I’ve wanted to share my journey for a while with someone. This community does not seem very active, so I figured, maybe some frequent posts can bring some life back and more discussions going. I plan to post every few days until I am caught up with the present day (as of this posting, I am 20 camps in).

I have never been camping before in my life before this year. Pretty much from the start of the year tho I felt this pull to disconnect from technology, slow things down and my mind settled on camping. It combo’s with my love of driving my bike. I don’t really talk to much people, so the whole journey was me trying things and sometimes get silly. I slowly gathered all the gear for the first trip. Me being inexperienced I settled on a pop-up tent. It’s so insanely easy to set up and set down! I carry it on my back as it folds down to a circle shape. Then I got a large bag to put on my bike, a self-inflating mattress, a chair, pillow, peg hammer and sleeping bag. Back then I thought “no way I can ever carry more, this bag is full” - oh how silly past me was (things will quickly escalate in a few posts). After a test drive confirming everything fits I finally decided on a first trip. You’d think the first time I would choose something close, where I could bounce if necessary. No, that’s not me. I wanted to go hard. The plan was to take the ferry from Tokyo to Tokushima, then make 2 or 3 stops along the way as I drive back to Tokyo.

This picture is from the first stop after the ferry. It’s a campsite called Fukiagehama (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xdmmoFyXmHKB42cG6) on Awaji Island. This was back in July - peak summer in Japan. I got some food from the Konbini on the way, so this is definitely not hardcore camping lol. Watching the sunset, reading a book, drinking some strong zeros, the experience was amazing. Until night came and it was time to sleep. There was almost no wind on this site as it’s well shielded, so the humidity was crushing, I was very sweaty and it was hard to fall asleep, thankfully I packed some Melatonin and the alcohol also helped.

Amenities on the campsite were okay, although showers and toilet were a bit unmaintained. It was a good experience, but did not hook me or make me excited yet about camping (that happens tomorrow). Woke up at 5 am the next day with the sunrise, set everything down and made my way to my next destination…

Bonus pics, wide shot and ferry ride:

  • CapnJ0e@lemmus.orgEnglish
    0·
    12 hours ago

    I love camping, but haven’t gone in years. I have a spot about a mile or so into the woods that we would frequent. I dont know why, but it never once occurred to me to use a bike. Also never even considered a pop-up tent. Those 2 things alone may make it so much easier!

  • Pumasuedeblue@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    19 hours ago

    We can totally make this group more active! I’ve done my fair share of two wheel camping here in Canada. Out of curiosity, what expected temperatures did you pack for?

    • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      18 hours ago

      This journey takes us towards winter. Let’s say I have a woodburning stove and hot tent ready. I don’t think I’ll go deep into minus C territory or snow, as that will limit safe access to the campsites. I’ve done a 0C without the stove tho in the mountains.

  • caurvo@aussie.zoneEnglish
    0·
    20 hours ago

    Camping off two wheels I think is one of the most liberating ways to see the world!

    Here’s a photo from one of my trips earlier this year. I need to get back out and do a bit more of it over summer this year.

      • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
        0·
        18 hours ago

        Nice pics and cool setup! I’ve always said I love driving my bike, but it’s been some time since I did some actual trips. It’s great that I can combine these hobbies, I enjoy the drive out as much as the camping itself.

    • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      18 hours ago

      I take a criminally low amount of photos not of the setup. This is the only other pic I took at the site. I’ll try to include more in future posts if I have em.

    • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      18 hours ago

      Oh those are close indeed. Not on this specific trip and since stuff usually originates from Tokyo, I haven’t been yet. But I want to drive and experience Shikoku, so maybe when there’s more time for a bigger trip I’ll do the ferry again to start at Tokushima and then drive and camp towards Kyushuu to catch the return ride. I’m noting these down, thanks.

  • Bryllyg@quokk.auEnglish
    0·
    1 day ago

    Hi, that tent looks very cute. Do you have any link for which tent it is? Does it need anything extra to keep rain off?

    Looks like you are having a good time 💜

    • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      1 day ago

      Hey there! Thanks for replying! I’m wary sharing links as I don’t want to be seen as someone shilling, but this is what I got and what you see since you asked.
      It can keep the rain out, though you close the rain parts from the outside, not ideal. My future posts about this tent talk about it lol. I love it for a compact option if you know no rain is coming. But I have survived multiple rainy nights in it staying dry myself. If you have a tarp to put on top of it to shield it, its goated.

      Also it may fit 6 asian people, but maybe 3 caucasian dudes like me (bout 185cm tall), so be careful with the 6 person description.

      • dustycups@aussie.zoneEnglish
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        1 day ago

        Those ‘person capacity’ descriptions of tents are comically optimistic. Lifts/elevators too.

        • khannie@lemmy.worldEnglish
          0·
          1 day ago

          Lifts are completely crazy for their optimism but we have a two man tent from Decathlon that perfectly fits their two person mattress. There is literally no other ground room in the tent when the mattress is inflated but I guess that’s what you’re buying for 30 euros.

  • Corn@lemmy.mlEnglish
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    1 day ago

    Is that a Honda adv350?

    How do the tiny wheels and CVT fare with rough terrain?

    • Fifi@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      0·
      1 day ago

      It is a Honda Forza 250cc. It’s very much a big scooter, so I would not suggest offroading much. I’ve had some funky campsite experiences with it and been fine, but it has limits.

      I am in Japan, so wild camping is not an option (land is privately owned, opening up trespassing charges), which is why this bike is more than enough for me.