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[Special] Experience the Unusual: Camping in the Heart of the City Exploring Campgrounds in Ota City

Camping has become an increasingly popular trend, with many enthusiasts venturing deep into forests or setting up camp near rivers. Surprisingly, there are three campgrounds within the Tokyo 23 wards, and two of them are located right here in Ota City (the third being the Wakasu Park Camping Ground in Koto-ku). In this article, we’ll introduce you to the campgrounds in Ota City, where you can even stay overnight. Discover the joy of an uncommon urban camping experience!

Recommended for beginners!

Heiwajima Park Camping Ground


The carillon and fountains, icons of Heiwajima Park
The Heiwajima Park Camping Ground is easily accessible, located just a 10-minute walk from Keikyu Line Heiwajima Station. The campground is designed with three sections, each modeled after different natural terrains. Originally, there was only one campsite per section, but due to growing demand, the number of campsites has been expanded to a total of 18 in 2022.

Exploring camping terminology

Campsites: The designated areas where tents may be pitched to serve as base.




Let’s delve into the specifics of what each section has to offer.
Section A: This area features a playground with equipment for recreation, as well as an artificial river in close proximity.
Section B: Some campsites are equipped with hammock balls and wooden decks.
Section C: Section C stands out with its fire pits, allowing campers to have a campfire. If you plan to have a campfire, you'll need to register it with the Omori Fire Station in advance.

Exploring camping terminology

Fire pits: Pits either dug into the ground or purpose-built to contain a fire, typically used for cooking or providing warmth while camping.



Section A has a refreshing stream with mini waterfalls and there is a playground with equipment for children nearby.

The left photo captures Section B with a wood deck. The right photo offers a panoramic view of Section C.
According to one of the caretakers, Mr. Yuya Ide, “Section A is a favorite among families due to its convenient proximity to a playground. On the other hand, Section B is known for providing campers with a bit more privacy, thanks to the extra space between campsites.” Both Section A and B offer amenities such as tables, furnaces, wood decks, and hammock hangers for each campsite. As a result, these sites are slightly more expensive compared to campsites in Section C, but they still offer reasonable pricing.

* For more information, including hours and fees, please visit the official website.

Official Website:https://www.city.ota.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/sports/camp/heiwajima_camp.html

The park does not provide food for sale or equipment rental services, but a large commercial complex can be reached in less than 5 minutes by car, offering convenient access to various amenities, a feature that is only found in urban campground settings.


An example of the amenities available at one of the campsites. The park also provides barrier-free toilets on the premises.
One enjoyable aspect of the camping experience is dining outdoors. Each section is equipped with a kitchen where you can prepare your meals.

Exploring camping terminology

Fireproof sheets: These sheets are designed to be fireproof and heatproof, serving as a protective layer for safeguarding the ground from heat and embers. In the following photo, the sheet is in front of the tent and underneath the fire pit.



▲You can make fires on these blocks on the campsite.

▲The sheet in front is a fireproof sheet.

Adjacent to Heiwajima Park, Heiwanomori Park boasts an adventure playground featuring up to 40 different types of equipment. While there is an entrance fee, it remains a popular choice as a children’s playground.

Adventure playground in Heiwanomori Park
https://www.city.ota.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/sports/fieldathletics.html


The adventure playground in Heiwanomori Park, featuring a wide variety of equipment.
The other caretaker, Ms. Midori Ide, expresses, “There are fewer and fewer places where one can enjoy nature’s presence while being close to the city. Our campground offers easy accessibility, making it an ideal environment for families with children to cherish.” Another captivating feature to explore in Heiwajima Park is the carefully nurtured flora, showcasing changing scenery with each passing season.


Early summer welcomes visitors with the vibrant bloom of oriental lilies, accompanied by the soothing sounds of wind chimes placed by the caretakers.
Spring reveals the beauty of tree peonies and tulips, while summer highlights hydrangeas and swamp rose mallows. As autumn approaches, the park’s red spider lilies and Japanese maples create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.


From left to right, tree peony in spring, Japanese maple in autumn, and adonis ramosa in winter.
From the caretakers
Everyone can enjoy this campground comfortably when everyone adheres to the rules. Camping in the city offers great convenience as you can easily go shopping if you need anything, and if you encounter any significant difficulties, you can choose to end your camping trip and return home. While the rules of this campground may appear somewhat strict, given its location in a residential area within the city, we believe that those who can adhere to these guidelines can savor the experience of camping at any site. Camping in the heart of nature is not an unattainable dream.

Ms. Midori Ide (mother, left in the photo) and Mr. Yuya Ide (son, right in the photo) have been taking care of the campground for over 15 years.
Heiwajima Park Camping Ground
Address
4-2-2 Heiwajima Park, Ota-ku
Heiwajima Park Management Office
TEL
03-3765-0403

One-and-only drive-in campground in the Tokyo 23 wards

Jonanjima Seaside Park Camping Ground


Some campsites at Jonanjima Seaside Park offer views of passing airplanes.
Jonanjima Seaside Park, situated at the southernmost tip of Jonanjima, features the one-and-only drive-in campground in the Tokyo 23 wards.

Exploring camping terminology

Drive-in campsites: These campsites allow cars to enter and park at the camping site, reducing the effort required to carry your belongings from the parking area.

You can either drive directly into the campsite or park your vehicle adjacent to the site.


At drive-in campsites, it’s convenient to transport your belongings, and some campers even choose to spend the night in their cars instead of setting up tents. This style of camping is popular among beginners and seasoned veterans alike.


Direct access to the campsite allows for easy transport of large items.
In addition to drive-in campsites, the park offers regular campsites equipped with tables, chairs, and furnaces.
* Some campsites provide views of the airport, but the visibility of airplanes depends on the landing routes.



* For more information, including hours and fees, please visit the official website.

* It’s important to note that overnight stays are not permitted at the Second Campground. During the winter months (from December to February), all campgrounds are designated for day use only.
Official Website:https://seaside-park.jp/park_jonan/bbq/

The Jonanjima Seaside Park Management Office provides the rental of iron plates and grill grates, as well as the sale of wood, charcoal, and firelighters, but please note that no food is available for purchase on-site. Deciding what to grill is part of the fun, so we recommend preparing in advance.


Outdoor dining is exquisite.

One of the captivating aspects of Jonanjima Seaside Park is its scenic diversity. After you've made all the necessary preparations for camping, don't forget to grab your camera and explore the picturesque spots. Tsubasa Beach within the park is the third artificial sand beach in Tokyo Harbor, following Odaiba Marine Park and Kasai Rinkai Park.


On the north side, the park overlooks the city, while on the south, it faces the airport. To the east, a vast sandy beach stretches along the shoreline.
From the park, you can enjoy views of airplanes landing and departing at Haneda Airport, the cityscape, as well as the sight of hammerhead cranes and gantry cranes handling cargo beyond the sea. The ability to witness the ever-changing beauty of Tokyo from morning to night is one of the most delightful aspects of camping at Jonanjima Seaside Park.

From the caretakers
The First Campground and Drive-in Campground are available for day use until 9:00 p.m., but please note that fires are not allowed after 8:00 p.m. During nighttime, it’s recommended to keep your lights to a minimum to fully savor the peaceful ambiance. Due to its location, you might hear occasional sounds from airplanes and nearby factories. If you're sensitive to such noises, consider using earplugs. Observing airplanes passing overhead and taking in the impressive cityscape you typically work in is a unique feature of this location. The night view is particularly enchanting, offering vistas that include Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and the Sky Tree. It’s a chance to escape the everyday hustle and become immersed in a truly extraordinary experience.

Mr. Takao Adachi, Jonanjima Seaside Park Manager
Jonanjima Seaside Park
Address
4-2-2 Jonanjima, Ota-ku
Jonanjima Seaside Park Management Office
TEL
03-3799-6402 (9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except for closures)
We hope you’ve found this special report on camping enjoyable. Being situated within the city, these campgrounds offer a wealth of activities and opportunities. It’s vital for campers to be mindful of their actions to ensure that everyone can make the most of their visit comfortably.

There are many more attractive places in Ota City. Try finding your own place that you can recommend Ota City for. If you find your favorite, please make sure to post on SNS. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #uniqueota!

Ota City promotion website “Unique Ota” delivers information about the appeal of Ota City with the keywords “a town where you can encounter unique locations unlike anywhere else, which can only be found in Ota City.”

We encourage you to dig deep to find the contents you are interested in. Check back soon for the next edition!
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