Top 5 Camps, featuring a Bonfire of Insanity (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–76 … My Adventures in Japan)

Even in parks where our camping was illegal, people smiled and waved, and made us feel welcome.

Set up camp … anywhere

In Japan, you can set up camp almost anywhere, without being bothered by anyone. In fact, the only time we were ever questioned or hassled about setting up camp was when we pitched our tents on an actual campsite … which had not yet officially opened for the season.    

The next morning, as we were packing up, a lowly town official drove into the campsite and bluntly asked us to pay the fee for 1 night of camping. We cheerfully handed over the minimal fee.

Over the years, we camped anywhere and everywhere throughout Japan.
  –– in downtown parks
  –– in national parks
  –– in riverside plazas
  –– on beaches
  –– in train stations
  –– in caves
  –– on playgrounds
  –– along riverbanks
  –– under bridges
  –– even on farmers’ private property. 

We come in peace ... and humbly accept your gifts and hospitality

Sometimes, the farmers would bring us some firewood or snacks – to make us feel welcome and ensure that we were comfortable.

And occasionally, strangers would invite us to bathe in their homes – and then compel us to share a meal or a few beers with them. That made us feel more welcome, and even more comfortable. 

Camping forbidden. Welcome!

Once, we even camped in the government-designated Kinka San National Park, in which camping is illegal and forbidden. But nobody bothered or even questioned us. 

During the night, we enjoyed complete solitude.    _{(Image source)}

During the day, numerous hikers passed our tents, waving and smiling, and making us feel more than welcome in that "forbidden"  paradise.    

Bonfire of Insanity

After setting up camp in this coastal park in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, we explored the area. In a grove bordering the park, we found massive piles of conveniently cut, burnable wood ... from branches laden with tinder to large dry logs.

We hauled much of it to the center of the park, and soon we had this massive bonfire lighting up our campsite. The fire burned like ... well, like hell. Without the torment.     _{[Right-click to enlarge photo]}    

         _{(That's me, front and center, entranced by the fiery insanity.)}

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 4 Onsen (Hot Springs)

Top 4 Sento, aka Public Baths

Top 2 Misspellings of My Name by Japanese People

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   <sub>(right-click on title)

Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.</sub>