New Campground Opens in Fukushima Prefecture, Offering Comfortable Camping and Outdoor Activities

A new campground has opened near a dam lake in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, aiming to provide tourists with more activities beyond viewing the famous cherry tree. The Lake Sakura Campsite and Kayak Port began operations on August 23rd, following a ceremony the previous day.

The campsite was designed and overseen by the outdoor goods company Mont-Bell Co., based in Osaka. The goal was to create a comfortable camping experience, even for beginners. Miharu is a popular destination in spring due to the Miharu Takizakura cherry tree, but the town is generally quiet for the rest of the year.

In February 2022, the Miharu town government and Mont-Bell signed a partnership agreement to develop outdoor leisure activities to attract tourists. They identified Lake Sakura at the Miharu Dam as a suitable location. Outdoor Village Miharu, which includes a Mont-Bell store, a visitor center, and a climbing facility, opened in April, preceding the campground's launch.

The campground features 15 lots, with ten of them offering hut-like housing units. These units are equipped with a sink, gas stove, refrigerator, toilet, shower room, and free Wi-Fi. This setup eliminates the need for guests to use shared cooking areas or public restrooms. Camping equipment, including tents and cooking utensils, can be rented, and food can be purchased nearby.

Following the inauguration ceremony, a trial session was held for 15 people. They received guidance from Isamu Tatsuno, the chairman of Mont-Bell. Tatsuno, a renowned mountaineer, explained his vision for the campsite. He believes that camping should be comfortable, freeing guests from the inconveniences often associated with it. He hopes visitors will discover other enjoyable activities, such as cycling, kayaking, and observing nature. The trial participants enjoyed kayaking on Lake Sakura, splitting firewood, and having a barbecue.

Miharu Mayor Hiroyuki Sakamoto noted that Tatsuno's interest in the project was inspired by the fact that Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest, was from Miharu. Sakamoto had visited the Mont-Bell headquarters in Osaka four years prior to initiate the project.