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Tokyo is deep… You'll find yourself whispering these words when you are surrounded by the vast nature of Nishitama. The area has gained attention in recent years as a place to
encounter spectacular countryside scenery just about two hours from central Tokyo. Deep within this area lies Kanoto Rock, a mystical spot in Hinohara-mura. Join four outdoor-loving
men and women – the model Sophia, the DJ Kaori Sakai, camp table designer and woodworker Norifumi Okuma, and Tadayuki Matsui, an editor with 33 years of outdoor experience – as they
take a hiking trip to and enjoy some trendy camping in Kanoto Rock.
This time they're camping together among vast nature in Lodge Kanotoiwa. What sort of special thoughts and
feelings did this extraordinary location inspire?
Nature-rich Nishitama is also a popular area for campers. Its proximity to central Tokyo makes it an excellent camping spot for first-timers. After hiking to the spiritual spot Kanoto Rock, which is surrounded by vast nature, it's time to set up camp, grown-up style. The theme of this camp is "outside-in, inside-out" – although the campers are outdoors, they can kick back and relax as if they were inside. There are lots of stylish camping amenities all around, and the delicious outdoor cooking along with a few drinks makes the conversation even more enjoyable.
Norifumi, a designer of camping tables, says the key to enjoying a trendy camping trip on weekends is to not overdo it.
A two-day, one-night excursion should be focused on time
away from the ordinary. Enjoy an adventure at the mystical Kanoto Rock, located near a campsite, and get your fill of green in verdant Hinohara-mura. But leave plenty of time to
relax and enjoy yourself!
Cooking utensils such as dishes and gas heaters, ingredients, and spices, which tend to be scattered all about, have been neatly arranged on a special rack. While setting a rack skillfully, Tadayuki says, "It not only looks better, but it's also more convenient. This relieves me from the stress of not knowing where things are."
The true charm of camping is eating outdoors. Many campers tend to put a lot of thought into their recipes, but the key to camp cooking is to make it as hassle-free as possible! If you buy your ingredients in Nishitama, you can find fresh vegetables that aren't seen often outside the area. You can make very simple dishes using locally-grown vegetables. This time we're sautéing potatoes and mushrooms from Hinohara-mura, and just cooking steak meat in the frying pan and cooking together ingredients in a Dutch oven. Such a simple dish is just right for camp.
We also include local vegetables. We mix chopped carrots, onions, and potatoes with corn, and add some spare ribs, a can of tomatoes, and some water. The sweetness of the vegetables blends with the juice from the meat for a rich and flavorful spare rib meal!
