Vanlife Japan: The Ultimate Campervan Road Trip Guide (Part 2)
- roamnrolljapan
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 1
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 2 of this ultimate campervan road trip guide, we’ll cover how to plan your route, where to park overnight, how to manage waste, staying safe in winter, and essential apps for your journey. If you have not read part 1, please click here to read. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned van-lifer, these articles have you covered!
Table of Contents
1. Why travel Japan in a Campervan
2. Choosing the Right Campervan
3. Driving Rules and Safety Tips
4. Sleeping in Your Campervan
Japan offers several options for spending the night in your campervan, each with its own perks and considerations.
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations): These are free to park overnight and are dotted all over the country. They usually have clean toilets, vending machines, and sometimes even hot springs nearby. However, you’re not allowed to set up camping chairs or cook outside your campervan. It’s also polite to arrive after the market closes and leave before it opens to avoid causing any disturbance.
RV Parks or Campgrounds: If you want a more immersive camping experience, these are great options. They allow you to set up a campfire, use camping gear outside, and soak in the natural surroundings. Most have dedicated toilet and kitchen areas for washing dishes, making them super convenient. The only downside is that you usually need to reserve a spot in advance and pay a nightly fee, typically around 4,000–10,000 yen.
Wild Camping: For the truly adventurous, wild camping is also an option in Japan’s remote areas—but note that it’s not always legal or welcome. Be mindful of local rules and always check signs or ask staff if you’re unsure. Wherever you decide to sleep, remember to respect your surroundings, stay quiet, and pack out any trash.
5. Eating and Cooking in Your Campervan
While Japan boasts an endless array of delicious local food—from fresh seafood and ramen to rice bowls—you might find that after a couple of weeks on the road, you start to crave a taste of home or simply want to save some money by cooking your own meals. That’s where your campervan’s kitchen setup becomes a real bonus. Choose a campervan with a stove, fridge, and enough space and cooking gear for basic cooking, so you can whip up simple meals wherever you are.
For ingredients, stock up at farmers’ markets at Michi-no-Eki, supermarkets, or even convenience stores, which often carry surprisingly delicious food. Not only will you eat well, but you’ll also save a lot of money compared to dining out for every meal.
When cooking in the van, always keep safety in mind—ventilate the space properly and be cautious of fire hazards. Also, avoid cooking strong-smelling dishes that might linger in the small space. With a little care, you can enjoy tasty, budget-friendly meals on the road.
6. Finding Showers and Staying Clean
Japanese hot spring, known as onsen or sento, are a must-try Japanese experience—many offer beautiful outdoor baths, mineral-rich water with health benefits, and typically cost only around 500 to 1,000 yen. Be aware that some of these establishments do not allow customers with tattoos, so it’s wise to check in advance. If you prefer something more private, some highway service areas (Michi-no-Eki), RV parks, and campgrounds also have coin-operated showers available.
It’s a good idea to plan your shower stops ahead of time, especially in rural areas where facilities might be limited and tend to close early. Bring a quick-dry towel and some soap. Having wet wipes handy can also be a great backup in a pinch!
At Roam and Roll, our campervans come equipped with water tanks, a sink, and an outdoor hose—perfect for a quick face wash or rinse. You can refill your water tanks at petrol stations or campgrounds along the way.
7. Dealing with Rubbish and Waste Disposal
Dealing with rubbish is one of the biggest challenges when traveling in a campervan in Japan. Strict rules about waste disposal, mandated rubbish bags, and the limited number of bins can make it tricky—but with a little preparation, it’s manageable.
Tip 1: Sort your rubbish. Separate burnable waste (food waste, paper, food containers, etc.) from recyclables like bottles and aluminum cans. This makes it easier to dispose of them when you find a bin.
Tip 2: If your campervan doesn’t come with rubbish bags, grab a roll at a store. Opt for smaller sizes (under 10 liters)—they’re easier to stash in your campervan and clear out frequently.
Tip 3: Finding bins can be a bit of a hunt. Look at tollway rest stops, convenience stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets. Be discreet and mindful when using these spots—some require you to make a purchase. Campgrounds are a reliable option, but they usually charge a small fee for rubbish disposal.
8. Essential Apps and Website for Campervan Travel
One app you absolutely cannot do without is Google Maps. It’s perfect for planning your route, estimating driving times, checking toll costs, and saving all your key locations. It also helps you find essential stops along the way — Michi-no-Eki rest stops, onsens, toilets, and campgrounds. Someone has even compiled a super handy Google Maps list of campsites, onsens, and other great points of interest: Japan Campervan Essentials Map.
Here are a few more handy resources:
• Camp and Travel Japan – Great for trip ideas and route planning.
• Google Translate – Essential for navigating signs, menus, and conversations.
• AccuWeather – Stay on top of weather conditions, especially before hiking or during winter driving.
• Nap-Camp – To find and book campgrounds across Japan.
• RV Park Smart – For locating RV parks.
• Yuru-To – To find onsens and traditional ryokans along your journey.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring for your own campervan adventure in Japan! 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 and let’s make your Japan road trip dreams come true!
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