Camping while doing Henro

Originally posted by member "clarksm67" on April 21, 2016.
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« Thread started on: Apr 21st, 2016, 05:28am »


I just finished my Henro and slept in my tent or just in my sleeping bag for all but 6 nights. I would love to share some tips if you have questions.

Originally posted by member "songkran" on May 5, 2016.
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« Reply #1 on: May 5th, 2016, 4:32pm »


Congratulations on finishing! Did you stay in campsites mostly or did you just find a place to put your sleeping bag at night?

Originally posted by member "clarksm67" on May 6, 2016.
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« Reply #2 on: May 6th, 2016, 12:52am »


I didn't sleep in any actual campsites. I just found places to put my tent, or had help finding a place to put my tent.
Or just slept in a rest hut or on a bench.
I looked at 2 different Campsites and thought I could do better sleeping elsewhere. Cleanliness, toilet facilities etc

Steve

Originally posted by member "solong" on May 25, 2016.
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« Reply #3 on: May 25th, 2016, 8:09pm »


I have just returned from the Shikoku pilgrimage. There seemed to be enough shelters spaced at suitable intervals which provided weather protection and together with an air mattress, sleeping back and ground sheet or tarp were quite adequate. Mosquitoes were a problem so if you don't carry a tent then a mosquito net is essential.

Originally posted by member "Mihocookie527" on July 4, 2016.
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« Reply #4 on: Jul 4th, 2016, 06:07am »


Hi Steve!

Thank you for sharing your experience here.
I am a young Japanese woman (24 years old) who would love to try to camp outside as many nights as possible. There seem to be, however, many people who are warning against female solo walkers going for camping for obvious security reasons. I am scared as well, so will be trying to find a female travel companion to camp with. When you were on the walk, were there many spots with enough space for two people to camp together?

Thanks,
Miho

Originally posted by member "clarksm67" on July 4, 2016.
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« Reply #5 on: Jul 4th, 2016, 08:09am »


Hi Miho
Every place I camped had enough space for 2, most had space for more than 2. I met 4 different women who walked solo and only had a few scary times between them. One of those women camped for most of her trip. You will need a self standing tent. A lot of spots are on concrete and you cant tie your tent down. You can Email me if you have more questions or want more details. clarksm67@hotmail.com

Steve

Originally posted by member "Mihocookie527" on July 5, 2016.
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« Reply #6 on: Jul 5th, 2016, 4:40pm »


Hi Steve,

Thank you so much for your reply, it is very helpful!
Good to know that there's enough space, and I need a self-standing tent.
I will start preparing first and when I do have questions, let me drop you an email.

Thank you,
Miho

Originally posted by member "Boreq" on December 13, 2016.
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« Reply #7 on: Dec 13th, 2016, 08:16am »


on Jul 4th, 2016, 08:09am, clarksm67 wrote:
Hi Miho
A lot of spots are on concrete and you cant tie your tent down.



Do you mean that it is often hard to find a field to put your tent on? It can't be that bad, right? I do not have a tent that I can tie down, do you think it is necessary to buy one?

Originally posted by member "clarksm67" on December 13, 2016.
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« Reply #8 on: Dec 13th, 2016, 09:54am »


It can be hard to find an empty field to camp unless you go off the route in the guide book. There are some parks (with bathrooms) near the trail. I tried to camp near rest stops or train stations where bathrooms were near. It was very windy and a few times I didn't tie down my tent my tent blew away with my 15kg pack inside it.

Originally posted by member "Boreq" on February 6, 2017.
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« Reply #9 on: Feb 6th, 2017, 03:16am »


Oh I meant, I have a tent that I can only tie down, haha. OK, good to know that it must be prepared to actively look for good camping spots. How tolerant are police and Japanese people about camping in rural areas / close to roads / in parks? Is it legal officially?

Originally posted by member "clarksm67" on February 6, 2017.
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« Reply #10 on: Feb 6th, 2017, 03:26am »


I never had a problem with the police. I actually only saw them twice while camping. As for the locals, they were a big help in finding spots to put up my tent. I always asked permission if i saw a local. A few times after i was set up locals brought me some food.

Steve

Originally posted by member "KyleZahorodnyj" on August 7, 2017.
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« Reply #11 on: Aug 7th, 2017, 1:16pm »


Hi folks, I will be on the trail this October and November with a tent, I am a touch concerned about finding good spots to sleep, mostly without offending any local people.

These are reassuring words! Thank you!
Kyle