Japan Camping Guide: Camping in Kyushu

Outdoor Japan

4 years ago

Camping guide to Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga, Kagoshima, Miyazaki Prefetures).

KYUSHU

Montbell Gokayama Base Camp

Montbell Gokayama Base Camp (Fukuoka)
In 2019, Japan outdoor retailer Montbell opened up their first campsite. Surrounded by mountains and the pristine Gokayama Dam, Gokayama Base Camp is part of Gokayama Cross, Fukuoka’s most accessible outdoor center. There are tent sites that hold up to seven people, pet-friendly tent areas, autocamp spots and borderline-glamping canvas wall tents.
The campsite’s most popular attraction is the eight-meter climbing wall. Visitors can enjoy light trekking on Mt. Kusenbu and Mt. Suri, cycling around Gokayama Dam or kayaking and stand-up paddling. The camp’s reception area sells beer and other alcohol, but visitors will have to bring their own food or pick up vegetables from the nearby Kawasemi no Sato shop.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping, Glamping
English-Speaking Staff: Conversation level
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, blankets, hammocks, tables, chairs
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 54 minutes by car from Tenjin (Fukuoka City) via Route 385 or 24 minutes from the Tosaki IC on the Nagasaki Expressway.
Address: 461-1 Gokayama, Nakagawa-shi, Fukuoka-ken 〒811-1234

Nodakeko Park Camp (Nagasaki)
Enjoy cycling or hiking at this campsite near Lake Nodake in Taradake Prefectural Park.
Accommodation: Camping, Bungalows
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, blankets
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 25 minutes by bus from Omura Station to Nodake-ko Bus Stop.
Address: 1097-1 Higashinodake-machi, Omura-shi, Nagasaki-ken 〒856-0002

Beppu-shiei Shidakako Camp (Oita)
This campsite serves as a base for travelers wanting to explore the famous onsen town of Beppu. Campers can enjoy fishing at nearby Lake Shidaka or challenge themselves to a tree obstacle course at Forest Adventure Beppu.
Accommodation: Tents
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: No
BBQ Facilities: No
Access: 40 minutes by bus from Beppu Station to Shidakako Bus Stop.
Address: 4380-1 Shidaka, Beppu-shi, Oita-ken 〒874-0000

Qkamura Minami-Aso Camp

Qkamura Minami-Aso Camp (Kumamoto)
Camp near Mt. Aso, Kyushu’s most famous volcano and one of the largest calderas in the world. This comfortable camp resort is situated within the caldera and is a gateway to Aso’s hiking trails.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping, Canvas Tents
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns
BBQ Facilities: Yes. Local Akagyu beef and food available for purchase
Access: Ten minutes by bus from Takamori Station to Kokuminkyuka-mura-mae Bus Stop.
Address: 3219 Takamori-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto-ken 〒869-1602

Rental Mountain Yama (Miyazaki)
Although it’s not exactly camping, you can rent an entire mountain to yourself for a night on Japan’s southernmost main island. There is a Western-style cabin at the top that houses up to ten people. The cabin is equipped with a rotenburo outdoor bath. In the daytime, enjoy a leisurely boat ride, surfing, nature tours and fireworks.
Accommodation: Cabin
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Fully furnished
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 50 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport on National Road 220. It is also a 15-minute walk (or five-minute taxi ride) from Uchinada Station on the JR Kyushu Nichinan line.
Address: 2075-8 Koshigasako Ofuji, Kitago-cho, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki-ken 〒889-2401

Sakaematsu Camp (Miyazaki)
Sakaematsu Beach is popular for its clear, calm waters making it a great place for sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating. Oshima Island is a ten-minute ferry ride away.
Accommodation: Camping
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: A 30-minute walk from Nango Station.
Address: 4178-1 Nakamura Oto, Nango-cho, Minaminaka-gun, Miyazaki-ken 〒889-3204

Miyazaki Shirahama Camp (Miyazaki)
Feel like you’re in the tropics at this seaside campsite. There’s even a small library on site.
Accommodation: Camping, Auto Camping, Cabins
English-Speaking Staff: No
Rental Equipment: Tents, tables, chairs
BBQ Facilities: Yes
Access: 50 minutes by bus from Miyazaki Station to Shirahama Iriguchi Bus Stop.
Address: 6600-1 Oriuzako, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki-ken 〒889-2164