A campground located in the remotest part of Kamiyama

Gakunin-no-Mori is about a thirty-minute drive to Dosu Pass (土須峠) away from the rich, natural environment of Kamiyama town and can enjoy nature camping in the forest here.

When you arrive, fill in your address and other information at the rest house “Kangetsu Chaya.” Then, after receiving a map of the campsite, choose where you will stay for the day. During the peak season you must stay in an assigned spot, but during other times, you can choose where to camp so even a large groups can stay.

When we went to the campsite we saw something called a “debris hat”, which was made by Mr. Yamada. This is a shelter made of branches, dead leaves and foliage and can accommodate two adults with plenty of room to spare. It is perfect for those who want to try a different style of camping.

Observe rare alpine plants in Japan!

Another attraction of Gakunin-no-Mori is the alpine botanical garden. Mr. Yamada's father, Isao Yamada, spent half a century cultivating the land by himself and his wish to preserve the hometown mountain scenery is reflected in the garden. In the garden are precious alpine plants, including endangered species, and camp visitors can also take a walk and enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons. Don`t miss the fringed iris (himeshaga) that blooms annually all over this area. Visitors can enjoy exploring the amazing forest of flowers.

A welcoming place that accommodates everyone from beginners to experts

One thing that cannot be overlooked when talking about the Gakunin-no Mori forest is the experience of having an open fire. There are only a few places in Tokushima Prefecture where you can place firewood directly on the ground and make a bonfire, making it a very precious place. Outdoor enthusiasts even come from outside the prefecture to enjoy an open fire.

Mr. Yamada says, "We do not want to provide too much equipment in the campsite, so people can enjoy a classical camping experience in nature. Beginners may experience some inconvenience, but I want them to feel at ease. Even if things don't go well at first if you feel that you are having fun, that is camping. One of the best parts of camping is making mistakes and trying to improve upon them.”. It is also common to see veteran campers helping those who seem to be having trouble.

One of the charms of Gakunin-no-Mori is that even beginners can try their hand at camping and making a fire and that expert campers can fully enjoy nature according to their own style.

Authentic Japanese cuisine unique to this place

At Kangetsu Chaya, he uses local ingredients such as wild vegetables, mushrooms, and river fish that he gathers in the mountains to create dishes that offer a taste of the season's richness. He says that many visitors arrive earlier than the check-in time to have tea before starting their camping trip, or check out the next day and come back for lunch.

The course is 4,400 yen per person and reservations are required for two or more people. In addition to the meal, homemade bracken rice cakes (warabi mochi) and green powdered tea are served. The menu changes daily and is made with seasonal ingredients.

At Gakunin-no-mori it is easy to see Mr. Yamada`s desire to protect nature in the mountains and his love for his hometown, and in regards to his restaurant he says, "I want people to taste delicious local ingredients." It is clear that the warmth of the people around here is one of the reasons why we recommend coming to visit this place.

Gakunin no Mori is full of attractions, but because it is deep in the mountains, the campground is closed during the snowy season from December to March. However, when the weather warms up and the green returns, the campground will reopen. Please come to fully enjoy the nature of Kamiyama.