Have you ever heard of Glamping? Glamping is a relatively new word that has the meaning of the words “Glamorous” and “Camping”, and it is increasingly becoming popular around the world. And Japan is no exception to this trend.
Although camping or spending some quality time immersed in nature might not be at the top of your Japan bucket list, it is definitely something you should at least consider if you are either visiting Japan for a prolonged period of time or if you actually live in Japan.
In this article, I will first explain what exactly Glamping is as well as introduce to you the 10 best glamping sites in Japan. Glamping is something that is popular all across Japan, so no matter where you are, it is most probably you can find a good glamping site. Hopefully, you’ll find a glamping site that captures your attention.
What is Glamping?
Before going to our list, let me explain what Glamping actually is. As I mentioned in the introduction of this article, the word “glamping” is quite new. It was first used in the UK in the year 2005 and it referred to a style of camping that is done in a luxurious way.
In this case, “luxurious” can mean various different things such as having resort-quality services, staying in a highly comfortably prepared tent that includes air conditioning and having all the amenities that a luxury hotel has, or having a course meal included in the BBQ dinner. Although the word Glamping is new, the concept itself has always been around. But now that there is a popular word that describes this, it has become a trendy thing to do, especially for people who are interested in camping but are not very comfortable with all the hurdles that camping comes with.
In the case of Japan, many of these sites will not only offer a comfortable and luxurious experience but you will also get to eat BBQ that uses fresh seasonal ingredients while enjoying the unique and beautiful views that the place’s nature provides. This means, depending on the season you visit, the experience that you will have will vary.
So now that we have an idea of what Glamping is, here are our picks of some of the best glamping spots across Japan. The order of this list starts from the northmost site going south.
1. Grace Niseko Glamping (Hokkaido)
The first Glamping site on our list is Grace Niseko Glamping (グレースニセコグランピング). Located in the grand lands of Niseko in Hokkaido, this camping sight offers a great view of Mt Yotei. The location is centric, making it possible to go to most of Niseko’s tourist destinations within 10 minutes by car.
Other than offering luxurious tents for spending the night, they also offer condominium-style rooms. And when it comes to the meals, Grace Niseko’s chef can prepare for you a bento box that will be delivered to your tent or room directly. Or you can also go to the lounge where you can chill listening to calm music.
▶Official Website: https://grace-niseko.com/en/
2. APPI Woods Glamping (Iwate)
APPI Woods Glamping (安比の森 グランピング) is a glamping site located at the foot of the mountains of Hachimantai in Iwate prefecture. This is a popular ski resort in the winter. however, during summertime, it is open for glamping.
The tents that you will stay in at this site are made so that you can experience the greatness of nature with all five of your senses. Taste the exquisite BBQ under the starry night sky. You can also enjoy the Onsen (natural hot springs) at Appi.
And for those people with pets; you can bring your furry friends here!
▶Official Website: https://www.appi.co.jp/gourmet/appi_woods_glamping/
3. Glamprook Iizuna Kogen (Nagano)
Located right near lake Reisenjiko in Nagano prefecture, Glamprook Iizuna Kogen (GLAMPROOK 飯綱高原) is a glamping site where you can enjoy the large plain fields, the lake nearby, and the tall mountains at the distances. The 42㎡ twin-dome tents you can stay in here come with air conditioning, making this experience as comfortable as it can get.
Both dinner and breakfast are taken at the dining area. For dinner, you can enjoy a full-course meal while in the morning you can enjoy the buffet.
In the vicinity, there is also a golf course, tennis courts, spa, onsen, and much more.
▶Official Website: https://glamprook.jp/iizuna/