Narutaki Bungalows and Narutaki Auto Camping Ground are popular outdoor destinations in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located beside the beautiful Hidaka River and surrounded by green mountains, the area offers an opportunity to enjoy camping, barbecues, river activities, hiking, and hot springs in a peaceful natural setting.
The area is convenient to reach by car, taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Kawabe Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway and Yuasa-Gobo Road. This accessibility, combined with comfortable facilities, makes Narutaki a popular choice for families, groups of friends, and travelers experiencing camping for the first time.
Visitors can wake up surrounded by forests, spend the day beside a clear mountain river, and relax at a nearby hot spring in the evening. It is an excellent place to experience the natural beauty and slower pace of rural Wakayama.
The Narutaki Bungalows provide comfortable accommodation surrounded by trees and mountain scenery. Their log-house-style design creates a warm atmosphere, while the sounds of birds and the nearby river add to the feeling of being immersed in nature.
The first Narutaki Bungalow area has eight bungalows, while the second area has six. Each bungalow is equipped with bunk beds and heating and cooling facilities, making them suitable for families with children as well as groups of friends.
The bungalows also feature terraces where guests can enjoy barbecues. Preparing and eating a meal outdoors while surrounded by forests is one of the pleasures of staying in this area.
Whether you are traveling with family or friends, an outdoor barbecue provides an easy way to enjoy the natural surroundings and spend time together away from the busy pace of city life.
The camping area includes convenient facilities such as cooking areas, hot-water showers, and flush toilets. Accessible facilities are also available, making the site suitable for a wide range of visitors.
These amenities make Narutaki particularly appealing to people who want to experience the outdoors without giving up basic comforts. Even visitors with little camping experience can enjoy a relaxing stay in the mountains.
In March 2023, the grassy park in front of the second Narutaki Bungalow area was renovated and reopened as the Narutaki Auto Camping Ground.
The spacious grass sites allow campers to park their vehicles directly beside their camping area. This makes it easier to unload equipment and set up tents and tarps, particularly for families and first-time campers.
Some campsites are equipped with electrical power connections, while shared cooking facilities, coin-operated showers, and vending machines are also available.
With these practical facilities, the campground can accommodate both beginners who want a convenient introduction to camping and experienced campers looking for a peaceful mountain setting.
After sunset, the surrounding mountains become remarkably quiet. On clear nights, campers can look up at a sky filled with stars, creating a memorable experience far from the bright lights of major cities.
Narutaki is an excellent base for exploring the natural attractions of Hidakagawa Town. Several scenic spots are located nearby, allowing visitors to combine an overnight stay with waterfall sightseeing and nature walks.
One of the best-known attractions is Washinokawa Falls, where abundant mountain water flowing from the foothills of Mount Yahazudake creates a beautiful cascade.
The clear waters of the Washinokawa River have been selected as one of the “50 Famous Waters of Kinokuni,” a collection celebrating notable waters in Wakayama.
The waterfall has also been recognized as a scenic attraction for centuries and was featured in Kii no Kuni Meisho Zue, an illustrated guide to famous places in the former Kii Province, published in 1851.
Walking paths and wooden rest areas near the waterfall make it possible to explore the area at a leisurely pace. In autumn, colorful foliage surrounds the waterfall, creating a beautiful contrast between the red and yellow leaves and the flowing water.
Another attraction along the Hidaka River is Sai-no-Narutaki Falls. This area is known for its powerful rapids and unusual rock formations.
In the past, the rapids were regarded as a difficult and dangerous section for traditional raft transportation. Today, visitors can safely appreciate the dramatic landscape from a nearby suspension bridge.
Looking down at the rushing river from the bridge offers an impressive view of the power of the water and the rugged mountain environment.
The streams around Narutaki are also popular for amago fishing. Amago is a type of trout found in Japan’s mountain rivers and is also enjoyed as a local food.
At a nearby fishing facility, visitors can try fishing for amago or enjoy a hands-on fish-catching experience. The activity is particularly popular with families because both children and adults can participate.
Fishing equipment is available for rental, so visitors do not need to bring their own equipment. This makes the experience accessible even to people who have never gone fishing before.
After catching the fish, visitors can also enjoy barbecuing their amago. Eating freshly prepared fish beside a mountain stream is a memorable way to experience the natural environment and local food culture at the same time.
River activities and waterside walks are especially enjoyable during summer, when families can escape the heat and spend time beside the cool, clear mountain water.
Across the river from the campground is Ayame-no-Yu Narutaki, a popular day-use hot spring facility.
The hot spring overlooks the clear Hidaka River and surrounding mountains. Its spring is classified as a sodium-bicarbonate spring and is known for its smooth, gentle feel on the skin. It is also popularly described as a “beauty hot spring”.
The facility has large public baths, an outdoor bath with views of the surrounding landscape, and private baths that can be reserved in advance.
After a day of camping, hiking, fishing, or playing in the river, soaking in the warm water is an excellent way to relax and recover.
The scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh green leaves in spring and clear mountain streams in summer to colorful autumn foliage and the quiet atmosphere of winter.
The combination of camping and hot springs makes it possible to enjoy an outdoor adventure while still having a comfortable way to unwind at the end of the day.
Narutaki Bungalows and Narutaki Auto Camping Ground offer much more than a place to spend the night.
The surrounding environment provides a wide variety of ways to enjoy nature, including camping, barbecues, river activities, fishing, waterfall sightseeing, hiking, and hot springs.
Families can enjoy fishing and playing beside the river, while groups of friends can spend an evening around a barbecue or beneath the stars. Hikers and nature lovers can use the campground as a base for exploring the nearby waterfalls and mountain scenery.
Narutaki is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of rural Japan while enjoying practical and comfortable outdoor facilities.
Spend the day exploring the mountains and streams, cook a meal outdoors, relax in a nearby hot spring, and look up at the stars after night falls. These simple experiences offer a refreshing change from the crowded streets and busy schedules of urban Japan.
For international visitors exploring Wakayama by car, Narutaki is a rewarding place to slow down and enjoy the countryside of Hidakagawa Town.
Surrounded by mountains and the clear waters of the Hidaka River, Narutaki Bungalows and Narutaki Auto Camping Ground are an inviting destination for an unforgettable outdoor stay in Wakayama.