Camping in Kumamoto

Aug 30, 2023

Camping in Kumamoto

Kumamoto has many great nature spots that can be enjoyed close up for a few days with a spot of camping. These range from luxury “glamping” villages with all mod cons to free park and camp facilities. If you’re up for a weekend or more in the great outdoors, here’s where you can head to.

Higotai Park Camping Village

This small mountain village within the Kuju range and not far from Mount Aso is at 900 meters altitude and has a small and beautiful riverside campsite area where you will find cabins, permanent tents and a range of facilities including a botanical garden and even a small library. The best time of year to come is autumn when you can see the surrounding wildlife turn golden brown.

Address: 771 Tajiri, Ubuyama, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2704

Marina Franping Village, Amakusa

Another upmarket “glamping” option, the Marina Franping park in the Kami Amakusa area offers up ocean-side camping accommodation including cabins and trailers with free parking. Units include air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. There is also a barbecue area where you can make your own grill fire. Prices start at around 20,000 yen a night for up to eight guests.

Address: 11275-19 Noboritate, Oyanomachi, Kamiamakusa, Kumamoto 869-3601

Misato Garden Palace

This forested camping utopia along the lakeside of the Midorikawa Dam provides a range of options including lodges, log houses, auto camping and free tent spaces. Lodges can house up to six people and there is also a barbecue house complete with stone over.

Website: http://en.misato.town/spot.html?id=35

Nabematsubara Kaigan

There are many free no-frills campsites across Kumamoto where you can just turn up, pitch up and enjoy what nature has to offer. This site in the Tamana region of Kumamoto is within walking distance of the beach. Facilities are quite basic. There is a restroom and shower room but you’ll need to bring your own cooking equipment.

Address: Taimeimachinabe, Tamana, Kumamoto 869-0211

Minami Aso Campsite

Within close range of Mount Aso, this is a good camping site if you’re looking to access hiking trails and adventure sports. There is auto camping available for those with vehicles bringing their own equipment plus you can hire tents, sleeping bags and lanterns if you are unable to bring things onsite yourself. In addition to this, there are barbecue facilities as well as local beef products available for purchase.

Address: 3219 Takamori-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-1602

Hitoyoshi Craft Park

The Hitoyoshi Craft Park is more than just a camping facility, it’s a theme park where campers can learn all about the traditional heritage crafts of the Hitoyoshi and Kuma areas. In addition to the camping ground, you can find a ceramics hall, a glassware hall, tea house, observatory and activities for children. Admission to the park, as well as parking, is free.

Address: 1425-1 Akaikeharamachi, Hitoyoshi-shi, Kumamoto

DONANENTHUSIAST, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons