It was Marine Day last July 15th so there were no classes and work. My friends, Helen and Joel, and I made the most of it by camping for 2 days at Akiha Campsite.
Akiha is in the northern part of Hamamatsu in the Tenryu-Haruno area. It's way up in the mountain but can be accessed by public transportation. The place is surrounded by lush green mountains which I think would be lovely in autumn.
From Shin-Hamamatsu Station, Joel and I took the red train going to Nishikajima. Helen joined us at the Sukenobo Station. We got off at the Nishikajima Station which is the last station so it's impossible to miss it. Then, we boarded a bus going to Akiha just outside of Nishikajima Station. Make sure to ask the driver if it's going to Akiha campsite because there were several buses there. After more than 40 minutes, the bus dropped us off directly at the campsite.
The campsite is a large rocky area with the Keta River meandering on the side. Tents can be rented along with barbecue grills, fishing gears and small kayaking boats. There were also basic accommodations for families with small kids Toilets and wash areas are available.
(More on Places in Japan, here.)
We dipped in the water to ease the heat of the noonday sun. Some people were fishing and sitting on the edge of river. There were a bunch of kids swimming on the safer part of the river. The river's current is quite fast so actual swimming is not really recommended.
After an hour or two, we hiked to the nearest shrine. It was a few minutes away from the bus stop. There was a more famous shrine- the Akiha shrine, up in the mountains but it would take us two hours of walking to get there. If you got a car, Helen highly recommended to drop by and visit.
Then, the campsite owner offered to take us to the public bath and onsen just a few minutes away from the site. The fee was really cheap- 100 Yen. It seemed to be a relatively new bathhouse but small with only 5 shower stalls. We had to wait for Joel because he said there were lots of kids in the male's bath. The water temperature was perfect though. The bath is only open until 5 pm.
Along the way, the owner also showed us the largest tengu in Japan. It was given 20 years ago after a tengu festival in Kyoto. It was impressive.
In the late afternoon, we had a barbecue. I suggest you bring your own coals if you can. The coals in the site took more than an hour to heat up. The owner had to help us ignite and heat it.
(More on Hamamatsu here)
It wasn't really quiet during the night as I have expected. Birds were humming and tweeting in a non-disturbing way. A few passing cars was a welcome sound since we were the only ones who camped for the night. The night sky was clear and perfect for star gazing.
The following day, the owner took the effort to bring us breakfast and drive us to the bus stop. He was overwhelmingly kind.
This was my first time to camp in Hamamatsu and I'm glad that I went out there and see another side of this place.
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| mountains and river along the road |
Akiha is in the northern part of Hamamatsu in the Tenryu-Haruno area. It's way up in the mountain but can be accessed by public transportation. The place is surrounded by lush green mountains which I think would be lovely in autumn.
From Shin-Hamamatsu Station, Joel and I took the red train going to Nishikajima. Helen joined us at the Sukenobo Station. We got off at the Nishikajima Station which is the last station so it's impossible to miss it. Then, we boarded a bus going to Akiha just outside of Nishikajima Station. Make sure to ask the driver if it's going to Akiha campsite because there were several buses there. After more than 40 minutes, the bus dropped us off directly at the campsite.
The campsite is a large rocky area with the Keta River meandering on the side. Tents can be rented along with barbecue grills, fishing gears and small kayaking boats. There were also basic accommodations for families with small kids Toilets and wash areas are available.
 |
| the campsite in the early morning |
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| Joel crossing the other side |
(More on Places in Japan, here.)
We dipped in the water to ease the heat of the noonday sun. Some people were fishing and sitting on the edge of river. There were a bunch of kids swimming on the safer part of the river. The river's current is quite fast so actual swimming is not really recommended.
 |
| Keta River on a cloudy afternoon |
After an hour or two, we hiked to the nearest shrine. It was a few minutes away from the bus stop. There was a more famous shrine- the Akiha shrine, up in the mountains but it would take us two hours of walking to get there. If you got a car, Helen highly recommended to drop by and visit.
Then, the campsite owner offered to take us to the public bath and onsen just a few minutes away from the site. The fee was really cheap- 100 Yen. It seemed to be a relatively new bathhouse but small with only 5 shower stalls. We had to wait for Joel because he said there were lots of kids in the male's bath. The water temperature was perfect though. The bath is only open until 5 pm.
Along the way, the owner also showed us the largest tengu in Japan. It was given 20 years ago after a tengu festival in Kyoto. It was impressive.
In the late afternoon, we had a barbecue. I suggest you bring your own coals if you can. The coals in the site took more than an hour to heat up. The owner had to help us ignite and heat it.
 |
| Barbecue with friends |
(More on Hamamatsu here)
It wasn't really quiet during the night as I have expected. Birds were humming and tweeting in a non-disturbing way. A few passing cars was a welcome sound since we were the only ones who camped for the night. The night sky was clear and perfect for star gazing.
The following day, the owner took the effort to bring us breakfast and drive us to the bus stop. He was overwhelmingly kind.
This was my first time to camp in Hamamatsu and I'm glad that I went out there and see another side of this place.
