Experiencing Glamping in Japan Near Mount Fuji
Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Kay
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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.
Open-Air Baths With Mount Fuji Views
When you arrive at Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp, you will first need to check in at the reception. During check-in, the staff will ask you to reserve a bath of your choice, which you can use for 50 minutes each day of your stay. There are 4 different types of baths, which I recommend viewing and deciding on before you get there.
We decided while checking in, and I felt a little nervous trying to decide on the spot with only extremely tiny images on display of each bath.
Two baths are for a fee of ¥500 per adult and ¥300 per child. Being the “save where I can” person that I am, I opted for the free types so I’m not sure how these compare.
But according to their website, all four baths are private, open-air, natural mineral water baths with stunning views, so I’m guessing that the difference between the free and paid-for baths is just the size.
I chose the cypress (Hinoki bath), which I personally wouldn’t recommend if it’s raining or cold as there is not enough protection from the elements. This particular bath is closest to the camp, which is nice in a way, but also can be noisy. The whole area was also a tight squeeze for my son and me. The Ceramic bath however, was apparently heavenly. If I were to go again, I would probably choose the Wind Bath, as, by the looks of it on the website, ¥500 would be worth the extra space and luxury.
Once you choose your bath, you then choose a time allocation. I chose from 6 pm to 7 pm but it was pitch black and raining. So unfortunately, we didn’t get a gorgeous view, but the bath was still very relaxing after a long day at the Fuji Q Highland Theme Park. I think it would be nice to try to use the bath during sunset or sunrise, or at a time when you can enjoy the view.
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!
The beds were also great, it was the best sleep we had in a long time! We fell asleep immediately and none of us woke up till morning. We felt refreshed, too. It was pretty amazing!
We felt snug and warm in the tent with more space than most hotel rooms, so it really was great. My son is pretty picky too, and even he loved it. We all wished we had booked a second night; that’s my only regret, not staying long enough!
FAQ
How to Get to Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp?
We took a train from Fuji Q Highland Station to Fuji Station. Once outside the station ticket gates, we waited at the sign saying TAXI STAND. All you have to do is stand here and wait. A camera or sensor actually sees you waiting and will call a taxi.
Of course, we had no idea and started to panic. I asked for help at a Tourist Information shop close by and they told us to just wait at the Taxi spot where the camera can see us, or a taxi won’t come. So we did this and less than 5 minutes later, a taxi came to pick us up.
We told him the name of the camp in English and he took us right there with no issues. It cost us ¥2500. But this was going up a mountain and it took about 20 minutes.
Keep in mind that Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp’s website says that it’s only a 10-minute drive, so it probably depends on traffic and weather conditions.
When we checked out the next day, the staff called the taxi to pick us up and it took around the same travel time but cost us ¥3000. Perhaps they added a fee to get up the mountain? It’s not cheap but not really any other option unless you have a car or hike up, which is an option, but personally I’d rather not with a small child.
The taxi was fast, fun and convenient, so I was pretty content with my choice.
What to Pack for Glamping in Japan?
Here’s what we packed for our glamping stay in Japan.
- Water
- Dinner, which we bought from the supermarket, paper plates, paper cups, a chopping board, a knife and utensils are provided.
- Breakfast – also bought at the supermarket, which consisted of yoghurt, milk, bread and fruit.
- Marshmallows – These are not provided by the glamping site, but skewers are!
- Face products for me and body cream for all of us to share.
That’s it, really!
Face towels, bath towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and razors were all supplied per person by the glamping site.
A hairdryer, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner were also provided in all baths.
There are many additional items like a BBQ for rent so you can pack quite lightly, in my opinion. There are blankets in the room for cold nights and camping chairs are given while enjoying your bonfire. In the summertime, bug repellent and sunscreen would be needed, as it is in the middle of nature.