Traveling by campervan offers a lot of freedom and is a great way to enjoy nature. There are many great locations in the northern Kanto region. Here we introduce five of the best locations with specific information on where to park. We have also added some hot spring spots nearby.
1. Oku-nikko ,tochigi prefecture
Oku-Nikko is part of Nikko National Park and offers beautiful natural scenery. Hiking around Senjogahara and Lake Yunoko is particularly popular, and the scenery changes with the seasons.
Recommended times:.
Early morning fog and evening golden hues are especially beautiful.
Parking:
- Senjogahara Parking Lot No. 2: Free, spacious parking and close to the starting point of the hiking trail.
- Yunokohanside Parking Lot: Pay parking is available, but offers good access to Yunoko and Yudaki.
Hot Spring Spots:
- Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen: Famous for its sulfur springs. There are many onsen ryokan (Japanese-style inns) scattered around Lake Yunoko.
- Nikko Yumoto Onsen: An old hot spring resort that is a convenient stopover after a day of sightseeing in Senjogahara.
Nasu Highlands ,Tochigi Prefecture
Nasu Highlands is characterized by vast meadows and abundant nature. There are also many hot springs and a variety of family-friendly spots such as Nasu Animal Kingdom and Nasu Highland Park.
Recommended time of day: During the daytime and evening, stargazing is recommended after relaxing in the hot springs.
Parking:
- Michi-no-Eki Nasu-Kogen Tomoai-no-mori (Road Station Nasu Highland Friendship Forest): Free and spacious parking space, tourist information center and restaurant are also available.
- Nasu Onsen Parking Lot: Close to the hot spring resort area, convenient for visiting the hot springs.
Hot Spring Spots:
- Nasu Yumoto Onsen: Relax at one of the many onsen ryokan where you can enjoy hot spring water that is free-flowing at the source.
- Shikanoyu: A traditional public bathhouse where you can soak in hot spring water while experiencing the history of Nasu.
3. Oze, Gunma Prefecture
Oze is the largest marshland in Japan and is ideal for hiking and nature observation. The summer colony of Mizubasho (Asian skunk-cabbage) and the fall foliage are especially worth seeing.
Recommended time of day: The quietness of the early morning and the twilight of the evening are spectacular.
Parking:
- Oze Parking Lot No.1: This is where buses depart for Hatotai Pass, the gateway to Oze, although there is a charge for this service.
- Oze Oike Parking Lot: This lot provides easy access to the Ozenuma area and has ample parking space.
Hot Sprin Spots:
- Oze Togura Onsen: Located near the entrance to Hatotai Pass, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of climbing.
- Hinoemata Onsen: Located on the south side of Oze, this hot spring offers the fragrance of hinoki cypress.
4. Ikaho Onsen, Gunma Prefecture
Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history, and the picturesque stone staircase street is a charming sight. After strolling through the hot spring town, it is the perfect place to relax in your campervan.
Recommended time of day: In the evening or at night, soak in the hot spring and relax while enjoying the night view of the hot spring town!
Parking:
- Ikaho Onsen Parking Lot: Convenient for sightseeing in the hot spring resort area, close to Ishidagai. 24-hour paid parking is available.
- Roadside Station Fujimi: A little far from Ikaho Onsen, but there are large parking spaces available free of charge.
Hot Sprin Spots:
- Ikaho Onsen Ishidan-gai: You can enjoy a variety of hot springs at the hot spring inns and public bathhouses around the Ishidan-gai.
- Ikaho Open-air Baths: Located at the top of the Ishidan-gai, the open-air baths are surrounded by nature.
5. Mount Tsukuba ,Ibaraki Prefecture
Mt. Tsukuba is a spectacular spot with a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain. The summit can be reached by cable car or ropeway, and there are many hiking courses that even beginners can enjoy.
Recommended time of day: To view the sunrise and sunset, a visit in the early morning or evening is recommended.
Parking:
- Mt. Tsukuba Shrine Parking Lot: This pay parking lot is located near the shrine and the cable car station, and is convenient for sightseeing.
- Tsukuba Municipal Parking Lot No. 2: This parking lot is conveniently located for access to the summit of the mountain and has spacious parking spaces.
Hot Sprin Spots:
- Mt. Tsukuba Onsen: A hot spring facility located at the foot of the mountain where visitors can relax after climbing the mountain. Accommodations are also available.
- Tsukuba YUKEMURIKAN: A day-trip hot spring facility, ideal for relaxing after climbing Mt.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
April to November offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and comfortable camping. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful flowers and mild weather perfect for hiking. Summer (June-August) is excellent for marshland exploration and family activities. Autumn (September-November) features spectacular fall colors, especially at Oku-Nikko and Oze. Winter visits are possible but require cold weather preparation, though hot springs are particularly enjoyable during colder months.
Oku-Nikko: Senjogahara Parking Lot #2 (free, spacious, hiking trail access) & Yunoko Lakeside Parking (paid, lake access)
Nasu Highlands: Nasu Highland Friendship Forest Roadside Station (free, tourist center, restaurant facilities)
Oze: Oze Parking Lot #1 (charged, bus access to Hatomachi Pass) & Oze Oike Parking (ample space, Ozenuma access)
Ikaho Onsen: Ikaho Onsen Parking (24-hour paid, near stone steps) & Fujimi Roadside Station (free, larger spaces)
Mount Tsukuba: Tsukuba Shrine Parking (paid, near cable car) & Municipal Parking #2 (convenient summit access)
Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen: ¥600-1,500 adults, sulfur springs around Lake Yunoko, traditional ryokan available
Nasu Yumoto Onsen: ¥800-1,200 adults, free-flowing source springs, multiple ryokan options & Shikanoyu public bath ¥400
Oze Togura Onsen: ¥700-1,000 adults, perfect post-hiking relaxation near Hatomachi Pass entrance
Ikaho Onsen: ¥500-1,200 adults, historic stone step area hot springs, outdoor baths at the summit
Mount Tsukuba Onsen & Yukemurikan: ¥600-1,000 adults, ideal after mountain climbing, day-trip facilities available
Oku-Nikko: Yunoba (yuba) tofu skin cuisine, mountain vegetables (roadside stations, traditional restaurants)
Nasu Highlands: Nasu beef, highland vegetables, dairy products (Friendship Forest Roadside Station, local farms)
Oze: Mountain herbs, river fish, local soba (mountain huts, nearby village restaurants)
Ikaho Onsen: Gunma specialty udon, traditional sweets, manju steamed buns (stone step street shops)
Mount Tsukuba: Local vegetables, mountain cuisine, traditional Japanese sweets (shrine area, mountain restaurants)
Recommended Route (4 nights/5 days): ①Mount Tsukuba → ②Oku-Nikko → ③Nasu Highlands → ④Oze → ⑤Ikaho Onsen
Total Distance: Approximately 500km
Travel Times: Tsukuba→Oku-Nikko (2 hours), Oku-Nikko→Nasu (1.5 hours), Nasu→Oze (2 hours), Oze→Ikaho (1.5 hours)
This route efficiently connects mountains, highlands, marshlands, and hot spring towns across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, maximizing diverse Northern Kanto experiences.
Essential Items: Hiking gear for marshland exploration, weather-appropriate clothing (mountain areas can be cool), camera for scenic photography
Important Notes: Oze requires special conservation awareness – stay on designated paths. Mountain roads may have sudden weather changes. Some areas have altitude-related temperature differences. Hot spring etiquette is important – research proper onsen protocols. Popular locations can be crowded during peak seasons (Golden Week, autumn colors) – early arrival recommended. Check seasonal access restrictions for high-altitude areas.
Traveling by campervan allows you to relax and enjoy nature at your own pace. Enjoy the rich nature, hot springs, and spectacular views of the northern Kanto region.
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