Rae
Gankake Koen in Sai is an amazing campground that is more akin to visiting a summer house or ‘glamping’ than actually camping.
For ¥13,000/night, you can enjoy a huge, fully furnished and outfitted cabin that can easily hold around 10 people. The best part? Every part of the campground looks out over the Sea of Japan and Hokkaido. You are so close to the ocean you can taste the salt in the air and hear the waves. Inside, you’ll find futons (6), tv, wifi, a wood fire stove, a full bath, separate toilet and urinal, a stove, an electric cooktop, plates, pots, pans, cups, plates, etc.
Needless to say, the basics are covered.
The owner of the park is absolutely lovely and did everything to try and make us feel comfortable.
Although the cabin is backed by woods, the bugs inside were at a minimum due to the enclosed genkan and meticulous cleaning of the cabin.
When we came, there was a promotion where each guest would receive ¥3,000 in coupons to spend in the village of Sai each day. This includes boat rides to see the rock formations and a two hour round trip fast boat to Aomori. You can also spend it at more than 21 locations around town.
On the drive to the cabin, we were unable to come up from the southernmost cape of the peninsula through Hotekegaura as the road was closed. This meant we had to backtrack to Kawauchi and then cut through the mountains inland. The drive was absolutely beautiful, but it’s worth noting so you can plan when you arrive.
The site is close to Oma (20 minute drive) and you can easily jump over there for supplies at the Maeda or Lawsons and can also get a nice meal until 9:30pm too.
In conclusion, if you can book this cabin, you won’t regret it.