Beginner's Guide! What is Glamping?
Recently, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing, and there are probably people who are thinking of trying it for the first time now.
◈ However, when starting camping from scratch, it requires equipment and preparation, which can be troublesome, so there may be some anxiety about where to begin.
Did you know that "glamping" has become popular as one way to enjoy the outdoors nowadays?
This time, we will introduce glamping, which is especially recommended for outdoor beginners.
The charm of "glamping" that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors in luxury and comfort
Outdoor activities, including camping, are increasingly in demand as a way to enjoy being active outside without close contact. On the other hand, since you need to purchase the necessary equipment, it can be time-consuming and costly, and because you have to handle all the preparation and cleanup yourself, some outdoor beginners may feel a bit uneasy.
For those who feel uneasy about outdoor activities, we recommend "glamping." Glamping is a coined term combining the English words "Glamorous," meaning "attractive" or "luxurious," and "Camping," referring to camping. It represents a new style of enjoying the outdoors with a resort-like feel.
There are various theories about the history of glamping, but one account says its roots lie in the movable dwellings called "paos," which are tent-like homes used by Mongolian nomads. Another theory suggests that its origins come from mid-19th century European aristocrats who packed their daily necessities and interior furnishings into large luxury brand trunks and enjoyed lavish camping in colonies in Asia and Africa.
Such glamping gradually gained recognition overseas from the mid-2000s, and in Japan, it began to spread around the 2015s following the emergence of facilities bearing the name "glamping."
Enjoying the best of both worlds
Glamping is becoming more widespread nowadays, but what exactly can you do with it?
Generally, when camping, you need to prepare everything yourself, including tents, camping gear, and food. Also, since you have to handle everything from preparation to cleanup, beginners may find it somewhat challenging.
In contrast, with glamping, it is easy as you only need to "make a reservation to stay at the facility," and all ingredients and equipment are included in the plan. Meals can be fully handled by the staff from preparation to cleanup, while you can also choose to cook things like BBQ yourself, allowing for flexibility and enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy the outdoors casually
You can also choose the type of accommodation, such as tent-style or cottage-style, depending on the location.
In the tent-style accommodations, compared to tents set up in regular camping, toilets and showers are fully equipped, and there are large beds comparable to those in hotels, making the interior more comfortable than it appears. Depending on the tent’s design, you can enjoy sunlight streaming in during the morning or gaze at the night sky, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoors.
In the cottage type, you rent a detached cottage (villa) exclusively, equipped with a kitchen, bathroom facilities such as a toilet, beds, and air conditioning/heating. This type is recommended for those who want to enjoy the outdoors more casually than in the tent type.
Since glamping is often attached to resort facilities or hotels, it is attractive that you can use the hotel’s large public bath and that breakfast is included, so there is no hassle in preparation. Some facilities also offer pools and athletic playgrounds, allowing for various ways to enjoy yourself beyond just the outdoors. Even those new to outdoor activities can easily experience them, as support is provided for the difficult parts. For those busy with work or who want to casually enjoy nature, starting glamping, which offers the best of both worlds, might be a great choice.
Mobility Resort Motegi
Let's enjoy glamping!
Nowadays, there are various glamping facilities throughout Japan, but among them, Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture, offers a wide range of glamping types and diverse ways to enjoy. Mobility Resort Motegi is a leisure facility located in a nature-rich area surrounded by satoyama (rural landscapes), where you can enjoy Motorsports and a Park full of attractions that you can challenge yourself with while having fun.
One of the facilities is a glamping site called the "Forest and Starry Sky Camping Village," which includes various types such as "Bell Tent," "Bell Tent Wide," the most luxurious "Bell Tent Forest Terrace," and cottage-style "Log Cabin." Additionally, in July 2021, a new glamping area called "Lotus Tent" was opened.
Various ways to enjoy according to your purpose
In the tent-style Bell Tent Mori no Terrace, inside a large 14m × 10m tent, there are two semi-double beds, along with a sofa, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi. Outside, there is also a hammock and a campfire area. Dinner includes a special BBQ plan featuring a large tomahawk steak, cheese fondue, baked apples, and more. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the restaurant inside the Mobility Resort Motegi hotel. For bathing, you can use Nozomi Bath, which is an open-air bath facility also located within the Mobility Resort Motegi hotel.
It might be a good idea to have an outdoor experience at the glamping facilities of Mobility Resort Motegi, where you can enjoy various ways to suit your purpose.
No preparation or cleanup is needed, and with the feeling of staying at a hotel,
the charm of glamping is that you can easily enjoy the outdoors.
