Osaka Prefecture

With summer on our doorstep, our attention turns to the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy nature for a few days than heading off on a camping excursion? Kansai has some great locations where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life – including free camping at beaches, parks, or woodlands, paid facilities, auto camping where you can bring vehicles, and luxury “glamping” sites. Here is a pick of the best. Grampus Shirahama Situated at the end of the Kumano Trail in Wakayama, this multi-faceted camping facility is a great way to cap off a day’s trekking. The campsite is just minutes from a gorgeous white sand beach. You can either pitch up and camp at the end of a walk, drive in with a car or choose from onsite options, including yurts, lodges, or camp trailers. There is also BBQ and camping equipment to rent, plus a nearby onsen. Costs range from 3,500 yen a night for basic camping to 10,000 yen for a yurt, trailer, or lodge. Website: http://grampus.biz/ Kyoto GRAX If you’re after something a bit more in the “glamping” zone, GRAX Kyoto is the place to head to. This onsen resort…