Our First Rooftop Camping Trip with Our Pet🐶

## Rediscovering True Freedom in Nature

When traveling with a pet, the goal is rarely about ticking off famous landmarks. What truly matters is whether you can slow down together — and breathe comfortably side by side.

In Japan, while pets are allowed on buses and trains, the multiple transfers, long journeys, and various restrictions can quietly drain both energy and enjoyment.

This time, we chose a different way.

Together with Renny, we set off on a journey that felt genuinely unrestricted — rooftop camping.

1️⃣ Arriving at a Pet-Friendly Campsite in Shiga

We drove to a paid campsite in Shiga. It wasn’t luxurious, but it had everything we truly needed:

* Sinks for washing vegetables and dishes

* Proper facilities including hot water, showers, and flush toilets

* A small shop for basic camping supplies

* Individual camping plots enclosed by fencing

For us, these details mattered far more than five-star amenities.

Once we parked inside our designated space and closed the gate, Renny could run freely without a leash.

Anyone who has camped with a pet understands how important that small gate can be. We didn’t have to worry about Renny enthusiastically running into someone else’s tent, nor fear that a sudden noise might startle him into disappearing into the woods.

Watching him explore freely across the rocky ground, finally released from the leash, was more precious than anything else.

2️⃣ A Mountain Summer

Although we visited in summer, the campsite was located deep in the mountains, and the temperature was surprisingly pleasant.

With an awning set up beside the car, even the midday sun wasn’t overwhelming. At night, it was cool enough to require a light jacket.

Across from the campsite flowed a clean, crystal-clear stream. During the day, Japanese families and their dogs played in the water — it was the perfect summer escape.

After days of rushing through itineraries under the blazing sun, anyone would fall in love with these simple, unhurried moments.

The scene felt natural and genuine — a complete contrast to the noise and pressure of city life.

3️⃣ Nightfall: The Most Unforgettable Moment

As evening settled in, we set up a simple grill, cooked dinner, and relaxed beside the car with Renny.

Deep in the mountains, there was no light pollution. Above us stretched a sky full of stars — so brilliant that all we wanted to do was sit quietly and take it in, as if the world belonged only to our little family.

For those of us who have always lived in cities, it was a view impossible to recreate in memory.

You have to sit there in person to truly understand its impact.

Renny lay quietly beside us, occasionally lifting his head to look our way. In that moment, it became clear:

Travel doesn’t have to be busy. It doesn’t have to be spectacular.

Sometimes, sharing peaceful silence in nature with those you love is more than enough.

Even as camping beginners, we found the rooftop tent easy to set up and close. It was spacious and comfortable — more than enough room for a family of three.

Although the campsite was pet-friendly and nearly every family had a dog, everyone was considerate. Aside from the occasional bark in the early hours, the night remained calm and quiet.

After a day of playing and eating well, the most important thing was simply a good night’s sleep.

4️⃣ The Meaning of the Journey: Companionship Over Destination

This rooftop camping trip reaffirmed something for me:

When traveling with your pet, what matters most is not where you’ve been — but the freedom to share each moment together in nature.

No crowded attractions.

No complicated transport transfers.

Just us, Renny, the mountains, and the stars.

That simple yet profound happiness has become one of our family’s most treasured memories.