[A Highly Recommended Glamping and Camping Site for the Family: "THE FARM"]

Recently, “glamping” (glamorous camping) and camping have become very popular among Japanese families and couples. If you wish to unwind from the hustle and bustle, and want to experience something the locals themselves enjoy doing, consider a staying a few nights at "THE FARM" in Chiba's Katori City!

Recently, I was lucky enough to get a chance to visit THE FARM. The accommodations are divided into three main areas: the glamping area, cottage area, and the camping area where you can bring your own tent, or have the staff help you set up one of their rental tents. In addition, there's a cafe, a hot spring, a BBQ area, and of course the site's namesake, a farm! Even if you're just stopping by on a day trip, you can have lunch at the cafe like I did, where they provide seasonal specialties using freshly-picked vegetables from the farm. If you want to have a BBQ lunch there, all you have to do is just choose from one of their plans. The only preparation required is a reservation, apart from that you can come empty-handed!

The Japanese staff showed me around the glamping area. Visitors can choose from 7 types of accommodation plans. For me, the most impressive one was the "riverside" plan. Over 10 glamping tents are set along a man-made creek. The staff explained to me that this “riverside” glamping site was designed for both children and their parents. They hope parents can sit down in the tent, enjoy a cup of coffee, and take a break while watching their kids splashing in the water.

Every tent has its own barbecue pit so you can enjoy your dinner under the starry sky. Warm wooden flooring, fluffy beds and air-conditioners make you feel like you are in a luxury hotel. But really, it’s even more luxurious than a hotel because you'll awake to the beautiful sounds of nature!

In addition to glamping, there’s other accommodation packages in THE FARM. The cozy cottages are surrounded by lush greenery and they are tailored to those who want to enjoy nature in a hassle-free way. Enjoy the wilderness around the cottage in the daytime and relax at night in a place that is well-equipped with individual kitchen, bathroom, toilet and stylish furniture. If you're an experienced camper or you’d like to try camping in a wilder style, you can set up a tent by yourself on the camping ground. The tent rental service is also available, and the staff kindly tell you how to put it up so if you are a beginner as a camper don’t worry.

When I asked what is the best part of THE FARM when comparing it to other resorts or camping sites, the staff answered me confidently that the actual farm is their most attractive part. THE FARM is located in the center of the ground. Both staying at the glamping site and at the cottage can easily access. Throughout the year, around 60 varieties of vegetables are growing healthily with a great environment and plenty of sunlight: okra, eggplant, bitter gourd, peanuts, herbs and some typical species of Chiba. The harvest experience fee is included in all staying plans, so all guests can enjoy harvesting and using those fresh, delicious vegetables for BBQ.

Farming experience will definitely be one of the most exciting activities for the urbanites, but it is not the only activity you can enjoy in "THE FARM". Making handcrafts is another nice thing to do during your stay. Try hand-making a wooden mug or a botanical candle in the workshop as your own memorable souvenir. For children and those who are active enough, the Zip Slider is a must-try--just have fun and enjoy the scenery by crossing the forest with a 180 meters long wire rope! For me, I'd also like to challenge myself with bushcraft and campfire here, that I could never do in the city. After enjoying all these activities, remember to end your day in the open-air hot spring!

Official site: https://www.thefarm.jp/index.html
Transportation: Please confirm the detail from the site (https://www.thefarm.jp/company.html#access)