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5 Gorgeous Glamping Sites in Tohoku: Comfortably Enjoy the Outdoors With Family

5 Gorgeous Glamping Sites in Tohoku: Comfortably Enjoy the Outdoors With Family

Last updated: 21 November 2023

Japan's northeastern region of Tohoku is known for its beautiful natural scenery, making it perfect for glamping in the warmer months.

When glamping in Tohoku, you can enjoy staying in stylish tents and lodges, outdoor barbeques with the family, as well as cozy quality time around a bonfire. It's the perfect chance to enjoy a luxurious camping experience without the hassle of setting up tents or preparing supplies.

With facilities leaving guests feeling pampered through hotel-class services, more and more have been popping up throughout Japan!

Here we will introduce five glamping sites in the Tohoku region that you're sure to enjoy.

Main image: yamagata glam

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Hawaiians Glamping Mauna Village (Fukushima Prefecture)
  2. 2. Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa (Fukushima Prefecture)
  3. 3. yamagata glam (Yamagata Prefecture)
  4. 4. Glamping Spa Sendai Mori ~ KOMOREBI ~ (Miyagi Prefecture)
  5. 5. Appi no Mori (Iwate Prefecture)

1. Hawaiians Glamping Mauna Village (Fukushima Prefecture)

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

To get to Hawaiians Glamping Mauna Village, you can take the JR Joban Line’s limited express train, Hitachi, from Tokyo Station to Yumoto Station (approximately two hours and ten minutes). From here, Spa Resort Hawaiians’ free shuttle bus takes you to the facility.

Another option is taking one of the free shuttle bus services leaving from major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Yokohoma Station, enabling you to access the site without paying any transportation fees!

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

At this large-scale facility, you can enjoy Hawaiian-themed glamping that will make you feel like you’re camping on one of Hawaii’s mountains!

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

Fitting up to four guests each, you can choose from either the Grand Tent or Wood Cabin accommodation. A stay at one of these facilities comes with a free two-day pass to Spa Resort Hawaiians!

Additionally, the tent’s interior is faithful to the Hawaiian theme, incorporating the island’s fabrics and trinkets. Completely unwind in a beautiful space filled with a tropical atmosphere!

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

Amenities offered at the Grand Tent include a face towel and toothbrush kit, while the Wood Cabin offers a face towel, bath towel, bath mat, toothbrush kit, and blow dryer.

What’s more, the large communal bath has shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, basic cosmetic products, combs, and a blow dryer. However, loungewear or pajamas are not included, so remember to bring a set from home!

Spa Resort Hawaiians’ Water Park! (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
Spa Resort Hawaiians’ Water Park! (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
A stage offering many traditional Polynesian performances! (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
A stage offering many traditional Polynesian performances! (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

For active families, we recommend spending the day at Spa Resort Hawaiians! Here you can enjoy one of Japan’s largest water slides, an enormous pool, and hula dancing performances!

What dinner might look like. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
What dinner might look like. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
Dessert that comes with the barbeque course. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
Dessert that comes with the barbeque course. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

After a full day of enjoying all that Spa Resort Hawaiians has to offer, it’s time to check into the glamping facility!

Once this is done, dinner will be served! Here you can enjoy a barbeque of various meat and seafood. Since all the ingredients are prepared and seasoned beforehand, all you have to do is throw them on the grill!

This meal also comes with cheese fondue, a salad made using Fukushima Prefecture’s fresh vegetables, soup, and dessert!

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

For drinks, we recommend stopping by Village House. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are served here from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (costs for drinks are charged separately).

What’s more, if you charge an additional 2,000 yen to your room, you can bring your own drinks to enjoy!

(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
(Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

Once full from dinner, sit and chat as a family around a blazing bonfire or head back to Spa Resort Hawaiians to relax at their hot spring facility, IEdo-jowa Yoichi (one round-trip taxi ticket, to/from the glamping facility and Spa Resort Hawaiians, is included)!

What breakfast might look like. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)
What breakfast might look like. (Photo Courtesy of: Joban Kosan, Ltd)

After a good night’s rest, enjoy a breakfast sandwich overflowing with delicious veggies! Children also have a pancake option, so please let staff know if you would like to change their order when making a reservation.

Once check-out is taken care of, the whole family can spend the rest of the day having a blast at Spa Resort Hawaiians!

Since there are no services in foreign languages, we recommend using an app like Google Translate so that communication flows smoothly.

  • HAWAIIANS GLAMPING Mauna Village
    ハワイアンズ グランピング Mauna Village
    • Address 216 Kamado-hashinoue, Watanabe-cho, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima 972-8336
    • ・TEL: 0570-550-550 (Reservation Center: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
      ・Hours: Check-in: 1:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
      ・Rates: A one-night, two-stay including meals and a Spa Resort Hawaiians’ admission ticket starts from 21,450 yen per person (at the grand tent, including taxes and services fees, as well as fees for using the bathing facility).
      ・Website: <a href="https://www.hawaiians.co.jp/tomaru/maunavillage/">https://www.hawaiians.co.jp/tomaru/maunavillage/</a>

2. Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa (Fukushima Prefecture)

(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)

Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa is a resort complex situated in the middle of a forest. It can be accessed by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Shirakawa Station and driving (either by taxi or rental car) for around 30 minutes.

This lakeside facility spans a whopping 2 million square meters. On its grounds are natural hot springs, a pool, a spa, a tennis court, and many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing!

(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)

Accommodation includes cottages with their own natural hot springs or glamping facilities. With the option of either cabin-style or tent-style accommodation, outdoor stays can be enjoyed at the glamping site, oto site, or sauna glamping cabin.

If you want to experience the great outdoors fully, we recommend the dog free glamping facility, where dogs can freely roam and play in a tent-style accommodation is surrounded by a fence! It’s a perfect choice for dog owners living in Japan!

(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)

Each tent has 24 square meters of floor space and easily fits four adults. To make your stay as comfortable as possible, inside, you’ll find air conditioning/heating, a heated carpet, and an electric blanket.

These items are sure to ward off the morning and evening cold. There’s also a fridge at each facility, enabling you to keep any drinks you bring cool! Amenities include a bath towel, hand towel, toothbrush, razor, hairbrush, and hair ties!

(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)

The cabin-style accommodation makes for a highly comfortable stay with its simple and relaxed interior! Also, due to its large windows, you can enjoy an openness similar to the tent-style facilities.

(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)
(Photo Courtesy of: Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa)

When it comes to outdoor cooking, barbeque is the way to go! In the summertime, an array of ingredients, starting with Fukushima beef, is served.

What’s more, there’s the natural hot spring, Saiko no Yu, as well as the bathing-suit required mixed spa, Garden Spa, to enjoy! You can use these facilities as often as you’d like during your stay!

As for services for foreign guests, you can count on there being at least one English-speaking staff at the front desk and restaurant. There’s also an English check-in, allowing you to deal with everything smoothly.

  • Angel Forest Nasu Shirakawa
    エンゼルフォレスト那須白河
    • Address 39 Aza Takatoya, Hatori, Ten-ei-mura, Iwase-gun, Fukushima 962-0623
    • ・TEL: 0570-012334 (Number for Reservations Only. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
      ・Hours: Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m., Dog Free Glamping: Check-in: 2:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
      ・Rates: A one-night, two-day stay with meals starts at 12,700 yen per person (including taxes and services fees, as well as fees for using the bathing facility.)
      ・Website: <a href="https://www.ang-sk.com/stay/">https://www.ang-sk.com/stay/</a>

3. yamagata glam (Yamagata Prefecture)

(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

To access this site, take an approximately 40-minute train ride from Ou Main Line’s Yamagata Station to Murayama Station. From here, you’ll want to either rent a car or take a taxi for 12 minutes until you’re at yamagata glam!

Offering a total of eight white dome tents and a common area, this facility stretches alongside Mogami River, Yamagata Prefecture’s largest river!

It operates regularly from April to November, but in the colder months of December through March, glamping experiences are limited to the weekend.

The dome-shaped tent at night. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
The dome-shaped tent at night. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
The “moon” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
The “moon” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

Each tent is themed around one of Yamagata’s mountains! For example, the tent above is inspired by Mount Gassan, a mountain in central Yamagata whose name includes the Japanese character for the moon.

Fittingly titled the “moon” tent, you’ll find moon-shaped pillows and lights! Each room is uniquely colorful and undeniably adorable, so it’s become a great hit among guests.

The “Japan” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
The “Japan” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

Inside each tent are two double beds (*additional bed available), an air conditioner, a heater, a sofa, a table, a full-length mirror, and a shelf. You’ll also find essential amenities such as towels, a sleeping gown, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush.

At yamagata glam, the dinner menu changes depending on the season. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy a barbeque course offering meat, seafood, and vegetables along with an authentic pizza made in a pizza oven, ajillo, a Spanish dish where various ingredients are cooked in hot olive oil and spices, and a fruit-filled dessert!

Not only do these dishes taste amazing, but they are also mouth-watering to look at! You won’t be able to stop yourself from snapping a few photos!

Breakfast (this photo is for illustration purposes). (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
Breakfast (this photo is for illustration purposes). (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

Breakfast consists of enticing dishes such as curry and fresh vegetable sandwich on rice flour bread as well as yogurt made from Yamagata Prefecture’s milk. This meal will definitely give you something to look forward to in the morning!

(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

What’s more, activities are included in the accommodation package (some activities require an additional fee)! Choose from seven fun options, including rafting down the Mogami River, partaking in a soba noodle workshop, enjoying the hot spring/spa/pool facility, and sitting around a blazing bonfire!

A photo of the summertime-limited event, “Sky Lantern”.  (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
A photo of the summertime-limited event, “Sky Lantern”. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

The summer also offers a limited-time event known as Sky Lantern. Prepare to be in awe as a sea of glowing lanterns flow up to the sky-making for a magical experience!

(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
(Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)

If you have a bathing suit, you can take a dip in the hot spring/spa/pool facility’s Western-style open-air bath! Since the temperature of the bath’s waters is regulated, it’s possible to enjoy this facility both in the summer and winter. As reservations are required in advance, confirm yours before going!

Currently, there are no services available in foreign languages, but the staff will do their best to accommodate you! Don’t be afraid to ask if you have any questions or concerns once at the facility.

Furthermore, payments must be made by credit card (VISA/JCB/Master/AMEX/Discover/Diners/UnionPay), other electronic payment systems, or QR codes. Cash will not be accepted.

The hot spring/spa/pool facility is also available for use at night. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
The hot spring/spa/pool facility is also available for use at night. (Photo Courtesy of: yamagata glam)
  • yamagata glam
    yamagata glam
    • Address 999-19 Gozen, Murayama City, Yamagata 995-0209
    • ・TEL: Not available
      ・Hours: Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
      ・Rates: A one-night, two-day stay including meals starts at 27,940 yen per person (includes taxes and services fees, as well as fees for using the bathing facility.)
      ・Website: <a href="https://yamagata-glam.com/">https://yamagata-glam.com/</a>

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4. Glamping Spa Sendai Mori ~ KOMOREBI ~ (Miyagi Prefecture)

(Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
(Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)

To get to the facility, take a 40-minute ride on the Takeya Kotsu “Seibu Liner” bus bound for Akiyu/Kawasaki from Sendai Station. You’ll arrive at Glamping Spa Sendai Mori ~ KOMOREBI ~ once getting off at the “Rantei Mae” bus stop.

There are also shuttle buses leaving from Sendai Station’s East exit on Mondays through Fridays!

This facility is adjacent to the hot spring village, Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei. It’s been gaining popularity due to offering an easy outdoor camping experience in a completely private space.

The “Astel” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
The “Astel” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)

The dome tents come in three types! There’s Astel, a starry-sky-themed tent that comes with a telescope; Gunay, an adorable tent with a canopy bed; and Zeon, a pet-friendly tent equipped with its own mini dog park.

All three come with an open-air bath, letting you relax in its healing waters at any time in the day!

The “Gunay” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
The “Gunay” guest room. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
The barbeque cottage. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
The barbeque cottage. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)

Each tent comes with its own wooden deck, shower room, open-air bath, and barbeque cottage! Amenities include a bath towel, a face towel, a toothbrush kit, loungewear, and a blow dryer.

The roofed barbeque cottage offers everything you need to enjoy outdoor meals no matter what the weather looks like! Inside you’ll find a kitchen, fridge, microwave, table, and chairs.

You can enjoy a barbeque by reserving a package where ingredients are included. Though, at this facility, you can also buy and bring your own! We recommend buying local ingredients from the area to enjoy as a family.

The barbeque cottage. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
The barbeque cottage. (Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)

Oshu Akiu Onsen’s hot spring waters are translucent and feel silky smooth on the skin! What's more, keeping your skin warm and feeling moisturized, a dip in this bath will make it hard to catch a chill.

Staying at one of the glamping tents makes it possible to enjoy this hot spring all to yourself! Mornings and afternoons offer a view of a clear blue sky and lush nature, while nights give a view of a star-filled sky.

For those who want to enjoy a more spacious bath, we recommend stopping by the sizeable communal bathing facility Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei. This can be found on the glamping grounds.

(Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)
(Photo Courtesy of: Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei)

Although there aren’t any services in foreign languages available at Glamping Spa Sendai Mori ~ KOMOREBI ~, the staff are amiable and will assist you the best they can!

  • Glamping Spa Sendai Mori~KOMOREBI~
    glamping spa sendai 杜〜KOMOREBI〜
    • Address 7-1 Kidoho, Yumoto-aza, Akiuho-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 982-0241
    • ・TEL: 022-397-1515 (Reservations can be made from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
      ・Hours: Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
      ・Rates: A one-night, two-day stay with meals starts at 26,400 yen per person (includes taxes and services fees, as well as fees for using the bathing facility.)
      ・Website: <a href="https://glampseason.jp/en/">https://glampseason.jp/</a>

5. Appi no Mori (Iwate Prefecture)

(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)
(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)

To get to Appi Kogen, you must first take an approximately one-hour train ride on the JR Hanawa Line from Morioka Station to Appi-Kogen Station.

From here, you can take a five-minute hotel shuttle bus ride to the facility. Located in the center of Iwate Prefecture’s Hachimantai City, Appi Kogen is the Tohoku region’s representative mountain/ski resort.

The warmer months are perfect for camping, while the wintertime offers opportunities to ski! Many people visit year-round to take part in the various leisure activities available!

(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)
(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)

Though Appi Kogen has its own hotel, we recommend experiencing the great outdoors through glamping! Scattered around a spacious green field and surrounded by trees are generously spaced-out tents.

Not only do these tents offer privacy by being far apart, but you’ll also find more than enough room for a comfortable stay inside. Take in the fresh air and open space of the highlands while enjoying a glamping experience like no other!

(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)
(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)

With an elevation of around 1,300 meters, Appi Kogen is also a famous stargazing site. On a clear day, the stars will seem so close that it’s as though you could reach out and touch them!

In the mornings, the land turns a rosy pink in tune with the sunrise and a rusty red in the evenings as the sun sets. Give in to this extraordinary experience by fully submitting to all Appi Kogen’s nature offers!

(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)
(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)

Here, meals and cooking utensils are prepared in advance! The standard glamping menu is barbeque; appetizers such as ajillo and steak are whipped up by the hotel’s chef. This makes for a luxurious experience of delighting in an elaborate meal outdoors!

(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)
(Photo Courtesy of: Appi Kogen)

Lastly, we highly recommend trying the tent sauna! This can be set up right next to your accommodation-making it easy for the whole family to enjoy!

Offered is a Finnish-style sauna called a löyly. This requires you to start the stove’s fire and create steam by throwing aromatic water onto sauna stones.

Another attractive feature is that it’s easy to regulate the sauna’s temperature, enabling you to relax for an extended time.

Services in foreign languages are not available. We recommend using a translation device to have communication flow smoothly.

  • Appi no mori Glamping BBQ
    安比の森 グランピングBBQ
    • Address Appikougen, Hachimantai City, Iwate 028-7395
    • ・TEL: 0195-73-5010 (Reservation Center: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
      ・Hours: Check-in: 2:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
      ・Rates: One-night, two-day stays with meals for a group of four starts at 12,700 yen per person (includes taxes and services fees, as well as fees for using the bathing facility)
      ・Website: <a href="https://www.appi.co.jp/glamping/">https://www.appi.co.jp/glamping/</a>

The Tohoku region offers a variety of stylish glamping packages that provide hotel-like comfort. Don't miss the chance to experience both Tohoku's breathtaking nature and outdoor activities.

Text by: SHOE PRESs
*This article was originally published in April 2022. Prices were updated in November 2023. For the latest information, please refer to the official websites.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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