The Complete Guide to Campervan Travel in Japan: From Rentals to Rules & Recommended Routes

Table of contents

Introduction: Make Japan’s Roads Your Hotel
Why a Campervan Trip in Japan Now? The 3 Key Charms
【Crucial】Basic Rules for Driving in Japan
Step-by-Step: A Complete Guide from Booking to Return
Where to Sleep? A Thorough Guide to Japan’s Overnight Parking Spots
How Much is the Budget? A Realistic Look at Costs
Ken’s Recommendations! Model Courses from Tokyo by Duration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ken’s Final Advice: For a Successful Trip and the Best Memories

Introduction: Make Japan’s Roads Your Hotel

Hello! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

“Sticking to a fixed route is boring.” “I want to travel every corner of Japan at my own pace.”
For the adventurous soul in you, I’m here to propose the ultimate form of travel.

A campervan trip in Japan is more than just a means of transportation. It’s a “moving hotel” and a “magical house” that takes you right into the heart of Japan’s most stunning landscapes.

By reading this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about campervan travel in Japan, from driver’s licenses to where to spend the night and how to craft the perfect journey. Now, let’s set off on a trip to discover a side of Japan no one else knows!

Why a Campervan Trip in Japan Now? The 3 Key Charms

① Ultimate Freedom

There’s no need to worry about check-in times. If you fall in love with a place and want to stay another night, you can. Your mood dictates the day’s route.

② Have Spectacular Views All to Yourself

Wake up at the foot of Mt. Fuji, fall asleep under a sky full of stars. The view from your window becomes a scene you could never see from a hotel.

③ A Journey into Japan’s “Everyday Life”

Buy fresh ingredients at a “Michi-no-Eki” roadside station or a local supermarket, and stop by an onsen for a day bath. The real pleasure of a campervan trip is immersing yourself deeply in the authentic, daily life of Japan, not just the tourist spots.

【Crucial】Basic Rules for Driving in Japan

This is the most important part. Please read it carefully.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An “International Driving Permit (IDP)” based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, issued in your home country, is mandatory. Be sure to obtain it before your departure. (Note: Licenses from some countries, such as Taiwan and Germany, can be used with an official Japanese translation).

Traffic Rules

In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road. Also, be particularly careful to make a temporary stop at “止まれ” (Tomare/Stop) signs, as this is one of the most common violations among international travelers.

Vehicle Size

Japanese roads, especially in rural and urban areas, are often narrower than you might imagine. For beginners, I strongly recommend a relatively compact type of campervan called a “van conversion” (VanCon), often based on vehicles like the Toyota HiAce.

Step-by-Step: A Complete Guide from Booking to Return

Step 1: Choose a Rental Company

First, choose a rental company that has good foreign language support.

Nationwide: Japan C.R.C. (has offices in Narita and Tokyo)
Narita Airport: VANTECH RENT A CAR, Travellers Autobarn Japan
Haneda Airport: TOKYO RV CAMPERS

If you are confident in your communication skills, you might also consider using a comparison site or a car-sharing service.

Comparison Site: RV JAPAN
Car-sharing Site: carstay

Step 2: Choose a Vehicle and Equipment

Select a vehicle based on the number of people. If you want to spend your time comfortably inside the van, a model with an air conditioner and cooking facilities (sink, stove) is recommended. Always check if you can rent bedding and cooking utensils.

Step 3: Booking and Paperwork

Most companies allow you to book on their websites. You will need three documents: your “Passport,” “your home country’s driver’s license,” and your “International Driving Permit (IDP).”

Step 4: Pickup and Orientation on Departure Day

On the day of departure, a staff member will give you a detailed 30- to 60-minute explanation of how to use the vehicle (water, electricity, heating, toilet disposal, etc.). Make sure to ask any questions you have here.

Step 5: Returning the Vehicle

As a rule in Japan, rental cars must be returned with a full tank of gas. Also, you are responsible for properly disposing of any trash generated inside the vehicle.

Where to Sleep? A Thorough Guide to Japan’s Overnight Parking Spots

Choosing where to park for the night is a crucial point that affects the comfort of your trip. I’ll introduce some of Japan’s typical overnight spots.

① Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations): Convenient but with Strict Rules

These are oasis-like places for Japanese drivers, with clean 24-hour restrooms and large parking lots. However, this is a “Michi-no-Eki,” and it’s strictly a rest facility for “napping.” Camping-like behavior, such as setting up tables and chairs outside the vehicle or staying for long periods, is strictly forbidden.

② Auto-Campgrounds: Fully Equipped and Great for Fun

Since these are facilities for camping, you can enjoy activities like setting up a table for a BBQ outside. Many sites offer an AC power hookup, which is a huge advantage as you can use electricity without worrying about the battery. A reservation and fee are required.

③ RV Parks: Comfortable, “Official” Overnight Spots with Power

An “RV Park” is like a combination of the best parts of a Michi-no-Eki and an auto-campground. They are comfortable bases created specifically for campervan travelers, with 100V power outlets and often a place to dispose of trash. A reservation and fee are also required here.

④ How to Find Them? Recommended Websites

Since there are few search sites with foreign language support, the most reliable method is to search for Michinoeki or RVpark on Google Maps near the area you want to visit.

By using your browser’s translation feature, specialized websites can also be very useful.

For Auto-Campgrounds: “nap” (Japan’s largest campground search and reservation site)
For RV Parks & Michi-no-Eki: “Kurumatabi Club” (Operated by the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association)

How Much is the Budget? A Realistic Look at Costs

Let’s get a realistic idea of how much a campervan trip might cost.

Rental Fee: Depending on the vehicle and season, a rough estimate is 15,000 to 30,000 yen per day.
Gasoline: As of 2025, gas prices in Japan are around 170 yen per liter. Campervan fuel efficiency is not great, so plan your budget accordingly.
Expressway Tolls: Japan’s expressways are tolled. If you plan to travel long distances, check if you can apply for the “Japan Expressway Pass (JEP),” an unlimited-ride pass for foreign visitors, at your rental company.
Other Costs: You will also need to budget for RV park or campground fees (3,000-6,000 yen per night), food, and day-use onsen fees (800-1,500 yen per visit).

Ken’s Recommendations! Model Courses from Tokyo by Duration

It can be tough to plan a route in a new country. So, feel free to use these recommended courses I’ve designed from Tokyo as a reference!