Camping/Glamping in Japan !!! on bunny island!

Growing up, my family rarely ventured into the wild, except for the occasional chalet stay in Scotland, where we marveled at the rugged landscape and watched clouds drift low at sunset. My mother’s back problems meant camping was out of the question. As I got older, I improvised by creating a makeshift tent in the garden, gazing at the stars, and spying on the neighborhood cat as it hunted bugs. Midnight bathroom trips turned into dashes back inside, often with a detour to the fridge. In truth, my adventures in the great outdoors barely left the backyard.

 Just before I left for Japan, historical reenactments and renaissance fairs were gaining momentum, and the thought of gathering around a fire at night in period dress began to captivate me. Friends would send photos of glowing fires and meals bubbling over hot coals, and soon the dream of savoring old-world food beneath the open sky took root in my imagination.

 Japan offers a dazzling array of campsites, from rugged, back-to-nature escapes to luxurious glamping retreats where you can savor wagyu and local delicacies in air-conditioned bliss. Some of these indulgent experiences can even eclipse the cost of the most exclusive ryokans. My own fascination began after a lively BBQ on Hamasaki beach, where I grilled up a delicious selection of ingredients while the waves crashed upon an untrodden beach. Hamasaki is up near Karatsu in Saga, meaning it’s a paradise with little foot traffic. The simple joy of cooking by the sea, with the sky blazing red and the tide racing up the sand, left me craving more of these moments.

 After a stretch of craving fresh air and open skies, yet still wanting a touch of comfort, my travel buddy and I started exploring our options. I have my sights set on a spot in Itoshima, Fukuoka, a place I dream of visiting, but it was booked for the weekend we had in mind. Still, the idea lingers, and I am determined to return when the air cools and the weather is just right.

 Today’s campsite is located on one of Japan’s more famous and unusual islands, where a darker past has now joined with a cuter, much furrier image. Bunny Island, or Okunoshima, is located off the coast of Hiroshima. I will write a longer, more in-depth blog for the island itself, but for now, I want to share my experience of camping on Bunny Island.

 The island invites you to choose between a ryokan-style hotel or a camping adventure. For seasoned campers, there is the classic bring-your-own-gear approach, but for those less experienced…like us, there are tents already pitched and waiting. Ours was delightfully bunny-themed, and the package included a BBQ selection box, wood for a separate campfire, hammocks, firelighters, and all the essentials. That weekend, the heat was relentless, and my biggest regret was underestimating it. I had hoped for a cool night breeze, but instead, our two small battery fans sputtered out after just a few hours.

 In Japan, I have learned that camping season is reserved for spring and fall, and now I completely understand why. The campsite sat a ten-minute stroll from the hotel, handy if you needed anything, but the nearest toilet was a seven-minute trek, an adventure, best avoided after sunset. Water taps and charcoal disposal spots were conveniently close by. Best of all, the scenery was breathtaking, with sweeping views of the island and the shimmering sea.

 As beginners, we fumbled with the BBQ, struggling to keep it hot enough until we faced a mini crisis: one of us stayed behind to guard the last glowing coal while the other dashed to the hotel for fire supplies. The whole ordeal was a crash course in resourcefulness. Despite the stress and the quick-falling darkness, I felt a surge of pride when I managed to revive the fire with a little help from ChatGPT and sheer determination. The campfire wood caught quickly, sometimes burning so fiercely that we worried about setting the ground alight. Yet, once the chaos of fire and food settled, the night became surprisingly peaceful.

 Our furry companions not only helped us finish off the unwanted cabbage but also brought comfort after the fiery commotion.

 At night, the island transformed into a wonderland of stars, with the Milky Way stretching overhead. The air stayed warmer than I expected, but it was just right for a stroll past the pier to the old, abandoned factory. I captured some breathtaking photos along the way. This was my favorite part of the trip: listening to the sounds of nature, the gentle rush of the sea, and gazing up at the stars. The nearby islands glowed in silhouette, and the quiet was deeply soothing. It was an adventure I will never forget camping on Bunny Island, wrestling with fire, feeding a crowd of rabbits, and lying on the deserted pier to photograph the night sky.

 Sleep was a sticky, sweltering affair, with the tents baking in the full glare of the morning sun. The trek to the toilets felt like a mini adventure, especially as night fell faster and darker than I expected. On the bright side, the food was my highlight delicious, varied, and thankfully safe. The hotel delivered our dinner in a cool bag right on time at five, adding a touch of comfort to the wild setting.

 But it is an experience I recommend to others with more research and preparation. I still want to experience glamping in Itoshima and am not opposed to trying camping with some creature comforts again. I felt close to the Japanese outdoors and learnt valuable skills that could be handy in a survival situation. Despite the challenges, the weekend has left me wanting more and to attend some re-enactment events in the UK upon my return. This is just another fun way to experience Japan, and I am happy to have had the chance. For those with longer itineraries or those feeling adventurous, I encourage you to look at the camping options along your journey and consider living on the wilder side for a night.