Last summer, our family decided to escape the heat of the city and head for the mountains of Gifu. We packed up the car, gathered the in-laws, and drove to Pascal Kiyomi Auto Campsite (パスカル清見オートキャンプ場). Surrounded by tall trees, fresh air, and the sound of the river nearby, it became a trip full of laughter, good food, and simple summer traditions.
Why Pascal Kiyomi Auto Campsite?
Pascal Kiyomi is an auto campsite, which means you can drive your car right up to your camping spot. This made things so much easier since we were camping with both kids and grandparents. We didn’t have to carry heavy gear far, and setting up felt relaxed from the very beginning.
- Facilities: Clean bathrooms, showers, and rental equipment if you need it.
- Shops Nearby: A small shop sells essentials, ice, and sometimes local produce.
- Family Friendly: Wide open spaces, safe areas for kids to play, and easy access to the river.
For families, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and nature.
River Swimming: A Summer Tradition in Japan
One of the highlights of camping in Gifu is playing in the river. In Japan, especially in the countryside, river swimming (川遊び / kawa asobi) is a classic way to beat the summer heat.
That week in early August, the weather in Gifu City was scorching—around 38°C, feeling closer to the 40s. Honestly, I dreaded stepping outside into the blazing heat. But arriving at Pascal Kiyomi felt like entering another world. Under the trees, mornings stayed cool at 25°C, and even midday hovered around 30°C with plenty of shade from the forest and our tarp. At night, the temperature dropped to 20°C, making it refreshingly comfortable for sleeping.
The river itself was shockingly cold at first—the kind that makes you gasp when your feet touch the water. But after a few minutes of moving around, my body adjusted, and soon it felt amazing. My daughter laughed as she splashed in the shallows, and we all cooled off by dipping in.
⚠️ One thing I learned quickly: water shoes are a must. The riverbed is full of hard, uneven stones that are painful to walk on barefoot. With water shoes, though, it became easy and safe to enjoy the river fully.
It was such a contrast to the harsh August sun outside the campsite that I didn’t want to leave—I just wanted to stay in this pocket of cool, gentle summer.
Food: Camping the Japanese Way
No camping trip is complete without food, and this was one of my favorite parts.
We grilled yakiniku (焼肉)—juicy cuts of meat sizzling on the grill. Alongside it, we stir-fried a big batch of vegetables and cooked up kushikatsu (串カツ)—crispy skewered meat and vegetables fried golden brown.
Eating outdoors with family made everything taste even better. The combination of smoky, savory, and crispy dishes, shared around the camp table, was unforgettable.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Location: Pascal Kiyomi Auto Campsite (パスカル清見オートキャンプ場), Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
- Access: About 1 hour from Takayama City by car. Driving is the most convenient option.
- Cost: Around ¥3,000–¥6,000 per night depending on the site and season.
- Facilities: Auto camping spots, restrooms, showers, rental gear, BBQ areas.
- Nearby: A beautiful river for swimming and cooling off in summer.
- Best Season: Summer for river swimming; autumn for the colorful leaves.
Camping Essentials Checklist
Here’s what made our trip comfortable and fun:
- Tarp or Shade Tent – Even though the campsite has tall trees, extra shade helps at noon.
- Cooler Box & Ice Packs – Keeps drinks cold and food fresh.
- Portable Power Source (携帯電源 / keitai dengen) – We used this to plug in a small fan at night, which made sleeping more comfortable.
- Ventilation Fan – Even though it dropped to 20°C at night, air circulation in the tent helped.
- Light Jackets & Blankets – Cool mornings and evenings under the trees.
- Water Shoes or Sandals – Absolutely necessary. The river stones are too hard to walk on barefoot.
- Bug Spray & Mosquito Coils – Summer camping in Japan = lots of insects.
- BBQ or Cooking Gear – Perfect for yakiniku, kushikatsu, and stir-fry veggies.
- Lanterns or Headlamps – The campsite is dark at night without extra lighting.
- Folding Chairs & Table – For eating, relaxing, and chatting comfortably.
Tips for River Swimming in Japan
- Bring water shoes – Riverbeds are rocky and slippery.
- Stay in the shallows for kids – Always supervise, as currents can be strong.
- Move around to adjust – The water feels freezing at first, but your body will adjust after a few minutes.
- Take breaks in the shade – Avoid staying under the sun too long.
- Pack a quick-dry towel – You’ll use it often.
Since I never camped back in the U.S., this trip in Gifu felt like my very first real camping experience. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I quickly understood why camping is such a beloved summer activity in Japan.
It wasn’t just about sleeping in tents—it was about connecting with family, cooking together, and enjoying nature in its purest form. From grilling food to splashing in the river, every moment felt refreshing and meaningful.
When we packed up to leave, I was a little sun-tired but deeply happy. It’s a memory of Gifu summer that I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Related Posts
