Beginner's Must-See! What is Glamping?
Recently, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing, and there are probably people who are thinking of trying it for the first time now.
However, starting camping from scratch requires equipment and preparation, which can be troublesome, so there may be some anxiety about where to begin.
In such a situation, did you know that "glamping" has become popular as one way to enjoy the outdoors?
This time, we will introduce glamping, which is especially recommended for outdoor beginners.
What is the charm of "glamping" where you can luxuriously and comfortably enjoy the great outdoors?
Outdoor activities including camping have been increasingly in demand as a way to actively enjoy the outdoors without close contact. On the other hand, since you need to purchase all the necessary equipment and handle all the preparation and cleanup yourself, some outdoor beginners may feel a bit uneasy.
For those who feel uneasy about outdoor activities, we recommend "glamping." Glamping is a coined term combining the English words "Glamorous," meaning "attractive" or "luxurious," and "Camping," referring to camping. It represents a new style of enjoying the outdoors with a resort-like feel.
There are various theories about the history of glamping, but one suggests its roots lie in the "Pao," a portable dwelling like a tent used by Mongolian nomads. Another theory says it originated from mid-19th century European aristocrats who packed their living essentials and interior items into large luxury brand trunks and enjoyed lavish camping in Asian and African colonies.
Glamping gradually gained recognition overseas from around the mid-2000s, and in Japan, it started spreading around 2015 after facilities bearing the glamping name appeared.
Enjoy the best of both worlds
Glamping is becoming more widespread nowadays, but what exactly can you do?
Generally, when camping, you need to prepare everything yourself, including tents, camping gear, and food ingredients. Also, since you have to handle everything from preparation to cleanup, beginners may find it somewhat challenging.
In contrast, with glamping, it's as simple as "just booking accommodation at the facility," and all the ingredients and equipment are included in the plan. Meals can be fully taken care of by the staff, from preparation to cleanup, and you can also cook things like BBQ yourself, allowing for customization. This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy the outdoors casually
You can also choose the type of accommodation, such as tent-style or cottage-style, depending on the location.
In the tent-style, compared to tents set up in regular camping, toilets and showers are fully equipped, and there are large beds comparable to those in hotels, making the interior more comfortable than it appears. Depending on the tent's design, you may enjoy sunlight streaming in during the morning or gaze at the night sky, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoors.
The cottage-style involves renting a detached cottage (villa), equipped with a kitchen, bathroom facilities such as toilets, beds, and air conditioning/heating, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy the outdoors more casually than in tent-style accommodations.
Since glamping is often attached to resort facilities or hotels, you can use the hotel’s large public bath, and breakfast is usually included, which means less hassle in preparation. Some facilities also offer pools and athletic playgrounds, so you can enjoy various activities beyond just the outdoors. Even beginners to outdoor activities can easily experience the outdoors with support for any difficult parts. For those busy with work or who want to casually enjoy nature, starting glamping, which lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, might be a great choice.
Enjoy Glamping at Mobility Resort Motegi
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Nowadays, there are various glamping facilities throughout Japan, but among them, Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture, offers a wide range of glamping types and ways to enjoy. Mobility Resort Motegi is a leisure facility located in a nature-rich area surrounded by satoyama (rural landscapes), where you can enjoy Motorsports and a Park full of attractions that are fun and challenging.
One of the facilities is the glamping site called Forest and Starry Sky Camping Village, which includes various types such as Bell Tents, Bell Tent Wide, the luxurious Bell Tent Forest Terrace, and cottage-style Log Cabins. Additionally, in July 2021, a new glamping area called Lotus Tent was opened.
Various ways to enjoy according to your purpose
In the tent-type Bell Tent Mori no Terrace, inside a large 14m × 10m tent, there are two semi-double beds, as well as a sofa, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi. Outside, there is also a hammock and a campfire area. Dinner includes a special BBQ plan featuring a large tomahawk steak, cheese fondue, baked apples, and more. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the restaurant inside the Mobility Resort Motegi hotel. For bathing, you can use Nozomi Bath, which is equipped with an open-air bath inside the Mobility Resort Motegi hotel.
It might be a great idea to experience the outdoors at the glamping facilities of Mobility Resort Motegi, where you can enjoy various ways to suit your purpose.
No preparation or cleanup is needed, and you can easily enjoy the outdoors with the comfort of staying at a hotel.
This is the charm of glamping.
