Three vans, 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 — then you can just ask us on WhatsApp if you're unsure.
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 small family / up to 4 people | 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 2–3 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.
- 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.
- Sleeps: 2 (inside)
- From: ¥22,000/day
- Best for: couples who prefer an indoor bed, rainy seasons, longer stays
Daihatsu Pocket Loft (roof tent) — for up to 4
The Pocket Loft sleeps up to four — two inside and two in the roof tent — making it our pick for small families. It's still compact and easy to drive.
- Sleeps: 4 (2 inside + 2 roof)
- From: ¥25,000/day
- Best for: families, small groups of 3–4
Side-by-side comparison
| Probox | Bongo | Pocket Loft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeps | 2 (roof) | 2 (inside) | 4 (2+2) |
| Sleeping | Roof tent | Inside | Inside + roof |
| Ease of driving | ★★★ easiest | ★★ | ★★ |
| Fuel economy | Best | Good | Good |
| From (per day) | ¥22,000 | ¥22,000 | ¥25,000 |
| Best for | Couples, value | Indoor bed | Families (4) |
All three include the same all-inclusive package: insurance, bedding, camping gear, ETC toll card, navigation and 24/7 support. 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 — 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 all-inclusive: insurance (CDW), bedding, camping gear, an ETC highway card, navigation and 24/7 roadside support. Only the daily rate and sleeping setup differ.
Which van is best for a family?
The Daihatsu Pocket Loft sleeps up to four (two inside, two in the roof tent), making it the best choice for small families.
Ready to pick your van? Compare live prices → or ask Karen on WhatsApp →