What to Pack for Camping in Japan

Packing for camping in Japan is different from packing for a trip to the US or Europe. Some gear is easily available locally, some items are hard to find outside Japan, and many campgrounds rent equipment that would be expensive to buy or impractical to fly with. This guide breaks down what to bring from home, what to buy in Japan, and what you can rent at the campground. For general trip planning, the JNTO travel planning page is a useful starting point.

The essentials you should bring from home

These items are either hard to find in Japan in Western sizes, expensive locally, or too personal to rent.

• Sleeping bag — If you already own one, bring it. Rental sleeping bags in Japan are clean but often thin. For summer camping, a lightweight bag rated to 10°C is enough. For spring or autumn, bring something rated to 0°C.
• Headlamp — Japanese campgrounds get very dark at night. Most have no path lighting.
• Quick-dry towel — Useful for onsen visits and river play. Japanese towels tend to be small.
• Hiking boots or trail shoes — Large sizes (above US 10 men's or US 8 women's) are harder to find in Japan.
• Rain jacket — Japan's weather shifts quickly, especially in mountain areas. A good packable rain jacket is essential.
• Reusable water bottle — Tap water in Japan is safe to drink everywhere.

What to buy in Japan

Japan has outstanding outdoor retail. Buying locally saves luggage space and gives you access to gear designed for Japanese conditions. Camping has a long tradition in Japan, as outlined on the Wikipedia page on camping in Japan.

• Workman — Originally a workwear chain, Workman now sells shockingly good outdoor gear at budget prices. Base layers for 980 yen, rain jackets for 1,900 yen, and camping chairs for under 2,000 yen. Quality rivals brands costing five times more.
• Daiso and Seria (100-yen shops) — Surprisingly good for basic camping supplies: garbage bags, lighters, rope, clothes pins, small cutting boards, plastic containers. The quality is acceptable for a short trip.
• Don Quijote — Open late (sometimes 24 hours), Don Quijote stocks coolers, charcoal, instant food, insect repellent, and random camping accessories. Prices are moderate.
• Convenience store fuel — Gas canisters for portable stoves (CB cans) are sold at most hardware stores and some convenience stores. OD canisters are at outdoor specialty shops.

If you want to save even more, our guide to cheap camping gear in Japan covers the best budget-friendly stores and products.

What you can rent at campgrounds

Most auto camp sites and all glamping facilities offer gear rental. Rental quality in Japan is generally high — equipment is well-maintained and clean. Here is what is commonly available:

• Tents — 2,000 to 5,000 yen per night. Usually 3 to 4 person dome tents.
• Sleeping bags — 500 to 1,500 yen per night.
• Sleeping mats — 500 to 1,000 yen per night.
• BBQ grills and charcoal sets — 1,500 to 3,000 yen. Often includes charcoal, tongs, and a grill grate.
• Lanterns — 500 to 1,000 yen per night.
• Cooking sets — Pots, pans, and utensils for 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
• Tarps — 1,000 to 2,000 yen. Useful as rain cover or extra ground sheet.

Call ahead or check the campground's website for rental availability. Popular sites can run out of rental gear on busy weekends.

Packing list: the complete checklist

Shelter and sleeping

• Tent (or rent at site)
• Ground sheet / footprint
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad or inflatable mat
• Pillow (or stuff sack with clothes)

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
• Rain jacket and pants
• Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
• Hiking shoes
• Hat for sun protection
• Extra socks (moisture-wicking)

Cooking and food

• Portable stove (or rent)
• Fuel canisters (buy in Japan — cannot fly with these)
• Lighter or matches
• Cookware and utensils (or rent)
• Plates, cups, chopsticks
• Cooler bag for perishables
• Water bottle
• Garbage bags (you must carry out your trash)

Tools and accessories

• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Multi-tool or pocket knife
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper (some sites run out)
• Cash (many campgrounds are cash-only)
• Google Translate app (download Japanese offline)

Recommended gear

Here are our top picks for each essential category — all available in Japan. For the full list with more options, see our recommended gear page.

Japan-specific tips

• Trash separation is mandatory. Japan sorts trash into burnable, plastic, cans, bottles, and PET bottles. Most campgrounds require you to take all trash home. Bring several garbage bags and separate as you go.
• Bring indoor shoes. Some campground facilities require you to remove outdoor shoes. Slip-on sandals make this easy.
• Cash is king. Budget and municipal campgrounds almost never accept cards. Carry at least 5,000 to 10,000 yen in cash.
• Onsen towel. If your campground has a hot spring bath, bring a small washcloth-size towel to use inside the bathing area. Large towels stay in the changing room.
• Summer means humidity. Pack moisture-wicking everything. Cotton gets soggy and stays wet.

Keep reading

For a broader overview of camping in Japan as a foreigner, check out our Complete Beginner's Guide to Camping in Japan. It covers booking, etiquette, language tips, and the best regions to explore.