Earthboat Saitama Kawajima opened in early April 2026, bringing its outdoor retreat concept to this quiet, rural lakeside landscape of Saitama. It's the tenth location from this Nagano-based nature retreat specialist.
Positioned somewhere between camping and glamping, Earthboat offers a more balanced outdoor stay. It removes much of the effort and know-how that traditional camping demands, while avoiding the overly polished feel that can come with glamping. The result is something more grounded—an experience that feels close to nature, yet comfortably equipped for a relaxed stay.
At Saitama Kawajima, guests stay in one of Earthboat’s “Nomad” units. Each setup combines a main cabin—with a double bed, semi-outdoor kitchen, bathroom, and Finnish sauna—with a separate multipurpose unit that serves as a second bedroom with two futons.
Outside, a wooden deck ties everything together, complete with seating, a shade sail, open-air wooden bath, firepit, and gas barbecue. It’s a compact but thoughtfully designed space that encourages you to slow down and spend most of your time outdoors.
Earthboat Highlights
Outdoor living
The deck area becomes the center of the experience—part living room, part dining space, part place to unwind. Stretch out on a reclining chair and gaze out over the lake, split some firewood before lighting the firepit as the sun sets, or sit down for a barbecue dinner as the surroundings gradually fade into night. Later, soak in the open-air bath under the stars, with only the soft glow of the sauna nearby.
Sauna
Each unit comes with a private sauna fitted with a Finnish system from Harvia. Enjoy löyly at your own pace, adjusting the heat to suit your preference. Whether you follow it with a cold plunge or simply sit back and relax, the sauna adds a quiet rhythm to the stay.
Open Air Dining
Barbecue is central to the Earthboat experience. Guests can bring their own ingredients or pre-order meal sets featuring local Saitama produce. The dinner set includes items such as beef, pork, and Omiya sausage and bacon (from ¥3,500 per person, minimum two people).
Breakfast sets are also available, with farm-fresh eggs, carrot juice, sausages, and assorted bread. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils, cookware, basic seasonings, and even fresh coffee beans and a grinder, making it easy to prepare meals outdoors.
Booking, check-in, and access
Reservations can be made via Earthboat’s official English website, with additional platforms like Booking.com expected in the future. Facilities are pet-friendly and some room options include more outdoor space for dogs. Prices start from around ¥30,000~ during offpeak periods, with an incremental surcharge for additional guests.
Check-in is self-service: after booking, guests receive instructions to access their unit, allowing for a flexible and private arrival. While the site operates largely unattended, a small on-site shop is available if needed.
Saitama sightseeing
Saitama Kawajima is a 30-min drive from nearby Kawagoe—sometimes known as Little Edo. Sightseeing attractions like Omiya's Railway Museum and Bonsai Village are also a similar distance in the direction of Tokyo.
About Earthboat
Earthboat is based in Nagano Prefecture, where several of its locations—including areas around Hakuba—are concentrated. Additional sites in places like Nasu and Minakami, along with the new Kawajima location, make the brand an appealing option for those in the Kanto region seeking an easy nature escape within a few hours of the city.
