Four vans in three models, one easy choice. At VAN TRIP JAPAN we hand-build and maintain every campervan ourselves, and each one suits a different kind of traveller. This guide helps you pick the right one for your Kyushu road trip in about two minutes. If you're unsure, you can just ask us on WhatsApp.
Quick pick: which van is for you?
| You are… | Best van |
|---|---|
| A couple, first time driving in Japan, want it easy & cheap | Toyota Probox 🇹🇼 most popular with Taiwan travellers |
| A couple who wants to sleep inside (great for rain) | Mazda Bongo |
| A family or group of up to 5 (the van sleeps 2) | Toyota Probox (5 seats) |
| Two travelers island hopping by ferry | Daihatsu Pocket Loft |
Toyota Probox (roof tent): our most popular
The Probox is a Toyota (reliable and familiar), extremely compact and easy to park, with the best fuel economy of the three and room for 2 to 3 large suitcases. You sleep in a roof tent under the stars. It's the favourite of couples and first-time visitors, and especially popular with travellers from Taiwan.
- Seats: 5
- Sleeps: 2 (roof tent)
- Engine / economy: 1.5L, ~13–18 km/L
- Size: 4.24m × 1.69m, narrow and easy on Japan's roads
- From: ¥22,000/day
- Best for: couples, easy driving, shopping trips, best value
Mazda Bongo (campervan): sleep inside
The Bongo is a hand-built campervan where you sleep inside, so you're comfortable even on rainy nights and don't climb up to a roof tent. Spacious enough to relax in, yet still narrow enough to drive easily.
- Seats: 3
- Sleeps: 2 (inside)
- From: ¥22,000/day
- Best for: couples who prefer an indoor bed, rainy seasons, longer stays
Two Bongos: HOUJICHA LATTE and MATCHA LATTE
Since 15 October 2026 we have two Bongo vans: HOUJICHA LATTE in beige and MATCHA LATTE in light green. The interior, bed, power system, equipment and price are the same; only the body colour is different.
Tell us which colour you would like when you book. Karen confirms the exact van before any payment, depending on availability. More about MATCHA LATTE →
Daihatsu Pocket Loft (roof tent): for 2 travelers
The Pocket Loft is a kei camper with 2 seats. You can sleep in the roof tent or in the cabin bed, and an indoor passage leads up to the tent. Its small size keeps it easy to drive and keeps ferry fares low.
- Seats: 2
- Sleeps: 2 (roof tent or cabin bed)
- From: ¥25,000/day
- Best for: two travelers and island hopping
Side-by-side comparison
| Probox | Bongo (2 vans) | Pocket Loft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Sleeps | 2 (roof) | 2 (inside) | 2 (roof tent or cabin) |
| Sleeping | Roof tent | Inside | Roof tent or cabin |
| Ease of driving | ★★★ easiest | ★★ | ★★ |
| Fuel economy | Best | Good | Good |
| From (per day) | ¥22,000 | ¥22,000 | ¥25,000 |
| Best for | Couples, value | Indoor bed | Two, island hopping |
All three include the same basics: insurance (CDW), bedding, camping gear, navigation and 24/7 support, with a free ETC card on advance request. Tolls and fuel are extra. See live pricing & availability →
Still not sure? We'll help you choose
Tell us your dates, group size and plans, and we'll recommend the best van, no obligation.
- 💬 WhatsApp Karen
- 💚 LINE (popular with travellers from Taiwan)
- 📝 No-risk booking request
Frequently asked questions
Which campervan is best for a couple?
The Toyota Probox is our most popular choice for couples: it's compact, easy to drive, fuel-efficient and great value, with a roof tent for two. If you prefer to sleep inside (better in rain), choose the Mazda Bongo.
What's the difference between a roof tent and sleeping inside?
The Probox and Pocket Loft use a pop-up roof tent, a fun, airy experience under the stars. The Mazda Bongo has an indoor bed, which many travellers prefer during the rainy season or in cooler weather.
Which van is easiest to drive in Japan?
The Toyota Probox. It is narrow (1.69m wide), compact and easy to park, which makes it ideal for first-time drivers on Japan's roads and a favourite with travellers from Taiwan.
Do all vans include the same equipment?
Yes. Every van comes with insurance (CDW), bedding, camping gear, navigation and 24/7 multilingual support, and a free ETC card is available on advance request. Tolls and fuel are extra. Only the daily rate, the sleeping setup and the power supply differ.
Which van is best for a family?
The Toyota Probox: it seats 5, the most in our fleet. Every van sleeps 2 (the Probox in its roof tent), so with three or more people, plan where the others will sleep, or ask Karen on WhatsApp before you book.
What is the difference between HOUJICHA LATTE and MATCHA LATTE?
Only the body colour: HOUJICHA LATTE is beige and MATCHA LATTE is light green. Both Bongo vans have the same interior, bed (190 × 135 cm), power system, equipment and price.
Ready to pick your van? Compare live prices → or ask Karen on WhatsApp →