Michiko Fujiwara Series: My First Glamping Experience (June 2016)

Glamping: A Feast for the Senses, Where Nature Meets Comfort

Have you heard of glamping? It’s a term that’s been appearing frequently of late, a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping.” It seems that many people want to connect with nature but dislike the hassle, preferring to experience the outdoors in elegance. Glamping is gaining attention worldwide. I, too, tried it for the first time last month.

Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko

My First Glamping Experience at Japan’s First Glamping Resort, HOSHINOYA Fuji

I stayed at HOSHINOYA Fuji, Japan’s first glamping resort, nestled in the natural mountains overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko. Its defining feature is the combination of areas for outdoor activities and comfortable cabins. The cabin terraces are equipped with spacious sofas, perfect for lounging and gazing at the magnificent scenery before you. It’s designed to offer comfort while allowing full immersion in nature. Truly befitting the HOSHINOYA brand.

Another welcome feature is the presence of “glamping masters,” staff who guide you through outdoor activities. For city dwellers who might feel lost in nature, this is an invaluable system.

Meals can be enjoyed in the dining area, or you can opt for a course meal prepared with a Dutch oven alongside a chef at the cloud kitchen located in the forest. This means you can dine indoors while admiring nature, or outdoors while engaging all your senses with the natural surroundings.

Activities: "Smoking" and "Aerial Stretching"

What struck me as particularly unique to a glamping resort was the variety of activities available, starting from check-in. Upon arrival, each guest receives a daypack containing a down blanket, headlamp, binoculars, an air mattress and pillow, biscotti, a water bottle (which you can take home), and a map of the grounds. This immediately enhanced the glamping atmosphere.

The activities I experienced were "smoking" and "forest aerial stretching." For the smoking activity, carefully selected ingredients like salmon, nuts, dried fruits, and tofu were provided, and the glamping master guided us through the process. It’s easy for beginners to enjoy, and the freshly smoked food tasted exquisite in the natural setting!

For "aerial stretching," we used a special elastic hammock suspended between trees. Guided by an instructor, we performed various poses. It offered an unparalleled sense of weightlessness, and allowed for poses that are difficult to achieve on the ground, making it incredibly invigorating.

Other options included canoeing, horseback riding, and guided tours through the primeval forest—all activities I wanted to try. Although I only stayed for one night, I plan to return for a two-night stay to experience more.

Savoring Flavors and Nature with "Dutch Oven Dinner" and "Morning BOX"

For dinner, I chose the forest dining experience. A dedicated chef prepared the meal right at our table, allowing us to participate slightly in the cooking process as we dined.

The course included French onion soup, chicken salad, sautéed wild vegetables, grilled lobster and mussels, lamb, and a fruit soup dessert. Prepared using a Dutch oven with carefully selected ingredients and only water, the vegetables retained their robust flavor and natural sweetness. The lamb was tender and fragrant. Savoring such a feast amidst the forest air was a luxury unique to HOSHINOYA Fuji! Alternatively, a grilled dinner is also available in the dining area.

For breakfast, I opted for the "Morning BOX." It contained an omelet, freshly baked Dutch oven bread, salad, soup, yogurt, and jam, all presented in a wooden box. Enjoying this on the terrace with nature spread out before me felt like the quintessential glamping breakfast.

While I experienced many wonderful things, I also wished I had more time to relax at the "Bonfire Bar" and "Forest Theater," to nap in a hammock, or to try the "Forest Stone Oven Pizza Making" activity...
This first glamping experience left me determined to return for a two-night stay! Indeed, the ability to be one with nature while enjoying comfort and engaging all the senses is truly the essence of glamping.

HOSHINOYA Fuji
1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0305
HOSHINOYA Central Reservations (8:00 AM - 9:00 PM) TEL: 0570-073-066
http://hoshinoyafuji.com/