Cat's First Kei Van Camping Trip in Japan: Nighttime Scare! [猫とキャンプ]
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- I took my cat 'Millie' on her first camping trip in my converted kei van in Japan. I had a scare in the night as well. Join me for 24 hours camping in a kei van with a cat in Japan. I found a campsite near Osaka and only 30 mins from Wakayama. The campsite is ocean front!
If you are new to the channel, my name is Chani and I am a middle aged Australian who was stuck in a rut and moved to Japan to live. I bought an Akiya or empty house and started renovating. I'd love it if you joined the community.
🇯🇵Learn Japanese with me, join now www.chanijapan... 🇯🇵
はじめまして、チャンネルに初めて来てくださった方へ。私はチェイニーです。中年のオーストラリア人で、かつて行き詰まっていた状況から抜け出すために日本に移住しました。空き家を購入し、リノベーションを始めたところです。ぜひ、この旅に一緒に参加していただけると嬉しいです。
☕️ Thanks for all your support of the channel, I really appreciate it so much. If you would like to help me continue to make videos and support my ability to keep the channel going, here is the link:
ko-fi.com/chan... ☕️
I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀
@ChaniJapan
#livinginjapan #keivan #campwithcat #akiya #猫とキャンプ
A bit longer than my usual videos because I wanted you to get the full experience as if you were with me 🩷 If you want to learn Japanese with me, here is the link to my beginners course starting with foundational Japanese alphabet and phonics 🇯🇵Learn Japanese with me, join now www.chanijapan.com 🇯🇵
Did you have a litter box with you? Millie seemed pretty content. You two make a good team! 😄
Loved the video!
Very good job! Well done! What was the scary thing at the end, all the Halloween Deco? Did you get down to the ocean? Are you able to fish?
This looked amazing!! your cat is the absolute coolest. But you are also amazing that you were able to camp in the morning and work in the afternoon, while also making a video!!! Really great❤
I’m so envious of the Japanese campsite infrastructure: the quality, cleanliness, and public respect for it. 😊
Also the owners live onsite so it’s very safe.
So am I. I live in NZ and here it is quite different, not in a good way.😥
what if it was in AUSTRALIA?
i live in canada and i also can say camping in japan is much nicer in terms of rest room/wash room amenities.
Me too. Most places here, I'd be scared to go alone as a woman, TBH. I'll totally give it a try in Japan!! Thanks!!
Having your van set up like that is easier than having a tent to crawl into. For one person (and your cat), it seems to be just the right size. The solar-powered battery is amazing. I saw a mini rice-cooker being used by a couple camping in a van on another UA-cam channel - that could plug into the battery and would cook a perfect amount of rice. It’d be an ideal addition.
It really is a perfect size for myself and Millie 🐈
As a cat mom, I love that you really made sure that Millie was comfortable and had all that she needed. I was so happy to see her enjoy her first camping trip, as some house cats get really scared when you take them out. And that campgroud is really nice. What a view!
The only thing better than a coffee is a coffee in a new place
Always follow your instincts if anything gives u a bad feeling. Japan is safe but so is listening to your gut especially when out camping at night
Italian Pasta is great for camping and also potato, rice or noodle salad. Apple pancakes are fantastic too.
Changi you can get an apple AirTag that goes on the cat’s collar to track her if she goes missing whilst camping. We use one on our indoor cat as he sometimes makes a dash outside. Easy to see where they go. Have just come back from 3 weeks in Japan. The heat was not the best and I live in Brisbane! We went right down to Kyushu from Tokyo. Next time would like to go North beyond Mt Fuji. Regards
My sister put an air tag on her cat. The cat went into the bush and the collar fell off. My sister found the cat but didn’t find the $100 air tag.
Yes. A good idea! I meant to get a tag before I left but time got away. I’ll get one before the next trip. 😽
went to the comment section to say this!
It's better to get an actual GPS tracker like Tractive. If you are in nature Airtags and SmartTags are useless because they only work if there is someone nearby with a phone, and when they work, the location is very approximate (i know by experience). Now my cat has a Tractive and it tracks in real time and shows exactly where the cat is on a map to literally a centimeter 👍 and shows you everywhere he went, where he stopped etc... now i know my cat's trail of visiting cat friends when he escapes!!! I found him chilling with a cat friend. He walked 5.2 kms in 3 hours all around town!!
@@IzzyOnTheMove Does this system require a monthly subscription?
The most relatable part is where you spooked yourself at night. That’s a universal human experience I am quite adept at 😂
Hello Chani, I just want to say that my husband and I really enjoy your content. He gets upset if I attempt to watch a video without him lol. We just got back from Japan and one of the places we visited was Wakayama. Your videos about Wakayama were one of the main reasons we went. And wow what a stunning place! Though our time was limited, we had such a good time there. We hope to explore it more in the future. Thank you for all that you do. Your kind heart shines through your videos. Wishing you all the best. Sending love from the USA
Ohhh I love to hear that. Thanks so much for watching🩷 I’m so glad you made it to Wakayama.
Successful trip! Your camera angels and shots are improving every video. And the soundeffects you add to create moods for your videos are noticed! Made me smile with the Millie shot of popping up her head in the van at night. Thank you for bring us along
Thanks. I worked hard on this one because I just got some new editing software. I appreciate that you noticed 🩷
Millie did so well! What a beautiful location ❤
What a great 1st trip, Millie did so well.🎉 Some camp food suggestions: Prep ingredients before you leave. Amazon has some amazing reusable silicone ziplock bags in various sizes. Spaghetti is easy prep your meat sauce and portion out. Take pre-grated cheese and dry noodles take up little space. Baked potato. Prep fillings and 'bake' the potato. Stew of any kind pre made, just reheat. Pancakes. Scrambled eggs. Rissoles, steak, chops and sausages with salads made beforehand. Stir fry with all your ingredients chopped and portioned out. Fried rice, curry rice. Doing the prepwork and storing it in ziplock bags reduces wasted space and rubbish creation. It also reduces equipment. The 100 yen store may also have a windbreak for your stove. I hope you have fun working out what works best. I have gone on long road trips around Aus doing the above because sometimes when you stop for the night everything is closed. Have fun!
Thank you so much for the awesome tips! 🩷
Milly is adorable 😍
😽
Look at all the things you have for camping , how thoughtful Japanese are to made everything so useful and so compact . The campsite so clean , well planing to accommodate campers and peaceful . What a wonderful country , I really miss Japan . Take care Chani and I see you next video .
Thanks for watching! 😽🩷
I was NOT expecting that Toto toilet in the Porta-Potty. I was expecting the usual hole where you see everything in it and the smell and loads of flies...😮😅😢 or an old squat benjo, very nice.
Me neither. Very nice set up for a camp site toilet 🏕️
That was a really lovely first camping trip for you and miss Millie ❤
😽
I would get a small Yakitori grill or Hibachi foldable grill. Use binchotan charcoal to help reduce smoke 🙂
Grill skewers of meat and seafood and vegetables. Making fresh flatbread is good way to eat prepared chicken salad with already washed air dried and packed into a container shredded cabbage, lettuce, radish, spring onion. Dont forget fruit....drink pineapple juice from canned pineapple.
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
I think you're brave!!! doing all these things by yourself, I really enjoyed watching your camping trip.
Thank you! 😽
29C not that hot. I'm English, when it's above 23 I start wondering if I can fit in the fridge.
Your setup looks great, you've pretty much nailed it :)
Thanks 😃
What a fantastic set up.
French toast is easy and you can make it savoury or sweet.
日本での定番キャンプ料理と言ったらカレーライスですね。
いいね👍
What a wonderful camping trip. I absolutely loved your adventure 🌈
Thanks so much! Millie did great for her first time 😽
You did plan so well for Millie. Quick food: instant soup; any simple pasta dish; salad things + feta cheese + olives + olive oil + lemon + pepper; steaks, since you have a fridge; halloumi; frozen veg.
Ohhh great ideas 🩷🏕️
Millie is the official glamping cat of Japan. It sure beats camping in Australia. 👍🏽
You can keep seasonings for cooking in a daily vitamin organizer. Each day holds its own seasoning. I enjoy oats/porridge and fruit for breakfast when camping.
In the US...we always do French toast or pancakes for breakfast...smiles
I'm so glad you had a great time and Millie got to have that kind of enrichment. That table you bought is GENIUS, I've only ever seen the ones that fold up into a slab, but that one has slats you can roll up and store like poles.
In terms of food, some stuff we had on us while camping around Australia was usually; packet pasta (Like Continental's Carbonara), tinned mini potato (we'd season them with all spice and chicken spice, like chippies), we'd carry a six pack of long life milk, pasta (for when I was with my parents) or indomie mi goreng packets (for on my own), anything you can have on the shelf and it wont go off like dried goods that you just need to add water or milk to. Travelling over here can get very hot and for the first few years we didn't have a portable fridge, just an esky, so we had to pack for the heat. The old Ford Explorer is twice the size of a K-Van, but there were three of us (sometimes four if one of my older sisters joined us).
Great food ideas 😃Thanks
You are so adorable! I love your videos so much. This one got me tearing up because I lost my own cat, Chewie, just last night. I’m missing her so much, but watching you and Millie was still very relaxing.
Sorry to hear that 💔
Brilliant. I look forward to your and Millie’s next 2 nighter at this magnificent site. Don’t forget the cutlery, and a stove windshield.
I will be sure to include that on the packing list.
I like to cook up some homemade baked beans and freeze them in portions. Keeps the esky (or fridge) cool and makes a great breakfast with eggs and toast.
I like to have steak and scrambled eggs for breakfast on Day 1 of camping. It’s a tradition for me and not something I have at home. It feels decadent. Thanks for taking us along!
Love that!
You and Millie were wonderful, thank you for another wholesome video! Beautiful adventure!!!
The Glamping spot was beautiful. I love to be in the woods. A favorite spot is Lake Quinalt in the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. I live in the Pacific Northwest.
Love your solar panels!
A good experience for Millie - and you, and all of us.
Yay!! Millie camping woohoo ❤
😽
I've seen people buy a foldable aluminium thing to put around the fire while they camp! Not sure what it's called but its to protect the wind. Maybe your 100yen shop or some camping shop would have that. Also that looked like such a peaceful camp night.
I was impressed by the packaged drip coffee setup! I have never seen such a thing but as it is decades since I camped no doubt there are many like items that have been designed and created in the intervening years and I just have not encountered therm! The next time I am near a sporting goods store with a camping section I am going to venture in, out of curiosity, to see what fancy items (by MY old standards) are now available to the discerning camper. 😄
I saw the "coffee bag" in another video by @Tokyolens (who lives in Japan). I liked that they are sold empty, so you can add your own coffee. You just need to find a good size cup so it sits properly on it. I couldn't get them to stay in place in my porcelain mugs.
@@mariab1429 So true, all you need buy are Disposable Tea Filters and use coffee grounds in them so that you can brew coffee on the go. Or you can use a light weight pour over drip coffee cone maker.
You do such an amazing job of documenting your adventures! Thank you so much for taking us along - it was a really beautiful spot you found.
Thank you so much! 😽
This video was a pleasure to watch, thanks for sharing your camping trip 😊
Thin PcP pips to slip your camping polls in so they don't bend. When you put them up and put them away might work!
Wonderful! Millie looks like a proper Japanese cat in her beautiful harness, and with her excellent manners while camping. Great to see you out enjoying the Kei van. Terrific campsite. Overnight was good for a first adventure.
Great to see Millie enjoying her first camping trip away. I know if I had one, they'd probably run away 😲
Thank you, Chani. I really enjoyed your camping video. I'm new to your channel, but am loving your style and content. Keep it up!
I’m so glad you found my channel. Thanks for watching! 😃
Love the camping video! I hope you can feature the fishing section next time you visit! Interested in how Millie will react with the fishes :)
That’s a great idea. I never got down there in the end. Millie would probably see a lot of crabs there 🦀
I’m so happy Millie enjoyed her first camping trip! I’m looking forward to seeing her next one!
Good that you are getting out there and camping. Just take little steps at first. You will pick up on things you need or don’t need along the way. When I go camping the first night is usually leftovers from home. Then after that just basic meals like tuna tinned tomatoe pasta, or Kransky sausages and coleslaw wraps or even two minute noodle hacks work. 👍🏻
All your food ideas sound great for camping. I’m making a list now for the next trip.
Loved that sea view 🤩 Really nifty setup you got. One can have an ice-cream 'n stuff with that fridge on a hot day. Very nice.
Thank you 🤗
Such a great spot and what a great view.
I really do like how you make those "test runs" and find out what you are missing and what you have to add/change for the next one.
Pretty mindful way of doing things. 😁👍
Thank you very much! I guess I like to control as much as I can when it’s something new to me. 🩷😽
Millie is impressive
Really, it looks like both you and Millie had a wonderful time, I'm jealous, lol.
nice set up. I am not a cat person but Miss Milly makes me want to get a cat! like you said, she is a superstar
I totally agree! 😽
I absolutely love your channel. I’ve been going through a hard time lately and your videos bring me so much comfort. Thank you.
Oh bless her sweet heart...lil Millie
The best!
Millie is such a beauty.
Thanks
Thanks so much ❤️
I loved it, I always think of Millie as a cat dog 😅 i don't know why but I really love her and ive never been a cat person loll , I guess she's so easy to love 💕 I think the test trip was very successful 👍😀
So true! She acts like a bit of a dog sometimes. I don’t think she knows she’s a cat. 😽
What a fascinating array of camping gear you have for yourself and Millie. Camping has never been my idea of a good time, but you could make me a convert!
Glad you enjoyed it
今晩は！何時も猫ちゃんどうしているかと思いましたが、ちゃんと連れていかれていることを知り安心しまいた！ありがとう。
Chani, for all of your careful planning in setting up your first camping experience….what a success! Millie really showed her love and trust for you. She looked remarkably calm for such a new experience. I hope this will lead to some wonderful experiences in the future for you both.
Kudos to the Japanese to provide “noise protection” in that beautiful place. Would like to see more of those rules here in Australia.
WOW just found your channel how refreshing to find something completely different from what I normally watch. Also I love cat all animals actually think is your vido is so varied also gives you a glimpse of camping in Japan "yes" i enjoyed your video very much monica/England ❤
Awesome! Thank you!
I have been so blessed to have a beautiful RV that we pull around Florida for long weekends. One thing that I love is Shakshuka. You can pre make the recipe and bread. Then in the morning you warm it up and poach your eggs in it. The recipe I use is made in a fry pan, not the oven.
Fantástico camping , gracias por compartirlo . Millie es preciosa , es una buena compañera 😊 Greetings from Spain
Wow your setup is soooo good!
You are so organized!
9:43 looks like a HONDA N-BOX SLASH X TURBO
Glad to see Milly is getting used to camping 🥰
When I camp
1. Flattened and seasoned chicken
2. Squid
3. Korean soondobu stew
4. Mackerel
5. Kimchi
6. Coleslaw
I have a rectangular grill I put over the wood fire
Love your cooking ideas. My car is a Suzuki Every.
My cats love travelling in the car, looking at the scenes.
@@sueforte4947 yes! I never had a cat like Millie before. She is really adventurous. It’s so fun to take her around with me!
I enjoyed this so much. Thank You. Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful adventures!
I enjoyed watching your camping trip with Millie. She looked like a seasoned camper😂. You have some great gear for camping, not too much but enough to be comfortable. Can't wait for your next adventure with Millie. Desley🇦🇺
Thanks 👍
I love Millie!
😽🩷
"Beer O'Clock"? I thought that was only a North American-ism. LOL!!! Perhaps it is common throughout the Anglophonic world! 乾杯！
Yes we say it in Australia too😃
I often cooked burgers and salads or Japanese curry when I went for camping 😊
Oh great ideas! I love all those types of food. 😃
Hello from Tasmania :) I just made Okinomiyaki for dinner. It would be easy to make while camping. Love to Miss Millie
I love 😍 okinomiyaki. That’s a great idea. 😋
❤❤❤ so adorable Milly 🎉 I wish I could have an Hyace to transform into a CampVan to travel with my precious Haru😊 seems to be fun.... sorry about the scary part of your travel 😅😢
Having a camper really gives you lots of options.
Great video Chani,I'm glad you had a good time and your set up is a good one.
Thanks so much! I had a lot of fun.
Really enthralling and I’m someone who’s easily bored. Your content is so relaxing. Thanks. Safe travels and stay blessed. Shoutout from UK. Much love to you and Millie ❤
I am really enjoying your videos. We lived for a year in Japan in the 80s and it broke my heart to leave. Thank you for sharing your life in Japan, it is interesting to see how Japan has changed but also how very much tuit is the same.❤
I love Millie ❤thanks for sharing
Thanks! 😽
Ms Millie's camping trip looked absolutely divine. RE foods - friends of mine make up certain dishes like your scrambled eggs and put it in a Mason jar. They even pack cooked quiches or muffins in jars and as long as they're wrapped well in the car, home-made meals are just straight from a jar. All clean and tidy. Loving your sense of adventure and thrilled Millie is an explorer too. Thanks for another great video.
Great idea!😃
That omelette looked great!
Great camp food😃
Great view there in Japan. One camping trick is putting your eggs in a plastic zip lock and you can just place the bag in boiling water and you have your omelet.
This was great. There's no decent infrastructure like this where I live, no accessories for cars like you've been able to buy. So a little bit envious! When I camp my meals are mostly tea, sandwiches, muesli and yoghurt. I don't take a stove for cooking, but for heating water for tea. Much respect for how you have taken the long view with Millie and gotten her gradually used to all the elements of this, so you can take her wherever you go. Kudos to you.
There are many accessories. Even cat themed 😽
Camping seems like a great time for some yakiniku!!!
Love yakiniku 🩷🩷🩷
That was great fun. I love Millie too. She has such a sweet face that I love looking at her. I keep the food simple when I camp and don't cook a lot, but a good soup or a simple pasta dish with sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh parmigiana shreds, and a bit of basil is refreshing when the weather is hot.
Great food ideas! 😃
You did so well! Millie will get used to it. I put the litterbox in the camper, and the cats on the leash so they could go wherever they wanted, in or out the camper. The cats used to get tangled to the chair legs after a while. My task was to get them untangled, what they loved. Free hugs! It was quite luxurious how you camped. Lovely place. And work after it, you must have been exhausted.
I need a longer leash to do the same as you I think.
@@ChaniJapan You do, it will give you both more freedom. Live and learn, Chandi.
lol you spooked yourself 🎃👻 Millie was a star on her first camping adventure, perhaps get an extension lead. You both managed well by that sea view beauty spot. I think pre prepared food for reheating might be convenient.
Totally spooked myself 🤣👻
What a beautiful camping spot, Chani, and practically right on your doorstep! Absolutely lovely😊 and it looked like Millie is going to turn out to be the perfect camp cat & companion ❤ Thanks so much for sharing with us! Xoxo Robin
It really is! Very close for my first attempt.
What a great spot for Millie's first camping trip! She's so chilled that she looks like a natural. 😺
You'll probably find that she's the ultimate way to meet your fellow campers. Some Japanese folks may be reluctant to speak to the gaijin lady in case they embarass you because you don't understand them but they won't be able to resist cooing "Aw, kawaii!!! 🥰" when they see Millie and then you can initiate the conversation with your impeccable Nihon-go. 😮
As a fellow middle aged blonde blue eyed ex-Brisbanite I am always amused when they can't get their heads around the fact that somebody who looks like that can be bilingual... 😂
I've even had a few conversations with random Japanese folks here in Australia who stop in their tracks after chatting for a few minutes and look totally confused then say "You spoke to me in Japanese?!?" because their brain has just started telling them that "there's something wrong with this picture". 🥴
Exactly. Millie is a great ice breaker when I’m camping g. It was so easy to meet the fellow campers 😽🩷
Thanks Chani, you just gave me an idea for my next trip to Japan. Camping! ❤️
I loved this long video. I always look forward to your posts. You had a wonderful campsite. Miss Millie did great, she was the queen of the site. ❤
Queen Millie 😽
Hi Chani, oh your Millie is a beautiful cat companion!! I just found your channel today. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for watching! ❤️
Japanese camp sites are 'next level' clean and organised! Loved seeing Millie's reactions to it all also. Thanks for sharing.
Yes they are!
What a cool video. The facilities were clean, but it's the view that did it for me! wow. Millie had quite the adventure. I love your editing, btw.
Thanks for saying that. I got new software so I was trying really hard!
Millie did really well on her first camping trip 🐾😻. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to many more adventures
Thanks so much 🩷😽
Hello, Chani san thank you for sharing the video about your first camping trip with your lovely Millie and nice kei van in Japan. I really enjoyed watching 😊 because we ( my husband ) have just got almost the same van as yours recently and making a plan for doing camping with it and with our dogs in November. That camping spot you stayed looks amazing doesn’t it? I’d like to go there in some future. We’ll go to a camping site in Gifu prefecture. It’ll be much colder and nicer because we’re fed up with the heat this summer 😅 We usually cook curry or BBQ ( actually should be called “teppan yaki”) for dinner. Please try those if you want 😊thanks
Great dinner ideas 😃
I love Millie!!!❤
One of the most classy, "glamping," versions of camping I've ever seen. Well done!
Thanks 😽
Very nice🎉
Such a well behaved cat!
She is a good girl. 😽
I wish we had that van here in the US! 😊
As Brits, fry-ups of any kind are a MUST (sausages, bacon, beans, eggs...)