Freedom camping in Japan, my experience.

Gday from New Zealand.

I have just completed my 90-day cycling odyssey around Japan between May and July and spent the majority of time freedom camping in parks, so I can confidently say that I was never told that I couldn't camp where I pitched up for the night, or told that I wasn’t allowed to camp here overnight. The one and only time I was questioned, which happened to be by a police officer, was on Shodo Island; however, that was the following morning, by which time I had already squared away my gear ready to push on. That encounter was a positive and respectful experience.

I would always look for parks, and in almost all cases:

1. ⁠⁠had clean toilets
2. ⁠⁠access to clean drinking water
3. ⁠⁠picnic table & bench seating

and if I got really lucky,

1. a shelter or structure I could pitch my tent under if the weather turned bad or nasty

2. was located nearby a convenience store or supermarket

3. and if I hit the jackpot, an onsen or sento nearby

In general, I would start my search for a suitable park in the late afternoon, and if I liked it enough that I felt comfortable pitching up for the night, then I would just chill out, find a supermarket go and buy dinner and go back to the park.

I would always try to be as discreet as possible; however, if that wasn't possible, I felt just as comfortable pitching up in open ground as well.

The rules were:

1. ⁠⁠pitch up in the early evening/dusk,
2. ⁠⁠make as little a footprint as possible,
3. ⁠⁠leave as early as possible. For me, that was 6am
4. ⁠⁠take all rubbish away with me, leaving no trace

Summary

Freedom camping: 73 nights
Paid accommodation: 7 nights
Hosted (free): 4 nights
Michi-no-eki: 1 night
Internet Cafe: 3 nights
Stealth camping: 2 nights

I camped at inner city parks in the following cities: Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Matsuyama, Beppu, Haji, Matsue, Izumo, Sabae, Kurobe, and Niigata

I want you to know that my experience of freedom camping in Japan was a positive one. My overall experience was beyond my expectations – I met so, so many warm, generous, and kindhearted people throughout Japan.

But in general, always exercise common sense, good judgment, and confidence if you are contemplating freedom camping while cycling around the amazing country of Japan.

I never had a bad day on the bike, tough days yes – getting beaten up by the sun – one particular day I cycled 120km over two passes in 38 deg temp – & the heat, tackling high mountain roads and passes or getting rained on) but the motivation to get up and move forward every day remained high and I love experiencing what each new day brings my way.

I hope this helps and all the best of luck

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