[Gujo] "HOLY FUNGUS" - A Relaxing Campsite that Nourishes the Body and Mind

​"HOLY FUNGUS" opened in May 2024 in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. It is a facility specializing in rest for mind and skin run by the domestic organic cosmetics brand "neo natural."

A new type of retreat experience that combines camping, spa & sauna in the beautiful satoyama, nature yoga, herb harvesting, and walking in the satoyama with a little time away from daily life.

This time, we actually went camping for two days and one night and experienced the charm of "HOLY FUNGUS" to the fullest!

Look for the light blue sign!

The Center House is a renovated traditional house built over 100 years ago

It is about 1.5 hours from Nagoya on the highway. It is located at an altitude of 620m, blessed with clear air and clean water.

The location of HOLY FUNGUS is at the confluence of two rivers, the Kurusu River and the Takanasu River, where pure water flows, and is said to be a place where vitality has gathered since ancient times.

"Ushi" the Goat

"Shiro" the Goat

The mascot cat "Kojiro" is an amazing 20 years old!

We were greeted by two goats and the mascot cat Kojiro. Everyone was so friendly!

A unique retreat experience
by a skin care company

HOLY FUNGUS（ホーリーファンガス）とは聖なる菌という意味

Loofah, an ingredient in skin care products, blooms with large yellow flowers in the morning.

First, we talked about the birth of "HOLY FUNGUS."

The domestic organic cosmetics brand neo natural, which operates HOLY FUNGUS, started out about 30 years ago by making soap that even babies with atopic skin conditions could use. The brand offers a variety of cosmetics and skincare products that are 100% natural and use no extra ingredients.

HOLY FUNGUS is located on an organic farm where the herbs and loofahs used in neo natural 's products are grown. As many as 50 different kinds of herbs are grown here.

In-house organic JAS-certified farm where skincare ingredients are grown

"HOLY FUNGUS" is more than just a campsite.

The only one and only retreat facility of its kind in the world, where you can experience the clean air and beautiful nature at an altitude of 620 meters, organic herb harvesting, Finnish sauna spa experience, camping in the cool air, and organic skin care to tone and condition your skin and mind. The retreat is limited to 8 groups per day, so you can spend your time in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere!

3 Sites & Log Cabin
of your choice

First, let me show you around the facility.

HOLY FUNGUS has three types of campsites and log cabins.

Holy Site

The "Holy Site" is the main site where you can see the shrine and a beautiful river right in front of you. It is equipped with electricity and vehicles are allowed to enter!

Rice Field Site

The "Rice Field Site" is a rare site where you can camp in a rice field where rice is grown without pesticides. In June, you can stay overnight and watch the fireflies!

At the "Milky Way Site," you can camp with your pets. The site is quite large, so you can pitch two tents.

Log Cabin

The two "Log Cabins" have two bunk beds and can accommodate up to five people. They are equipped with a covered earthen floor space, so you can spend a relaxing time while listening to the murmuring of the river. They are especially popular among families.

HOLY FUNGUS experience report for one night and two days

First, set up the tent on the site

This time, we actually spent two days and one night camping and experienced a lot of the charm of HOLY FUNGUS. Check-in time is from 12:30 to 15:30, and you can set up as early as 3:30, so you can spend a relaxing time.

The site is "Holy Site A". Surrounded by streams, the breeze feels great!

This time I tried putting on a SABBATICAL Gilia.

It's spacious at 7m x 13m, so you can easily pitch a tent! You can also drive large vehicles and set up a large tarp without.

The tile chips have good drainage, so it's great that your tent won't get dirty easily when you pack up.

You can freely use up to 10 pieces of firewood! You can experience chopping firewood.

The kitchen is also very clean!Detergent and loofah scrubbers are provided.

Playing in the river at Kurusu River

After setting up, we cooled down in the Kurusu River. It was a very hot day (over 35°C), but the river water was surprisingly pure! The water temperature remains almost the same all year round.

It is just the right depth & size for swimming, making it perfect for children to play in the water! (*Must be supervised by a parent or guardian.)

Take a break with their original fermented chiffon cake. It uses county-grown rice flour and original beauty Amazake "Hadameguri". The gentle sweetness soaks into your body!

Enjoy nature through activities!

Herbal ball making

"HOLY FUNGUS" also hosts a variety of activities.

Herbs, loofah water, harvesting of pesticide-free vegetables, making tincture with Japanese herbs, meditation in the great outdoors, Gujo Dance lecture, plum work, etc., all of which are usually hard to experience! (*Advance reservations are required for some activities.)

First, I tried making a tincture using Japanese herbs.

I wondered if we were going to an herb farm because of the herb harvest. I thought we were going to a herb field, but we were headed for a walking trail on the farm. Weeds that we usually see are actually herbs and Chinese herbs! I was surprised to find herbs so close at hand.

We also add seasonal herbs such as apple mint and blackberry.

After rinsing the herbs with water, pack them into the jar. The key is to pack them tightly without leaving any gaps.

Mix the ethanol and water together and pour into a bottle.

The Japanese herbal tincture will be ready in no time. Leave it at room temperature for about 1 to 3 months and it will be ready.

It can be put in a spray bottle and used as an insect repellent spray, diluted with purified water and used as a lotion, or put in a bathtub and used as a bath salt. (*Please remember to do a patch test before applying to your skin, just to be sure.)

It's very easy, so it's great for parents and children to try it together!

Refresh in a Finnish-style sauna!

Another attraction of "HOLY FUNGUS" is that you can enjoy a Finnish-style sauna!

This is a full-fledged sauna that is packed with the particulars of the sauna owner. There are two spa saunas, and guests can enjoy a private spa sauna for one hour.

*The rooms are not separated for men and women. 1 hour per couple. If you would like to use separate rooms for men and women, an additional fee of 4,000 yen will be charged.
*Spa reservations can be made at check-in. Please note that it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The changing rooms are also very spacious! (Bring your own bath towels as there are no bath towels provided. (Bath towels are not provided, so bring your own.)After bathing, you can use neo natural 's organic cosmetics as much as you like.

There is a cypress open-air bath, a natural water bath, and an open-air bathing space. The flow of people who like saunas is also perfect!

You can also try shampoo and body soap from neo natural. If you like the items, you can purchase them at the store.

Now, off to the sauna, which I've been looking forward to!

This is an authentic Finnish sauna of the stone type. The temperature is around 90 degrees Celsius. The humidity was just right, and since it was an aroma-laulu event day, I was able to enjoy the aroma-laulu as well. The aroma of lavender was very pleasant.

Go to the natural water bath. Natural water pumped up from 40 meters underground gently cools down your body. At the end of the day, you can take a rest surrounded by the great nature. Both my body and mind were very much healed.

Sauna lovers will be thrilled to know that guests can enjoy such an authentic sauna for free.

For dinner we tried making pizza!

Use of pizza oven and terrace: 5,000 yen

For dinner, we'll try making pizza in a pizza oven!

Before making pizza, we started by starting a fire! The delicious smell of firewood started to fill the air!

While the pizza oven is heating up, you can make pizza. You can also add zucchini and eggplant from the farm! (*Please bring your own pizza dough and ingredients.)

Put it in the pizza oven and it was cooked perfectly in about 5 minutes!

Freshly baked pizza in the great outdoors. The vegetables from the farm were also very juicy, making it the perfect dinner time.

Start your day with a morning bath and yoga!

Good morning!

It was the day of the morning bath event, so we were able to use the spa in the morning as well. (30 minutes without sauna in the morning)

After the morning bath, it's time for morning yoga. On this day, we decided to do it in the shade of a lavender field that had been harvested. Although it was after the harvest, the good smell of lavender was spreading. It made me want to take a deep breath.

Yoga in the clear morning air, bathed in the soft morning sun, is very calming. The blood circulated throughout my body and my body felt warm and fuzzy.

The poses are simple and easy, so even those who are new to yoga can participate with ease!

Take a walk to Hakusan Shrine

After morning yoga, we decided to take a walk to the nearby Hakusan Shrine.

HOLY FUNGUS is located at the confluence of the Kurusu River and the Takanasu River, two streams flowing with pure water, and across the stream is the Hakusan Shrine, the local deity. In the summer, the area is also a popular place for Bon Odori (traditional folk dance) by local residents.

As soon as I entered the shrine, I was enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. My mind and body were refreshed and I was off to a good start in the morning.

Get souvenirs at the shop!

Shop (Hours: 9:00-17:00)

There is a shop next to the Center House.

In addition to items necessary for camping, original products from neo natural and items unique to the local area are also available, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs!

You don't have to worry if you forget something, such as fire tongs, gloves, charcoal, or a gas stove!

Original beauty Amazake "Hadameguri"

Skincare items from "neo natural

There is also a wide selection of Gujo coffee and local game!

This time we bring you a review of our stay at "HOLY FUNGUS."

Personally, I would like to go back for the sauna! I was so impressed by the authentic Finnish sauna that I wanted to go back. The campground is also well equipped with all the necessary facilities, so even beginners in camping can enjoy the outdoors with ease.

Why not try out a one-of-a-kind retreat experience at "HOLY FUNGUS"?