Resort style camping in Chiba, Japan: “Glamping”

Deep in the hills of Chiba not far from Narita Airport is a glamping getaway, complete with everything you need to simulate countryside living. The large fields here that are used to grow crops year-round also make it possible to enjoy natural dining options both at your lodging or in one of the restaurants!

The themes here are stay, eat, and play, and you’ll be able to enjoy these to the fullest, whether you stay in one of their cottages or cotton tents. Vegetable picking, a hot spring bath, a zipline, and amazing dining options can complement your stay here, and at night, you’ll get all the ingredients and equipment you need to have a barbecue right on the deck outside your tent or cottage.

Takatakiko Glamping Resort is found on the grounds of a former elementary school that was abandoned in 2013, and the buildings and schoolyard have been transformed into a California-esque camping getaway! Most of the tents are dome-shaped, but some are “tee-pees” and there is one clear dome tent ideal for stargazing at night. Outside on each of the lots is a small cabin for cooking and eating, complete with a barbecue set and all the equipment you’ll need to grill up the array of tasty food that comes with your stay package.

Next to the camping area is the gymnasium, which has been renovated for fun times and sports during your stay. For smaller children, one of the classrooms in the school building has been renovated as a play-space for classic Japanese toys, as well as universally enjoyable board games. With Lake Takataki right next door, cycling is a popular activity here, and bicycle rentals are available for campers. Private baths can be reserved by families or groups to rent for up to one hour, there are also two saunas to help you cap off a day of outdoor fun, and several showers that can be used at any time.

The most diverse glamping resort on our list, SOLAS has something for everyone to enjoy. The dome tents and “villa” style cottages give off a northern European aura, and are tastefully arranged among the stunning greenery. Also, for those who prefer to bring their own camping gear, there is also a traditional camping area away from the furnished rooms.

In keeping with the European theme here, there are Finnish style, wood burning saunas near the bathing area, letting you clean up and relax either before or after enjoying a gorgeous dinner spread made using locally sourced foods. After your camping festivities and meals, SOLAS’s beautifully secluded location makes it the perfect spot to treat you to one of nature’s best shows: the night sky filled with stars! For the ardent stargazers, one of the sites has a “glass dome”, a custom space to fully enjoy the night sky above.

Take the Aqua-Line Expressway, the underwater highway across Tokyo Bay, and you’ll find yourself in Kisarazu City, famous for its outlet shopping center that draws weekend shoppers from all over. Another popular getaway nearby is the beach-themed glamping ground “WILD BEACH”. Many come here to just have a barbecue or meal at the restaurant during the day, but the main draw is the accommodations.

You can stay in a trailer, a tent, or even a lodge unit, all fully furnished with the necessary equipment you’ll need to have a genuine camping experience. Beside the camping zone is the restaurant area with a man-made white sand beach, perfect for relaxing with food and drinks while you enjoy the refreshing and sometimes “wild” outdoor atmosphere.

Located in Ichinomiya, the venue for the 2020 Olympic surfing events, you’ll find an immaculately maintained glamping ground. While the name here is “TENT,” you’ll be staying in tent-shaped cottages with a wooden deck out front. It’s best to consider this place half camping, and half resort, giving the feeling of camping, but with all the luxuries you’d expect from a resort hotel.

The interiors of the cottages are kept spotless, making the idea of lounging inside just as appealing as barbecuing and dining on the wooden deck out front. There are plenty of options for food and drink, so you won’t need to worry about extra shopping. Lastly, being close to the beach, you can take a quick walk for some fun in the sun with either your own gear, or things available for rent from reception.

Mother Farm Glamping THE FARM is found within an amusement park that goes by the name Mother Farm. The park is based on ranch life, and allows visitors to get up close and personal with sheep, cows, horses, and other animals. The glamping facility here is operated by THE FARM, a campground introduced earlier in this article.

The larger size tents, fully equipped with beds and air conditioning, make for a near-hotel experience in nature, and some have small playgrounds that are ideal for families. The forest tents are more secluded, and oriented for couples or groups of friends.

There are many outdoor activities to pass the time, as well as the chance to participate in a butter making workshop. You’ll top off your night here with a fresh Chiba produce and meat barbecue. A breakfast of sandwiches is included, so night and morning, you’ll be completely fed, and won’t have to bring anything extra, unless you want to.