Is camping allowed in Japan?

[brandian]

Hello,

I am planning to do the pilgrimage on Shikoku and wrote an email to JNTO, asking if it is ok to set up a tent outside a camping site. They wrote that it is forbidden to camp outside a camping site but I have read that on Shikoku it is allowed (compared to the rest of Japan?).
In fact, I have read it on several websites and I'm thinking that maybe the people at the local branch of the JNTO (I'm from Austria) aren't sure themselves and just say that it is forbidden.

I hope you can help me.

(And excuse my bad English)

[KansaiBen]

In fact, I have read it on several websites and I'm thinking that maybe the people at the local branch of the JNTO (I'm from Austria) aren't sure themselves and just say that it is forbidden.

I hope you can help me.

(And excuse my bad English)

I have camped in Japan, usually it is OK and as long as its not on private property you are OK. Avoid built up areas though.

[brandian]

I have camped in Japan, usually it is OK and as long as its not on private property you are OK. Avoid built up areas though.

You mean inside a city?
And what do I have to expect if I get "caught"?

[KansaiBen]

You mean inside a city?
And what do I have to expect if I get "caught"?

where will you camp inside a city?

If you obstruct traffic or pedestrians, pitch a tent on a footpath, set up camp in a public park you will be asked to move by police.

http://www.boxos.com/campweb/index.html

[Koenji]

Use common sense. Mountain climbers, surfers, etc., pitch tents in quiet places that aren't designated campsites but they are tolerated. The rule is that if you see others doing it, then it's probably OK.

Find out exactly the where in Shikoku people regularly camp, make a note of the sites and then stay there.

[TJrandom]

You should be OK for one night only camping – at most ports, beaches, rivers, etc. There are thousands of homeless people who camp every night in parks, under bridges, etc. – and they do get hassled by police once or twice a year and are forced to move.

If police ask you to move – then do so, and ask them where it would be OK to camp for the night. They should be friendly – especially to a tourist who is only at that spot for one night.

[YokohamaTommy]

I'm a camping nut.
That said, I've found quite a few places even in the Kanto area to do so.
Yes, it's allowed, but mind the rules beforehand to see what's allowed as it seems
they differ from site to site.

[trip_hop]

A small, dark mountaineers' tent or a larger 'bivvy bag' would be recommended, certainly not the bright, fluorescent, nylon portable houses that the Japanese camping market sells and thrives on.

Hedgerows, secluded car parks, and sometimes the grounds of temples/ shrines are OK.

Bigger hassle is not being allowed in many places to light open fires to cook, even some of the good portable stoves such as the MSR range. In some parts of Japan, it is a fire risk; while the larger auto camps provide cooking areas - usually lots of iron grills over bricks.

[YokohamaTommy]

Wait a sec,
Are we talking about "commando camping?"
You mean in places where you ought not?
Not the brightest of ideas, methinks.

Really? Can you actually get away with?

[TJrandom]

Wait a sec,
Are we talking about "commando camping?"
You mean in places where you ought not?
Not the brightest of ideas, methinks.

Really? Can you actually get away with?

I don't camp any more - but in the past have camped without incident -

At small shrines - as Trip-Hop suggested
Alongside mountain roads and streams
In the far corners of parking lots
On beaches and at small fishing ports -atop the breakwater barrier

[Effected After]

The reason the people on the phone didn't give an answer is simple - the rule is that you aren't allowed to 'commando camp'. That said, it's pretty easy to do, and I've known a few who have done it, as well as seen others doing it. As long as you do it somewhere somewhat sheltered where you aren't going to be visible to everyone including any cops that may happen by overnight, you should be fine. If they catch you, you may be asked to move - in in which case you do, and go somewhere else.

[YokohamaTommy]

'commando camp'.

Dibbs on that for a band name.


Ok, so the cops just tell you to scram? No fines or anything?

[Effected After]

No fines. Just 'move along'. Don't hold me to that though - there may be a cop out there who has had a bad day and wants to ticket someone.

[Jakebullet]

Dibbs on that for a band name.


Ok, so the cops just tell you to scram? No fines or anything?

Sorry already have that as a band name... you can have... "Camp Commando"

...but don't be a solo artist.

[brandian]

That sounds very good, the people from the JNTO were a bit demotivating.
Does anyone know whats the fine for wild camping? I'm just curious...

(And thanks for the quick responses)

[ben_jarmin]

Don't listen to authority on meanial little things like camping. Of course they are going to say no.
I have done a little "inner city" camping along rivers. In April/May I will be heading west and doing more. From what I've read/experienced..set up after dark, have a SMALL single man tent and find somewhere somewhat hidden. You can camp in the middle of Osaka if you are smart.
This is my tent.

This is my stove - fabrication time is less than 10 minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE6pm...eature=mh_lolz
(not my video)

[NorthByNorthwest]

No problemo. Take a look at these guides:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bumcamping/


http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike...-a-shoestring/

[HarryHurry]

Is camping allowed in Japan?



He's very camp, but I think he's allowed....

[well_bicyclically]

Is camping allowed in Japan?

??
Don't you watch all those new halves on TV???

[beentheredonethat]

Buy a Hennessy Hammock and just head up into the forests. You'll hardly see a policeman on Shikoku and never in the woods. Can be used as a mosquito net on the ground too.

If you are dressed as an O-henro-san and carrying a stick, everyone is going to treat you like a guest. Different rules apply.

Are you *really* committed to doing the Henro?

I'd say the Kumano Kodo would be far more interesting and gratifying as much more of it is 'off road'.

[Koenji]

Buy a Hennessy Hammock and just head up into the forests. You'll hardly see a policeman on Shikoku and never in the woods. Can be used as a mosquito net on the ground too.

Hey, I've got one of them, too. Used it a few times in Okutama, and it was great. Ideal for Japan. The only problem is the bears. Climate change means the number of bear spottings is up, and hammocks don't provide much protection.

[Shakes Spear]

The only problem is the bears. Climate change means the number of bear spottings is up, and hammocks don't provide much protection.

Yeah, and traditional tents are sooo much better! LOL

[beentheredonethat]

Hey, I've got one of them, too. Used it a few times in Okutama, and it was great. Ideal for Japan. The only problem is the bears. Climate change means the number of bear spottings is up, and hammocks don't provide much protection.

Bears on Shikoku are thought to be extinct. There might be a handful left above 1,000 meters, but that is all. Chances of trouble: zero.

Sad. Starved by industrial forestry then hunted to extinction but that is what those rings on the top of the pilgrims' staffs are for ... to scare them off.

It's not climate change but environment change. For the sake of profit and going to war humans have destroyed the deciduous forests they depended on.

[beentheredonethat]

BTW, may I ask what is your attraction to walking the Henro? It is a genuine question because I don't really see the appeal. There is a smaller one on the island of Shōdoshima of 150km.

It is 1,200 km and now mostly on tarmac. You'll pass far more large, out of town Patchinko galleries than you will temples these days.

I don't mind walking but both I, my knees and ankles think we would prefer to be offroad doing it. In the old days, the pilgrims wore white because there was a reasonable high chance one might die doing it ... so I guess it had more meaning and there were moral teachings to be gained from each of the temples ... but now it is just some kind of race circuit retirees speed around to fit in as many temples as they can in a week.

I am sure if the spirit of Kobo Daishi still exists, he would be out there with a bazooka taking out the aforementioned Patchinko palaces.

Come to think of it, I cannot actually remember any temple offering moral or spiritual teachings any more ... just mochis and stamps.

[brandian]

From what I've read/experienced..set up after dark, have a SMALL single man tent and find somewhere somewhat hidden. You can camp in the middle of Osaka if you are smart.

What's the name of your tent? And is it waterproof?

Buy a Hennessy Hammock and just head up into the forests. You'll hardly see a policeman on Shikoku and never in the woods. Can be used as a mosquito net on the ground too.

Are you *really* committed to doing the Henro?

I'd say the Kumano Kodo would be far more interesting and gratifying as much more of it is 'off road'.

1.: I want to sleep in a tent every night of the pilgrimage, so I don't think that a hammock will do the job because it might be hard to find a forest every night.
2.: I don't think that I know enough about Buddishm to fit the image of a committed pilgrim but I have my reasons, which are not very impressive but they give me the feeling that I have to do it.
3.: The Kumano Kodo sounds interesting as well but I am going to Japan in less than two months, so there is not enough time to prepare.

BTW, may I ask what is your attraction to walking the Henro? It is a genuine question because I don't really see the appeal.

I don't really know what attracts me, as I said, I have some reasons but they are not connected to the Henro. I read about it and felt that I have to do it. I have some expectations but nothing big, I want to see something new, be alone and still have something in mind while doing it.

[beentheredonethat]

1.: I want to sleep in a tent every night of the pilgrimage, so I don't think that a hammock will do the job because it might be hard to find a forest every night.

Well, of course, never having been to Shikoku you would obviously know better than I do what to suspect, and walking 1,200 km you obviously want to add *all* the extra weight you can ... so best take some poles and pegs along with you too.

You don't need to ... hennessy hammock as a tent. But, sure, stick to whatever makes you happy so you cannot blame me (... but may I suggest you have a look on Google Earth to see where you are coming to! Clue: the green stuff is all forest.). You should be able to finish before the rainy season, Shikoku is pretty dry the rest of the year.


If you're not doing the religious bit, have you had a thought about how are you going to cope with all the osettai?

People are awfully generous and I'd feel a bit of a fraud to take it if I was not doing it for the right reason.

[brandian]

Well, of course, never having been to Shikoku you would obviously know better than I do what to suspect, and walking 1,200 km you obviously want to add *all* the extra weight you can ... so best take some poles and pegs along with you too.

You don't need to ... hennessy hammock as a tent. But, sure, stick to whatever makes you happy so you cannot blame me (... but may I suggest you have a look on Google Earth to see where you are coming to! Clue: the green stuff is all forest.). You should be able to finish before the rainy season, Shikoku is pretty dry the rest of the year.


If you're not doing the religious bit, have you had a thought about how are you going to cope with all the osettai?

People are awfully generous and I'd feel a bit of a fraud to take it if I was not doing it for the right reason.

I am sorry if I insulted you with my answer and I didn't want to degrade any advice.
I read about the trail and that one has to camp along the road or at a rest hut, so I thought that there might not be enough trees to camp every night.

And about the religious background, I wanted to say that I never studied anything religious or talked with monks etc., I read some books but I have my own idea of Buddishm or religion which doesn't fit the strict religious doctrin, because I don't even know it.
I am sorry for my bad English and it's hard to explain something that difficult without causing missunderstandings but thanks for the advice

[ben_jarmin]

Don't worry about the sensitive people on this website. If you don't agree with them and their opinions they get an itchy bottom.
The tent I posted above is an English made tent. It packs up very small, and is less than 1kg. It is fully waterproof and holds down quite well in heavy winds. It cost me about Y5000 shipped from Amazon UK. I highly recommend looking it up in youtube and consider buying one. It's the Gelert Solo (Single Man Tent).

[beentheredonethat]

I am sorry if I insulted you with my answer and I didn't want to degrade any advice.

No problem ... but I was being serious about downloading 'Google Earth' and having a look at the terrain you will be walking.

If it not a city, it is a mountain covered with trees or giant bamboo. The only thing in between is the road which wraps around the coastline.

The osettai issue will be a problem I think you should consider. People are really generous because they believe in and respect the Ohenro from a religious point of view. Many of them will never be able to do it, even though they wish to. They give gifts as their way of being part of it. It is hard, and bad manners, to refuse.

Would you feel comfortable with that?

If you are serious about doing it, I might consider bring small presents from where ever you are to exchange. If you just want a long, peaceful walk, there are other places.

[brandian]

The tent I posted above is an English made tent. It packs up very small, and is less than 1kg. It is fully waterproof and holds down quite well in heavy winds. It cost me about Y5000 shipped from Amazon UK. I highly recommend looking it up in youtube and consider buying one. It's the Gelert Solo (Single Man Tent).

On Amazon it says that it uses fiberglass poles, are they stable? Because I don't want them to break when I'm half way through

No problem ... but I was being serious about downloading 'Google Earth' and having a look at the terrain you will be walking.

If it not a city, it is a mountain covered with trees or giant bamboo. The only thing in between is the road which wraps around the coastline.

I have downloaded Google Earth but now I have another question: Have you done the pilgrimage? Because I am thinking about taking both, the hammock and the Gelert tent, I know it's not very intelligent to take two tents because of the weight, but my problem with the hammock is that I think I wont be able to use it every night, like when I rest at a smaller town, I have read that there are resting places where one can build up a tent.

The osettai issue will be a problem I think you should consider. People are really generous because they believe in and respect the Ohenro from a religious point of view. Many of them will never be able to do it, even though they wish to. They give gifts as their way of being part of it. It is hard, and bad manners, to refuse.

Would you feel comfortable with that?

If you are serious about doing it, I might consider bring small presents from where ever you are to exchange. If you just want a long, peaceful walk, there are other places.

I think I expressed myself badly so let me try to put it straight:
I'm doing the pilgrimage with a religious background, otherwise I wouldn't travel so far just to hike. But since I didn't grow up in a religious family I think I have a different approach to this, as I said I have read about Buddishm a bit and a bit more about the pilgrimage, the background and so on, but I don't think that that's enough to call myself a henro. I want to know more about Buddishm and experience it, not just know it from what I have read. So it may be difficult to accept gifts but I thought about exchanging gifts as well, the only problem is that I don't know what is appropriate, do you have any advice?

[beentheredonethat]

Have you done the pilgrimage? Because I am thinking about taking both, the hammock and the Gelert tent ... it may be difficult to accept gifts but I thought about exchanging gifts as well, the only problem is that I don't know what is appropriate, do you have any advice?

I don't think it makes sense to take two tents. Stick to a tent if that is what you know best and feel comfortable with.

No, I am not Buddhist/religious and have not done the walk. I am too addicted to Samsara to give it all up to walk nowhere for a month or 6 weeks. It would kill me. But I know a little about Shingon-shu of which many of the temples belong.

If you wanted, you could go to Mount Koya on the way and be initiated into some practise. If you are coming all this way, I would not miss it. There are a few English/German speaking monks there ... which languages do you speak? Are you flying in via Kansai? It is nearby. Usually pilgrims would hope to start or, especially, end their journey there as it is where founder Kobo Daishi is still meant to be absorbed in Satori.

There is also a 500 year old Soto Zen temple, Zuiō-ji, near Niihama that has an English speaking abbot and which welcomes visitors if you want to learn some Zen.

I guess your homework now might be to learn the Hannya Shingyo (and again) by heart before you come to Japan as it is the chant of the pilgrims.

There are numerous version on Youtube e.g. ...

[brandian]

I don't think it makes sense to take two tents. Stick to a tent if that is what you know best and feel comfortable with.

If you wanted, you could go to Mount Koya on the way and be initiated into some practise. If you are coming all this way, I would not miss it. There are a few English/German speaking monks there ... which languages do you speak? Are you flying in via Kansai? It is nearby. Usually pilgrims would hope to start or, especially, end their journey there as it is where founder Kobo Daishi is still meant to be absorbed in Satori.

I guess your homework now might be to learn the Hannya Shingyo (and again) by heart before you come to Japan as it is the chant of the pilgrims.

At first: Thank you very much, the links you provide are great, I already have a book in which the sutras are written down, but not the English translations and I had no idea how to pronunciate it.

About Mount Koya: How long do you recommend to stay there? Because I can't go any sooner than April but because of the rain I want to do the pilgrimage before staying anywhere, so I think that it might be better to visit Mount Koya on the way back? By the way, I speak German as my native language. I planned on flying in via Haneda or Narita Airport (but I have to figure out whats the difference besides the distance to Tokyo since I have found tickets to both airports) because I wanted to visit Tokyo as well (once I am in Japan I don't want to miss it).

Thanks again for the help

[beentheredonethat]

About Mount Koya: How long do you recommend to stay there? Because I can't go any sooner than April but because of the rain ... By the way, I speak German as my native language. I planned on flying in via Haneda or Narita Airport (but I have to figure out whats the difference besides the distance to Tokyo since I have found tickets to both airports) because I wanted to visit Tokyo as well (once I am in Japan I don't want to miss it).

Can you get an 3 way flight? For example, fly in via Tokyo and out via Kansai?

To be honest, it seems a bit crazy to visit, and have to fight your way through somewhere as materialistic as Tokyo after doing the O-Henro. Narita is too busy and a long way out of Tokyo. Kansai (KIX) is far nicer.

If you cannot get a three way flight you are going to add two train rides whatever you do. Therefore, I would fly in via Kansai ... and then take the train to and from Tokyo. If you have to go.


To be honest, I don't see the appeal of Tokyo at all. If you are coming to Japan, it is far better to go to somewhere like Kyoto. You can see enough 'big city' in Osaka. In fact, you can see enough 'big city' in the Namba district. After that it all looks the same. Tokyo is so big, you cannot find anything there. You'll spend your whole time getting lost in subways and underground train stations. In the centre of Osaka you can walk around and see it all, and there are less foreigners.

But, good ... if you speak German, you can contact and visit Kurt Genso at Muryokoin Temple. He can arrange a simple initiation ceremony for you or let you know if they are offering a course. If you are lucky, you might even catch a lift from there to the start of the Henro, it is close to Shikoku.

Does it make sense spending 6 week not knowing what you are meant to be doing and then only going to learn at the end? Go say "hello" to Kukai, and then "good bye" before you leave. Hand back your staff and leave it all behind you.

[brandian]

I didn't find a three-way-flight but if I would book a single flight to Tokyo and a single flight from Kansai it would cost about 1500 Euro, thats twice the price I pay for a normal flight so it wont be an option. But the train to Tokyo and back sounds good, I'm thinking of going to Tokyo for four days or so after arriving in Japan and then do the pilgrimage but since I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to be in such a big city it would be a lost experience.

The offer of the Muryokoin Temple sounds amazing, thank you for the link, hopefully it will work out.

For now my plan looks like this:
1.: Fly to Kansai.
2.: Take the train to Tokyo, stay there for some days.
3.: Take the train back and stay at Koya-san, stay at the Muryokoin Temple for ... (how long do you recommend?)
4.: Travel to Shikoku.
5.: Do the pilgrimage (about two months)
6.: Take the train back and visit Koya-san again.
7.: Fly back.
So it would take me about two and a half months, depending on how much time I spend on the pilgrimage.

[beentheredonethat]

Take the train back and stay at Koya-san ...

Well then ...

It would be cheaper and faster ... and open up new doors for you ... if you bought a 7 Day JR Rail Pass which will allow you to use the Shinkansen *and* travel the length of Japan (fast and local trains), as well as JR buses, e.g. JR bus to Shikoku.

Given the speed and efficiency of the railways, it would mean you could fit in much more, e.g. other cities. If you timed it right, you could also spend a couple of night sleeping on it, e.g. go to north to Sapporo (even seeing where the Tsunami hit), come back via Kanazawa (recommended).

If you want a private room on a train, you need to pay a little extra. About the price of a hostel bed. Otherwise you can just sleep in chair/couchette, get off at a station, go for a bath and a doze in a local onsen and have a nice day at a different city.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2356.html

Time it right so that the end of your 7 days, you are back to either Naruto, Tokushima where Temple Number 1 is ... or Koya-san, e.g. Koya-san Day 6, train/bus to Shikoku Day 7.

I think a full day in Koya is enough unless you can do some kind of course.

This would allow you to see Hiroshima, e.g. you could go all the way down to Hiroshima and take the ferry across to Matsuyama (or even Fukuoka/Kyushu), coming back via bus/train across the top of Shikoku.


Excuse my impertinence, but what is it you want to see in Tokyo?

[brandian]

Given the speed and efficiency of the railways, it would mean you could fit in much more, e.g. other cities. If you timed it right, you could also spend a couple of night sleeping on it, e.g. go to north to Sapporo (even seeing where the Tsunami hit), come back via Kanazawa (recommended).

Excuse my impertinence, but what is it you want to see in Tokyo?

You keep recommending sites I should visit and places I should go, that's great But it made me realize that it would be a waste to travel to Japan this year, I mean, I have only less than a month time to prepare and when you think about it, that's not enough to include all these places into my plans. I think it's better if I go next year, better prepared and with more money, at least that's the decission I came up with. But don't think that I'm cancelling the whole trip, if you have any suggestions, please let me know about them because until now they all sounded great.

About Tokyo: This city has more inhabitants than the country I come from, that's something I can't even imagine and that's why I want to go there, because of the neon lights and the crowded subway trains, you know, all these things