Customers' story: Camping Around Mt. Fuji by Campervan: A 3-Day Dream Road Trip Japan
- roamandrollcampervan
- 1 day ago
- 15 min read
🤍🗻 Dreaming of camping in Japan with Mt. Fuji right outside your window?
If you’re planning a Japan road trip, exploring the Fuji Five Lakes by campervan is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. With a premium campervan rental Japan, you gain the freedom to travel at your own pace, stay close to nature, and wake up to iconic mountain views.
Here’s how our 3-day Mt. Fuji adventure unfolded with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
Day 1 – Start Your Journey from Tokyo
We began our trip by picking up our vehicle from Roam and Roll Campervan Japan in Tokyo. The pickup process was smooth, professional, and welcoming — the perfect start to our road trip.
Our first destination was Lake Kawaguchiko, where Mt. Fuji reflected beautifully across the water. We also stopped at Momiji Kairo (Maple Corridor), a peaceful scenic walkway perfect for photos.
That evening, we stayed at Fumotoppara Campground, one of Japan’s most famous camping spots for uninterrupted Mt. Fuji views. Watching the sunset over Fuji from inside our campervan was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Day 2 – Discover the Fuji Five Lakes
Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan allowed us to explore freely without worrying about hotel check-ins or fixed schedules.
We visited:
Makaino Farm
Lake Saiko
Lake Shoji
Lake Motosuko (the lake featured on Japan’s ¥1,000 note)
We ended the day at Koan Camping Ground, another lakeside campsite offering peaceful Fuji views.
This is the beauty of choosing a campervan rental Japan — flexibility, comfort, and the ability to stay right in nature.
Day 3 – Clear Water & Scenic Views
Our final day included:
Oshino Hakkai, famous for its crystal-clear spring water
Lake Yamanakako, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes
Hirano Beach
Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara
After three unforgettable days, we returned our campervan to Roam and Roll Campervan Japan in Tokyo — already dreaming of our next adventure.
📍 Detailed information and Google Maps locations for each stop can be found below this article.
For this trip, we chose to book a stylish campervan with Roam & Roll Campervan Japan, a premium campervan rental company designed especially for adventure lovers. Each van comes fully equipped with complete amenities, allowing you to travel comfortably from day one.
Roam & Roll Campervan Japan offers a variety of models and sizes, so you can easily choose the one that best fits your travel group—whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends.
And it’s not just about Mt. Fuji!With a campervan rental in Japan, you’re free to explore anywhere across the country and design your own dream road trip.
Currently, Roam & Roll Campervan Japan offers four models:
4 seats
Sleeping space for 3 adultsor 2 adults + 2 children
2 seats
Sleeping space for 2 adults
6 seats
Sleeping space for 2 adultsor 2 adults + 2 children
4 seats
Sleeping space for 2 adults
No matter your travel style, Roam & Roll Campervan Japan is ready to help you explore Japan with comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable memories. 🚐✨
For this trip, we chose the NAMI model 🚐✨It was perfect for the two of us
compact, easy to drive, and incredibly comfortable for sleeping.
Prices start from ¥22,900 per day(approximately ¥4,570 THB)
Important Information Before Booking
📍 Pick-up and drop-off location: Tokyo
⏰ Full-day rental — maximize your travel time
📄 Required documents: Passport and a valid International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention 1949, valid for 1 year only)
🛣 An ETC card can be rented with the vehicle. Expressway toll fees will be deducted from your security deposit.
⛽ Vehicles are provided with a full tank and must be returned full.For this trip, we spent only around ¥1,000+ on fuel.
🏕 The team can also assist with advance campground reservations.
We highly recommend:
Fumotoppara Campground
Koan Camping Ground
If you're planning a Japan road trip and want to experience premium campervan travel, feel free to contact:
Roam & Roll Campervan Japan
Facebook: Roam & Roll Campervan Japan
Browse models and pricing at:🌐 www.roamandrollcampervan.com
Roam & Roll Campervan Japan - NAMI Model 🚐✨
The NAMI campervan is thoughtfully designed to combine comfort and practicality — perfect for a two-person road trip in Japan.
Interior features include:
Built-in heater to keep you warm during colder seasons
Soft and spacious bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep
A refrigerator, ideal for storing food and drinks
Compact sink for convenient dishwashing
Power outlets for charging your devices
Interior seating area for working or dining
Multiple storage compartments for organized travel
Ambient lighting throughout the cabin
Retractable awning for shade and outdoor relaxation
Complete camping set: table, chairs, portable gas stove, gas canisters, and kitchenware
Dishwashing kit and basic cleaning tools
Open rear design that allows you to relax and enjoy full Mt. Fuji views
Optional ETC card rental, with toll fees deducted from the security deposit
Additional equipment can also be rented to enhance your experience.For this trip, we added a fire pit set, which made our camping nights even more special. 🔥✨
Day 1 – Pick Up in Tokyo 🚐✨
On Day 1, we picked up our campervan in Tokyo. After arriving from the airport and heading into the city to the agreed pick-up location, we were warmly welcomed by the team.
The staff provided a detailed explanation of the vehicle’s features — from the electrical system to the camping equipment and interior functions — ensuring we felt confident and ready to begin our journey.
Once everything was set, we entered our first destination into the map: Lake Kawaguchiko.
The drive from Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji area takes approximately two hours. The journey was smooth and relaxing. simply hop on the expressway and enjoy the scenic transition from city views to mountains and nature. That’s when we truly felt our Japan road trip had officially begun. 🚐✨
After driving along the GPS for about two hours, we arrived at Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji and the easiest one to access from Tokyo.
The lake is spacious and offers a wide variety of attractions and viewpoints. Some of the most popular spots include the Maple Corridor (Momiji Tunnel), the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Kachi Kachi Ropeway), Oishi Park, and the iconic Chureito Pagoda.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best places to admire Mt. Fuji. On a clear day, you can enjoy an unobstructed and breathtaking view of the mountain. The area is filled with fresh air, beautiful natural scenery, and wide open skies making it a perfect location for photography or a relaxing stroll along the lakeside.
Momiji Kairo (Maple Corridor), Kawaguchiko
Momiji Kairo, also known as the Maple Corridor, is one of the most scenic spots around Lake Kawaguchiko. During autumn, the pathway transforms into a stunning tunnel of vibrant red and orange maple leaves. Even outside of fall season, it remains a peaceful area perfect for a relaxing walk with beautiful Mt. Fuji views nearby. It’s an ideal stop during your Japan road trip, especially if you’re exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region by campervan. 🍁🚐✨
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
If you’re visiting during autumn, this is one of the most popular and beautiful maple tunnels in the Kawaguchiko area. The pathway is lined with vibrant red and golden leaves stretching along both sides, creating a stunning seasonal landscape. The cool air and peaceful atmosphere make it even more enjoyable to stroll through and take in the natural beauty.
Seeing it in person is truly breathtaking — one of those unforgettable moments on a Japan road trip. 🍁✨
Fumotoppara Campground
Mt. Fuji Camping with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan
Fumotoppara Campground is one of the most iconic camping spots near Mt. Fuji, famous for its wide open grass fields and unobstructed panoramic views of the mountain. On clear days, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise and sunset with Mt. Fuji standing majestically in front of you — a truly unforgettable experience for any Japan road trip.
For added convenience, the Roam and Roll Campervan Japan team can assist with advance campsite reservations. All you need to do is arrive and pay the entrance fee at the campground reception — simple and stress-free.
Fumotoppara Campground
Fees:
Adults: ¥1,000 per person / per night
Campervan: ¥4,000 per vehicle / per night(Prices may vary depending on the season.)
If you’re planning a Japan road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, Fumotoppara Campground is one of the most iconic places to stay near Mt. Fuji.
This stunning open-field campground offers a full, unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji — one of the best panoramic viewpoints you can experience during a campervan rental Japan adventure. On clear days, the mountain feels incredibly close, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light softly paints the landscape.
Why We Loved Fumotoppara
One of the biggest advantages of Fumotoppara is its excellent facilities. The campground includes:
A convenience store
Clean restrooms
Dishwashing stations
On-site onsen (hot bath)
Café and food options
It’s one of the most comfortable and well-equipped campgrounds for travelers exploring Mt. Fuji with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
Another great feature is the flexible parking layout. You can park your campervan anywhere within the open field — there are no fixed zones, unless it’s a peak holiday period and the site reaches capacity.
Important Tips for Campers
At check-in, make sure to collect a campground map from reception. A Thai-language version is available, and it clearly explains the rules and layout of the site. Reading it carefully helps ensure a smooth and respectful stay.
During winter, firewood is available for purchase (approximately ¥800–¥1,000). You’ll also need to buy designated garbage bags (¥100 each) and properly separate your trash before disposing of it at the recycling station when leaving.
Best Time to Arrive
We highly recommend arriving early in the afternoon to secure a prime parking spot. That way, you can fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and watch the golden evening light fall over Mt. Fuji — a truly unforgettable highlight of any Japan road trip by campervan.
Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan makes experiences like this effortless, comfortable, and incredibly memorable. 🚐✨
Day 2 – Exploring the Fuji Five Lakes on Our Japan Road Trip 🚐🗻
One of the best parts of doing a Japan road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan is waking up surrounded by nature. After preparing a simple breakfast inside our fully equipped campervan, we were ready to continue exploring the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region.
Traveling with a campervan rental Japan gives you complete flexibility — no rushing, no fixed hotel schedules, just the freedom to drive wherever the scenery calls.
Our Day 2 route included:
Makaino Farm
Lake Saiko
Lake Shoji
Lake Motosuko
We ended the day at Koan Camping Ground, one of the most scenic lakeside campsites near Mt. Fuji — and our overnight stop for the evening.
Makaino Farm – A Relaxing Stop with Mt. Fuji Views
Makaino Farm is a peaceful countryside destination with open fields and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a wonderful stop during a Japan road trip, especially when traveling by campervan.
This creative agricultural complex has transformed into one of the region’s most popular attractions. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing stroll through a charming farm setting while taking in panoramic views of Mt. Fuji in the background.
Inside the farm, you’ll find a variety of friendly animals that visitors can interact with and feed. There are also many hands-on activities available, including cow milking, walking with goats, and pony rides. For photography lovers, the iconic “Heidi Swing” is a must-visit spot — the farm’s signature photo corner and a favorite among visitors looking for that perfect Mt. Fuji backdrop. 📸✨
📍 Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdNUdWMi6fSzbr24A
⏰ Opening Hours
Regular season: 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Winter season: 09:30 AM – 4:30 PM(We recommend checking the official website for updated hours before visiting.)
🎟️ Admission Fees
High Season (March – November)
Adults (13+ years): ¥1,200
Children (3–12 years): ¥900
Low Season (December – February)
Adults (13+ years): ¥1,000
Children (3–12 years): ¥700
With wide open landscapes and Mt. Fuji in the background, Makaino Farm is a perfect photo stop and a refreshing break before continuing your adventure around the lakes.
Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan makes exploring the Fuji Five Lakes comfortable and effortless. A well-planned campervan rental Japan experience allows you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and truly connect with nature on your Japan road trip.
Lake Saiko (Saiko Lake)
This lake is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and the second largest in the region. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and rich natural surroundings, it is a perfect stop on a Japan road trip, especially for travelers exploring the area with a campervan rental Japan.
On one side, you’ll find the dense Aokigahara Forest stretching along the shoreline, while the iconic Mt. Fuji rises beautifully in the background. The western side of the lake offers one of the most scenic panoramic viewpoints — ideal for photography during your Mt. Fuji road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
For navigation, head to Saiko Nenbahama, a quiet lakeside area recommended for travelers who want to enjoy Mt. Fuji away from the crowds. It’s an excellent destination for those seeking a more relaxed and immersive nature experience during their Japan road trip by campervan.
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y948tawav1VSFitTA
The surrounding area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include Iyashi no Sato Traditional Village, lava caves, ice caves, bat caves, and the famous Aokigahara Forest — all easily accessible when traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
Exploring the Fuji Five Lakes with a campervan rental Japan allows you to move freely, stop wherever the views inspire you, and experience the landscape at your own pace.
Lake Shoji – A Peaceful Lakeside Stop on Your Japan Road Trip 🚐🗻
After leaving Lake Saiko, we continued our drive to Lake Shoji, the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes — yet one of the most charming stops on our Japan road trip.
Lake Shoji is known for its peaceful atmosphere and close connection to nature. What makes it truly special is the unique layered view of Mt. Fuji and Mount Omuro standing together. The smaller Mount Omuro appears in front of Mt. Fuji, creating a heartwarming scene that almost looks like a mother embracing her child.
For the best experience, we recommend heading to Tatego-Hama Beach. One of the highlights here is that you can drive your campervan directly down to the lakeside area. For travelers using a campervan rental Japan, this kind of easy lakeside access makes the experience even more memorable.
We absolutely loved the atmosphere at this beach. It was lovely to see families and friends parking their vehicles by the water, cooking simple meals, enjoying picnics, and taking photos together. The relaxed, community-like feeling adds a special charm to this stop.
If you're exploring the Fuji Five Lakes with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, Lake Shoji is a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience a more intimate side of your Japan road trip. 🚐✨
Lake Motosuko – The Deepest and Clearest Lake of the Fuji Five Lakes 🚐🗻
Lake Motosuko is the deepest and clearest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes, making it one of the most iconic stops on a Japan road trip around Mt. Fuji. It is famously known for the inverted reflection of Mt. Fuji on its surface — the very same view featured on Japan’s current ¥1,000 banknote and the former ¥5,000 note.
Because of its crystal-clear water and stunning panoramic views, Lake Motosuko is a highly popular destination for camping and outdoor activities. Many travelers choosing a campervan rental Japan stop here to enjoy lakeside camping with uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Motosuko📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aqAZkGfZtjdun3wK7
One unique feature of Lake Motosuko is that it does not freeze during winter, making it accessible and scenic year-round. Whether you're exploring the Fuji Five Lakes with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan or planning a longer Japan road trip, this lake offers one of the most memorable Mt. Fuji viewpoints in the region.
Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan allows you to experience places like Lake Motosuko at your own pace — wake up by the water, enjoy the reflection of Fuji, and truly embrace the freedom of a campervan adventure in Japan. 🚐✨
Koan Camping Ground – Lakeside Camping at Lake Motosuko 🚐🗻
For our second night, we changed the atmosphere and parked right by the lakeside at Koan Camping Ground, located at Lake Motosuko. It’s one of the most popular and scenic campgrounds in the Fuji Five Lakes area — and truly one of our favorite stops during this Japan road trip.
Not only is the setting incredibly beautiful and peaceful, but this lake is also famous for the iconic Mt. Fuji view featured on Japan’s ¥1,000 banknote. Waking up beside that very same view feels surreal, especially when traveling with a campervan rental Japan.
The atmosphere here is quiet and deeply connected to nature — perfect for slowing down and enjoying the simple beauty of Mt. Fuji.
Facilities
Koan Camping Ground provides convenient facilities, including:
Coin-operated showers
Dishwashing stations
Vending machines
All you need to bring is your food — everything else is ready for a comfortable stay, especially when traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, which already comes fully equipped.
Best Time for Mt. Fuji Views
If you’re lucky enough to wake up to a misty morning, the lake transforms into one of the most breathtaking Mt. Fuji viewpoints in the region. We highly recommend waking up early to catch sunrise. The sun rises quickly, and once it gets too high, the mountain can become backlit.
During winter, evenings can be extremely cold and windy, so make sure to bring warm clothing.
⚠️ Important: The road leading down to the campground is quite steep. In winter mornings, the road surface may be wet or slippery — please drive carefully.
Koan Camping Ground
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1etsyquoeqrPN4NR6
💰 Fee: ¥1,000 per adult / per night
Check-in is located at Koan Guesthouse at Lake Motosu (at the top area). Please park your vehicle and check in first. The staff will provide detailed information before you drive down to the campsite.
Staying at Koan Camping Ground during a Japan road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan truly highlights the beauty of choosing a campervan rental Japan — freedom, lakeside views, and unforgettable Mt. Fuji mornings. 🚐✨
Day 3 – Clear Springs, Scenic Beaches & The Final Stretch of Our Japan Road Trip 🚐🗻
On the final day of our Japan road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, we explored cultural landmarks and scenic lakes before heading back to Tokyo.
Oshino Hakkai – The Famous Crystal-Clear Village
We started our morning at the charming and traditional village of Oshino Hakkai, one of the most popular stops in the Mt. Fuji region.
Here, you can admire beautiful views of Mt. Fuji while experiencing traditional Japanese village life at the same time. The village is famous for its eight crystal-clear ponds — “hakkai” literally means eight ponds — formed from melted snow flowing down from Mt. Fuji over many years.
The water is so pure and clear that it’s safe to drink — and yes, we tried it ourselves! The peaceful atmosphere, wooden houses, and Fuji backdrop make it a must-visit destination during any Japan road trip, especially when traveling with a campervan rental Japan.
📍 Oshino HakkaiLocation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TqESBqQwVkufPyM48
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Lake Yamanakako – The Largest of the Fuji Five Lakes
Next, we drove to Lake Yamanakako, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and one of the closest lakes to Mt. Fuji.
This area is well known for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, cycling, and in winter, the famous “Diamond Fuji” phenomenon — when the sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mt. Fuji.
It’s a popular destination on a Mt. Fuji road trip, and having a campervan rental Japan gives you the flexibility to stop along the shoreline and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
📍 Lake YamanakakoLocation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hyimh36sRYT8814h6
Hirano Beach – A Quiet Lakeside Escape
On the eastern side of Lake Yamanakako, we visited Hirano Beach, one of the quieter and more peaceful lakeside spots.
This beach is known for its calm atmosphere, swans roaming around, and beautiful reflections of Mt. Fuji on the water. One of the best parts? You can drive your campervan directly down near the lakeside area.
We loved this spot because it was less crowded, offering plenty of space to walk, relax, and take photos. Moments like this are what make a Japan road trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan so memorable.
📍 Hirano BeachLocation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jv1rUdP14qqmnARv7
Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara – A Trending Photo Spot
Our final stop before returning to Tokyo was Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara, a scenic park that has recently become popular among Thai travelers.
There is a parking fee of approximately ¥500. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully maintained park with open lawns and wooden boardwalk paths — perfect for enjoying panoramic Mt. Fuji views and capturing stunning photos.
It’s a relaxing and photogenic way to end your Japan road trip before heading back to return your vehicle to Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
📍 Yamanakako Communication Plaza KiraraLocation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZA6YVw3MdYvMzp527
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
After three unforgettable days exploring the Fuji Five Lakes with our campervan rental Japan, we returned to Tokyo with full hearts and incredible memories.
Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan made the entire experience seamless, flexible, and deeply immersive — proving once again that a campervan is one of the best ways to explore Japan at your own pace. 🚐✨
This campervan road trip around Mt. Fuji was truly a dream journey that we had been planning for a long time.
Finally experiencing it together made it even more special. From lakeside camping to waking up with Mt. Fuji right outside our window, every moment brought us pure happiness.
These are memories we will never forget — a beautiful chapter of our Japan road trip made possible with the freedom of a campervan rental Japan and the comfort of traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable adventure. 🚐✨
Why Choose Roam and Roll Campervan Japan?
With Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, everything is thoughtfully prepared:
✔ Hotel-quality bedding
✔ Complete kitchen equipment
✔ Camping table and chairs
✔ Built-in heating
✔ Premium camping gear included
No extra rentals needed. Just pick up your campervan and begin your Japan road trip.
A Japan Road Trip We’ll Never Forget
Camping around Mt. Fuji had always been a dream. Thanks to Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, we experienced it in the most flexible, comfortable, and unforgettable way possible.
If you’re planning a Japan road trip by campervan, the Fuji Five Lakes route is truly magical — and the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.
🚐 Start your adventure with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan and discover Japan differently.
If you’re interested, feel free to contact:
Instagram: @roamandrolljapan
Facebook: Roam & Roll Campervan Japan
Browse campervan models and pricing at:🌐 www.roamandrollcampervan.com
Customer Review Feature
This travel story is based on a real customer experience shared by Holdhands Journey.
We sincerely thank them for choosing Roam and Roll Campervan Japan for their Mt. Fuji adventure and for sharing such beautiful memories from their Japan road trip.
You can view more of their journey and inspiring travel content here:👉 https://www.facebook.com/holdhands.journey
We’re always grateful to be part of our guests’ unforgettable experiences across Japan. 🚐✨
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