Camper Vans in Japan: 12 Things to Know About RV Parks, Prices, and More

Explore Japan in a Camper Van!

In recent years, the rental services for camper vans that accommodate foreign languages have increased in Japan, allowing international visitors to easily enjoy traveling by camper van.

However, there may be quite a few people who feel anxious about driving a camper van or how to book accommodations. Therefore, this article summarizes 12 important points to know when using a camper van.

Recommended Rental Services

For recommended camper van services, we have summarized them in this article. If you are considering where to rent, please refer to this as well.

Guide to Camper Vans in Japan

About Driving
• 1. Regarding Driver's License
• 2. Driving Precautions
• 3. Parking
• 4. Winter Use

How to Use Lodging Places (RV Parks and Others)

• 5. Places to Stay in a Camper Van
• 6. RV Park Amenities
• 7. How to Reserve an RV Park

Camper Van Rental and Amenities

• 8. Amenities Inside the Camper Van
• 9. Sizes of Camper Vans
• 10. Average Costs
• 11. Pick-Up and Return Locations

Other Tips

• 12. Filling Out the Entry Card

Regarding Driving

First, let's alleviate any concerns about driving a camper van!

1. Can you drive a camper van with a regular driver's license?

Many camper vans can be driven with a regular driver's license. There is no need for a large vehicle license.

In Japan and Taiwan, there are different licenses for manual and automatic (AT) vehicles. However, in recent years, automatic vehicles have become the mainstream in Japanese camper vans, so you can drive them without any issues with an AT-only license.

In the United States, there is no distinction between manual and automatic on the license. Therefore, there are no restrictions on driving in Japan.

Please note that for inbound tourists, you will need an international driving permit or a translation (in the case of Taiwan)!

2. What should you be cautious about when driving a camper van?

Camper vans are characterized by their higher height and greater weight compared to regular passenger cars. I remember feeling quite scared when I first got into a camper van due to the elevated driving position.

Therefore, when you are not yet accustomed to driving, make sure to drive slowly and cautiously. Here are some points to pay particular attention to:

Get used to the height of the driver's seat
The driver's seat in a camper van is positioned higher than in a passenger car. Familiarize yourself with the changed view and ensure you have a clear understanding of your surroundings.

Thoroughly check safety at the rear and sides
Camper vans have extensive blind spots. Make sure to use side mirrors and the rearview camera to avoid neglecting safety checks.

Don't exceed the speed limit
Due to their weight, camper vans have a higher risk of tipping over if you go too fast. Maintain an appropriate speed.

Maintain sufficient following distance
Because camper vans are heavy, the distance required to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes is longer. Ensure you keep a safe following distance.

Drive slowly around curves and intersections
Camper vans have a higher center of gravity, which increases the risk of tipping over when turning compared to regular cars. Additionally, their length means there is a significant difference in the tracks of the front and rear wheels when turning (inner wheel difference and outer wheel difference), which can lead to scraping the inside of the turn. Drive cautiously and slowly.

Be cautious of height-restricted areas
In Japan, height restrictions on highways and major arterial roads are rare. However, on regular roads, there may be tunnels with height restrictions. Such places cannot be passed through, so be prepared to detour. Also, be aware that some parking garages with roofs may not allow entry.

3. Can camper vans be parked in regular parking lots?

In Japan, parking spaces are generally about "5.0m in length and 2.5m in width."

As explained in the section on camper van sizes, small camper vans can fit without any issues, but medium-sized ones may just barely manage.

Therefore, when parking, look for spaces that are wide enough and avoid areas where vehicles are parked on either side to ensure you have enough room.

Places Where Parking May Not Be Allowed
- Coin Parking: In some locations, coin parking may not permit camper vans.
- Multi-story Parking Garages & Underground Parking: These places may also have height restrictions that prevent parking.

Finding parking for a camper van may take longer than for a regular passenger car. Therefore, be sure to allow extra time when planning your activities.

4. Can you use it during winter or when it snows?

Picture courtesy of Pixta

If appropriate measures are taken, you can use a camper van without any issues during winter. When using a camper van in cold regions or during winter, keep the following points in mind:

Tires
Rent a camper van equipped with snow tires (studless tires) or chains.

Heating
Check whether the vehicle is equipped with a combustion heater (FF heater) that operates independently from the vehicle's engine.

Insulation
Make sure to check if proper insulation measures are in place.

Nighttime
Driving at night during heavy snowfall is extremely dangerous, so avoid it at all costs.

Vehicle Type
If possible, it is safer to rent a 4WD vehicle.

Driving
Avoid sudden steering and hard braking.

Additionally, this article introduces points to be cautious about when driving on snowy roads. Be sure to confirm the presence of snow tires when applying for a camper van rental.

How to Use Lodging Places (such as RV Parks)

Now that you know how to operate a camper van, let's check out lodging spots!

5. Where can you stay in a camper van?

Image of an Auto Camping Site Photo by Pixta

In Japan, there are legal distinctions between places where overnight stays in camper vans are permitted and those where they are not.

Places Where Overnight Stay is Allowed
- RV Parks
- Auto Camping Grounds (some may not allow it)

Places Where Resting is Allowed but Overnight Stay is Not
- General parking lots such as those at convenience stores and supermarkets
- Highway service areas and parking areas
- Roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki)

Especially in recent years, the number of auto camping grounds that do not permit overnight stays has increased, making RV parks the mainstream choice for camper van travel. Next, we will explain RV parks in detail.

6. What are RV parks like?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 香川県三豊市観光案内所 (@mitoyo_gram)

RV Park at Chichibugahama in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture

An RV park, short for "Recreational Vehicle Park," refers specifically to a facility for overnight stays in vehicles that meets the criteria set by the Japan RV Association.

RV parks typically offer the following amenities:

- Power Supply: You can charge in-vehicle batteries and appliances like refrigerators.
- Water Supply: For cooking and washing, as well as refilling in-vehicle tanks.
- Garbage Disposal: May charge a fee for disposal.
- Drainage Facilities: For processing wastewater and toilet waste.
- Shower and Bathing Facilities: Often available for a fee, usually around 500 to 1000 yen per person.
- 24-hour Accessible Toilets: Often cleaned regularly, ensuring cleanliness.
- Shops and Vending Machines: Depending on the facility, you can find beverages, instant foods, toilet paper, shampoo, and other daily necessities.

Additionally, many recent RV parks now offer Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, kitchen spaces, and playgrounds for children.

7. How to Book an RV Park?

Picture courtesy of JRVA

RV parks are available all across Japan. Generally, reservations are not required for RV parks, so you can simply go to the site and apply on the spot.

However, during holiday periods, they can get very crowded, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. For information on Japan's holiday periods, please check this article.

Below are reservation sites for RV parks.

RV Park: Official RV Park Website

How to Reserve in Foreign Languages
Some RV parks are also listed on international booking sites like Airbnb, allowing you to make reservations in foreign languages. Additionally, camper van rental companies may introduce RV parks in foreign languages.

Carstay: https://carstay.jp/en/stations/current_location/?mode=map
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.jp/japan/stays/rvs

By applying through this link, you can receive a 10% discount on Carstay.

Foreign Language
Some RV parks are listed on international sites such as Airbnb, and booking can be done by a foreign language. Parks are also listed on websites of certain camper rental firms.

Carstay: https://carstay.jp/en/stations/current_location/?mode=map
Air bnb: https://www.airbnb.jp/japan/stays/rvs

Carstay offers a 10% discount by booking via this page.

Camper Van Rental and Amenities

Camper vans are equipped with a variety of facilities that allow you to live comfortably inside.

8. What kind of amenities are available inside the camper van?

Interior image of a camper van Photo by Pixta
Camper vans come equipped with various amenities necessary for everyday life. The details are summarized below.

Please note that the available facilities may vary depending on the camper van you rent. Be sure to confirm what is included when renting.

Kitchen
The kitchen typically includes either a gas stove or an IH stove, along with a cooking counter and a sink.

Toilet
Cassette toilets are common. A cassette toilet is a simple toilet that allows you to remove and dispose of the waste tank. Waste can be disposed of at disposal facilities in campgrounds or RV parks.

Shower
In Japan, many camper vans that are mid-sized or larger come with shower facilities. However, small camper vans typically do not have showers. In such cases, you can use the showers available at RV parks.

Air Conditioning
In recent years, many camper vans are equipped with roof air conditioning units. Roof air conditioners require an external power source or generator, but if you have that, long-term use is possible.

Heating
In recent years, many camper vans have been equipped with FF heaters. An FF heater is a combustion heater that operates independently of the vehicle's engine, allowing you to warm the interior without running the engine.

※ Note on Heating and Cooling
Both air conditioning and heating can be used if the vehicle's air conditioning system is operational while the engine is running. However, for the sake of engine longevity and environmental protection, long-term use is not recommended.

Other Amenities
In addition, each rental company offers various other facilities.

For example, with JAPAN Road Trip, you can also access the following amenities:

・ETC onboard device (necessary for highway travel)
・Refrigerator
・A secondary battery that can be charged while driving

Be sure to check these features as well when choosing a camper van that suits your needs!

9. What are the sizes of camper vans?

Cabover type camper van Photo by Pixta

The size varies by model, but here are the general sizes for camper vans:

・Medium Size: Approximately 5 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 3 meters in height.

・Small Size: Approximately 3.5 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 2 meters in height.

The choice between these types of camper vans depends on your needs. In recent Japan, medium to larger camper vans are popular for family or group travel.

For more detailed information on camper van sizes, please refer to the following article.

10. What are the average costs for camper vans and RV parks? Is it cheaper than staying in a hotel?

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

The rental costs for camper vans vary depending on the model, rental company, and rental period.

As a rough estimate, for small camper vans, the cost is around 10,000 yen per day, while for medium-sized camper vans, it typically ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 yen per day.

The average cost for RV parks ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 yen.

Therefore, if a family of four uses a camper van, including costs for shower usage, garbage disposal, and gasoline, you can estimate the total for one night at around 30,000 to 35,000 yen.

If a family of four stays in a hotel, assuming transportation costs of 5,000 yen per person, the expenses would be as follows:

Transportation cost: 20,000 yen (5,000 yen × 4 people) + Hotel cost: 32,000 yen (8,000 yen × 4 people) = Total: 52,000 yen

In this comparison, it's clear that staying in a camper van is significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel.

11. Where can you pick up and return the rental camper van?

Generally, the pick-up and return of camper vans is done at rental car company locations. For more details about rental car companies, please refer to this article.

There are many locations, especially near airports and train stations.

Additionally, some companies offer a drop-off service where you can specify a different location for returning the vehicle for an extra fee. This is very convenient as it saves you the trouble of returning to the original pick-up point.

Other Considerations

Finally, here are some additional points to keep in mind.

12. How to list a contact address in the foreign entry record?

When using a camper van, there is no need to stay in a hotel.

However, when entering Japan, it is necessary to write the address of your place of stay in the foreign entry record. Therefore, it is advisable to make reservations at one or more RV parks in advance and write down their addresses.

Travel Freely Around Japan with a Camper Van!

With a camper van, you are not bound by time, allowing you to enjoy your trip at your own pace rather than being confined to hotel stays. The flexibility to adjust your stay duration at sightseeing spots is also appealing.

You can easily adapt to changes in plans, such as spontaneous detours. Enjoy a carefree journey through Japan with a camper van!

Japan Road Trip: 5％ Discount Coupon
Carstay: 10% Discount Coupon

Written with Asuka Yoshida