Tucked within Ise-Shima National Park, Shima City is a scenic coastal destination known for its tranquil bays and countless small islands. It's also home to Kabuku Resort, a nature-filled glamping retreat located just 15 minutes from Kintetsu Railway's Ugata Station and steps from Ichigohama (Strawberry Beach).

Following a major renewal in April 2022, Kabuku Resort reopened as a wellness-focused getaway where visitors can enjoy both overnight glamping stays and day-trip BBQ experiences.

Guests have complimentary access to the resort's pool and skateboarding area, while every tent is equipped with its own private sauna. Crafted from fragrant Owase Hinoki cypress, these original saunas are available to both overnight guests and day visitors, making it easy to unwind surrounded by nature.

The private saunas are kept at a comfortable 60 to 70°C, slightly lower than traditional saunas. However, you'll have no trouble breaking a sweat during Löyly, the Finnish-style practice of pouring aromatic water over hot stones to create a burst of soothing steam.

There is also a unique drum-can bath experience. Guests fill a metal drum with water, build a fire underneath, and wait for the water to warm before enjoying a rustic outdoor soak.

No camping experience is required. The staff will help prepare the fire and provide all the necessary equipment, making this a fun and approachable activity for first-time campers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Enjoy a hearty BBQ feast featuring freshly caught seafood, beef, chicken, and savory miso-marinated pork.

For a fun twist, guests can even make their own mini corn-and-mayonnaise pizzas using a cast-iron skillet heated with stones from the sauna.

After a relaxing sauna session, there's nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked pizza while enjoying the fresh sea air. It's the perfect reward after working up a sweat.

The resort's spacious glamping tents are equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, heating, and a refrigerator, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. To help international visitors feel at ease, the facility also offers multilingual support through translation devices.

Guests consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere. One international visitor shared that spending the evening under a sky full of stars beside a crackling bonfire was an incredibly relaxing and memorable experience.

Located off the southern coast of Hyogo Prefecture, Awaji Island sits between Japan's main island of Honshu and the island of Shikoku in the scenic Seto Inland Sea. The island is home to Nijigen no Mori, a unique theme park within Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park that blends anime, technology, and nature into a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

Perched at the highest point of Nijigen no Mori, Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135° offers a luxurious villa-style glamping experience just about an hour from Osaka and 30 minutes from Kobe by car.

The property's name comes from its location along the 135th meridian east, better known as the Japan Standard Time Meridian. Guests can relax in spacious accommodations while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

On clear days, a gentle sea breeze accompanies spectacular panoramas of the Akashi Strait, with the iconic Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge spanning the horizon. As the world's longest suspension bridge, it creates a truly unforgettable backdrop for a relaxing getaway.

The property features 23 cocoon-style guest rooms, each designed with warm, aromatic wood that creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. In addition to the standard villa-style accommodations, guests can choose from six themed character rooms inspired by popular Japanese franchises. Highlights include the Crayon Shin-chan-themed Ora no Cocoon, the Dragon Quest-inspired Slime no Cocoon, the Hello Kitty-themed Hello Kitty Star Cocoon, and the Naruto-themed Hokage Villa.

Several rooms are also pet-friendly, allowing guests to enjoy their getaway alongside their furry companions.

To ensure a comfortable stay for international visitors, multilingual staff who speak English, Chinese, and Korean are available on-site. Guests who would like language assistance are encouraged to mention it when making a reservation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Chef Hal Yamashita, winner of the world's best chef award at the highly-acclaimed World Gourmet Summit, has produced the restaurant's menu.

Some of the mouth-watering dishes served include Awaji Beef Sankai Tomato Sukiyaki as well as a creamy sea urchin hot pot using top-quality red sea urchin from Yura.

Additionally, creative Japanese courses that use Awaji Island's best ingredients are also a superb option! Ingredients in these courses include Awaji beef - an elegantly sweet, marbled brand of beef that melts at the temperature of body heat, as well as eel and fresh vegetables cooked in a Japanese cast-iron pot.

For an extra touch of indulgence, guests can visit Chariot de Esthetic, a private spa facility featuring both an enzyme bath and a sauna. In the evening, Hoshizora no Bar is the perfect place to unwind with original cocktails inspired by the 12 constellations while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Awaji Island.

The resort has earned high praise from international visitors, with many highlighting its unique experiences and attentive service. Guests have shared comments such as, "We were able to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a new way," and "We were moved by the staff's incredible hospitality."

Located in the nature-rich countryside of Nantan City in southern Kyoto, Grax Hanare Kyoto Rurikei offers a tranquil glamping experience surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and fresh mountain air. The area is also known for producing kyoyasai, Kyoto's traditional local vegetables, which have been cultivated here for generations.

The resort is approximately one hour by car from both Osaka and central Kyoto, making it an easy escape from the city. Thanks to its peaceful setting and unique outdoor accommodations, Grax Hanare Kyoto Rurikei has earned praise from guests seeking a different side of Kyoto beyond its famous temples and urban attractions.

The resort's glamping vacation villas, which accommodate between two and five guests, are among its most popular lodging options. Designed for comfort and privacy, these spacious two-bedroom villas are ideal for couples, families, and small groups looking to relax in nature without sacrificing convenience.

Each villa features a kitchen, bath, restroom, minibar, and a private outdoor deck where guests can unwind and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Some villas also include their own glamping tent or private sauna, adding an extra layer of luxury to the experience.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all villas, making it easy to stay connected while enjoying a peaceful retreat in the Kyoto countryside.

Each accommodation is equipped with a gas grill and easy-to-follow cooking instructions, making the outdoor dining experience approachable even for first-time campers. Guests can enjoy the fun of BBQ cooking without needing any prior experience or special skills.

For dinner, visitors can choose from full-course BBQ menus featuring a variety of appetizers, main dishes, and other carefully prepared seasonal items. It's a delicious way to enjoy the region's flavors while dining in the heart of Kyoto's countryside.

Just a short walk from the villas is Rurikei Onsen for Rest Resort, the area's main hot spring complex. Guests staying at Grax Hanare can enjoy complimentary access to the facility, which features not only traditional hot spring baths but also a swimwear zone, swimming pool, and spacious relaxation areas.

With so many attractions on-site, it's easy to stay entertained from check-in to check-out. One of the highlights is Kyoto Illumination Synesthesia Hills, a spectacular year-round light installation that transforms the surrounding landscape into a magical nighttime experience.

International visitors have been particularly impressed by the setting, with one guest commenting, "It's hard to believe a place this rich in nature is still in Kyoto. It feels like a completely new way to experience the prefecture."

Opened in March 2022, Sky Dome Hannan is a glamping facility located in the Senshu region of southwestern Osaka Prefecture. This area, which is home to Kansai International Airport, serves as one of the main gateways to the Kansai region for international travelers.

Despite its peaceful setting, the property is only about an hour from central Osaka. It is situated within the Hannan Sky Town Observatory Green Area, a scenic hilltop location known for its sweeping views.

Guests can enjoy some of the most spectacular night views in the Senshu area, with clear-day vistas stretching all the way to Awaji Island and Kobe. Before night falls, be sure to catch Hannan City's famous sunset. The city's coastal scenery has been recognized as one of Japan's "Top 100 Sunsets," making it a memorable highlight of any stay.

As Osaka's first large-scale glamping resort, Sky Dome Hannan offers 12 accommodations, including a collection of spacious dome tents set against panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From this elevated location, guests can enjoy sweeping vistas that stretch across Osaka Prefecture and beyond.

There are four types of dome tents to choose from. Highlights include one of Japan's largest dome tents with a 10-meter diameter, a spacious 100-square-meter pet-friendly dome complete with its own private dog run, and a premium dome featuring a personal jacuzzi. Standard domes measure seven meters in diameter and comfortably accommodate between two and five guests.

Most overnight packages include both accommodation and meals, making it easy to enjoy a stress-free getaway. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout all accommodations.

One of the highlights of a stay at Sky Dome Hannan is the outdoor BBQ experience, which showcases a variety of local Senshu specialties. Guests can savor regional ingredients such as Senshu water eggplant, sweet local onions, premium Naniwa Black beef, and fresh octopus, creating a memorable feast that celebrates the flavors of Osaka.

For those who prefer to create their own menu, a meal-free accommodation plan is also available. This option allows guests to bring their own ingredients and enjoy a customized BBQ experience. The plan can be booked for two guests staying in a single accommodation unit.

Sky Dome Hannan will keep you entertained with its outdoor bouldering facility, a short hiking trail that takes you up to the observatory, and an outdoor Russian sauna tent! There are also private campfire spaces at each tent to enjoy, ensuring a full day of fun!

Situated at the foot of Mount Ibuki, one of Japan's celebrated "100 Famous Mountains," Glamp Element offers a luxurious outdoor retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shiga-Gifu border region.

The resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Maibara Interchange on the Meishin Expressway, making it an easy drive from both Kyoto and Osaka. Guests arriving by train can also take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service from Maibara Station or Omi-Nagaoka Station with advance reservations.

Glamp Element is situated within Green Park Santo, a leisure complex in northeastern Shiga Prefecture known for its lush landscapes, wide-open spaces, and picturesque lakeside setting. The peaceful environment provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing glamping getaway.

The accommodations themselves are inspired by the four classical elements, reflected through distinct color themes of red, yellow, green, and blue. Drawing on the imagery of ancient alchemy, the design also incorporates motifs representing materials such as gold, iron, and lead. Together, these thoughtful details create a unique atmosphere that blends luxury, nature, and creativity, offering a stay designed to engage all five senses.

One of Glamp Element's standout features is its all-inclusive concept. Meals, drinks, and a variety of activities are included in the accommodation rate, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their stay without worrying about extra costs.

Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks at the Elemental Bar, desserts and coffee in the café lounge, and free access to Kamoikeso, Green Park Santo's bathing facility. A range of outdoor activities is also included, such as canoeing and mini golf, making it easy to fill your day with fun and relaxation.

With so much covered in the room rate, Glamp Element offers a stress-free glamping experience where guests can focus on enjoying nature, great food, and quality time together.

Glamp Element features 15 accommodations arranged around a tranquil lakeside setting, with plenty of space between each unit to ensure privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests can choose from a variety of unique lodging styles, including luxurious two-story villas with outdoor decks and cozy wooden cabins offering beautiful views of Mount Ibuki.

Among the most distinctive options are the Lotus Tents and Raindrop Tents, which made their Japanese debut here in 2018. These eye-catching accommodations are located on the Mount Ibuki side of the property, while the Dorm Tents are situated across the lake, each offering a different perspective of the surrounding scenery.

As evening falls and the accommodations glow softly from within, the entire resort takes on a magical atmosphere reflected across the water. It's an especially memorable setting for a relaxing night surrounded by nature.

English-speaking staff are available on-site, and complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property for added convenience.

International guests frequently praise both the hospitality and the scenery. One visitor shared, "The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the stars were absolutely beautiful. I'll never forget sitting outside with a drink and looking up at the night sky."

Another highlight of a stay at Glamp Element is the private deck dining experience. Dinner is served directly to each accommodation by the concierge, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely meal in the comfort and privacy of their own outdoor space.

The dinner menu is designed to feel both indulgent and refined, featuring an assortment of eight appetizers, seasonal fish and clam acqua pazza, and skewers of Japanese Black beef sirloin. For an additional fee, guests can upgrade to premium Omi beef, one of Japan's most celebrated wagyu brands.

A dedicated children's menu is also available, making this a dining experience that couples, families, and groups can all enjoy together.

From lakeside retreats and countryside hideaways to scenic coastal escapes, these glamping destinations showcase some of the best outdoor experiences the Kansai region has to offer. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature, savor a gourmet BBQ, relax in a private sauna, or simply spend a night under the stars, there's a glamping getaway to suit every travel style.

What makes these properties especially appealing is their blend of comfort and adventure. With hotel-like amenities, attentive hospitality, and plenty of beginner-friendly experiences, even first-time campers can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

If you're looking for a refreshing break from the city, consider adding one of these unique glamping spots to your next Kansai itinerary.

(Text by: Efeel)