Camping in the great outdoors is something every child should experience - toasting marshmallows over a fire, hearing strange rustling outside your tent in the middle of the night, the sound of leaves under your feet as you tramp to the distant toilet block.... The Japanese are very good at organizing easy camping trips that anyone can enjoy without the need to buy loads of equipment. The camp ground at Daigenta Canyon is one such facility that is a great introduction to the joys of camping.
It is made up of several clearings in the woods connected by well-maintained paths. If you have all the gear you can set up your own tent but for those looking for the easier route you can rent one of their permanently erected tents (so no struggling with complicated instructions in the dark with pieces missing!) There are also BBQ pits around that you can use and it is possible to rent pots and pans, chopping boards, and different kinds of BBQ grills. Charcoal, firewood and fire-lighters are also on sale. There is a pizza oven there as well, but that is only for those who have signed up to the pizza making experience run by the local Italian restaurant, Taverna Vicini. It is not just cooking utensils for rent - you can also hire sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hammocks, tables, chairs and additional tents. In fact, there is not much you need to bring apart from your toothbrush. Camping has never been easier.
The camp area is very picturesque. There are trees everywhere and close by a set of waterfalls flowing into a small stream. There are lots of great hikes in the surrounding hills and the local adventure center can take you on guided nature walks. Daigenta Canyon lake is a short stroll away and there are canoe and stand up paddle board tours available. Yuzawa town is 10 minutes drive away so there is plenty more to do, and even though you feel well away from everything, small town Japan (and a convenience store) is never far away. For a pleasant stay out in a nature, Daigenta Camp Ground has a lot to offer and may well be the start of a love affair with camping.
