6 Best Campsites in Hiroshima! Recommendations from Camping Experts

The Charms of Hiroshima 

Hiroshima Prefecture is not only home to world heritage sites such as Miyajima and the Atomic Bomb Dome, but is also a treasure trove of gourmet food and sightseeing. It is rich in local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, oysters, Hiroshima beef, and Onomichi ramen, and is also known as a producer of lemons and mandarin oranges. There are also a wide variety of unique events and activities, and cycling and trekking on the Shimanami Kaido are particularly popular.

It's only 1-2 hours away by Shinkansen from Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, so it's easily accessible. We recommend it as a great spot to stop by during your trip, so why not stay overnight in Hiroshima and enjoy the city's nature, history, and culture!

• Table of Contents
• 1. Bihoku Auto Village: Five Star Camping Site 
• 2. Okidani Auto Campground: The Largest Site in Hiroshima  
• 3. Camp & Cottage Foresta Hiroshima: Enjoy Lakeside Camping 
• 4. Crescent Beach Seaside Park Campground: Splendid Views of The Seto Inland Sea
• 5. Enokawa Canoe Park Sakugi: Enjoy the Nature at its Fullest  
• 6. Yasaka Auto Campsite: Child-Friendly Camping

1. Bihoku Auto Village: Five Star Camping Site 

This campsite is located in Shobara City, within the National Bihoku Hills Park. It is the first in the Chugoku region to be certified five-star by the Japan Auto Camping Association (JAC), the highest standard.

JAC is an organization established with the aim of popularizing auto camping, and is also certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This certification is like the Michelin Guide for camping, and there are only eight campsites in Japan that have been awarded five-star status.

Located about a 10-minute drive from Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway, the facility is well-maintained and clean, and users also rate the security of the campsite, which requires a PIN number.

In addition, the baths in the management center are fully equipped with amenities such as body soap, shampoo, and hair dryers, making it known as a safe and comfortable campsite that can be used by a wide range of people, from beginners to experienced campers.

Official site here

2. Okidani Auto Campground: The Largest Site in Hiroshima  

This campsite is one of the largest in the prefecture, covering an area of approximately 50,000 square meters. There are 109 tent sites, as well as log houses, log bungalows, and tree houses that are popular with children, so you can enjoy a variety of camping styles.

Located in a natural area covered with broadleaf forests, you can swim in the clear stream in the summer and camp in the snow, which is rare in western Japan, so not only children but also adults who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city can enjoy this extraordinary experience.

As for activities, there is the 220m-long Oonidani Tree Adventure, a large-scale athletic course where you climb ropes and overcome ladder bridges and other obstacles to reach the goal, as well as mountain bike courses, so you can have a thrilling time.

Official site here

3. Camp & Cottage Foresta Hiroshima: Enjoy Lakeside Camping 

This campsite surrounds the beautiful Lake Biwa, allowing you to experience the unique lakeside atmosphere. At night, the scenery with the lights scattered here and there is particularly mystical.

One of the reasons it is popular with solo campers is that there are free sites with no designated areas, so you can pitch your tent anywhere on the premises. You can pitch your tent a little away from the other guests and spend your time alone in silence.

You can also rent camping equipment such as solo tents and tarps, and grills that come with nets, charcoal, and firewood. In addition, they sell barbecue ingredients such as Hiroshima's specialty koune, as well as draft beer, so you can enjoy camping easily even if you come with light luggage.

Official site here

4. Crescent Beach Seaside Park Campground: Splendid Views of The Seto Inland Sea

This campsite is located on the eastern side of Tajima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, adjacent to Crescent Beach, named for the crescent-shaped white sand beach.

In the summer, the beach is equipped with a huge marine athletics facility, where you can play on slides and trampolines that jump into the sea. Another attraction of this campsite is that you can easily go sea fishing at a nearby spot.

At dusk, why not spend some time relaxing and warming yourself by the bonfire while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea that spreads out before you?

Official site here

5. Enokawa Canoe Park Sakugi: Enjoy the Nature at its Fullest  

This campsite is located inside the "Sakugi Canoe Park," a facility where you can enjoy nature activities throughout the seasons, such as canoeing, stream walking, and water play. The largest river in the Chugoku region, the Sakugi River, flows leisurely in front of you, allowing you to experience the great outdoors of Sakugi Town with your whole body.

The biggest attraction of this campsite is the activities. The canoeing experience is well-guided by an instructor who will teach you how to hold a paddle, how to row, how to get into a canoe, and how to escape if it capsizes, so even those with no experience can enjoy it with confidence.

There are also plenty of play activities that make use of nature, such as a slide that makes use of the stream and a pool (maximum depth 60cm) created by damming the stream.

Official site here

6. Yasaka Auto Campsite: Child-Friendly Camping

Yasaka Auto Campsite is located along the Oze River, which flows along the border between Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures. If you are a beginner to river activities, this is the place to go.

The tent sites are lined up in a row in front of the river, so you can enjoy camping while looking out at the river. The river has a gentle current, shallow areas, and clean water, making it an easy environment for even small children to play in (however, there are also deep and fast-flowing areas, so please keep an eye on them).

There are small fish in the river and a sandy beach, so if you bring along items that can be used in the river, such as nets and buckets, you will be able to expand the range of play even further.

Official site here