Miyori Furusato Taikenmura

The slopes are the main drawback, since the campground used to be a ski resort. At night only one toilet is open, and depending on where you camp it can be quite a walk. The hot spring is another nice feature, though it's closed on weekdays. When I visited, I was the only camper there, and I still found myself wanting to come back. It's a tiny, unusual place beside the railway platform, so you may catch the eye of people waiting there, but trains are infrequent and slow down at the station. They're quiet and don't bother me. I hope they open the bar on weekdays someday.

The birdsong in the daytime was really soothing, and the train about every hour and a half, with the last one just before 9 pm, made a nice rhythm. I stayed on free site B in the middle of a three-day weekend. Only two other groups were there, so we had room to spread out. Site B costs the least and is nearest to the toilet, but the kitchen is over at A and the hot spring is at D, which makes B the least convenient. The facilities are good and there's a garbage station, though it's still a long way from B. A is the most popular site, while D was about one third full with families. B is a good deal when it's quiet, but half of it is not maintained and two thirds of the levelled area slopes. The entrance and center are flatter, but there's room for only three or four tents there, so expect sloping ground if it gets busy. A has shade at the back in summer; B and D have none. I like the location and atmosphere, but the cost left me disappointed. The site fee is low, while the per-person charge feels a bit high. That fee is included in some sites' listed prices and added separately for others, so the advertised amount can make the total feel surprisingly expensive. I'd prefer a slightly higher site fee and lower charge per person. There's not much nearby, so bring food and drinks ahead of time, although a limited selection is sold in the management building.

The river behind the resort was a highlight this month. Even on hot days there was shade, and the water was wonderfully cool, giving the kids a great place to play and us somewhere to unwind. The steep paths left our feet dirty, but we could rinse them at the shower near reception. My youngest also enjoyed playing with the children at reception, and was disappointed when it ended, saying, "I wanted to play more." lol We came camping last month and this month. I'm a single parent with two pretty restless kids, and we don't barbecue or make fires. The reception sells 100 yen cans of juice and beer, and with a convenience store nearby we don't have to bring all our food. The bar stays open until 9 pm, which works well since the kids want to play before eating. We could have just enough food and enjoy the cool evening air. The hot spring is a big help after a summer day, and being able to bathe from 9 am means we can soak before checking out. At the auto site, a train passes once an hour. Both kids were thrilled to see it go right past our tent, and that was why we came back so soon, lol. The convenience store is about a 20-minute drive away, so forgotten supplies are still manageable. Our version of camping is pitching a tent, watching trains, checking out unmanned stations, and playing in the river. This place has what our family needs, and it also seemed affordable and relaxed for people who camp more seriously. Next time I'd like to try the lodge, but I'll have to persuade my youngest that "a tent is better!" lol

We had a moderately busy weekend, with both tent pitches and cottages along the Aizu Railway. The sites are a little sloped, so think about the sun and how you'll position your sleeping area. I liked sitting with a drink, watching the occasional train, and taking repeated, relaxing soaks. The water isn't too hot, and you can use the baths after check-out, too. One towel is included, along with shampoo and body soap. There's also a comfortable place to cool off afterward. It's a bit out of the way, but I'd like to return.