Vanlife Japan: The Ultimate Campervan Road Trip Guide (Part 1)
- roamnrolljapan
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Thinking of exploring Japan by campervan? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about campervanning in Japan. In part 1 of this ultimate campervan Japan road trip guide, we’ll cover why renting a campervan is the best way to travel in Japan, what to consider when picking the right camper van and important driving rules. In part 2, we'll cover tips on how to plan your route, where to park the campervan overnight, how to manage waste, staying safe in winter, and essential apps for your journey. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned van-lifer, these articles have you covered!
Table of Contents
Part 1
4. Sleeping in Your Campervan
5. Eating and Cooking in Your Campervan
6. Finding Showers and Staying Clean
7. Dealing with Rubbish and Waste Disposal
8. Essential Apps and Website for Campervan Travel
1. Why travel Japan in a Campervan
Japan is experiencing a tourism boom, with record numbers of visitors flocking to iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. However, this surge has led to overcrowding—long lines at popular attractions and bustling streets that can be overwhelming. Many travelers are now seeking to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, eager to uncover a different side of Japan: breathtaking natural scenery, charming small towns, and a slower, more authentic pace of life.
One of the best ways to experience this is by embarking on a campervan adventure. Campervan travel offers numerous benefits: saving on transportation costs—especially for families, as shinkansen tickets can quickly add up; freedom to set your own schedule and avoid the complexities of Japan’s train system; and bringing your accommodation with you, saving on hotel expenses. Another big benefit is that you’ll have a better travel experience and able avoid the crowds.
Of course, there are some trade-offs: toll roads can be pricey, city parking can be challenging, and you’ll need to familiarize yourself with driving rules and plan ahead more than if you were just hopping on a train. But for many travelers, these challenges are outweighed by the chance to truly experience Japan on their own terms.
2. Choosing the Right Campervan
Renting a campervan in Japan is more straightforward than you might think. Start by searching online for rental companies—there are plenty of options, from small local businesses to larger, English-friendly operators. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage. Most rental companies offer a range of campervan sizes and styles to suit different group sizes and comfort levels.
While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, do consider the comfort of the living space, equipment provided, and the age of the campervan to ensure safety and minimize the risk of breakdowns. At Roam and Roll Campervan, our campervans are aesthetically appealing, new and big enough to be comfortable and small enough to navigate Japan’s narrow streets.
The good news is that you don’t need a special driver’s license to rent a campervan in Japan. If you’re licensed to drive a regular car at home, you can likely drive here too. However, there are some exceptions based on country-specific agreements, so always double-check with your rental company. For most travelers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license is all you need. Foreign drivers in Japan from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. Instead, they must obtain a Japanese translation of their valid foreign driver’s license—issued either by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or by their nation’s embassy or consulate in Japan—and carry both the original license and the translation at all times while driving.
3. Driving Rules and Safety Tips
Driving in Japan isn’t as daunting as it might seem—the roads are generally well-maintained and clearly marked. However, there are a few key rules and safety tips to keep in mind:
• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Always stop at the Stop signs and railway crossings.
• Be mindful of the road you are driving on — don’t blindly trust your GPS. Some roads in Japan are too narrow or short for larger vehicles, so make sure there’s enough clearance before driving through.
• Take wide turns to prevent hitting curbs or obstacles.
• When reversing, have a passenger get out and act as a spotter to help guide you safely.
For more information about the rules, check out our full article on traffic rules in Japan.
Toll roads are a significant part of long-distance travel here, but they can be expensive. Before you start your journey, compare the travel time difference between toll roads and non-toll alternatives. Some apps can help you estimate the toll fees for different routes. Having an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card is much more convenient, as Japan is moving towards electronic payment—and some highway exits are exclusively for ETC users. If you’re paying with cash, you might need to detour or take a longer route. Make sure you ask your rental company for it!
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring for your own campervan adventure in Japan! Go here to read part 2 of this guide. This article is part of a series where we’ll be diving deeper into some of these topics to make your trip planning even easier.
At Roam and Roll Campervan, we’re passionate about making your journey comfortable and unforgettable. Our fleet of modern, fully equipped campervans and camping gear is designed for travelers who want to experience Japan at their own pace.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out. Ready to hit the road? Rent your campervan with Roam and Roll Campervan in Tokyo, and let’s make your Japan road trip dreams come true!
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