Camping & Glamping in Gunma | Stories & Guides | Gunma Official Tourist Guide

Camping in Gunma overview

Some campgrounds are hike-in only, so you will have to carry a tent and all of your gear. The campsites in Oze National Park, for example, can only be accessed on foot.

However, a large majority of campgrounds in Gunma are auto campsites where you can park a vehicle. Facilities differ from site to site, but some offer rentals of everything you need, including tent and bedding, so you can turn up empty-handed. If you have limited time and prefer more convenient camping, hiring a car and driving to campgrounds is recommended. Another option is to rent a campervan. Campervans have become increasingly popular in Japan, and they are a good option for exploring Gunma on a road trip.

Lake Nozori, located in Joshin’etsukogen National Park, has some excellent camping options with convenient access to the lake, a visitor center and several hiking trails. Campgrounds on Mt. Akagi are perfectly placed for exploring the mountain and Lake Onuma.

Most of Gunma's campgrounds are closed throughout winter.

Luxury camping

If you prefer to have the comforts of a hotel with direct access to nature from your accommodation, look into one of Gunma’s several luxury campgrounds. There are notable options in Shima Onsen, Myogi and Minakami.

Shima Blue, along the Shima River is a great spot to enjoy the area’s nature and its hot springs. There are seven cottages, each with river views, outdoor baths, and barbecue facilities. Spend lazy days enjoying the sounds of nature from a hammock and evenings bathing in your private onsen. These airy, wooden lodges feel as close-to-nature as camping, but provide the comforts of a high end hotel.

Other luxury campgrounds in Gunma feature dome-shaped guest rooms, with windows opening up to mountain vistas and hot springs on site. Meals made with fresh, local ingredients are provided. Some offer barbecue packages that allow you to cook on your cabin’s balcony while enjoying the sounds of nature and views of clear rivers.

At Canyons Riverside Oasis in Minakami, you can sleep in a specially-made glamping tent equipped with beds and a barbecue area right next to the Yuhiso River. The campground is at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, part of Joshin’etsukogen National Park. Packages include breakfast and optional activities like whitewater river rafting, canyoning, and caving.