Majority of us will resonate with this: “You can take the girl out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” So, you want to experience the great outdoors, but without having to deal with the hassle of traditional camping, or should we say be completely at the mercy of Mother Nature?
Then you got to go Glamping, a portmanteau of glamour and camping, which will give you the best of both worlds. Gone are the days of roughing it out in the wild, there are plenty of unique and stylish experiences in the wilderness without compromising your modern comforts.
Embracing the art of Hygge
Japan, a nation blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, has a thriving glamping culture. The Japanese are also embracing the art of Hygge (pronounced as hue-ugh), which is a Danish lifestyle concept that has inspired a global trend of cosiness, comfort and well-being.
Now, imagine Japan’s omotenashi (high-level hospitality), combined with hygge, the result is a stunning Scandinavian-style glamping site, Nordisk Village in Goto Islands.
Nordisk Village, Goto Islands
Image by nordiskvillage.japan on Instagram.
Located off the western coast of Kyushu, Goto Islands (literally means Five Islands) are famous for their scenic landscapes, featuring white beaches with crystal clear waters, mountains, quaint fishing villages and historic churches. Though lesser known than Okinawa, Goto Islands have been an idyllic hideaway for the locals. There are over hundreds of islets formed alongside the five main islands – Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, and Nakadori. Nordisk Village is located in Fukue.
Why is it Scandinavian style? You might ask. Well, did you know that Japanese aesthetics have influenced Scandinavian designers and vice versa since the late nineteenth century up to the present? Both Japan and the Nordic countries share similar design principles – simplicity, use of natural materials and quality craftsmanship.
Thus it became apparent for Fujita Kanko, a leading hospitality company in Japan, and Nordisk, a Danish manufacturer of outdoor equipment to collaborate and established Asia’s first Scandi-style glamping site.
With the idyllic natural landscape as its backdrop, Nordisk Village elegantly combines all the elements of relaxation, activity and luxury. In addition, the tents have WiFi! Nordisk Village has successfully eliminated the uncomfortable thoughts of camping like unhygienic campgrounds, cramped tents and lack of facilities.
Image by nordiskvillage.japan on Instagram.
Getting there: The main island can be accessed by a 40-minute flight from Fukuoka or a ferry ride from Nagasaki port.
Closest Airport: Fukue Airport
Where: Nordisk Village Goto Islands, 1233 Tao Tomie-cho Goto-shi Nagasaki-Ken 853-0203
