Billion-dollar views right before your eyes—new overseas camping joys & 2 popular Japanese campsites recommended

The "Marumori Bridge," partially hidden in the misty mountains, rivals San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge. (Photo provided by VISIT Tohoku)

Taiwan is experiencing a camping boom, with over 1,500 campgrounds nationwide, giving rise to new overseas camping experiences. Miyagi Prefecture in Japan offers diverse and well-equipped specialty campsites. Even overseas visitors can enjoy camping without bringing any gear. "VISIT Tohoku" recommends two popular local campsites along with fun nearby activities, allowing global adventurers to discover new joys in Japan’s pristine natural landscapes.

The "Fudōzon Camping Ground" in Marumori Town is located in a forest area with well-preserved natural woodlands. More captivating than modern facilities are the dense, towering trees and the clear stream that meanders through the site. During the day, the cheerful sounds of children and adults playing in the stream provide the perfect backdrop. At night, when the campfire is lit, everyone gathers to enjoy the fun of homemade cooking and savor delicious local produce, creating great opportunities for interaction. Far from light pollution, the site offers breathtaking starry skies at night, making it a favorite spot for local stargazing enthusiasts.

Surrounded by mountains, the "Fudōzon Camping Ground" not only offers rental camping gear but also has cabins. It’s even more convenient as the site can prepare barbecue sets for you. (Photo provided by VISIT Tohoku)

In addition, the Abukuma River within Marumori Town is another great spot for outdoor activities. Preserving its pristine natural beauty, the Abukuma River is the second-largest canal in the Tohoku region and served as a vital transportation route for important materials like timber and stone until the early Showa period. The undeveloped natural landscapes on both sides of the river offer charming scenery in every season—whether it’s the fresh greens of spring and summer, the red maples of autumn, or the snowy vistas of winter. Moreover, the Marumori Bridge along the canal is one of Japan’s exemplary bridge architectures. Built over 17 years at a cost of several billion yen, its simple yet elegant curved design has made it a favorite subject for photographers. Its mysterious appearance shrouded in river mist is especially captivating, rivaling the charm of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The "Mutsu Eco Camp," located in the lakeside park of the national Mutsu Forest Lake in Kawasaki Town, is a modern campground that combines rich natural and cultural experiences. In addition to themed gardens featuring seasonal flowers and artificial waterfalls and streams, it also includes a folk village composed of historic houses from six Tohoku prefectures. With its vast grounds and high capacity, the site is not only a favorite outdoor concert venue for many renowned musicians but has also been chosen for 12 consecutive years as the location of the ARABAKI ROCK FEST, the largest rock festival in Tohoku, attracting up to 50,000 attendees at its peak. Its high-quality facilities and themed park design make it one of Japan’s rising-star campgrounds.

Near the Mutsu Eco Camp, there is a fishing park called SHISHINAGO-en, operated directly by a professional trout farm. The second-generation owner, Mr. Shigehiro Goto, noticed that children today, living in a technology-driven environment, increasingly lack hands-on experiences in nature. To let kids enjoy the same simple joys he had in his childhood, he specially designed an easy-to-use fishing area. The rustic fishing rods made from simple bamboo poles and lines are also Mr. Goto’s thoughtful touch to let children experience traditional fishing fun. In addition to fishing, visitors can have the on-site restaurant cook their freshly caught fish. Mr. Goto insists on using natural feed to raise the fish, and whether grilled or made into tempura, the natural flavors are irresistible—making it a hit among local visitors.