Kamifurano Sunrise Park Auto Camping Area
Kamifurano Sunrise Park: A Scenic Camping Haven in Hokkaido’s Lavender Fields
Kamifurano Sunrise Park Auto Camping Area serves up a delightful camping experience, perfectly framed by the towering Tokachi Mountain Range and vibrant lavender fields. It’s the kind of place where the air smells fresher, the colors seem brighter, and the stresses of modern life are blissfully distant. Whether you’re pitching a traditional tent, pulling up in a campervan, or relaxing in one of the cozy cabins, the park has facilities that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Free Tent Site
For the frugal or spontaneous camper, there’s the Free Tent Site—though a modest ¥1,000 admission fee applies, so it’s not completely free in terms of cost, but more in the sense of flexibility and choice.
- Capacity: Room for up to 80 tents, set in a terraced field that, during July, offers a front-row seat to a sea of blooming lavender. It’s like camping in a painting, with nature as your canvas.
- Terrain: The grassy terraces are ideal for pitching your tent, soft enough for comfort, firm enough for stability—nature’s own mattress topper.
- Reservation Required: A small caveat to the “free” allure—this site books up faster than you can say “lavender season,” so do reserve in advance, especially if you’re aiming for the peak summer months.
Barbecue Houses
No camping trip is complete without a good barbecue, and Kamifurano delivers with two covered barbecue houses.
- Facilities: Each house has four outdoor fireplaces, meaning plenty of room for you to grill up a feast while trading stories of outdoor exploits.
- Capacity: Each can comfortably host 30-40 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or impromptu campfire sing-alongs.
Camping Sites and Facilities
1. Free Tent Site
- Cost: Only the admission fee applies—¥1,000 for adults, which is quite the bargain when you consider the priceless views.
- Check-out: Until 10:00 AM.
- Capacity: Up to 80 tents can be set up here.
2. Car Camping Site
- Spaces: 13 neatly designated spots for car camping. Each plot is 3.5m x 5m, with parking right next to your tent—convenient, but not so close that you have to worry about sleeping next to a tire.
- Fees: ¥1,000 per night during the busy season, but for the off-season adventurers (July 1 – August 20 excluded), the fee drops to a mere ¥500.
- Check-out: 10:00 AM.
3. Camping Car Site
- Spaces: 5 designated plots, ideal if your home away from home happens to have wheels.
- Fee: ¥5,000 per night (¥2,500 if you’re only hanging around for the day).
- Check-out: 10:00 AM.
4. Individual Tent Sites
- Capacity: 20 plots offer more seclusion for those looking to get away from the crowd but still enjoy the facilities.
- Usage Fee: ¥4,000 per night (¥2,000 for daytime use).
- Check-out: 10:00 AM.
5. Cottage and Bungalow Rentals
- Cottages: There are five charming cottages, each able to host up to 6 people. It’s glamping at its finest, with a fee of ¥15,000 per night (¥7,500 for day use).
- Bungalows: If you prefer something a little more rustic, the bungalows—also five in number—go for ¥5,000 per night (¥2,500 for daytime use).
- Check-in: 14:00-18:00.
- Check-out: Until 10:00 AM.
6. Empty-Handed Camping
For those who like the idea of camping but balk at the thought of buying all the gear, the park offers “Empty-Handed Camping.”
- Capacity: Just 2 plots available per day, for up to 4 people.
- Usage Fee: ¥15,000 per night, but this includes everything you need—just show up.
- Check-in: 14:00-18:00.
- Check-out: Until 10:00 AM.
Additional Facilities
Parking
Whether you’re arriving in a family sedan or rumbling in on a motorbike, there’s ample parking:
- Capacity: 50 spots for passenger cars, 13 car camping zones, and 60 motorcycle spaces.
Communal Facilities
For the camper who likes a dash of civilization with their nature:
- Kitchen: There’s a communal kitchen, although there’s no power supply (because, let’s face it, you’re here to disconnect).
- Coin Showers: 3 rooms for men, 3 for women, and 1 accessible room, available for ¥200 per 10-minute rinse.
- Availability: From June to September, they’re open 24 hours. In the shoulder seasons (April, May, October), hours are restricted to 08:00-20:00, except for cottage guests, who get 24-hour access. Cleaning takes place daily from 08:30-09:30.
- Coin Laundry: 4 washing machines and dryers, both available for ¥200 per 30-minute cycle—a practical luxury when you realize you’ve only packed two pairs of socks.
Rental Equipment
Forgot a tent? No worries—Kamifurano’s got you covered.
- Available for Rent: You can rent everything from futons to BBQ grills, lanterns to tarps. Prices are reasonable, ranging from ¥500 for a lantern to ¥1,500 for a 4-person tent per night.
Business Period and Reservations
- Season: Open from April 25 to October 25, a generous stretch that lets you enjoy both spring’s freshness and fall’s colors.
- Reservations: Required for all sites and available from February 25 each year. And yes, like many great things in life, they fill up fast, particularly around public holidays.
- Reception Hours:
- February 25 to April 24: 08:30-17:00.
- April 25 to October 25: 08:30-18:00.
Rules and Prohibited Activities
A few gentle reminders to ensure the camping harmony remains unbroken:
- Pets: Not allowed, whether inside the park or in your vehicle (sorry Fido).
- Open Fires: Prohibited, but fire pits are permitted if you use fireproof sheets—because no one likes a scorched campsite.
- Fireworks: Only handheld fireworks are allowed. Keep it safe, folks.
- Garbage Disposal: Campers are expected to separate and dispose of their trash properly—this is Hokkaido, after all, where nature reigns supreme.
Access
Getting here is a breeze:
- Address: 27 North, East 2 Line, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido.
- By Car: Just 5 minutes from JR Kamifurano Station, 20 minutes from JR Furano Station, and 50 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station.
Kamifurano Sunrise Park Auto Camping Area truly offers the best of Hokkaido’s natural beauty, especially during the lavender season. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a city slicker looking for a weekend escape, this park offers a wide array of accommodation styles and facilities, making it the perfect spot to recharge and reconnect with nature.
日の出公園オートキャンプ場