Pilgrimage to the Sacred Site of Laid-Back Camp

In early April 2025, I finally packed up my tent and headed to the place that had captured my heart countless times in "Laid-Back Camp" — the Kouan Campground by Lake Motosu.

Everything was supposed to go smoothly on the day of departure. Checking out from Nagoya, rushing to the subway, arriving punctually at the Shinkansen platform, and specially choosing a window seat on the left side, hoping to fully enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Fuji during the Shizuoka stretch. However, the journey always likes to sprinkle some pepper on the itinerary — shortly after the Shinkansen departed, I suddenly sensed something was wrong: another passenger was in my seat… After repeatedly confirming with the conductor, I was told some bad news — I had boarded the wrong train; this one was heading for Yokohama.

Confused, I got off at Yokohama Station and had to transfer back on the Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station. This little mishap not only made me miss the 12:05 bus to Lake Motosu but also delayed my schedule by a full two hours. What was supposed to be a brisk hike became a meditative experience. Nevertheless, this “lost” journey allowed me to enjoy a comforting beef tongue set meal at Shin-Fuji Station — a meal that replenished all the fatigue accumulated from waking up early.

On the afternoon bus, the mountains and fields grew closer outside the window, and the air became fresher. Having repeated the characters "Houan" countless times in front of the screen, I finally carried my luggage toward the lakeside. When I arrived at the campsite, the sun was already leaning toward the west, and tents were scattered along the shore. Not far away was the lake from the anime, the mountain — Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak quietly reflected in the waters of Lake Motosu.

After setting up my tent, I strolled slowly around the campsite, found the angles used in the anime, and even a small figurine to take photos with the main characters. The Mount Fuji at sunset was truly as gentle as in the anime. At that moment, I even felt that reality was even broader and more touching than the two-dimensional world.

Dinner was simple instant cup noodles cooked outdoors, but in front of this scenery, even instant noodles felt ceremonial. As night fell, warm light glowed inside and outside the tents. The lake was very quiet at night, with occasional sounds of fishermen laughing in the distance.

In the early hours of the morning, just at dawn, I deliberately got up to watch the sunrise over Lake Motosu. The silhouette of Mount Fuji outlined in golden light on the lake's surface, the lake unusually calm, as if the whole world had yet to wake up. I took many photos, hoping to bring this tranquility back to the city.

Later, retracing my steps away from Lake Motosu, I passed by that familiar small eatery again at Shin-Fuji Station. I felt as if I was no longer just a traveler rushing every day but someone who had truly experienced the freedom and relaxation of camping life. Just next time, I’ll be sure to check the Shinkansen platform signs carefully.

If you, like me, are a fan of "Laid-Back Camp," or if you just want to spend an undisturbed night beneath Mount Fuji, I recommend trying the Kouan Campground. Give yourself some extra time; perhaps getting lost and missing connections are actually the most precious memories of a trip.