Shikimibarusukoyakanomori Camping Ground

PROS: Fantastic view day and night, cool summer temperatures, low prices, large lodges, well kept grounds CONS: narrow roads, Japanese toilets only, no shop, basic facilities only, difficult loading for free sites, highly changeable weather BOTTOM LINE: If you don’t mind bringing all that you need and narrow roads, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas. DETAILED REVIEW: At 1200m in altitude, we chose this campsite to escape from the record breaking 2018 summer heat and for its spectacular "sea of clouds" views. Firstly the uphill drive to the campsite is a little harrowing and baffled the car navigation system. The road was narrow and in the rain, it was outright scary in some parts. There were signs that pointed both left and right to the campsite which were confusing. As it turned out, there are multiple routes to the site, the narrower the road, the faster you get there. In the rain and the approach of night, we took the long road.Watch out for deer too. The campsite itself is divided into spacious lodges, auto sites and free sites. We chose the larger free sites (approx. 10m x 10m) which are terraced, with two plots per terrace. You can rent the whole terrace (2 plots) for a large 10m x 20m (approx.) for the modest price of ￥4000 per night. The official website shows a road going uphill between all the terraces of the free sites, which I assumed could be used for easy loading/unloading. I was WRONG. Firstly, the near hairpin U turn into the free site area is very steep. I scratched the underside of my car as I unsuccessfully attempted the turn. Even attempting it straight on was a close affair. There were many scars on the road where other unfortunate souls made the same mistake of trying to turn in. Once safely up in to the car park, the next thing we realised is there was a good 150m steep incline from the car park to our actual site. The road pictured on the website which I had hoped to use for loading, was about as wide as my car (just over 2m). The road width didn't matter anyway, as there is a big step to get on to the road which my car didn't have enough clearance for. Lugging gear for 3 nights, 4 days up that hill in high wind, rain and fog in the dark nearly made me cry. The one saving grace, was the temperature was cool, in fact, I'd say a good 10 degrees (Celsius) cooler than Kumamoto City. At night, even at the height of summer, it was too cold for T-shirts, so dress accordingly and bring the right sleeping gear. The campsite isn't privately owned so don't expect much in terms of facilities. The free site was a little far from both water faucets and restrooms. The restrooms are Japanese style only and to be honest, are not the nicest. On the up side, there is a communal building with coin showers and indoor toilets which were clean if a little claustrophobic. I believe the auto sites fare better with a shower shared between two plots. This camp site has no shop to speak of (though the administration office may sell firewood - please check). There are also no shops close by either. You probably won't need much ice as it is so cool but otherwise, be prepared or be hungry! There are a few playground facilities for the kids like a swing, climbing frame, small climbing wall etc. Being so high, the weather is unpredictable and highly changeable. The actual camp ground is flat and well kept grass with little to no rocks. The soil is quite loose so shorter pegs don't hold as well, especially with high wind. Overall this campsite has sparse facilities but is well kept. The main attraction is nature in all her glory. Because of the long winding roads, it does feel like an adventure to be there. If you like resort style camping, this may not be the place for you. It really is what you make of it. For us, the rolling clouds beneath us and the starry night skies were worth all the inconveniences. We will go again, but may be to the auto sites or I'll have to buy a car with higher ground clearance!

4.8 points In Google Navi, I was told to enter a narrow road without any sign from the national highway, so I went through it and entered from the road with a sign, and after that I aimed at the campsite by relying on a small sign, but rockfall and grass I ended up going on an abandoned road where I couldn't even make a U-turn. When I followed Google Navi on the way back, it seemed like a detour that Google guided me, but the road was narrow but I could pass it properly. I didn't know where to go. The campsite is divided into auto sites 1 to 16 and free sites, and we used the auto site. Autosite is a shower building alone from 1 to 10, water supply is independent from 11 to 16, but showers are shared. All power is on. Great views were seen from 1 to 10, especially 7 to 9. 1 to 10 is 4500 yen, 11 to 16 is 3000 yen. The free site is one step above the auto site, and there is a parking lot, and it is made up of narrow roads. Of course, the view from the free site is also wonderful. There is playground equipment at the top of the free site. Thanks to the view of the mountains, the sunset, the starry sky, the sea of ​​clouds in the morning, and the high altitude, you can enjoy a world different from the lower world. The shower, sink and toilet are clean and comfortable to use. There was a part surrounded by concrete in the auto site, and there were some reinforcing bars such as anchors hardened with concrete, which made the setup a little disturbing or stumbled. I made a reservation with Nap, but according to the information on Nap, check-in was 15:00 and check-out was 13:00, but it was actually 15:00 and 11:00, respectively. Although the business period is limited, I think it is a campsite where you can enjoy a special extraordinary feeling.

The road to the campsite was narrow and difficult to understand, but the campsite had a good view and was comfortable. The auto site area is large enough that neighbors don't care so much. The power supply is on the side of the cooking ridge, so if you don't have an extension cord of sufficient length, you need to be careful about where you set up your tent.

It's cool! Anyway it's cool! It's cold in the middle of the night even though it's been extremely hot all over Japan. The scenery is good and the manners of the users are good. I am sorry that it is for a limited time.

You can just look at the starry sky. Anyway, the stars ✨ ☆ ✨ feel close. Beautiful.