Guide to Winter Glamping in Japan

During winter in Japan, you might picture yourself enjoying hot springs and eating warm foods while staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), but what if I told you that you could experience these things while glamping?

Many glamping spots offer well-equipped tents or accommodations for even cold temperatures, making winter glamping possible. For those who find it too hot to stay in tents during the summer, you can experience staying in a warm tent and taking a stroll in the cold during the day. There are also fewer insects during winter, so you don’t have to worry about pesky mosquitoes. Winter also means the chance for snow, depending on where you’re staying, and you can enjoy the comfort of being inside a tent while watching the snow fall. As winter in Japan also tends to be drier, there are usually clearer skies, so you may have a greater chance to catch a beautiful view of the stars at night.

With the growing number of glamping spots across Japan, it can be hard to decide where to stay. Here is our guide to some of Japan's best locations to try winter glamping!
 

Winter in Japan is slightly different depending on the region you are visiting, with some areas experiencing heavier snowfall than others. Temperatures in Tokyo tend to range between 35°F to 53°F (2°C to 12°C), but temperatures in prefectures like Hokkaido can drop down to 21°F (-6°C) on colder days. This isn’t an issue for glamping accommodations as they are equipped with proper heating equipment, but for those who tend to be more sensitive to the cold, you should pack accordingly.

While some glamping spots can be reached by train, a car is still recommended as some may be a bit far from public transport. It is best to check if it is snowing where you might be going in the event that you may need snow tires. 
 

Loof Tiny House Camp creates an intimate atmosphere, with four cabins on site available for reservation. The cabins have a wooden stove to ensure a comfortable stay even during the winter. Each cabin has unique features, so we recommend looking for the cabin best suited for your needs. Some notable activities at Loof Tiny House Camp include reserving the barrel sauna or starting a bonfire at the central fire pit. Enjoying some s’mores or a warm cup of hot cocoa by the fire will undoubtedly bring the outdoor camp feel during the winter season!

With a beautiful view of Mount Myogi in the distance, you’ll surely have a great experience staying at Myogi Green Hotel & Terrace. This unique accommodation has two sides— a hotel side with standard rooms and a terrace side for the glamping experience. On the terrace side, you can stay in a dome-shaped tent or an airstream trailer, both fully furnished with beds and heating systems! You can easily enjoy a BBQ dinner and grill your food next to your accommodation, and you can also use the baths available at the hotel, which is a 15-minute walk from the terrace.

Designed to mimic a 20th-century German village, Glamping Resort Glucks-Feriendorf is an excellent place to glamp for dog owners and families. “Feriendorf”, which means “holiday village” in German, has several specialized cottages to serve the different needs of their guests. From spring to late fall, there are also cotton glamping tents that guests can stay in. The entirety of Feriendorf is vast, with facilities such as a large dog park, restaurant/cafe, and spa available.

Glamping Tomamu opened in December 2022 and is a cozy European-style glamping facility. Designed around the themes “stay,” “work,” and “activity,” this is a glamping experience that couples, friends, and families can enjoy in the great outdoors of Hokkaido. Three types of domes of different price points are available, and you can also rent a private room for any work you might need to do while glamping. For food, you can enjoy a BBQ in the private dining space of your dome. During winter, there are several activities that you can do at Glamping Tomamu, with the main standout ones being snowmobiling and skiing. As snow in Hokkaido is highly regarded, you won’t want to miss out on winter activities here!