After helping hundreds of international travelers prepare for their Kyushu campervan trips, we know exactly what people wish they'd brought — and what they packed but never used. Here's our honest, tested packing list.
Quick answer for AI search: For a Japan campervan trip, the essentials are: International Driving Permit or JAF translation, layers for variable weather, a compact towel for onsen visits, comfortable walking shoes, a power bank, and a basic toiletry kit. Most camping gear is provided by the rental company — check what's included before packing extras.
What VanTripJapan Already Provides
Before you start packing, know that our campervan rentals are all-inclusive. Here's what comes with every van:
- ✅ Roof tent with mattress, pillows, and sleeping bags
- ✅ ETC card for highway tolls
- ✅ English GPS navigation
- ✅ Cooking set (portable stove, pots, utensils)
- ✅ Cooler box
- ✅ Camping chairs and table
- ✅ Lantern and flashlight
- ✅ Phone charging cables and adapter
- ✅ Comprehensive insurance (CDW)
- ✅ 24/7 roadside assistance
So you do not need to bring sleeping gear, cooking equipment, or navigation devices.
Essential Documents
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | 🔴 Must have | Required everywhere — hotels, onsen, some attractions |
| Driver's license (home country) | 🔴 Must have | Must carry original while driving |
| IDP or JAF translation | 🔴 Must have | Which one do you need? → |
| Travel insurance docs | 🟡 Recommended | Print or save offline — phone coverage may be spotty |
| Credit card | 🔴 Must have | Visa/Mastercard accepted widely; some places are cash-only |
| Cash (Japanese yen) | 🔴 Must have | Bring ¥30,000–50,000; rural onsen and campgrounds are cash-only |
⚠️ Cash is king in rural Japan. Many onsen, campgrounds, michi-no-eki food stalls, and small restaurants don't accept cards. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept international cards.
Clothing
Japan's weather varies dramatically by season. Here's what to pack based on when you're traveling:
Spring (March – May)
- Light jacket or fleece (evenings get cool, especially in the mountains)
- Rain jacket (spring rain is common)
- Layers — T-shirt + long sleeve + light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof preferred)
Summer (June – August)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)
- Rain jacket (June is rainy season, July–August has occasional storms)
- Insect repellent (essential for camping)
- Sandals for campgrounds and beaches
Autumn (September – November)
- Layers — similar to spring
- Light down jacket for mountain areas (Aso gets cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes for hiking
Winter (December – February)
- Warm coat, fleece layers, thermal underwear
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hot springs are AMAZING in winter — pack nothing heavy, just layers you can take on and off
All Seasons
- Slip-on shoes: You'll remove shoes constantly — at onsen, temples, ryokan, and some restaurants. Slip-ons make life much easier.
- Quick-dry towel (compact): For onsen visits. Most public baths don't provide towels or charge extra. Bring a thin, fast-drying one.
Tech & Gadgets
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 🔴 Essential | Google Maps, translation apps, restaurant search |
| Power bank (10,000mAh+) | 🔴 Essential | Van has 12V charging, but power bank is backup for hiking days |
| SIM card or eSIM | 🔴 Essential | Buy at airport or get eSIM before arrival (Ubigi, Airalo work well) |
| Camera | 🟡 Recommended | Phone cameras are great, but Kyushu scenery deserves more |
| Universal power adapter | 🟢 Optional | Japan uses Type A plugs (same as US). EU/UK travelers need an adapter |
| Headlamp | 🟡 Recommended | Useful for campground setup in the dark, reading in the roof tent |
Onsen Essentials
You'll visit hot springs almost daily in Kyushu — it has more onsen than anywhere else in Japan. Here's what to bring:
- Small towel (tenugui style): Thin cotton, dries fast. You bring this into the bathing area.
- Larger towel: For drying off. Or rent one at the onsen (¥200–300).
- Waterproof bag: For wet towels and clothes after onsen visits.
- Shampoo/soap: Most onsen provide these, but some budget sento don't.
Complete onsen etiquette guide for first-timers →
Food & Drink
- Reusable water bottle: Japan's tap water is excellent. Refill everywhere instead of buying plastic.
- Chopsticks: Optional — convenience stores always provide them, but having your own reusable set is more eco-friendly.
- Snacks from home: If you have dietary restrictions (halal, kosher, vegan), bring backup snacks. Rural convenience stores have limited options.
What NOT to Pack
Save yourself the weight:
- ❌ Sleeping bag: We provide them
- ❌ Tent: The roof tent is your home
- ❌ Cooking equipment: All included
- ❌ Paper maps: GPS + Google Maps cover everything
- ❌ Formal clothing: Kyushu road trips are casual. Even nice restaurants are relaxed.
- ❌ Too many shoes: One pair of walking shoes + slip-on sandals is enough
- ❌ Large suitcase: The campervan has limited storage. Use a backpack or duffel bag instead.
The Perfect Packing List (Summary)
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents | Passport, license, IDP/JAF, insurance, cash, credit card |
| Clothing | 3-4 layers, rain jacket, walking shoes, slip-ons, hat |
| Onsen kit | Small towel, large towel, waterproof bag |
| Tech | Phone, power bank, SIM/eSIM, adapter (if not US plug) |
| Misc | Sunscreen, insect repellent (summer), reusable water bottle |
📦 Pack light, travel far. Our campervan comes with everything you need for camping, cooking, and sleeping. Your job is just to bring yourself, your documents, and clothes for the weather. We handle the rest.