This weekend, on September 27th, the MUJI Minami Norikura Campground will close after three decades of operation. Set at 5,200 feet above sea level outside of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, the site has long been a destination for campers drawn to its mountain surroundings.
First opened in 1996, the campground was operated by MUJI—the same company known worldwide for minimalist lifestyle goods. Over the years it became a unique extension of MUJI’s philosophy, offering visitors a place to connect with nature through simplicity. MUJI has cited two reasons for the closure: changing climate conditions that have made the area less hospitable, and aging infrastructure. This season alone saw water outages that affected the baths, sauna, and even potable water access.
A closure event will take place on Saturday, September 27th, with classes, food, and a bingo tournament featuring outdoor gear as prizes. In the weeks leading up, parts of the site have already been shut down, with guests leaving farewell messages on buildings before demolition work began.
Although we haven’t had the chance to visit Minami Norikura ourselves, MUJI continues to operate two other campgrounds: Campania Tsumagoi Campsite and Tsunan Campsite. The latter will host Captain Stag Day this October, celebrating the Niigata-based outdoor brand. Neither site has announced plans for closure, and we look forward to visiting them in the future.
