LUXURY CAMPING, ALSO KNOWN AS "GLAMPING,” IS BOOMING IN JAPAN. IT’S AN UNCOMPLICATED, STRESS-FREE GATEWAY TO THE COUNTRY’S MOST STUNNING NATURAL VISTAS. EXPERIENCE ALL THE JOYS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF A HIGH-END RESORT AT THESE FOUR PERFECT GLAMPING SPOTS.
HOSHINOYA FUJI Minimalist luxury retreat
Hoshinoya Fuji is a hidden retreat—one of the first glamping resorts in Japan—enveloped by Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji. Minimalist cabins reminiscent of luxurious tents sit on a slope, designed to appear like telescopes, reaching toward Lake Kawaguchi and the iconic mountain. The cabins come with comforts of modern living, such as beds, baths and air conditioning, but a third of each cabin is reserved for outdoor living room-style balconies, where guests can appreciate the views next to a roaring fire.
The cabins are connected by wooden platforms, the top of which features the Cloud Terrace, where a smoky fire is maintained throughout the day to welcome those guests who have participated in any of the resort’s various daily activities.
Address: 1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Telephone: 050-3786-1144 (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) Price: ¥101,000 per room Website: hoshinoya.com/fuji/en
AN ELAND Untamed island and infinity pools
In Wakayama’s Tanabe Bay, an uninhabited island has been beautifully converted into a secluded high-class glamping resort dubbed “An Eland.” The island only accommodates nine spacious tents per day, each outfitted with a private barbecue space, bathroom and bath— some even have an infinity whirlpool spa. The barbecue menu features local favorites such as Kumano beef, seafood, plums and oranges. You’ll have breathtaking views of the forests to your back and the sea to your front. Feeling “truly away from it all,” the only noise you can expect to break the silence is waves gently rushing against the sandy beach just steps from your bed.
Address:2368-3Katata,Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun,WakayamaTelephone:050-3198-5771(10:a.m.–6p.m.) Price: ¥32,260 per person Website: www.wakayama-glamping.com
FIELD SUITE HAKUBA KITAONE KOGEN Open air, architecture and fine dining
Imagine an outdoor experience laced with luxury situated 1,200 meters up in the Hakuba Happone region. Produced by outdoor lifestyle company Snow Peak, this all-inclusive site takes glamping to a new level with exceptional facilities and service. Your “accommodation”—calling it a “tent” hardly does it justice—contains two double beds complete with air conditioner and Wi-Fi, and is set on a spacious deck with a private bathroom nearby. There is also a cabin designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
Your stay includes fine dining, with a full-course dinner prepared with the freshest of local ingredients paired with suitable wines. Greet the day with panoramic views of the majestic sunrise before breakfast and finish with a relaxing bath in the open-air onsen (hot spring bath) followed by drinks around a cozy bonfire in the lounge area. The glamping season at Field Suite Kitaone Kogen Hakuba is from June to September; for guests aged 10 and up.
Address: Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Telephone: 090-2524-4555 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) Price: ¥71,500perpersonWebsite:www.fieldsuite-hakuba.com/en/
HAGA FARM & GLAMPING
In the beautiful Haga region in Tochigi, Haga Farm and Glamping sits on a 150-hectare thoroughbred racehorse training facility. These luxury glamping units located in the gorgeous and tranquil Kunugi Forest, are encompassed by the horse track. Beyond the serene setting, each tent accommodates four people and boasts modern amenities—Sleep Well-brand beds, kotatsu (Japanese heated tables with a hanging quilt), air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi and a private toilet with a shower and bath. Guests experience a cookout experience utilizing their fully covered outdoor kitchen and Weber Spirit and featuring a six-course barbecue feast featuring seasonal ingredients. Onsite recreation facilities include a Sauna, a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball, and the magnificent 27-hole Murasakizuka Golf Club course, part of the same resort and just 10 minutes away. Staff members at the club will happily accommodate those who require English assistance.
Address: 313 Haga-cho, Haga-gun, Tochigi Telephone: 028-612-4053 Price: ¥28,000 per person Website: www.reiwagolfresort.com/reiwa-glamping