Top 6 Camper Van Rental Services in Japan: Vehicle Features and Prices

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A camper van comes in handy when you want to save lodging costs or enjoy the outdoors. We introduce 6 rental camper van services in Japan with their features, types of camper vans, and prices. The list includes a company with multilingual support and another with a long history.

Written by

Eri Miura

Tokyo, Japan

The interior of a camper. Photo by Pixta

As more people enjoy the outdoors in Japan, using a camper Van has become a trend. In 2023, the sales of campers have reached the highest ever.

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There are facilities in addition to campgrounds, such as onsen resorts, Japanese-style inns, and roadside stations, where travelers can spend the night in their vehicles. The number of RV Parks (*), furnished with restrooms and recharging stations, is also growing.

A camper Van is one of the ways to save lodging costs and enjoy traveling independently.

*: A facility certified by the Japan RV Association, furnished with wide-spaced parking space, restrooms, 100V outlets, and bathing facilities.

Carstay: Click Here for 10% Discount Coupon (English)

Types of Camper Vans in Japan

Cab-conversion type camper. Photo by Pixta

The following is a list of camper vans available in Japan.

Light Camper: A camper van converted from small cars and trucks. This is an inexpensive version with limited equipment.
Van-conversion: A camper van converted from a van. It is not fit for a large group but is easy to drive.
Cab-conversion: A camper van with living spaces attached to a truck. It has a large body and is furnished with a kitchen and plumbing.
Motor home: A car exclusively designed as a camper van. Some versions come with a deluxe interior.

How to Choose a Rental Camper Van Service

A van-conversion type camper. Photo by Pixta

Japanese camper vans cost around 5 million yen, and even the inexpensive ones cost more than 2 million yen.

Since this is the case, those who wish to drive a camper van should consider a rental service.

Rental camper vans are mostly supplied by small-scale companies. The following is a list of six companies, including one offering multi-lingual support and another company with a long history of service.

Five Camper Van Rental Services in Japan

Let's take a look at the five recommended camper van rental businesses in Japan.

1. Carstay

Top 5 Camper Rental Services in Japan! Includes Vehicle Features and Price Quotes

Picture courtesy of Carstay Official Website

Carstay was established in 2020. The company handles the rental and sharing of camper vans, along with space-sharing at parking lots and campgrounds.

They offer more than 400 camper vans, which is top class in the business, along with over 330 parking spaces across Japan. There are various camper vans, from cab-conversion types to motor homes furnished with a bedroom and a restroom.

Carstay is not an ordinary rental service; it employs a car-sharing system. Reflecting each owner's preference, their camper vans allow traveling with pets or come furnished with camping gear.

The price for 24 hours is about 15,000 yen to 25,000 yen for a cab-conversion type and 20,000 yen to 70,000 yen for a motor home. Remember to use the 10% discount coupon for MATCHA readers!

First-time users will be charged a full 24-hour fee. Afterward, there will be an additional fee every 12 hours. There will be a 25% raise from weekday fees on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

Language: Japanese and English
Coverage Area: All over Japan

To apply the discount, enter the coupon code “MATCHA_CARSTAY” in the application field on the website, or apply through the page below.

Carstay: Click Here for 10% Discount Coupon (English)

2. JAPAN ROAD TRIP

Picture courtesy of JAPAN ROAD TRIP

One of the largest camper van rental services in Japan, JAPAN ROAD TRIP is operated by Air Support, Inc., which also engages in vacation rentals and interior design businesses.

The unique feature of JAPAN ROAD TRIP camper vans is the interior design, which has been remodeled by professional coordinators. You can relax in a comfortable space.

The rental locations are widely spread across Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kansai, Hiroshima, and Kyushu, and it is convenient as you can return the vehicle to a different location between Tokyo and Osaka.

The price starts at 19,800 yen for a camper van that accommodates 5 to 6 people. Additionally, JAPAN ROAD TRIP offers generous long-term discounts, where the more nights you rent, the more advantageous it becomes. Notably, rentals of 28 days or more receive a discount of 20%.

Furthermore, MATCHA offers a 5% discount coupon exclusively for MATCHA readers. Be sure to use it to enjoy your camper van experience at a lower price!

Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
Office Locations: Nationwide in Japan (excluding Okinawa)

To apply the discount, enter the coupon code “MATCHA_JAPAN ROAD TRIP” in the application field on the website, or apply through the page below.

Japan Road Trip is running a campaign offering discounts for camper van rentals from December 30, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

JAPAN ROAD TRIP: 5％ OFF Coupon

3. Japan Campingcar Rental Center

Picture courtesy of Japan Campingcar Rental Center Official Website

Japan Campingcar Rental Center is one of the largest rental camper van companies in Japan, with more than ninety facilities all over Japan.

Their offices are located in Narita and Shin-Chitose airports and near major urban train stations.

The popular model is the cab-conversion type, based on the Toyota HiAce or Camroad, with a capacity of six to nine people. There are vehicles with full air conditioning or a spacious interior.

The weekday price starts from 25,000 yen for 24 hours. It is 31,000 yen on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays; and 35,000 yen in the peak season. After 24 hours, there will be an additional fee every hour or a daily fee.

Language: Japanese, English, and Chinese (Traditional Chinese Character)
Coverage Area: All over Japan

4. Japan Campers

Picture courtesy of Japan Campers Official Website

Japan Campers, a rental camper van service, was founded in 2010 by a foreign national residing in Japan. The founder also happened to be a camping enthusiast.

Their office is located near Narita Airport and offers a free pick-up/drop-off service from there.

With an additional fee, camper vans can be delivered to Haneda Airport or a designated Tokyo spot. Customer service, with English and Japanese support, is open 24 hours a day, so it is convenient for overseas visitors.

The company offers small, medium, and large-sized Nissan van-conversion types, along with motor homes. The price varies from 6,900 yen to 26,900 yen per day, which is relatively inexpensive.

The Narita office neighbors an RV Park furnished with a campground, barbecue facility, and guesthouses.

Language: English
Coverage Area: Tokyo

5. Heisei Car Rentals

Picture courtesy of Heisei Car Rentals Official Website

Heisei Car Rentals, covering Okayama Prefecture and the Shikoku Region, was established in 1992.

In this area, there are places with great views, which are easier to access by car, and the Shimanami Kaido, a popular sightseeing spot. The company is perfect for those interested in touring the area.

Many Chinese staff work at the Takamatsu office in Kagawa Prefecture and the Okayama office. While a reservation is required, pick-up/drop-off services from Okayama, Takamatsu, and Matsuyama airports are also available.

Customers can choose from five types of vehicles, with a seating capacity varying from four to seven people. The navigation system supports English, Chinese, and Korean.

The price varies from 13,200 yen to 32,000 yen. Please note that it will be higher during peak season.

Language: Japanese, English, and Chinese (Traditional Chinese Character)
Coverage Area: Okayama, Kagawa, and Ehime

6. OTS Rent-a-Car

Picture courtesy of OTS Rent-a-Car Official Website

OTS Rent-a-Car is a rental camper van service managed by Okinawa Tourist Service Inc., founded in 1958.

Although the company is based in Okinawa, it handles camper vans locally and in Hokkaido. This is an ideal service for enjoying the outdoors in both areas.

They also offer a free pick-up/drop-off service from airports (reservation required).

Their fleet includes cab-conversion types, with a capacity of seven people, and van-conversion types. The vehicles are furnished with a refrigerator and a portable stove. The kitchen faucet turns into a shower head, which can be used outside the car.

The price starts at 27,500 yen and goes for 24 hours. While it seems expensive, the package includes a high-quality vehicle, various rental items, and insurance.

Language: Japanese, English, and Chinese (Traditional Chinese Character)
Coverage Area: Okinawa and Hokkaido

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FAQ

What qualification do you need to drive in Japan?

Visitors from abroad must have a passport and an international driver's license; or a passport, a driver's license issued in Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Estonia, and its Japanese translation.
For details on the Japanese rental car system, please check the MATCHA article How to Rent a Car in Japan: A Guide for International Visitors.

What is the going price for rental camper vans in Japan?

There are different prices for weekdays; Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays; and for the peak season (from late April to August).
As of March 2024, the daily price for a cab-conversion type camper is 20,000 to 25,000 yen (weekdays); 25,000 to 30,000 yen (Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays); and over 30,000 yen (peak season).

Is it safe to sleep in a car?

Although Japan is said to be a safe country, please be mindful of dark and deserted places. Using an RV Park or a parking lot that allows overnight stays would be wise.
While napping at rest areas by the expressway or roadside stations is allowed, spending the night is prohibited, so be careful.

How do I look for an RV Park?

There is a list on the official website of Japan RV Association (Japanese link).
The Carstay website, mentioned above, has a list of RV Parks and designated parking lots in Japanese and English. There are also reviews of the facilities, so it is worth a look.

What type of a camper is popular in Japan?

The van-conversion type based on commercial models such as a Toyota HiAce, is favored by users. Most Japanese roads in urban and rural areas are narrow, so drivability is an important factor.

Where should I go if I want to use the restroom while driving?

Most campers are not furnished with a restroom. Therefore, look for public toilets at parks, roadside stations, or rest areas.

Enjoy Japan Riding a Camper Van

Camper vans are slowly becoming a trend as a way to travel in Japan. Use this article as a guide, and have fun on the open road!

Main image by Pixta

Written by

Eri Miura

Tokyo, Japan

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.