Recommended campsite in Toyama Prefecture! We visited Ameharashi Campsite, located on the Ameharashi Coast. It is a superb campground with a sandy beach right next to the beach and immediate access to the ocean! If you are interested in camping overnight near the ocean, this campground is highly recommended.
- Where is the Ameharashi campground?
- Details of Ameharashi Campsite to check before you go
- About campgrounds in Toyama Prefecture
Where is the Ameharashi campground?
Ameharashi Campground is located on the Ameharashi Coast (Ameharashi Beach) in Toyama Bay.Ameharashi Beach is also a famous scenic spot, and many tourists stop by every year to take pictures at Ameharashi Beach.
At first, looking at only the Chinese characters, it is difficult to understand how to read the name. It is written “Ame-harashi” (meaning “clear rain”).The name comes from one of the legends of Yoshitsune Minamoto, the famous historical figure who cleared the rain when he fled to Toyama, making it a must-see sightseeing spot for those interested in history.
Access to the campground!If you are going by train ↓↓↓
Ameharashi Station on the JR Himi Line is nearby, making access relatively easy. If you are going by JR, the easiest way is to get off at Ameharashi Station from Takaoka Station. It takes about 20 minutes from Takaoka Station. The fare is 240 yen one way (in 2022).If you are coming from other prefectures, the Shinkansen stops at Shin Takaoka Station. It is only one station away from Takaoka Station, so it is very easy to get there!
The number of trains is low, so be especially careful on the return train! From the Ameharashi station to the campground, it takes only 20 minutes on foot. Head there while enjoying the sea breeze you can feel when you arrive at the station and the surrounding scenery!
If you are going by car ↓↓↓
If you are driving to the site, set your destination to a nearby cafe called Sure&Cafe Wave Lunch, because your car navigation system or Google Map may give you incorrect directions! This parking lot is shared with the campground parking lot, so there is no problem to park your car here.
Please note that during the high season in summer, you need to pay a fee at this café! The driving time is about 30 minutes from Takaoka.
Details of Ameharashi Campground to check before you go.
Ameharashi Campground is a sandy free-site campground located on land along a long horizontal coastline. Since it is a free-site campground, you can camp wherever you want, but be careful to pick your spot and tent location, as the water and toilet locations are fixed.
Points of Attention!Also note that the sandy beach makes it difficult to use a cart or other means to move a lot of gear.(There is an asphalt boardwalk for pedestrians along the beach, in case you are wondering.) Backpacks and large backpacks will work well in this campground.
Unfortunately, it is a very popular campground and places near the parking lot fill up quickly, so unless you go early to get a spot, it will be difficult to camp near the parking lot.
I went on a weekday in mid-June around 3:00 p.m. and the area near the parking lot was already occupied. I also heard from a local that it is very popular in the height of summer and many people come to camp there. The best time to visit is in May or June, or at the end of summer in September and October!
There were showers (water) and a watering hole, so it is nice to be able to play in the ocean during the hot season!
*Water is available for showers outside of summer, but the water temperature is cold.
The fee is 500 yen during the summer high season (July 1 – August 31).The fee should be paid at the administration building and cafe located in the parking lot. The rest of the year is free of charge. No application is required to use the service. For details, please check the Takaoka City website here.↓↓(only Japanese)
https://www.city.takaoka.toyama.jp/midori/kanko/camp/amaharashi.html
Note 1:The site has many sandy areas, so it is easy for pegs to fall out. It is better to bring and use more pegs for sand or thicker ones if possible. Pegs for sand can also be substituted for snow pegs, and crossed pegs will be more durable in the sandbox, so please give it a try!
Note 2: Don’t forget that there were places where chairs were buried in the sandbox to the extent that it was necessary to use chairs for sand if possible or to place chairs on top of the sheet! If you have a small chair in particular, your weight will be concentrated in one part of the chair and you will be buried in the sandbox. If you have a larger chair, take it with you!
A small broom and dustpan would be a good idea, as it is essential to get sand inside the tent as a point of removal!
Points to keep in mind when camping! (About the sea breeze)Note 1:It is by the ocean, so the wind can be strong! It is better to bring a tarp or something to protect you from the wind when making a bonfire or BBQ. It is difficult to have a bonfire without one.
Note 2: Remember the characteristics of the sea breeze. Basically, the wind blows from sea to land during the day, but at night it changes direction from land to sea. If you do not keep this in mind, it may interfere with the orientation of your tarp and the bouncing of your tent.
Notes on camping! (and more)Caution ! :Open fires are not allowed in the campground, so don’t forget to bring a fire pit or BBQ stand. Also, garbage must be taken out of the campground, so do not forget to bring your own garbage bags!
Lastly, there are no convenience stores or supermarkets around the campground .There are vending machines in the parking lot, so you should be fine for drinks, but be sure to buy food, firewood, ink, and other necessary items in advance. Also note that there are no public bathhouses within walking distance.
About Campsites in Toyama Prefecture
Other recommended campgrounds -> These two campgrounds are close to Amehare Campground and are also located by the sea!If Ameharashi Campground is full, please consider these campgrounds as candidates!
Click here for the Shimao Campground website.(Japanese)→http://mihamasou.jp/camp/
Matsudae Campground Website→(Japanese)http://matsudaehama.web.fc2.com/
There are many free and low-cost campgrounds in Toyama Prefecture and neighboring Ishikawa Prefecture. There are many great places for solo campers and motorcycle campers, so we hope you will try camping there as well! If you are interested in outdoors in Fokuriku area, please check this one as well.
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