Customers' story: Japan Campervan Adventure SUP & Camping at FOLBOT Owners Meeting 2026
There are many ways to explore Japan, but some of our favourite trips are the ones that combine a Japan campervan, camping, outdoor activities, and a destination that gives us a reason to get out on the water.
This time, we packed our own SUP, rented a campervan from Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, and left Tokyo for Lake Motosu, one of the Fuji Five Lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Our destination was Motosu Lakeside Campground, where we joined the FOLBOT OWNERS meeting 2026 — a two-day outdoor gathering bringing together more than 100 FOLBOT owners for SUP, kayaking, camping, sauna sessions, food, music, and an early-morning cruise on Lake Motosu.
For anyone thinking about combining a campervan road trip in Japan with SUP, kayaking, hiking, or camping, this was exactly the kind of trip that shows why traveling by campervan can be so much fun.
Leaving Tokyo with Our SUP in the Campervan
One of the biggest advantages of renting a campervan in Japan is simple: you can bring a lot more outdoor gear with you. For this trip, we brought our own SUP.
Instead of worrying about carrying a large SUP bag, paddle, pump, camping equipment, clothes, and everything else on trains and buses, we could load everything into our Roam and Roll campervan and drive directly from Tokyo toward Lake Motosu.
This is one of the reasons we particularly enjoy campervan travel for outdoor trips in Japan. You can bring your own SUP, camping gear, hiking equipment, camera gear, or other bulky equipment and keep everything together in the vehicle.
The scenery gradually changed from Tokyo's busy streets to mountains, forests, and eventually the beautiful landscape surrounding Mt. Fuji.
Destination: Motosu Lakeside Campground
Our destination was Motosu Lakeside Campground (本栖レークサイドキャンプ場) on the shore of Lake Motosu in Yamanashi. Lake Motosu is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and is particularly famous for its remarkably clear water.
The campground sits directly beside the lake and is surrounded by pine forest, making it a great base for outdoor activities such as SUP, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing.
For us, the biggest attraction was being able to stay so close to the water.
You can wake up, prepare your equipment and head straight out to enjoy the lake.
With a campervan, the journey, accommodation and outdoor experience become part of the same trip.
Joining FOLBOT OWNERS Meeting 2026
The main reason for this particular trip was the FOLBOT OWNERS meeting 2026, held at Motosu Lakeside Campground on August 22–23, 2026.
This year's event was held as a private owners' meeting, and tickets completely sold out. More than 100 FOLBOT owners gathered at Lake Motosu for the event.
Seeing so many SUPs and kayaks lined up along the shore created a fantastic atmosphere.
SUP on Lake Motosu
This was the part we had been waiting for.
We unloaded our SUP from the campervan, prepared everything beside the lake and headed onto the water.
Lake Motosu is a fantastic place for SUP. The water is known for being deep and exceptionally clear, and when conditions are good, you can see beautiful shades of blue and emerald green beneath you.
During the FOLBOT event, there was plenty of free-riding time as well as instruction for SUP participants. Some people practiced tricks, while others simply paddled around and enjoyed being on the lake.
For us, that freedom is the best part. There is no need to rush. Paddle for a while, return to the campsite, take a break, grab something from the campervan and head back onto the water whenever you feel like it.
It's exactly the kind of slow travel that works so well with a Japan campervan road trip.
More Than Just SUP and Kayaking
The FOLBOT OWNERS meeting wasn't only about paddling.
Throughout the event, there were food stalls, a lakeside wood-fired sauna, a DJ booth and activities where participants could meet other outdoor enthusiasts.
The sauna was particularly tempting after spending time in the lake.
You could warm yourself up after being in the water — or do the opposite and jump into the lake after the sauna.
There were also food and craft beer vendors, which meant we didn't have to spend the entire event cooking at the campsite.
Camping Beside Lake Motosu
After spending the day on the water, being able to return directly to the campervan was one of our favourite parts of the trip. No hotel check-in, No train schedule, No need to pack everything away and travel somewhere else for the night.
We could simply change clothes, relax at the campsite and enjoy the evening beside the lake.
This is where traveling by campervan in Japan really makes sense for people who love outdoor activities. The campervan isn't only transportation. It's also your bedroom, your storage space, your place to relax, and your basecamp for the entire adventure. Instead of organising separate transportation and accommodation, everything travels with you.
Morning Cruise — Looking for Mt. Fuji
At 6:00 AM, participants headed back onto Lake Motosu for the morning cruise.
Mt. Fuji isn't necessarily visible directly from the campground. But once you paddle farther out onto the lake, the view changes. During the morning cruise, Mt. Fuji appeared beyond the lake.
SUPs and kayaks gathered together on the water with Fuji in the background — probably one of the most memorable moments of the entire weekend.
There's something special about seeing Mt. Fuji from the water early in the morning. The lake is quieter. The air feels cooler.
And instead of looking at Fuji from a crowded observation point, you're standing on a SUP in the middle of Lake Motosu. That's the kind of Japan experience we love.
Cooking, Relaxing & Sleeping by the Lake with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan
One of our favourite parts of this trip actually happened after we got off the water.
After a full day of SUP and activities at the FOLBOT OWNERS meeting, we returned to our Roam and Roll Campervan Japan parked at the campground and simply slowed everything down.
This is exactly why we chose a Japan campervan for this trip. We didn't need to pack up our SUP gear, drive back into town, find a restaurant and then check into a hotel. Everything we needed for the evening was already with us.
Our Campervan Became Our Little Lakeside Home
We changed out of our wet clothes, opened up the campervan and started preparing dinner right beside the lake.
With our camping table and chairs set up outside, cooking became part of the experience rather than just another meal.
We prepared a simple dinner, sat outside the Roam and Roll campervan, and enjoyed our food with Lake Motosu just a few steps away.
After spending most of the day paddling, sitting down with a warm meal while looking out over the lake felt surprisingly special. No crowds. No restaurant reservation. No rushing back to a hotel. Just food, fresh air, our campervan and the lake.
When the Campervan Becomes More Than Transportation
This was the moment when we really appreciated traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan.
During the day, the campervan carried our SUP, paddles, clothes, camping equipment and everything else we needed for the weekend. In the evening, it became our place to cook, eat and relax. And at night, it became our bedroom.
That's one of the biggest differences between renting a normal car and traveling by campervan in Japan. You're not simply driving from one attraction to another — your vehicle becomes part of the travel experience itself.
Sleeping in the Campervan Beside Lake Motosu
When it was time to sleep, we packed away our outdoor setup and moved inside the campervan. Being able to sleep comfortably in the same vehicle we'd used for the entire trip made everything incredibly easy.
Outside, we were surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of Motosu Lakeside Campground. Inside, we had our own comfortable sleeping space and could properly rest after a long day on the water.
For travelers who enjoy SUP, kayaking, hiking, camping or other outdoor adventures, this is where a Roam and Roll Campervan Japan rental really shines.
It gives you the freedom to bring your own gear, stay close to nature and enjoy the quieter moments between destinations.
And that is exactly what we love about exploring Japan by campervan.
Why a Japan Campervan Works So Well for SUP Trips
After this trip, we'd definitely recommend a Japan campervan rental for travelers planning an outdoor-focused holiday.
Having a campervan made it much easier to transport our SUP and all the equipment that came with it. And it opens up many possibilities beyond Lake Motosu.
You could build an entire road trip around:
SUP and kayaking
Hiking and trekking
Lakeside camping
Cycling
Fishing
Photography
Skiing and snowboarding in winter
Exploring national parks and rural Japan
Instead of planning your trip around train stations, you can plan it around the places you actually want to explore.
Thinking About Bringing Your Own SUP to Japan?
If you're traveling around Japan with your own SUP, kayak equipment, hiking gear or other outdoor equipment, renting a larger vehicle can make the trip considerably easier.
With Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, you can start your campervan journey from Tokyo, load up your gear and build your itinerary around Japan's lakes, mountains and campgrounds.
Ready for your own Japan campervan adventure?
Explore Japan beyond the cities with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan whether your next trip is about SUP, hiking, camping, skiing, or simply discovering somewhere new at your own pace.
If you’re interested, feel free to contact:
Instagram: @roamandrolljapan
Facebook: Roam & Roll Campervan Japan
Browse campervan models and pricing at:🌐 www.roamandrollcampervan.com
Comments