Guru-guru Camp

April 27 – May 6, 2012 @ Niijima Campground • FREE!

An extended hooping holiday on the island of Niijima! Golden Week is the ideal opportunity to get your hoop on. And not only your hoop: poi, fire toys, juggling, and other props are most welcome. Non-spinning friends are invited, too.

 

A Spin Matsuri community event, Tink will host hoop workshops and hooping drills every morning. Hoop workshop themes might include: circus style clowning; flailing and failing; silent meditations; leaps and bounds; dance ideas; games; choreography… all to be decided with details to come.

 

Afternoons are open. You are invited to add an activity to the schedule. Do you want to host a fire jam on the beach? Run yoga sessions? Lead a massage workshop? Teach people how to cook on a campfire? Host a free market? Go for it! Bring what you need to make your activity happen – you’ll find a ready audience.

If you’re dizzy from spinning, there’s great cycling on Niijima, plus surfing, glass art, onsens, beach walks, historic spots, and plenty of space to relax, explore, and enjoy.

There is no need to reserve for this event, though we’d love to know if you are coming so we can save you a camping spot near the Guru-guru HQ. You can just show up with your camping gear and join in at any time. Stay one night or all week; it’s up to you. Non-campers can stay at one of the island’s many ryokan. The workshops and activities are free. You’ll need to pay for your own transport and meals.

GETTING THERE
Overnight ferry from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal is ~6,000 yen one way and takes 10 hours.
Jetboat ferry is ~9,000 yen one way and takes about 3 hours
Details  http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/

It is wise to make a ferry reservation, as the boat gets rather full during the Golden Week holiday, but it’s not 100% necessary so you can just rock up and get a ticket on the day. Sometimes foul weather or heavy seas will delay or cancel a departure. Be prepared to go with the flow when Mother Nature requires a delay. You can also fly to Niijima from Chofu, or take a different ferry from Shimoda.

From the Dock to Campsite: you can go by taxi, walk to the campsite (~45 minutes), or stroll into town and rent a bicycle, then cycle the rest of the way.

If you are bringing a lot of luggage (huge tents, camp kitchens and tons of hoops, for example), you can send it via takkyubin to the Yamato depot in the village.

MEALS & CAMP FACILITIES
We will host one potluck BBQ dinner during camp; if you want to join in, please bring some food and drink to share. For other meals, you can organise as you wish.

The campsite has a covered BBQ area with dish stations, and firepits scattered throughout the site. You can bring your own portable cooker. There are groceries stores in the village as well as izakayas and a couple of restaurants.

The campsite also features a clean toilet block, open-air showers (hot coin-operated showers are a 10 minute walk away), several covered seating areas, recycling centers, a playground, surreal stone zoo, a camp office, and friendly camp staff.

There is also access to electrical outlets for charging your devices. However there’s not a lot of phone reception in camp.

WEATHER
Niijima’s weather is a bit milder than Tokyo, so Golden Week is usually warm during the day and cool at night. It will rain at least once during the week, and possibly more. It can be windy. It is wise to bring warm things to bundle up in the evening and a raincoat or umbrella for splashy days.

GEAR

• Tent, sleeping bag, mat, etc.
• Flashlight, sunscreen, bug spray
• Towel, swimsuit
• Food & drink (or shop/dine in the village)
• Plate/bowl, cup, silverware, etc.
• Bicycle (or rent one in the village)
• Hoops, poi, and other toys as desired

COSTS
Camping is free!
Workshops are free!
Pay your own way with food, drink, transport, other activities, etc.

✫ Have a question? Want to lead a workshop? Hoop, poi, staff, juggling, or something non-spinning – it will all be fun! Drop a line to spinmatsuri@gmail.com