited to two groups, so it isn’t the place to choose if you want lots of space around your tent. If you’re bringing more equipment, a sectioned pitch may be easier to manage.
Lake Hamana gives you plenty to do beyond the campsite, including cycling, fishing and visiting nearby attractions. ASOVIVA is a good fit if you’d like a lake-focused trip in western Shizuoka without needing a huge, open campground.
Forest Campsites
If you’d rather camp among trees than in an open field, Shizuoka has some good alternatives to the Mount Fuji sites. The two below offer different reasons to stay: Foresters Village Kobitto Asagiri Camp Field has a sheltered woodland setting near the Asagiri Plateau, while Narakoko-no-Sato in Kakegawa combines a hilly setting with a natural onsen nearby.
Foresters Village Kobitto Asagiri Camp Field
Location: Foresters Village Kobitto Asagiri Camp Field on Google Maps
Official website: Foresters Village Kobitto Asagiri Camp Field
If you’ve looked at photos of Fumotoppara and thought, “That looks beautiful, but where am I supposed to hide when the wind starts blowing?”, Foresters Village Kobitto Asagiri Camp Field might be more your speed. It’s in the same general Asagiri area, but instead of a huge, exposed field, you’ll find a more sheltered woodland setting.
The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. You’re choosing this site for its trees rather than for an uninterrupted view of Mount Fuji from every pitch. The wooded setting can offer some shelter, but you should still prepare for rain, wind and cold, particularly outside summer.
Kobitto is also worth considering for family camping. It has designated pitches, including powered options, as well as facilities such as hot-water washing areas and showers. There’s also a shallow stream where children can play when conditions are suitable, but always keep an eye on them and follow any on-site safety guidance.
Narakoko-no-Sato Campground
Location: Narakoko-no-Sato Campground on Google Maps
Official website: Narakoko-no-Sato
Narakoko-no-Sato is another option if you prefer greenery and the sound of running water to a wide-open campsite. It’s tucked into the hills of Kakegawa, with a stream running through the surrounding area. The setting makes it a good alternative to the Mount Fuji campsites, particularly if you’ve already done the Asagiri circuit and fancy something different.
Though wooded, the campsite is designed for car access. You can drive into the camping areas and park beside your tent or accommodation, which makes setting up and packing away much easier.
My favourite thing about the campsite, though, is Narakoko-no-Yu, the site’s natural hot spring with indoor and outdoor baths. It’s within walking distance of the camping areas, and there’s also a restaurant on the grounds. You can have a day outside, take a proper bath and get a meal without having to drive somewhere else.
Coastal Campsites
Shizuoka isn’t all Mount Fuji views and forest campsites. Head down to the Izu Peninsula, and you’ll find a completely different landscape, with rocky coastlines and sandy beaches. The western coast of Izu, in particular, is known for its scenery and sunset views across Suruga Bay. It’s a good part of the prefecture to explore if you want to swap mountain views for a campsite by the sea.
Ugusu Campground
Location: Ugusu Campground on Google Maps
Official website: Ugusu Campground
If you’re heading to Nishiizu for a beach camping trip, Ugusu Campground is worth considering. It’s right beside Crystal Beach in Nishiizu, which is a part of Shizuoka known for its coastline. Staying here means you can enjoy the beach without having to drive to it from your campsite.
Crystal Beach has relatively shallow water, making it a popular spot for swimming during the summer season. Campers share facilities such as toilets, showers and cooking areas, and the pitches are fairly simple, with no electricity, so this is more of a traditional camping experience than a resort-style stay.
One advantage of camping in Nishiizu is that you can make a longer trip out of exploring the surrounding coast. If you have time, look into the nearby viewpoints along the Nishiizu coast, too. The sunsets over Suruga Bay are one of the area’s best-known attractions.
Ugusu is seasonal, so check the official website for opening dates and reservations before planning your visit.
Minamiizu Camping Terrace
Location: Minamiizu Camping Terrace on Google Maps
Official website: Minamiizu Camping Terrace
Minamiizu Camping Terrace is less about pitching your tent beside a swimming beach and more about camping above the sea, with the coastline stretching out in front of you. Located at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula, the view is the main attraction here, especially when the light starts changing towards sunset.
What makes the campsite interesting is its terraced layout, with pitches designed to make the most of the ocean views. Some of the wooden deck pitches have electricity and water, which is handy if you want a more comfortable set-up.
This is the kind of campsite where the setting is the main reason to stay. The southern Izu coast has some beautiful scenery, and spending a good part of the evening here just sitting outside the tent, cooking dinner and watching the sea is quite unforgettable.
Camping in Shizuoka FAQs
When is the best time for camping in Shizuoka?
Spring and autumn are generally good seasons for camping in Shizuoka, but the weather depends on where you’re staying. The Asagiri Plateau is at a higher elevation, so nights can be cold even when daytime temperatures are comfortable.
Are there free campsites in Shizuoka?
Yes. One example is Shimizu Forest Park Kurokawa Campground. However, free doesn’t mean you can necessarily turn up without planning ahead. Reservations are required, and the campground has basic facilities including toilets, a cooking area and parking.
Can I rent gear directly at Shizuoka campsites?
Some campsites and nearby businesses offer rental equipment, but don’t assume that every site rents out tents, sleeping bags or cooking gear. Fumotoppara, for example, recommends a nearby rental shop rather than offering a full range of rental equipment directly at the campground.
Do I need a car for camping in Shizuoka?
A car makes camping in Shizuoka much easier, particularly if you’re carrying a tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and food. Public transport is an option for some destinations, but the final stretch to a campsite can involve infrequent buses, transfers or a walk with your gear.
