Japan Campervan FAQ: Everything First-Timers Need to Know

Planning to rent a campervan in Japan? These are the questions we get most before people go, from licenses to where you'll sleep.

Do I need a special license?

No special license is needed. A regular car license is enough. Our campervans are standard vehicles (under 5m long). Most drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, obtainable from your home country before you travel. With a license from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan, an IDP is not valid in Japan: you need an official Japanese translation (JAF, or via our partner JDLTC) carried with your original license.

How much does it cost?

Our pricing starts at ¥22,000/day (tolls and fuel are extra). The daily rate includes:

• Vehicle rental with CDW insurance
• Camping gear (chairs, table, stove, cooler)
• Bedding and sleeping setup
• Portable power station (Probox) or sub-battery with AC outlets you can use any time (Bongo, Pocket Loft)
• English GPS navigation

Where can I sleep?

• Auto-campsites: ¥1,000-5,000/night with facilities
• RV Parks: ¥1,000-3,000/night with power
• Michi-no-Eki: Free parking, toilets, shops (a quiet night in the vehicle is tolerated at many if nothing is set up outside; some ban it, so check the station)

Is it easy to drive in Japan?

Yes. Roads are well-maintained, signage is in English and Japanese, and traffic is orderly. The main differences: drive on the left, speed limits are strictly enforced, and most expressways have tolls (much cheaper with ETC).

What about gas?

Gas stations are plentiful, even in rural areas. Regular gasoline costs about ¥170-180/liter. Our vans get approximately 8-10 km/L. A full week of driving typically costs ¥10,000-15,000 in fuel.

Can I cook during my trip?

Yes, outside at campgrounds. We provide a portable gas stove, cooking utensils, and a cooler. Never use the stove or any other flame inside the van or the roof tent, and don't cook in Michi-no-Eki car parks. Buy fresh ingredients at local grocery stores or morning markets. Many Michi-no-Eki sell local produce directly from farmers.

What about hot springs?

Kyushu is Japan's hot spring capital. Public onsen (bathhouses) cost ¥200-800, much cheaper than a hotel. Use them for bathing, relaxing, and warming up. Many accept visitors regardless of accommodation.

Is it safe?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Sleeping in your vehicle at campgrounds or at Michi-no-Eki that tolerate it is common and completely safe. Crime rates are extremely low, even in remote areas.