Kangoo's “blank space” creates a free camping style. Time spent at KANGOO SAKURA CAMP.

It was late March, just as the cherry blossoms were about to reach their peak in the Kanto region. At the "Narita Yume Bokujo Auto Campground" in Chiba Prefecture, a large number of "KANGOO" vehicles had gathered.

The event held that day was the "KANGOO SAKURA CAMP." Participants loaded up the "Kangoo"—a model synonymous with Renault—with plenty of gear and enjoyed car camping under the cherry blossoms.

The weather was perfect that day. The venue was filled with families with young children, as well as couples, groups of friends, and even many participants who had come to enjoy camping with their pets. A wide variety of models, both old and new, were on display, and some attendees even arrived in the recently released “Grand Kangoo.”

The "Grand Kangoo" is known for its increasingly spacious cargo area. By extending the wheelbase by 390 mm and the overall length by 420 mm from the previous 5-seater model, it now seats up to seven passengers, adding even more depth to the possibilities for recreation.

In addition to the front-row driver’s and passenger seats, there are three seats in the second row and two seats in the third row. All seats in the second and third rows can be folded, flipped up, or removed, making it easy to customize the layout. There are reportedly 1,024 possible configurations, with 243 of them available even while the vehicle is in a drivable state.

The model on display was a five-seater version with all the third-row seats removed. A prototype mat was laid in the cargo area to create a flat floor. It’s amazing how simply using a mat like this can dramatically improve the cargo space—it makes you want to load it up with as much as you can.

We finished setting up the campsite in the morning, took a group photo just as the sun began to shine warmly, and kicked off the event. Thanks to the pleasant weather and atmosphere, everyone was all smiles.

Amid the large crowd, Mr. and Mrs. Nagai stood out with their minimalist camping style, exuding a sense of mature sophistication. They learned about the event through a newsletter sent by Renault and said, “We came here looking forward to the French chef’s cuisine.”

This third-generation "Kangoo" was purchased right after its full model change in 2022. It’s been customized with a roof rack and outdoor brand stickers on the rear. The silver body, which reflects the sunlight, looks really cool.

"I used to drive a large SUV, but I was frustrated that it didn't have much cargo space, so when the new model came out, I switched to the Kangoo. Now that I'm driving it, I find it holds plenty of luggage and offers a really smooth ride. It’s easy to park and maneuver, and I really love it. I mainly use it for camping. I have a roof rack installed, but the cargo area alone is big enough to hold all my gear, which is a huge help.”

Next, we came across Mr. Yamamori, who was enjoying a camping trip in a unique setup featuring a tarp attached to the side of his Kangoo. When we spoke with him, he told us he’s been driving a Kangoo since the Phase 1 era. “It’s the perfect car for camping gear,” he said with a smile. “I’m fascinated by how it continues to evolve with the times.”

The cargo area is equipped with a bed kit designed specifically for the "Kangoo." It’s designed to function as a shelf during the day, allowing you to organize and load your luggage, and easily transforms into a bed for sleeping in the car at night. Installed alongside it is a “Car-Side Airframe Tarp.” According to Mr. Yamamori, “I really like that I can use the ‘Kangoo’ as a room of its own.”

“Having a bed kit really cuts down on the setup time, and since the tent is inflatable, you can get it set up in no time just by inflating the poles with something like a bicycle pump. I often use the living area outside and the sleeping area inside the car. Even if it starts to rain, I can just take shelter inside the car, so it’s very convenient in that regard as well. What’s interesting about the ”Kangoo’ is that it gives you room to think about how to use it and how to get creative. It’s a car with a certain ‘margin for creativity,’ so to speak. It feels like it’s only truly complete when you combine it with other things. That’s exactly why people’s ways of using it and their styles vary so much—it never gets boring to watch.”

Mr. Yamamori raved about this bed kit, and I hear a collaboration item with *Les Toiles du Soleil*, a brand that creates traditional textiles from southern France, is set to be released soon. A display of these items was set up in a corner of the campground. You can choose from four different colorful striped patterns. Just having this in your car will brighten up the interior, and it’s sure to make camping easier and more fun!

The event featured a variety of camping-themed workshops, including a Mölkky tournament and a workshop on making insect repellent spray using essential oils. The children’s joyful expressions and their amazement at these new experiences filled the venue with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Here’s a glimpse of the original garland-making workshop. Even the adults are completely absorbed in the activity, with serious expressions on their faces. Some participants are already decorating their tents with the garlands they’ve just made. Seeing scenes like this really drives home the fact that the “Kangoo” is a car loved by so many people.

As participants take part in workshops and enjoy hanami under the cherry blossoms, the aroma of grilling food wafts on the breeze from the venue. One of the highlights of this event is a French-style BBQ hosted by Sébastien Martin, Executive Chef at the French Embassy in Japan. According to the chef, “I’ve prepared an original recipe just for this event.” What kind of dishes will he create? Lured by the aroma, many people stop in their tracks and gather in front of the grill.

As dusk began to fall, it was finally time for dinner. The first dish served was a sandwich filled with pork that had been simmered until it fell apart. It was served with a tangy white sauce and marinated onions, making it look absolutely delicious.

As for the taste, the tender pork’s spicy flavor pairs perfectly with the mild tang of the onions and sauce. The bread is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, so you’ll polish it off in no time. In the photo, the dog is staring at its owner, begging for a bite as if to say, “I’m hungry!”

The second course featured chicken slow-roasted on the grill and bulgur, a cracked wheat staple in the Mediterranean and Middle East. When paired with a sauce made from almond powder, macadamia nuts, and a blend of spices, a rich burst of flavor instantly fills your mouth. First, the boldness of the spices comes to the fore, followed by delicate aromas that unfold the more you chew. The interplay of flavors is so delightful it brings a smile to your face. This is delicious!

The third and final dish is a sausage. It’s said to be seasoned with apple cider, black pepper, and buckwheat flour. You can really smell the savory aroma from the sear marks.

This dish is served with mashed potatoes and mustard. The meat has a firm, meaty texture, and while juices burst out from the inside, the aftertaste is refreshingly light. It pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes. Naturally, I polished this off in seconds. I’m completely full from this luxurious French-style BBQ.

One of the greatest joys of camping is gathering around the campfire after dinner and relaxing in your own way. The cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated, adding a touch of color to the nighttime scenery. The camping season is just getting into full swing. At “KANGOO SAKURA CAMP,” we saw a wide variety of camping styles, and it was impressive to see owners exchanging information and engaging in lively conversation.

With a "Kangoo" that can carry plenty of gear, your usual camping trips are sure to be even more fulfilling. That extra space—allowing you to bring more than just the essentials—expands the possibilities of camping. That very sense of freedom was clearly reflected in each of the campsites lined up beneath the cherry blossoms. I can’t wait to see what kind of scenery awaits us at the next “KANGOO SAKURA CAMP.” I’m already looking forward to it.

Photo_Takeshi Kimura
Text_Tsuji