Camping in Kanagawa: The Complete English Guide (2026)

Why Kanagawa is perfect for camping from Tokyo

If you are visiting Japan and want to go camping without spending half your trip traveling, Kanagawa is the obvious choice. The prefecture borders Tokyo to the south and west, which means most campgrounds are reachable in 60 to 90 minutes by car or train. That proximity alone makes it the top camping destination for residents and visitors based in central Tokyo.

But convenience is only part of the appeal. Kanagawa packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into a small area. The Tanzawa Mountains in the northwest offer rugged, forested terrain with clear rivers and elevations above 1,500 meters. Hakone, one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns, sits inside a volcanic caldera with views of Mount Fuji. The Shonan coast stretches from Kamakura to Oiso with sandy beaches and a laid-back surf culture. And the Miura Peninsula at Kanagawa's southern tip has dramatic sea cliffs and quiet fishing villages.

This diversity means you can choose completely different camping experiences within the same prefecture. Mountain river camping in Tanzawa one weekend, beachside glamping in Yokosuka the next, and a hot spring cabin in Hakone after that — all without leaving Kanagawa.

Kanagawa also has a well-developed camping infrastructure. The prefecture hosts traditional auto camp sites, free municipal campgrounds, modern glamping resorts, and everything in between. If you are new to camping in Japan, read our complete beginner's guide first for an overview of how Japanese campgrounds work.

Camping areas in Kanagawa

Kanagawa's campgrounds cluster into five distinct areas, each with its own character. Understanding these areas will help you pick the right spot for your trip.

Tanzawa and Doshi Valley (northwest)

The Tanzawa area is Kanagawa's camping heartland. The mountains here are part of the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park, with dense forests, clear rivers, and genuine backcountry atmosphere. Within Tanzawa, the key camping zones are:

• Nishi-Tanzawa (West Tanzawa) — The Nakagawa River valley in Yamakita town has the densest concentration of campgrounds in Kanagawa. Riverside auto camp sites line the valley road, many with walk-in access to swimming holes. This area is about 90 minutes from Tokyo by car via the Tomei Expressway.
• Doshi Valley (Sagamihara side) — The upper Doshi River runs through the Sagamihara Green area (formerly Tsukui-machi). Dozens of campgrounds — from free riverbed sites to well-equipped auto camps — sit along this corridor. This is the most popular weekend camping area for Tokyo residents.
• Kiyokawa Village — Tucked between Tanzawa and the Sagami River, Kiyokawa is a quiet village with several riverside campgrounds. It is less crowded than the Doshi area and closer to the Atsugi entrance of Tanzawa.
• Hadano and the Omote-Tanzawa trail — The eastern face of Mount Tanzawa is accessible from Hadano city. The Okura Kogen tent site at the trailhead is a favorite for hikers who want to camp before an early morning summit attempt.

Hakone (southwest)

Hakone is world-famous for its hot springs, but it also has a growing camping scene. Campgrounds here tend to be smaller and more curated, often with private sites surrounded by forest. The area around Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) has several options, and the mountain roads between Goura and Sengokuhara offer secluded spots. Hakone camping pairs naturally with onsen visits — some sites have their own hot spring baths on the premises.

Sagamihara and Sagamiko (north-central)

The Sagamihara area, centered on Lake Sagami (Sagamiko), is the most accessible camping zone from Tokyo by public transport. Sagamiko Station is on the JR Chuo Line, just 60 minutes from Shinjuku. The lake shore and surrounding hills have a mix of large commercial campgrounds (like PICA Sagamiko) and smaller riverside sites. This area is also the gateway to the Doshi Valley if you are driving west.

Miura Peninsula and the coast (south)

Kanagawa's southern coastline runs from Yokosuka to Manazuru, with the Miura Peninsula forming a dramatic headland between Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay. Camping here means ocean views, sea breezes, and seafood. Yokosuka has several glamping facilities on the cliffs above the bay, while Manazuru and Yugawara at the far southwest corner offer quieter seaside camping closer to the Izu Peninsula. The coastline is warm enough for year-round camping and is particularly appealing in shoulder seasons when the mountains are cold.

Shonan (south-central coast)

The Shonan coast — Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Oiso, and parts of Fujisawa — is better known for surfing and beach culture than camping, but it has its own outdoor scene. Campgrounds here tend to be smaller and more urban, blending BBQ culture with camping. The Chigasaki Yanagijima Campsite sits directly on the beach, and Oiso has several camp fields with ocean and Mount Fuji views. Shonan is the easiest coastal camping area to reach by train from Tokyo.

Best campgrounds in each area

Here are standout campgrounds across Kanagawa, chosen for quality, accessibility, and suitability for English-speaking visitors. All are listed in our directory with translated details and booking guidance.

Tanzawa and Doshi Valley picks

• Well Camp Nishi Tanzawa (Yamakita) — One of the largest and best-equipped campgrounds in the Nishi-Tanzawa valley. Offers tent sites, cabins, and a hot spring bath. The riverside location with swimming access makes it especially popular in summer.
• BOSCO Auto Camp Base (Hadano) — A well-maintained forest auto camp site on the eastern slope of Tanzawa. Known for spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to the Omote-Tanzawa hiking trails. A strong choice for first-time campers who want a proper mountain setting.
• Nishitanzawa Otaki Camp (Yamakita) — Set beside a waterfall in the Nishi-Tanzawa valley. The dramatic setting and river access make it one of the most scenic campgrounds in Kanagawa. Tent sites and bungalows available.
• Aonohara Auto Campsite (Sagamihara) — A riverside auto camp in the Doshi Valley known for its cherry blossom trees in spring. Facilities are solid and the location offers good swimming spots in summer.
• Silent River Doshi (Sagamihara) — A quieter alternative in the Doshi Valley. As the name suggests, this site enforces a calm atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to escape the busier campgrounds upstream.
• Okura Kogen Tent Site (Hadano) — A basic tent site at the Okura trailhead, perfect for hikers planning to summit Mount Tanzawa. Minimal facilities but unbeatable access to one of Kanagawa's best hikes.
• Richland Camp (Kiyokawa) — A Kiyokawa campground with an open-air bath fed by river water. Combines riverside camping with bathing facilities, making it a comfortable option in this quiet village.

Hakone picks

• Fun Space Ashinoko Camp Village (Hakone) — The only campground directly on Lake Ashi. Offers tent sites, cabins, and lakeside villas. Kayak and canoe rentals available. Views of Mount Fuji across the lake on clear days.
• Hummingbirds Hill CAMPFIELD (Hakone) — A private, well-designed camp field in the Hakone forest. Small capacity keeps it uncrowded. Strong choice for couples or small groups who want a curated Hakone experience.
• The LIGHT at Hakone (Hakone) — A private camp field emphasizing solitude and design. Limited to a small number of groups per night. The forest setting and thoughtful layout attract experienced campers looking for something special.
• HAKONATURE BASE (Hakone) — Combines camping with nature activities in the Hakone forest. A good option for families who want organized outdoor experiences alongside their camping trip.
• HAYATO Hakone Campsite (Hakone) — An intimate forest campsite in Hakone. Limited sites create a private atmosphere. Located along the old Tokaido road between Hakone-Yumoto and Ashinoko.

Sagamihara and Sagamiko picks

• PICA Sagamiko (Sagamihara) — Part of the PICA resort chain, this is one of the most beginner-friendly campgrounds in Kanagawa. Multiple accommodation types from tent sites to cabins and glamping pods. Adjacent to the Sagamiko Resort amusement park. Easiest large campground to reach by train.
• Kamioshima Campsite (Sagamihara) — A municipal campground on the Sagami River with affordable rates. Popular with families for its river access and large open sites. One of the best value campgrounds within easy reach of Tokyo.
• Aone Campsite (Sagamihara) — Situated on the Doshi River in the Aone area of Sagamihara. A classic riverside campground with auto camp sites and a loyal following among Tokyo campers.
• Kaminokawa Campsite (Sagamihara) — A mountain river campground in the Kaminokawa valley. Crystal-clear water, forest-covered hillsides, and a more remote feel than the lakeside sites closer to Sagamiko Station.

Coastal and Miura picks

• Soleil Hill Auto Campsite (Yokosuka) — A seaside auto camp on the Miura Peninsula with views across Sagami Bay. Part of the larger Soleil Hill park, which has a farm, restaurants, and activities. Family-friendly with good facilities.
• Naminoko Village (Odawara) — A beachfront campground on the Sagami Bay coast near Odawara. The sound of waves and direct beach access make it one of the best seaside camping options in Kanagawa.
• Gandhara Manazuru Seaside Camp (Manazuru) — A dramatic clifftop campsite on the rocky Manazuru coast. The setting feels more like the Izu Peninsula than suburban Kanagawa. Excellent for experienced campers seeking oceanside atmosphere.
• Yugawara Onsen Kamiya Campsite (Yugawara) — A riverside campground in the Yugawara hot spring town at Kanagawa's far southwest corner. Combines camping with easy access to the town's many public baths. A peaceful base for exploring the Yugawara-Manazuru coast.
• The CLIFF CAMP & BBQ (Yokosuka) — Perched on the cliffs above Tokyo Bay in Yokosuka. Combines glamping, BBQ, and ocean views in a modern coastal setting. More accessible than it looks — reachable by Keikyu Line from Shinagawa.

Shonan picks

• Chigasaki Yanagijima Campsite (Chigasaki) — A beachfront campground on the Shonan coast, right on the sand. One of the few places in Kanagawa where you can camp directly on the beach. The Shonan surf vibe and easy train access (Chigasaki Station is on the JR Tokaido Line) make it popular with younger campers.
• Familier Oiso CampField (Oiso) — A camp field in the Oiso hills with views of both the ocean and Mount Fuji. Higher ground means cooler evenings and less humidity than the beach-level sites. Strong family-friendly facilities.
• Lotus Camp Village (Oiso) — An auto camp in Oiso with a relaxed atmosphere and well-maintained grounds. The Shonan coast and Oiso Beach are a short drive away. Good mid-range option for Shonan camping.

Browse all 170+ Kanagawa campgrounds in our directory to find your match.

Glamping in Kanagawa

Kanagawa has one of the highest concentrations of glamping facilities in Japan, especially along the coast and in the Hakone area. If you want the camping experience without the setup, or you are traveling with someone who prefers a real bed, glamping is the way to go.

Standout glamping options in Kanagawa include:

• La Vista Kannonzaki Glamping (Yokosuka) — A luxury glamping resort on Tokyo Bay with ocean-view tents, private decks, and included meals. One of the most upscale outdoor stays in the Kanto region.
• THE BASE GLAMPING YUGAWARA (Yugawara) — Hot spring glamping in the Yugawara onsen district. Combines furnished tents with onsen access — a combination that is uniquely appealing in Kanagawa.
• GOURA (Hakone) — Glamping in the heart of Hakone's Goura district. Walking distance to Goura Station and the surrounding hot spring town. A good choice for those who want to combine a Hakone sightseeing trip with an outdoor stay.
• Glamping to Sauna Hakone (Hakone) — Combines glamping with a private sauna experience in the Hakone forest. The sauna-and-glamping format has become increasingly popular across Japan, and this is one of the better implementations.
• Couscous Glamping Manazuru (Manazuru) — Clifftop glamping on the Manazuru coast with panoramic ocean views. The Mediterranean-inspired setting stands out from the more typical forest glamping options.
• Sagamiko Recreation Village (Sagamihara) — Located at Lake Sagami with a mix of tent sites and glamping units. Accessible by train, making it one of the easiest glamping spots to reach from Tokyo without a car.
• Riviera Zushi Marina Glamping (Zushi) — Marina-side glamping in Zushi with a resort atmosphere. Ocean access and upscale dining nearby. A very different vibe from mountain glamping — more beach resort than wilderness retreat.

For a broader look at glamping options near the capital, see our glamping near Tokyo guide.

Free and budget campgrounds in Kanagawa

Kanagawa has a surprising number of free or near-free camping options, especially along the rivers in the Sagamihara and Aikawa areas. These sites range from designated riverside flats to basic municipal campgrounds with minimal facilities.

Free riverside sites

Several spots along the Sagami River, Nakatsugawa River, and Doshi River are open for free camping. These are typically riverbed areas (kawara) that are not formally operated campgrounds but are tolerated or designated for recreational use. Facilities are minimal — expect no toilets, no running water, and no trash collection. You carry everything in and out.

• Oshima Nakasu Riverbed (Sagamihara) — A popular free camping spot on a sandbar in the Sagami River. Open terrain with good river access. No facilities.
• Kokura Bridge Riverbed (Sagamihara) — Another well-known free spot under the Kokura Bridge on the Sagami River. Flat gravel terrain suitable for tents.
• Tashiro Nakatsugawa Riverbed (Aikawa) — A free riverside area along the Nakatsugawa in Aikawa town. More secluded than the Sagami River sites.

Budget municipal campgrounds

Kanagawa's municipal campgrounds offer basic facilities — toilets, water taps, and sometimes BBQ areas — at very low cost, often under 1,000 yen per night.

• Kamioshima Campsite (Sagamihara) — A municipal campground on the Sagami River. Well-maintained facilities at a fraction of private campground prices. Reservations required.
• Hadano Omotesawa Outdoor Center (Hadano) — A prefectural outdoor education facility with camping areas. Very affordable rates and decent facilities. Good base for Tanzawa hiking.
• Sagami River Natural Village Park (Sagamihara) — A riverside park with camping areas along the Sagami River. Minimal fees and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with local families on weekends.

For more options across Japan, see our budget camping guide.

Hot spring campgrounds in Kanagawa

Kanagawa is one of the best prefectures in Japan for combining camping with hot springs (onsen). Hakone alone has dozens of hot spring sources, and the Yugawara and Tanzawa areas also have natural thermal waters. Some campgrounds have their own baths; others are a short walk or drive from public onsen facilities.

Campgrounds with on-site hot springs or baths

• THE BASE GLAMPING YUGAWARA — Glamping with onsen access in Yugawara's hot spring district. The natural thermal water is the main draw.
• Well Camp Nishi Tanzawa — Includes a bath facility on-site. Not a natural hot spring, but the heated baths are a welcome luxury after a day of riverside camping.
• Richland Camp (Kiyokawa) — Features an open-air bath overlooking the river. A favorite for campers who want a soak without leaving the campground.
• Yugawara Onsen Kamiya Campsite — Located in Yugawara town with easy walking access to multiple public hot spring facilities.

Campgrounds near hot springs

Almost every campground in Hakone is within a short drive of a public onsen. In the Tanzawa area, the Nakagawa Onsen (Buko no Yu) is accessible from most Nishi-Tanzawa campgrounds. The town of Yugawara at Kanagawa's southwestern tip has over a dozen public baths within walking distance of the local campgrounds.

For a detailed guide to pairing camping with hot springs across Japan, see our hot spring campgrounds guide.

Getting to Kanagawa campgrounds from Tokyo

How you get to your campground depends on which area you are headed to. Here is a breakdown of the main routes.

By car

Driving is the most flexible option and the only practical way to reach many Tanzawa and Doshi Valley campgrounds. Key routes from central Tokyo:

• Tanzawa / Nishi-Tanzawa — Tomei Expressway to Oi-Matsuda IC, then Route 246 west. About 90 minutes from Shibuya in light traffic. On weekends, expect an extra 30 to 60 minutes due to congestion on the Tomei.
• Doshi Valley / Sagamihara Green Area — Chuo Expressway to Sagamiko IC, then Route 413 (Doshi Road) west. About 75 minutes from Shinjuku. The stretch along Doshi Road is scenic but narrow and winding.
• Hakone — Tomei Expressway to Odawara-Atsugi Road, exit at Hakone-guchi. About 80 minutes from central Tokyo. Alternatively, take the Odawara-Hakone Turnpike for more direct access to the caldera interior.
• Shonan coast — Tomei to Chigasaki-Kaigan IC, or take the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to Asaina IC for the eastern Shonan area. About 60 minutes from central Tokyo.
• Miura Peninsula / Yokosuka — Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to Yokosuka IC. About 70 minutes from central Tokyo. The Keikyu highway to Miura is an alternative for sites on the peninsula's tip.

Rental car tip: Rent from a station along your route rather than in central Tokyo. Picking up from Odawara Station (for Tanzawa/Hakone) or Hashimoto Station (for Doshi Valley) avoids the worst urban traffic.

By train and bus

Several Kanagawa camping areas are accessible by public transport, though you may need a short taxi ride for the final stretch.

• Hakone — Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes, about 2,300 yen). Hakone Tozan bus and railway connect to campgrounds around the caldera. This is the most train-friendly camping area in Kanagawa.
• Sagamiko — JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Sagamiko Station (60 minutes). PICA Sagamiko and several other campgrounds are within taxi range of the station.
• Shonan — JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Chigasaki (55 minutes) or Oiso (65 minutes). Chigasaki Yanagijima Campsite is reachable on foot from the station. Other Shonan campgrounds may require a bus or taxi.
• Yokosuka / Miura — Keikyu Line from Shinagawa to Yokosuka-chuo (50 minutes) or Misakiguchi (70 minutes). The CLIFF CAMP is a bus ride from Keikyu stations.
• Tanzawa (limited) — Odakyu Line to Shibusawa Station, then bus to Okura trailhead for the Okura Kogen Tent Site. Most other Tanzawa campgrounds require a car.

Gear logistics

If you are arriving by train, gear transport is a consideration. Options include:

• Rent gear at the campground — many Kanagawa campgrounds offer full tent and BBQ set rentals
• Ship gear via Yamato (Kuroneko) delivery to the campground — arrange this 2 to 3 days in advance
• Choose a glamping site where all gear is provided
• Buy budget gear at Workman or a nearby home center and donate or dispose of it afterward

For more on gear options, see our guide on where to buy cheap camping gear in Japan.

Seasonal guide for Kanagawa camping

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best seasons for Kanagawa camping. Cherry blossoms appear in late March to early April at lower elevations, and the Doshi Valley campgrounds are framed by blooming trees. Temperatures are comfortable (10 to 20 degrees Celsius) but nights can be cold, especially in Tanzawa. A three-season sleeping bag rated to 5 degrees is recommended. Golden Week (late April to early May) is extremely busy — book well in advance or avoid this period entirely.

Summer (June to August)

June is rainy season (tsuyu) in Kanagawa. Expect heavy rain from mid-June to mid-July. Campgrounds remain open but river levels can rise dangerously. Avoid riverside sites during heavy rain warnings.

July and August are hot and humid at low elevations (30+ degrees with high humidity). The Tanzawa mountains above 500 meters are significantly cooler and the river swimming holes provide natural air conditioning. Coastal sites benefit from ocean breezes. Summer is peak season — weekends are crowded and reservations are essential everywhere.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is arguably the best camping season in Kanagawa. September is still warm but crowds thin after summer holidays. October and November bring stunning fall colors to the Tanzawa and Hakone mountains — peak foliage is usually mid-November in Tanzawa and late November in Hakone. Temperatures are perfect for camping (10 to 20 degrees) and the air is dry and clear, offering the best chances for Mount Fuji views.

Winter (December to February)

Kanagawa's coastal areas are mild enough for year-round camping. Miura and Shonan rarely drop below freezing, and sunny winter days on the coast can be surprisingly pleasant. Tanzawa and Hakone are cold (below zero at night) and some campgrounds close for the season. Those that stay open are very quiet, which appeals to experienced winter campers. A four-season sleeping bag, insulated sleeping pad, and layered clothing are necessary for mountain camping in winter.

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