When traveling in Japan, most tourists choose the shinkansen, speeding through the countryside on the way to the next destination. We invite you to discover a different way of traveling—one where transportation becomes part of the journey itself: van life in Japan.
A Growing Popularity
Among Japanese travelers themselves, this way of traveling is on the rise. Many people took advantage of the COVID period to try life on the road. The number of motorhomes on Japanese roads has been increasing by around 6% every year.
Number of registered motorhomes over the years (2005–2023)
(Note: the actual number of converted vehicles on the road is much higher, as this figure does not include vans converted by their owners without going through a professional shop.) Source
On weekends and during holidays, many young people use their vans as a base for hiking, surfing, or skiing in the mountains. During the week, parking lots are more often occupied by retirees slowly wandering through the countryside. For them, it’s an economical and comfortable way to travel: in rural areas, accommodation options are often limited to either luxurious ryokans or cramped business hotels.
Many of these retirees also own dogs, which leaves them with little choice but to sleep in their rolling home, as most hotels in Japan do not accept pets.
In recent years, more and more international travelers have also chosen this way of exploring Japan in depth. After visiting the major cities, it is one of the best ways to discover an authentic Japan and fully enjoy its natural landscapes.
An Abundance of Places to Spend the Night
In some regions, hotels are few and far between. Having your home on wheels allows you to access places at special times—early mornings, late evenings, or simply off the beaten path.
In Japan, unlike in many countries, sleeping in your car is generally tolerated in public parking lots (unless specifically prohibited). Safety, the abundance of onsens (hot springs) across the country, and the widespread availability of public toilets make the experience especially convenient. Van travelers particularly enjoy spending the night in michi-no-eki parking areas, as well as public parking lots equipped with toilets.
Michi-no-eki are roadside rest areas located along local roads. Unlike the typical image of a French highway rest stop, these places invite exploration. They usually include a shop where local businesses, artisans, and farmers sell their products. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as bentos. Sleeping in the parking lot and using the toilets is permitted. Some of these rest areas even offer cultural activities or baths. In rural areas, they are true community hubs—places that connect local residents with travelers passing through.
It is also possible to spend the night in public parking lots. This can mean waking up facing the ocean and enjoying your morning coffee at sunrise, or parking at the trailhead before a mountain hike. To learn more about how to find places to sleep, we invite you to check out the CampInJapan guide.
Discovering a Different Japan
Traveling through Japan by van takes you to places you won’t find in guidebooks. You take detours because there’s a village with an onsen you want to try. You wander supermarket aisles to shop for dinner. You stumble upon a small local festival by chance. You’re woken early by the sound of a fish auction at the harbor. A sunrise on an empty beach, star-filled skies in the mountains… These small moments are magical, whether you’re Japanese or French.
To rent a camper van in Japan, expect to pay roughly between ¥15,000 and ¥30,000 per night. Many rental agencies offer pick-up in Tokyo or Osaka. You can find a list of agencies specializing in camper van rentals online.
See you on the road!