Hi! I’m a local living in Kawaguchiko, near Mount Fuji. On this blog, I share hidden spots and real experiences that most tourists miss — the kind of places only locals know about. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite quiet camping spots: Tsuhara Campground at Lake Saiko.
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1. Introduction
When people think of camping in Japan, many imagine crowded sites or expensive glamping resorts. But what if I told you there’s a peaceful, lakeside campground near Mt. Fuji where you can relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a truly local experience?
Tsuhara Campground, located on the shores of Lake Saiko, is one of those hidden gems. It’s quiet, simple, and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience camping there — what the place is like, how to get there, and why I think it’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a slower side of Japan.
2. About Tsuhara Campground and Lake Saiko
Lake Saiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, located just west of the more popular Lake Kawaguchi. Compared to its neighboring lakes, Saiko is much quieter, with fewer tourists and a more peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it’s a perfect place to enjoy nature without the crowds.
Tsuhara Campground sits right by the lakeside, offering beautiful views and direct access to the water. The campground is known for its simplicity and calm setting — no loud music, no traffic sounds, just the natural sounds of the lake and forest.
Unlike many commercialized campgrounds, Tsuhara keeps things minimal. It’s not fancy, but that’s part of its charm. You won’t find flashy amenities, but you will find space, quiet, and nature all around you. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a small group, it’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind.
3. My Camping Experience
I’ve camped at Tsuhara Campground a few times — sometimes solo, and sometimes with friends. Each time, it’s been the perfect place to slow down and relax.
I usually arrive in the early afternoon, set up my tent by the lakeside, and then just sit back with a drink, enjoying the peaceful scenery. Surrounded by trees and the calm water of Lake Saiko, it’s easy to forget about the busy world outside.
In the evening, I light a small campfire and watch the flames dance as the sun starts to set. Cooking dinner over the fire while sipping on some drinks feels like one of the most relaxing ways to spend time here. The slow rhythm of the fire and the quiet of the surroundings make it feel like time has stopped.
One thing I love about this campground is the space. There are usually only a few other campers, so it’s easy to keep a good distance between tents. If you’re like me and prefer camping away from crowds, this place is perfect.
At night, I sometimes hear animals like cats or maybe even deer rummaging through the area in search of food. One morning, I found trash scattered around my site — a good reminder to always clean up properly before going to sleep. But honestly, that small encounter with wildlife made me feel even closer to nature.
The next morning, the sunrise over the lake was beautiful. With the calm water and the soft morning light, it felt like the perfect way to end a peaceful camping trip.
【Here are some photos from my stay at Tsuhara Campground】
4. Facilities and Environment
Tsuhara Campground offers two types of campsites: a forest area surrounded by trees and an open lakeside area right by the water. You can choose whichever suits your style. Whether you prefer the cozy feel of the woods or waking up to the view of the lake, both options have their own charm.
The facilities here are simple but well-maintained. The restrooms and sinks are clean and have a good sense of hygiene — something that’s not always guaranteed at campgrounds, but very much appreciated here. If you stay near the lakeside area, keep in mind that you’ll need to walk a bit to reach the water stations and toilets.
At the campground reception, there’s a small shop where you can buy essentials like firewood, charcoal, drinks, snacks, and even blankets. So even if you forget something, you’ll likely be able to pick it up there.
One thing to note is that if you need to contact the staff for any reason, the main way to reach them is by phone. For international travelers without a local SIM card, this could be a bit inconvenient. However, the campground is run by a lovely couple who are very kind and helpful. They are always ready to assist campers with any questions or problems, making the experience feel warm and welcoming.
【Here are some photos of the facilities and campsite areas】
5. How to Access the Campground
Tsuhara Campground is located on the western shore of Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes near Mount Fuji. The area is about a 20-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station, making it a convenient option if you’re traveling around the Mt. Fuji area.
🚗 By Car
The easiest way to reach the campground is by car. There is free parking available on-site, and the roads leading to the campground are well-paved. If you’re renting a car from Tokyo or Kawaguchiko, it’s a smooth and scenic drive through the countryside.
🚌 By Public Transport
If you’re coming by public transport, you can take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station toward the Lake Saiko area. Get off at the “Saiko Nenba Minshuku” bus stop — from there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the campground. The walk is not difficult, but carrying heavy camping gear might be a challenge, so keep that in mind.
📍 Map
Here is the location on Google Maps:
[Tsuhara Campground Google Maps Link]
If you’re not familiar with the Japanese address system, using Google Maps or navigation apps is the easiest way to find the campground.
6. What to Bring and Know Before You Go
🏕️ What to Bring
You’ll need to bring your own camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and other basic supplies. Just like camping in many other countries, the usual gear applies — tent, tarp, chairs, lanterns, and cooking tools. There are no rental tents available at Tsuhara Campground, so be sure to prepare everything you need in advance.
There is a small shop at the reception where you can buy essentials like firewood, charcoal, drinks, and snacks, but it’s best to bring your own main gear and food.
⚠️ Things to Know Before You Go
Here are a few important rules and tips to make your stay safe and enjoyable:
- No driving at night: Like many campgrounds in Japan, Tsuhara Campground prohibits driving in and out of the site after dark. This is for safety reasons, as roads can be narrow and visibility is limited at night. Make sure to finish any shopping or supplies runs before sunset.
- Respect quiet hours: Loud music, shouting, and noisy activities are not allowed. Campers are expected to be mindful of others and keep noise levels down, especially in the evening and at night. This peaceful atmosphere is something many campers in Japan appreciate.
- Clean up after yourself: Always take your trash with you or use the designated trash areas properly. This includes cleaning up your campsite before going to bed to avoid attracting wildlife like raccoons, cats, or deer.
- Be kind to your neighbors: Japanese camping culture emphasizes respect and consideration for others. Even though the campground is spacious, keeping a friendly attitude and giving space to fellow campers helps everyone enjoy their time.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience — and you’ll also be showing respect for the local camping culture.
7. Why I Recommend This Place
The biggest reason I recommend Tsuhara Campground is its peaceful, hidden location. Even among local Japanese campers, this spot is still relatively unknown — so you won’t find the crowds that often fill other campsites near Mt. Fuji. If you’re looking to avoid noisy neighbors and enjoy a calm, relaxing camping experience, this place is perfect.
While you can’t see Mt. Fuji directly from the campground because it’s positioned just behind the surrounding hills, the beauty of the lake and the forest more than make up for it. Being able to camp right by the water, surrounded by trees and nature, creates a special atmosphere that feels truly away from the busy world.
If you enjoy outdoor activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, or bass fishing, Lake Saiko is also a great place for that. The lake is calm, and there are rental shops in the area where you can get the gear you need.
For anyone who wants a quiet escape into nature — without the crowds, noise, or stress — Tsuhara Campground is a wonderful choice.
8. Conclusion
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quiet camping experience near Mt. Fuji — away from the crowds, with beautiful nature all around — I highly recommend Tsuhara Campground at Lake Saiko.
It may not have fancy facilities or direct views of Mt. Fuji, but what it offers is something special: peaceful time by the lakeside, surrounded by trees, where you can truly relax and enjoy the simple beauty of nature.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this hidden gem is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to slow down and connect with the outdoors.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip. If you’re interested in more hidden spots around the Mt. Fuji area, feel free to check out my other articles on this blog!
Thank you for reading, and happy camping!
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Japan and the Mt. Fuji area, feel free to explore other articles on Slow Trip Japan.
For example, if you’d like to find quiet and hidden spots with great views of Mt. Fuji, check out this article:
[Link to your Mt. Fuji hidden spots article]