Oikeikoinomori campground - a hidden sakura gem

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with sakura season. I love the beauty of the flowers, but I hate the crowds that often come with well-known parks, gardens, shrines, or temples during the peak cherry blossom period. Because of this, I'm a big advocate for finding places off the beaten path where you can enjoy the peaceful side of spring, and the Oikeikoinomori campground in the Joetsu area of Niigata is one of those places.

We visited here a few years ago with some friends during sakura season, and it was a real hit. The camp area has a large and a small pond on the grounds, and most of the cherry trees are situated around the perimeter of them. Because of this, there are a number of places where you can get picturesque snaps of the trees in bloom with the water – and not a person in sight!

There isn't a ton to do at the campground aside from taking some nature walks or cycling along the paths, but I think that's what was so enjoyable about visiting here. It was almost forced relaxation, which I think is necessary at times! 

If you prefer more involved weekends away, this isn't your spot – but if you like peace and quiet + nature, then I'd recommend it!

If you do want to camp here, you have to check in at the visitor's center to do so. There is a small fee of ¥ 500 to camp (it used to be free, now ¥ 500 is the suggested donation), but that's still cheap compared to campsites in my home country so I have no complaints!

The campground has several different campsites, but we stayed at campsite three which I would recommend if you are visiting as a family with children in tow. It has easy access to on-site bathroom facilities, and there is parking nearby as well so you don't have to lug your gear a significant distance.

For anyone planning to visit the campground this year, their 2023 operating schedule is from March 15th until the end of November. They close in winter because it's just too snowy for camping to be practical. The best time for sakura in Niigata is usually early April – I believe peak bloom here is set to be April 8th this year, but obviously that's subject to fluctuations with weather!