A 7-day Japan road trip by campervan costs 143,500-269,500 yen for two people — that is 10,250-19,250 yen per person per day, including everything. Here is exactly where your money goes and how to save.
Daily Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget Mode | Comfort Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Van rental | 16,500 yen | 22,000 yen |
| Gas | 1,500 yen | 2,500 yen |
| Tolls | 0 yen | 3,000 yen |
| Accommodation | 0 yen (free parking) | 5,000 yen |
| Food | 2,000 yen | 5,000 yen |
| Onsen | 500 yen | 1,000 yen |
| Total/day | 20,500 yen | 38,500 yen |
7 Money-Saving Tips
- Sleep free at Michi-no-Eki — 1,200+ roadside stations across Japan with 24h parking
- Cook breakfast and lunch — supermarket bentos cost 300-500 yen
- Use the ETC card — included with VanTripJapan, saves 30% on highway tolls
- Take scenic local roads — free, beautiful, and often faster in rural Kyushu
- Find free onsen — Kyushu has dozens of free natural hot springs
- Fill up at self-serve stations — 5-10 yen/liter cheaper than full-service
- Buy drinks at supermarkets — vending machines are 130 yen, supermarkets 70 yen
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Parking in cities — 200-1,500 yen/hour in central Fukuoka (avoid by parking at suburban stations)
- Ferry rides — Yakushima ferry is 8,000-15,000 yen per vehicle
- Activities — castle entry, boat rides, etc (500-2,000 yen each)