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Deep in the forest where sunlight filters through the trees, you can split firewood while listening to the sound of a river and unwind in an open-air bath or sauna.
Such an indulgent experience awaits you in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture.
This time, we’ll introduce “Shigecamp,” a campsite that’s been making waves among camping enthusiasts.
Many visitors say there’s a special kind of time that can only be experienced here. It’s popular with sauna lovers and families alike who want to fully enjoy nature.
In this article, we’ll share the charm of Shigecamp and our impressions from an actual visit, including a breakdown of its facilities and layout.
Shigecamp is a campsite located in Otaki Town, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture. It’s run by nonfiction writer Shigeta Nakayama (中山茂大), known for books on traditional house restoration. The owner built this campsite himself through DIY work. Limited to just 15 groups, it features excellent facilities such as a sauna, open-air bath, pizza oven, and bar — all of which have drawn considerable attention.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Site | Wood deck sites: 5 (with electricity) Forest sites Free sites Cottages (2 buildings, air - conditioned) [Special Deal] Budget group - only auto site |
| Facilities | Kitchen area (hot water available) Pizza oven Sauna Bar Open - air bath (Goemon - style) Shower Toilets (semi - flush) |
| Garbage disposal | Available, free of charge |
| Firewood | ¥1,000 (full container box) |
| Check - in | 12:00 pm |
| Check - out | 12:00 pm |
| Address | 575 Nakano, Otaki - machi, Isumi - gun, Chiba 298 - 0272 |
| @shigecamp.ootaki |
The main area features both free sites and wood deck sites.
The free sites are located directly on the ground, while the wood deck sites sit a bit further back.
Since the wood deck and free sites are adjacent, most campers using the free sites tend to set up their tents a bit farther away for privacy.
Every site is well-maintained, and the free sites are comfortable no matter where you pitch your tent.
Each wood deck site is quite spacious.
A single wood deck site is large enough for two small to mid-size tents with a shared living area in the middle — perfect for two to three people.
The decks vary in shape — some curved or stepped — so you can get creative with your setup. Families will find them spacious enough as well.
Tents larger than about 4 meters in diameter may not fit on the decks, so keep that in mind when choosing your gear.
The forest site lies below the main area, accessible via a staircase.
A small stream flows nearby, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Though you’ll need to go down stairs, there’s also a gentle slope, so even with lots of gear, access is relatively easy.
Camping in the forest, with the gentle murmur of the river beside you — it’s truly perfect.
One of the highlights of this campsite is its sauna.
Just head down this path to reach it.
A river runs beside the sauna, letting you jump in for a refreshing dip instead of a cold bath.
The surroundings make Shigecamp’s sauna especially beautiful and relaxing.
After sweating it out in the sauna, sit back in a chair and gaze at the lush greenery and flowing river — the perfect way to “reset” and feel one with nature.
Due to its popularity, we recommend reserving the sauna in advance.
A full container of firewood costs ¥1,000. You can split your own firewood on-site, turning it into a fun experience.
Most of the wood consists of thick logs, but since there’s a wood splitter, even beginners or women can handle it easily. Cutting through those big logs is surprisingly satisfying and fun.
The toilets and shower room share the same building.
Toilets (left) and shower room (right)
The semi-flush toilets were clean and well-maintained.
However, the shower room floor was soaked when I visited — not ideal for comfort. It may have been a temporary issue or due to user etiquette, but if you’re planning to use it, it’s worth calling ahead to check the current condition. Overall, the campsite is very well-kept, so the showers might have improved since.
The kitchen area is covered, so you can wash dishes even on rainy days.
The fact that hot water is available is a big plus, especially in winter.
The parking lot is right at the entrance and fits about 10 cars. Given the size of the campground, parking is limited, so if you’re coming as a group, it’s best to carpool as much as possible.
There are no supermarkets nearby, so for grocery shopping, we recommend Otaki Shopping Plaza Olive, which has a wide selection.
〒298-0204 861 Funako, Otaki-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba
It’s about a 20-minute drive from the campsite.
Though a bit far, the store carries everything — from fresh ingredients to local seafood and sake. It’s the best option if you need to shop after arriving at Shigecamp.
Not far from Shigecamp are some famous ramen shops serving Katsuura Tantanmen, a local specialty.
One of the most well-known is Matsunoya, about a 15-minute drive from the campsite.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Matsunoya |
| Hours | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (closes when sold out) |
| Closed | Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday) |
| Phone | 0470 - 77 - 0423 |
| Address | 658-1 Matsuno, Katsuura City, Chiba 299-5211 |
Another option nearby is Harada, also about 15 minutes by car from Shigecamp.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Harada |
| Hours | 11:00 am – 6:30 pm (closes when sold out) |
| Closed | Tuesdays, occasional holidays |
| Phone | 0470 - 77 - 0347 |
| Address | 658-1 Matsuno, Katsuura City, Chiba 299-5211 |
Enjoy authentic Katsuura Tantanmen during your camping trip — but be warned, it’s quite spicy!
Shigecamp is a peaceful, well-maintained campsite where you can relax surrounded by forest and the gentle sound of the river.
At night, there’s enough light to move around safely with your own lanterns.
The on-site bar also opens at night, offering a different kind of outdoor enjoyment.
Relax in the sauna, soak in the open-air bath, and experience nature with all your senses. Shigecamp offers that extra “plus one” beyond ordinary camping — a perfect destination to unwind in a riverside forest setting.
