top of page

How to Book Campsites in Japan | A Beginner’s Guide to Using NAP-CAMP😊

  • Writer: Sora Campers Japan
    Sora Campers Japan
  • Jun 23
  • 4 min read

Planning a camping trip in Japan?


For many first-time visitors, finding and booking a campsite can be more challenging than driving itself.


Fortunately, Japan’s largest camping reservation platform, NAP-CAMP, makes it much easier for international travelers. In most cases, you don’t even need a Japanese phone number or address.


In this guide, we’ll show you how to use NAP-CAMP to book campsites in Japan and what you should know before making a reservation.

NAP CAMP has APP version for iphone and android.
NAP CAMP has APP version for iphone and android.

āø»


What is NAP-CAMP?


NAP-CAMP (なっぷ) is the largest campsite reservation website in Japan, featuring more than 5,000 campgrounds across the country.


Whether you’re looking for:


* Lakeside campsites

* Mountain campgrounds

* Beach camping

* Hot spring campsites

* RV Parks

* Auto Campsites


NAP-CAMP offers a wide variety of options for every style of camping.


It is one of the most popular websites for planning a Japan road trip or campervan adventure.


Official website:


āø»


STEP 1: Switch to the International Version


NAP-CAMP provides an international interface for foreign visitors.


Unlike many traditional Japanese websites, most campsites listed on NAP-CAMP can be reserved without a Japanese phone number or address.


This makes it much easier for overseas travelers to plan their camping trips.


āø»


STEP 2: Search by Region

Ā search campsites by destination
Ā search campsites by destination

You can search campsites by destination, such as:


* Shiga (Lake Biwa)

* Wakayama

* Nara

* Kyoto

* Awaji Island

* Mie

* Shikoku


You can also filter campsites according to your preferences:


* Auto Campsite

* RV Park

* Hot Spring Nearby

* Pet-Friendly

* Family-Friendly

* Riverside Camping

* Beach Camping


āø»


STEP 3: Select Your Dates and Number of Guests

If your travel dates are not fixed yet, you can skip the date selection for now.
If your travel dates are not fixed yet, you can skip the date selection for now.

Simply enter:


* Check-in date

* Check-out date

* Number of guests

* Number of vehicles


NAP-CAMP will then display available campsites.


Spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season are particularly popular, so early reservations are highly recommended.


āø»


STEP 4: Understand Different Campsite Types

Make sure that the campsite allows vehicles to park beside your tent
Make sure that the campsite allows vehicles to park beside your tent

This is one of the most important steps.


Not all campsites in Japan allow vehicles to park beside your tent.


1/ Auto Campsite


Vehicles can park directly next to the camping area.


This is the most convenient option for campervan travelers and road trips.


2/ RV Park


Designed specifically for campervans and motorhomes.


Many RV Parks provide:


* Electricity

* Toilets

* Waste disposal facilities

* Shower rooms


3/ Free Site


Campers can choose their own spots, but vehicles may need to stay in a separate parking area.


4/ Tent Site


Some campsites are designed only for tents and may not be suitable for campervans.


Always check the campsite description carefully before making a reservation.


āø»


STEP 5: Pay Attention to Additional Charges


Campsite pricing in Japan can vary significantly.


Some campsites charge:


* Site fees only


Others charge:


* Per-person fees


Additional fees may include:


* Electricity

* Shower facilities

* Garbage disposal

* Parking

* Entrance fees


Don’t rely solely on the price shown on the homepage. Always check the total cost before booking.

For example, at this campsite, the basic site fee already covers up to eight people.If you would like the campsite to dispose of your garbage, you’ll need to purchase the designated trash bag for Ā„330.
For example, at this campsite, the basic site fee already covers up to eight people.If you would like the campsite to dispose of your garbage, you’ll need to purchase the designated trash bag for Ā„330.

āø»


STEP 6: Check the Facilities


Don’t assume every campsite has:


āœ“ Hot showers


āœ“ Flush toilets


āœ“ Electricity


āœ“ Garbage collection


āœ“ Wi-Fi


Some hidden gem campsites offer only basic facilities.


Reading the campsite information carefully can help avoid unpleasant surprises.


āø»


Can I Book Campsites in Japan Without a Japanese Phone Number?


Yes.


Most campsites listed on NAP-CAMP welcome international travelers.

Please choose the option: FOR OVERSEAS TRAVELERS
Please choose the option: FOR OVERSEAS TRAVELERS
You can fill in all your information in English. Japan phone number is not necessary.
You can fill in all your information in English. Japan phone number is not necessary.

However, some smaller campsites managed by local communities or municipalities still accept reservations only through:


* Telephone

* Email

* Fax

* Text messages


Some websites are available only in Japanese.


This is where overseas visitors often encounter difficulties.


āø»


Sora Campers Can Help You Reserve Campsites


At Sora Campers, we do more than just provide campervan rentals.


We can also recommend and help reserve campsites that match your travel style, including:


* Lakeside campsites

* Riverside campsites

* Hot spring campgrounds

* Cherry blossom camping spots

* Autumn foliage destinations

* Family-friendly campsites


Our goal is to make campervan travel in Japan easier and more enjoyable, especially for first-time visitors.


āø»


Final Thoughts


Japan offers an incredible variety of campsites and outdoor experiences.


By using NAP-CAMP, international travelers can easily book campgrounds and enjoy the freedom of exploring Japan by campervan.


And if you’re not sure where to stay, Sora Campers is always happy to help.


Because travel is not only about where you go—


it’s about how you experience Japan.

Comments


bottom of page