Hi there!
We just got back from a 3-day, 2-night trip to an auto campsite in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Even though Saku is in Nagano, it’s right on the border with Gunma, and it’s super convenient—about 30 minutes by car to Karuizawa and about an hour to Kiyosato. Thanks to the Joshinetsu Expressway and the Hokuriku Shinkansen, there are now big shopping centers around too. Fun fact: koi farming is big here, and they even raise them in rice fields, not just ponds!
こんにちは！
2泊3日で長野県佐久市のオートキャンプ場に行ってきました！佐久って長野だけど群馬のすぐ近くで、軽井沢まで車で30分、清里も1時間くらい。上信越道と北陸新幹線のおかげで、周辺にはショッピングセンターも増えてきてます。ちなみに、ここは鯉の養殖が有名で、田んぼでも飼ってるらしい！
On the way, we did a camper van overnight at the Obasute Service Area on the Nagano Expressway in Chikuma City. This spot is famous for its amazing night view—it’s actually one of Japan’s “Top 100 Night Views.” From the observation deck, you get this wide, peaceful view of the Zenkoji Plain. Definitely worth a stop if you’re nearby!
行きは千曲市にある長野道の「姨捨SA」で車中泊。ここは、夜景がとってもキレイで、日本の“夜景100選”にも入っている！展望台から見える善光寺平がほんとに癒し。ドライブ途中にぜひ立ち寄ってほしいスポットです！
We also soaked in the hot springs at Hirao Onsen “Miharashi no Yu,” which is really close to the campsite. Just like the name says, the view is incredible. You can see Yatsugatake, Mt. Tateshina, the Kirigamine Highlands, and even the Chichibu Mountains. It’s the perfect mix of nature and relaxation.
Then we finally got to our main destination—Parada Campground! It’s only a 5-minute drive from the Saku-Daira Smart IC, which makes it super easy to get to. It’s about 90 minutes from the Tokyo area, so we saw a lot of Kanto license plates. The campsite is on a mountain slope, about 800 meters above sea level.
温泉にも行ってきました♨️ キャンプ場からすぐ近くの「平尾温泉 みはらしの湯」。その名の通り景色最高！八ヶ岳、蓼科山、霧ヶ峰、秩父山地まで見渡せて、リフレッシュできました〜。
今回メインの目的地「パラダキャンプ場」は佐久平スマートICから5分でアクセス抜群！東京からも車で90分くらいだから、関東ナンバーが多かったね。標高800mの山の斜面にあるんだけど、空気がキレイで気持ちいい。
At the auto sites, you can park your car right on your spot. The sectioned-off sites don’t allow cars in, but there’s parking nearby, so no worries. The free sites let you pitch your tent anywhere you like within the area. There’s also a “wild free site” deep in the woods, perfect for hanging out in a hammock.
オートサイトは車の横にテントを張れますよ。
This time, we used a site made for camper vans and car camping. You can sleep in your camper or regular car, and dogs are totally welcome! We set up a tarp and had a campfire next to our car. Since we stayed two nights, we really got to chill and take it easy.
私たちは今回、キャンピングカー＆車中泊OKなサイトを利用しました。犬もOK！うちはタープ張って、焚き火して、のんびり2泊。とっても癒されました〜！
We also dropped by the “Pinkoro Jizo” statue, about 20 minutes by car from the campground in Saku City, near the Naritasan Temple approach. The statue is about 1 meter tall and 60 cm wide, and it was built in 2003. It has this super cute smile and its right hand resting on its cheek—really sweet-looking. A lot of people visit hoping for good health and a long life. The name “Pinkoro” comes from the idea of living a long, healthy life without being bedridden and then peacefully passing away. It’s a popular little tourist spot!
See you next time!
ついでに、キャンプ場から車で20分くらいのところにある「ぴんころ地蔵」にも行ってきました！ここのお地蔵さんは、にっこり笑顔でほっぺに手を添えた姿がとってもかわいい😍「元気に長生きして、ころっと大往生」っていう願いが込められてるらしい。小さな観光名所って感じで、けっこう人がいました！
次はどこに行こうかな〜？