Camp Touring Item Review: "B-6 kun" Portable BBQ Grill

In today's episode, I would like to introduce a Compact Portable Grill "B-6 kun".

This "made-in-Japan" fire pit/BBQ grill can be folded to B-6 paper size.

What is "B-6" paper size? Standardized by ISO 216, "A" and "B" paper sizes are used in many countries.  B-6 is 125x176mm and this is slightly larger than a post card (100×148mm).  

I have bought this as well as a grill plate from an online shop (via Rakuten).  The grill was 4,935 yen, the grill plate was 735 yen, plus 840 yen shipping.

The size is significant but I was more surprised with its design and quality.

Everything can be packed in a small bag.

 The grill top is designed especially for this grill and it can be packed together.

  

When you open the side-walls, the rest of items are stored inside.

A tong on the photo is not included.  I found this at a local 100-yen shop.

All over the grill side walls, ventilation holes are punched for acceleration of airflow (chimney effect).

This is so easy to assemble.  I don’t even need to explain.

If you built it several times, you should be able to complete it in 2~3 min.

You can place metal beams, which come with the grill, and they act as a spider when you wish to use a kettle or pan.

I mainly use this for BBQ and occasionally as a fire pit to stay warm.  So I mainly use the grill plate.  This grill plate is a very thick and tough one.  After you used, you can just use a metal brash and detergent to clean.

This grill made my camping dinner so much nicer.  On the way to get to the camp site, because I have this grill, I always look for a local market or store to find the local food I can cook.

When I am done eating, I can just watch fire and have some drinks and/or talking with friends.
This is a very small camping item but it can make your trip so much fun!

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Please also visit my other blogs:

500bm (my original blog about motorcycle and camping in Japanese)

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Camp Touring to Doshi in Yamanashi: Nature Land Om Camp Site

During the GW holiday week, I visited many places and I would like to talk about a camp site I visited.

Nature Land Om 

5964 Doshi-mura, Minami Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi 402-0208

〒402-0208 山梨県南都留郡道志村5964

Phone: 0554-52-2275

Nature Land Om is located near the boarder of Yamanashi and Kanagawa.  It is about 80 km from Shinjuku in Tokyo.

From Tokyo, you can take Chuo Express Way to Sagamiko IC.

From Sagamiko IC, go on Route 20 toward to Otsuki for about 2 km.

Turn LEFT on Route 76.  You will cross a bridge over the Lake Sagamiko.  Soon after you cross the bridge, there is a super market on you left if you want to buy food and drinks (they also have  some camping/BBQ items too).

Keep going on Route 76 for 12 km.  Turn LEFT on Route 413 (a.k.a. Doshi Michi).  

Ride for 13 km Nature Land Om's entrance is on your left.  There is Doshi Elementary School right before you see the entrance of camp site.

There is a reception/office of the camp site.  It looks like a Ryokan (I guess it is a Ryokan).  You pay the fee (I think it is about 1,500 yen for 1 person, 1 motorcycle, 1 tent,,, really good deal!) and they will give you a camp site's map and a tag (hang it on your tent so that they know you have paid the fee).

When I got there, there were only a few families since it was on a weekday.  I could keep the entire section by myself.

There is also a pond. They release trouts in this pond and you can fish.

There are couple of creeks run through the site and this place is covered by trees; very quite and relaxing.

It was a bit cold at night (it was about 6℃) but a portable grill kept me warm.  It is very relaxing having drinks and watching fire from the grill.

All facilities are well-maintained and clean.  This site's fee is reasonable and very accessible from Tokyo area.  I will definitely come back soon. 

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Please also visit my other blogs:

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How to Start a Motorcycle Camping Trip ("Camp-touring") #1

I wonder how popular it is to go on a camping trip by motorcycle in other countries.  Camp-touring (motorcycle camping) has been popular among riders in Japan.  

Especially, recent boom for Enduro motorcycles (e.g. BMW　GS1200 Adventure, Yamaha Tenere, Triumph Tiger), many riders spend more time in the nature.

An enduro motorcycle is a type of motorcycle designed for a long-range ride with semi- or full off-road capability.  It is a blend of motocross and touring/tourer motorcycles and often those bikes can equip with top- and side-case for extra luggage rooms; suitable for long range ride including camping trip.

I was not so interested in outdoor recreation before, but once I did it, I was hooked.  We have so many locally-brewed sake, beer and wines in Japan, but one-day trip does not let me enjoy them so I have decided to camp.  This way, I can ride during day and enjoy local drinks and foods at evening.  Also, this gives me some missions to ride and search for them.

Also, I like looking for camping tools.  I must say it is sometime more fun looking/searching online for new gears.

If you have not gone camping and no idea what to bring, don`t worry.　You will need some tools/gears but you won't need lots to start with.

Here are the FIVE MUST-HAVE items for going on a camping trip:

1. Tent
2. Sleeping bag
3. Sleeping pad
4. Lantern/Flashlight
5. Bug repellent

That`s all!  Wait, don't I need more? Yes, you do and you will need or want more later, but for now, the above items are minimal stuff you need to start!


1. TENT
There are variety or types, sizes, and brands.  When you choose a tent, the size is the most important.  Because we are riding, we want to pack as small as possible and not like cars, when we are at camping site we need to keep all of luggage (unless your motorcycle has trunk rooms) inside of the tent at night time and keep them safe and dry.  Most of one-person tents are too small so you want to choose the number of person camping plus one.  If you are going a solo camping trip, you want to choose at least a 2-person tent.  For 2 campers, a 3-person tent.

A tent with rain-fly or rain cover, vestibule, and ventilation or big windows/entrance would be ideal for Japanese climate especially during summer.

My tent is [Phad X3] by Coleman.  The capacity is 3-person and has a large size vestibule, which provides a plenty of space for 2 people with full of luggage comfortably.  I also appreciate its packing size; 20 x 40 cm (3.95 kg) is a very compact for this size of tent.  A weak point is its ventilation.  There is only one entrance/window so if you set it up where there is no shade, inside of the tent can be really hot.

I also had a [Coleman AVIOR X2] tent.  This was for 2 person and much lighter and smaller when it was packed, however, I ended up choosing Phad X3 for my main tent because of its height.  X2 was comfortable sleeping inside but its height was low.  I am about 180cm height and　65 kg and had hard time changing cloth inside of X2.

2. SLEEPING BAG
There are two major shape of sleeping bags: mummy type and rectangular type.  For the "touring-camp", I recommend the mummy type.  You can　pack this smaller than rectangular type.  Also, the mummy type fits better to body-shape and keeps you warm.

Also, there are 2 major types of materials used: down or man-made fiber e.g nylon.  The nylon sleeping bag is popular because of its price and more varieties available.  If you are not sure you would be going on camping trip often, I recommend this type.  However, if you will be going camping often, down sleeping bag is highly recommended.　It can be packed significantly smaller and lighter, yet it is comfortable and keeps you warm.

Sleeping bags have temperature rating.  This rating shows the comfortable temperature zone.  If you are camping only during summer, 7c+ (Celsius) rating would be fine for most of camping sites.

If you are camping 3 seasons (spring~fall), you want to choose around 0 c rating.

I use a down sleeping bag by a Japanese manufacture, NANGA.  This sleeping bag's rating is [-1 c~-6 c] and packing size is [15 x 25 cm].  I used to own a nylon rectangular shape sleeping bag (rating 7 c+, 22 x 35 cm) before.  As you can see, their packing sizes are quite different:

I use this NANGA down sleeping bag for 3 seasons with no problem.  Also, it was a perfect for a camp-touring in Hokkaido.  When it gets cold, you can wear extra sweater or use your riding jacket as an extra cover and/or use some disposal heating pack/hand warmer (Hokkairo ホッカイロ).

3. SLEEPING PAD
Some people might say this isn't necessary, but I say this is the MUST item especially for riders.  Camping site is not flat and often there are small rock and twigs under the tent.  The pad makes it more comfortable and also shuts out coldness coming from the ground during night time (even during summer).  Also, you would be riding back home next day and having a good night sleep and rest are very important for your safety.

In Japan, we have 2 major types.  Roll-up pad and (self-) inflatable air pad.  The roll-up is inexpensive, but it is not compact. Inflatable air pad is more expensive but you can pack it very small.  If you are not sure you will be camping often, I recommend the roll-up pad.  You can find it as cheep as around 1,000 yen (called Gin-mat 銀マットin Japan) at any local outdoor stores.

I use "Compact Inflator Mat II L" by Coleman.  

4. LANTERN/FLASHLIGHT
Most of camp sites will have no lights so you will need lantern/flashlight for anything you do at night time.  It looks awesome to have one of those gas/oil lanterns, but considering the luggage space, perhaps a led lantern is more useful and reliable.  I like using a head-light as well.  It makes both of my hands free when I cook and eat.

My lantern is "Micro-quad Lantern" by Coleman.  This is great because 4-individual lights are connected to the base when I use it as a lantern and each led light can be taken off from the base and use it as a small flash light.  

The base has four AAA batteries and works as a power station for those small lights and charge.  Battery last for a long time too (probably last 5-6 nights easily).

Now days, you can find a lantern/flash light anywhere with a reasonable price around 1,000~2,000 yen (or sometime less).  Make sure to bring extra batteries just in case.

5. BUG REPELLENT
Japanese mosquitoes are evil....  Without a Katori Senko 蚊取り線香　mosquito coils/incense, you might not be able to sleep because they will be flying by your ear all night.  The mosquito coils works outside too but make sure that you also use bug repellent spray.

Those are the basic tools/gears you need to start camping.  Plus, if your motorcycle does not have a room for luggage, you will need a big bag (waterproof or has rain cover to keep your stuff dry) and/or bungee cable/net to hold them tight on your bike.  Many large size bags designed for motorcycle are also available at stores.

I use [Camping Seat-Bag 2] by TANAX.  

This 59-75 litter size bag is designed for "camp touring".  The size can be adjusted by the side zipper.  Also, I use a saddle bag by DEGNER (12 litter).

It is fun cooking and eating outside but if you don't know how to cook, you can also get some lunch/dinner take out at local restaurants/stores/convenience store...etc.  It is sometime fun to go find the local foods and drinks.

Some big camping sites offer rental tent gears and BBQ/cooking wears.  Also, lots of camping sites often have log house, cabin, tree-house...etc.  

Here is a camping site I recommend for those who are new to camp-touring (this was the site I camped fist time) 

Pica Village, Saiko (Saiko Lake, Yamanashi Pref.)

This is a very clean and well managed camping site and also offers variety of accommodation styles (camping grounds, cabins, log house...etc) and rental gears you need.  Its location is very nice; only a couple of hours from Tokyo city area.

Hope this information will motivate you to go out for camping this year on motorcycle.  It is really nice and relaxing spending in nature and your motorcycle life will be more enriched!

In the next blog episode, I will talk about additional gears and tools for making camping more fun!

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にほんブログ村

Please also visit my other blogs:

500bm (original blog about motorcycle and camping in Japanese)

50bm (about movies and books in Japanese)

Easy One-day Trip to Okutama / Okutama Shuyu Doro and Tsuru Toge

Cherry Blossoms (sakura) has been blooming a few weeks earlier than everyone expected this year.  This means I need to end my snowboarding season early and spend more time with my 883 (pa-pa-san) on streets.

I always choose Okutama area for my riding season opening (usually in late March).  I do ride in December~February but I mainly take short trips to the ocean side such as Izu and Chiba where the temperature is relatively mild and less chance of encountering icy road conditions.

Okutama is located in the north-west of Tokyo.  You will be surprised you can find such mountainous area within Tokyo.

In Okutama, there is a popular road for riders in Kanto Area, Okutama Shuyu Doro (奥多摩周遊道路).  This 20 km of nice winding road will be filled with riders and bikers (bicycles) during season.

There are several ways to access Okutama area from Tokyo.  Here is one of my favorite routes.

1. From Tokyo, take Chuo Expressway toward to Hachioji.

2. Exit Hachioji IC (Exit No. 2), you will be on the Route 16.

3. TURN RIGHT at [Oyokomachi 大横町] Intersection.

4. TURN RIGHT at [Motohongo-cho 元本郷町] intersection.  You will be on Akikawa Kaido Way (Route 32).  Keepgoing for a while.

5. TURN RIGHT at [Higashimachi　東町] intersection.  You will be on Hinohara Kaido Way (Route 33 檜原街道) Keep going for a while.

6. There will be a T-intersection [Tachibanabashi 橘橋] and TURN LEFT (there is a stop-light at this intersection and also you see a sign for Uenohara/Kazuma 上野原/数馬].  Keep going and eventually you will be on Okutama Shuyu Doro.

[Onsen] There is a good onsen, Kazumano-yu (Kazuma Onsen) on Route 33/Hinohara Kaido Way before Okutama Shuyu Doro.  It is a nice and clean facility and they have rental Towels.

[Rest Area] After you get on the Okutama Shuyu Doro, there is a rest area, Hinohara Tominno　Mori, on your left, where you will meet lots of riders, bikers, and hikers. 

7. At the end of Okutama Shuyu Doro, there is a bridge and a T-intersection.  TURN RIGHT on Route 139 and soon you will hit another T-Intersection (Route 411)

If you want to check the Okutama Lake, TURN RIGHT (Route 411) and go to Okutama Dam and [Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan / Rest Area].  

Or, if you are not interested in, you can TURN LEFT at the first T-intersection and go on Route 139 and skip to #9.

[Food & Sightseeing] Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan / Rest Area has a free museum and also a restaurant.  You can walk around by the lake and Okutama dam.  Also, there are some restaurants and souvenir shops along the Route 411 between the bridge and dam.

8. From Okutama Dam, go back toward to the Bridge (2nd bridge/T-intersection) and TURN LEFT (Route 139) so that you will go back to the 1st Brigde, which was the end of Okutama Shuyu Doro. Pass the bridge and keep going on Route 139.

[Note] From the Okutama dam, you can keep going on Route 411 (Oume Kaido Way), which will go to Oume and toward to Tokyo City Area.  You will find signs for expressway entrance on the way if you wish to go back using it.  You can go back to Tokyo by Route 411 but it is a long way and often this road in city area has some heavy traffic.

9. From the T-intersection of Route 411 and 139, ride for about 4 km.  Then, there is an entrance to a back-road on left-side (there is a small sign in Japanese before you reach there).  TURN LEFT.  This is a by-path/shortcut to Route 18 (Tsuru-toge Way) which will go toward to Uenohara IC of Chuo Exp.

[Food & Sightseeing]  Shortly after you are on this back-road, you will see some ancient pit houses and an old style Japanese house on your right.  It is a Genshi-mura [原始村/primitive-age village].  I believe this is a camping-site and you might be able to stay at one of those pits (maybe... not sure).  The Japanese style house is a soba noodle restaurant.  I have had one before and I remember it was very delicious.  The entire site was closed when I went there last week so they might not be open until April.

10. Route 18 or Tsuru-toge [鶴峠] is narrow and has some tight corners.  If you are looking for speed, this route is not for you.  This road goes through small villages and you will see idyllic scenes.

11.  At the end of Route 18, there is a T-intersection.  TURN RIGHT and go on Route 33.

[Note] If you turn left on this intersection, you will be able to go back to Hinohara Kaido Way (#6).

12. Route 33 will merge to Route 20 and soon you will see a sign for Chuo Express Way UENOHARA IC Entrance.

[Summary] 
From Tokyo: 
Chuo Exp Hachioji Ext > R16 > R32 Akikawa Kaido Way > R33 Hinohara Kaido Way > Okutama Shuyu Doro > R139 >  R411 to Okutama Dam > R411 > R139 >Backway and R18 Tsuru Toge Way > Chuo Exp. Uenohara Entrace


I love taking Route 18 and going back to Tokyo from Uenohara IC to avoid traffic.  On weekends, you will run into some traffic jam anyway you choose to get back to Tokyo, but this route will minimize it.

Riding Okutama, you will see lots of nature and enjoy riding winding roads.  It is about 200 km round trip from Tokyo area.  A bit short for "full" one-day trip but this means you can spend more time for sightseeing or visit onsen.

Unfortunately, I have not found good restaurants in this area except a few soba places.  I often buy a good Obento/lunch box in Tokyo and bring it with me.  Also, I often bring a burner and cooker so I can make good coffee anywhere I find spring-water.

My directions above might be a bit difficult to follow but don't worry.  There are many ways to get to Okutama and also many ways to come back.  Even you lost your way, somehow you will find your own way back.  That is how I find those back roads...  Just watch out for running out of gas (btw, many gas stations in countryside close on Sundays).

Also, the altitude is high around Okutama Shuyu Doro (about 900-1000 m above sea level) and temperature is lower.  If you are riding in Spring   or Fall season, I recommend something extra clothing to ware or rain gear will help.  In March, it was about 12c in Uenohara area but it was only 3c in the mountain. 

As of last week, no Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in Okutama Area.  Perhaps 1st or 2nd week of April might be good for Ohanami there.

Enjoy and have a safe ride!

If you enjoy this blog, please click the below icons for blog popularity ranking.

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にほんブログ村

Please also visit my other blogs:

500bm (original blog about motorcycle and camping in Japanese)

50bm (about movies and books in Japanese)