Experiencing Glamping in Japan Near Mount Fuji
Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Lisa
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Thinking about glamping in Japan? How about at a beautiful location near Mount Fuji?
I wanted to take my toddler on a camping trip in Japan, but I wanted his first experience to be fun, easy, comfortable, and above all, safe. This is why I chose the luxurious way of camping — glamping.
This is a term I had actually never heard of before until I started doing research. Granted, glamping is not the cheapest option when it comes to accommodation. But considering all the items you have to buy for camping, including finding space to store everything, I feel like it’s 100 percent worth it, especially if you’re visiting Japan from abroad.
I’m going to be honest, though — now that we have experienced glamping, I think I have set the bar a little too high as I doubt my son will ever be interested in ‘roughing it out’ the traditional camping way! I don’t think I can either.
I live in Kyoto, but since my brother was visiting Japan, I decided that my family’s first glamping experience in Japan should be near the iconic Mount Fuji. After much research and many glamping options to choose from, I went with Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp.
This glamping site in Yamanashi has a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and the night view of Fujiyoshida city twinkling below and the area is only 10 minutes by car or a taxi from the station.
I also liked that it’s relatively new and has a private open-air bath with a stunning view!
I chose the Deluxe Dome for 4 people, although there were only three people (my brother, my son, and I), because it is right on top of the mountain and closest to all the facilities.
Here’s what our four-person dome looked like from the outside.
And this is what it looked like inside:
There is also an outdoor public eating area equipped with tables, chairs, 2 toaster ovens, and heaters in the winter.
Opposite the eating area is the reception. There are about five private open-air baths to choose from. Two are free, and the other three are for a small additional charge.
I chose the small free hinoki bath, which was close to our dome, but very small and had very little cover from the rain and wind. Apparently, the other baths have more cover and are further from the domes, so they’re also quieter and more relaxing, so I would definitely recommend those.
We chose a dome without a meal plan since my son is a picky eater and instead decided to shop at a supermarket close to the station. Luckily, there are a few good supermarkets nearby, and most of them sell delicious yakiimo-roasted sweet potatoes in the winter. Prices seemed very reasonable, too. We found lots of great food for my son to eat.
We bought lots of bottled water as well, but realised after that bottled water sourced from Mount Fuji was included in our amenities. Oops! But I guess you can never have enough water.
As I couldn’t quite find a definitive list of amenities when I was looking into the glamping site, I will include them here (these are per person):
- One 200ml water bottle
- One face towel
- One bath towel
- One drip coffee
- One tea bag
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are provided in the private bath
- There is a fridge in some domes, and a cooler box in others. Our dome came with a cooler box.
- The room also came with slippers and spare blankets.
If you ask reception, you can also receive paper plates, chopsticks, and cups. A chopping board, knife, and skewers can also be borrowed free of charge.
If you want a bonfire, you need to ask reception when checking in, and specify what time you would like them to start it for you. We were exhausted when we arrived, having spent the day at Fuji Q Highland, so we asked to have our bonfire at 7 am the next morning. There are camping chairs put out for when you have your bonfire, too, so there really isn’t much that you need to bring with you.
Honestly, after a long trip navigating through the crowds of Tokyo, this glamping experience was just what we needed. It was so lovely seeing the autumn foliage in Japan and roasting marshmallows over the fire with my family.
Even though I spent time and money on planning the most exciting trip in Tokyo, making sure not to miss any major attraction, in the end, my son loved this glamping experience the most. I think he would’ve been happy to have just spent the whole week at the glampsite.
He brought with him a few toys and enjoyed playing with them on the wooden deck connected to our dome. Watching him play in the clear, fresh air, with Mt. Fuji in the background, was truly a magical day.
The view of the city at night was also spectacular.
Even if you don’t have kids, I really recommend trying glamping in Japan, especially at Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp.
I mean, look at this view!
