Campsites within Tokyo Metropolis exhibit a distinct “bipolar” characteristic: one category consists of urban park-type campsites located within the 23 wards or nearby suburbs; the other category comprises mountain and river-type campsites situated in areas far from the city center, such as the Nishitama District.
Urban park-type campsites are typically operated by ward or city governments and are located within large urban green spaces. Examples include Wakasu Park Camp Jo (若洲公園キャンプ場) in Koto Ward and Heiwajima Park Camp Jo (平和島公園キャンプ場) in Ota Ward. These sites generally offer relatively complete infrastructure and exceptional transportation convenience, often reachable by foot or public bus from residential areas, making them suitable for beginners and families. However, their natural surroundings are often limited, featuring artificial coastlines or urban landscapes rather than the wild charm of deep mountains and streams. Furthermore, due to their proximity to the city, these campsites tend to be very popular on weekends and holidays, requiring early reservations to secure a spot.
In contrast, Tokyo’s western areas like Okutama and Akigawa host several highly-regarded mountain-type campsites. Okutama, known as a natural sanctuary close to the capital, is home to multiple camping treasures. For instance, the previously mentioned Hikawa Camp Jo (氷川キャンプ場), located in Hikawa, Okutama-machi, is surrounded by lush forests and the clear tributaries of the Tama River. Despite being only 0.3 km (a 5-minute walk) from JR Okutama Station, it offers an experience akin to being deep in the mountains, praised as a place where one can “fully enjoy Okutama’s nature just two hours from the city center.” The campsite features ancient trees and air rich in negative ions. As a municipally operated public campsite, it is well-managed, requires no prior reservation, and is affordably priced, making it a perennial favorite among camping enthusiasts. Kawai Camp Jo (川井キャンプ場) is another star campsite in the Okutama area, situated on a large riverbank near Kawai Station. It is famous for its expansive riverbed (kawara), allowing ample space for riverside barbecues, water play, and rafting. Kawai Camp Jo offers complete facilities, including a management building, rental equipment, and regularly scheduled unique activities like outdoor baumkuchen baking. Both Hikawa and Kawai campsites in Okutama not only boast beautiful natural environments (surrounded by mountains, with starry skies at night) but are also directly accessible by public transport, truly enabling “car-less visitors to roam the mountain forests.” Compared to these, other privately run campsites around Okutama (like smaller ones near Hikawa Camp Jo) might require phone reservations and tend to be less crowded but offer similarly tranquil environments. Deeper exploration reveals mini-campsites hidden in valleys, such as Nature Garden Akigawa Keikoku (ネイチャーガーデン秋川渓谷) / Akigawa Keikoku Rivertio (秋川渓谷リバーティオ) near the end of the JR Itsukaichi Line, requiring a bus transfer. These locations offer elegant scenery and murmuring streams, ideal for campers seeking to avoid crowds.
Overall, Tokyo’s campsites present a polarization in infrastructure and convenience: urban sites excel in accessibility and strict management but offer less natural immersion, while suburban mountain sites allow genuine connection with nature and high-quality wilderness camping experiences, often while maintaining good accessibility (direct train access plus short walks). Beginners or families prioritizing safety and convenience might opt for sites like Wakasu or Heiwajima. Experienced campers, however, tend to favor the Okutama and Akigawa areas for their pristine, tranquil environments that don’t necessitate long journeys. The success of well-connected yet nature-rich sites like Hikawa and Kawai highlights a key market demand for “accessible wilderness,” catering effectively to Tokyo’s urban population seeking efficient nature escapes.