Konashidaira Camping Retreat - Matsumoto

I called Konashidaira Camping Retreat in the morning, and was able to book a cabin. I was lucky because it was still June and it was before all Japanese schools start their summer holiday. The cabin looked tiny and bare on their website, but it turned out the cabin (A-7) was clean, cozy and nice size for family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenagers). The staff members at the office were friendly and helpful. The office gives you a basket with towels, which you need to return upon check out. Even before we put down our luggage at the cabin, we spotted a family of Japanese snow monkeys. My husband got too close and the daddy monkey chased him around the camping ground. Nothing serious but don’t get too close to them especially when they have a baby monkey. In the afternoon, we enjoyed hiking to Myojinike Pond and used the retreat’s bathhouse. I was surprised by how clean and how confortable their bathhouse was. The photo on their website looked just ok, but in reality it was very nice experience. The women’s changing room was bright, and had dryers. We had dinner at their dining hall where serves Japanese curry, pork cutlets, chicken karaage, udon and soba noodle and more. I wouldn’t call it gourmet cuisine but it was delicious. My kids loved the Azumino yogurt drink that was sold in the dining hall. They also have a general store next to the dining hall. Back in the cabin, we pulled out the futons, duvets and blankets. The bedding was more confortable here than other ryokan we stayed at. We were told that the night got chilly so we bought a tank of oil from the office for our indoor kerosene stove and it efficiently kept our room warm. We woke up 6:30AM and strolled along the river to Kappabashi Bridge and back for breakfast at 7AM. There were many amazingly beautiful paths around the retreat and it was as if fairies might flutter around among trees. The location was perfect to explore around Kappabashi Bridge before and after all the daytime tourists were gone. We would happily stay at Konashidaira’s cabin again. They also have a beautiful camping site. Beware, all other hotels serve diner only to their own customers. So if you are staying here, your dinner options are either bring your own food or eat at the dining hall located across from Konashidaira’s office. Pay attention to business hours. The last dinner order is at 5:20PM (6:20PM for July and August).

Nice, clean and well maintained. Facilities are also good , rental shop and grocery store are also available, we did rent barbecue, stove, utensil, seeping bag. Quite convenient, only thing is most of the shops opening hours is 7 to 6,or 6:30 pm .

Closest campsite to Kappa Bridge - there are two more, but they are a good trek away. Convienetly located for many hikes, and the amenities (store, onsen-style bath, luggage storage) are nice. Bring-your-own tent areas can get a bit crowded, but did not seem to totally fill up on a Saturday in early August. We did show up early though to snag a spot with a better view. Overall, would stay again!

One of my best camping experience ever. The surrounding is awesome and the view of alps is beyond beautiful. And also the authorities rented blanket for colder weather which was a plus. I highly recommend.

We loved our stay here so much. We camped for one week with the most amazing views to wake up to every morning. You are completely in nature but also have great bathroom facilities and amazing food at the little restaurant. The staff were so great, they made our stay even more enjoyable. So friendly, we would definitely stay here again when we visit Japan again. Love from Australia

Staffs were really nice. I did not book early, was a walk-in. Common washing and cooking areas were clean. Nice camping ground.

Nice camp ground with clean toilet, ofuro (bath), and some rental camping equipment. You can camp just beside river, facing hotakadake mountain range.

I had an amazing time solo camping here. I was lucky that it was not busy when I came, so I was able to secure an idyllic spot by the river. I was impressed by the public bath; it was clean and comfortable to use. The shop/restaurant offers snacks, alcohol and meals for very reasonable prices - much cheaper than elsewhere in Kamikochi. The staff were also very friendly and thorough with information check-in. Recommend!