Why We Chose an RV Experience in Japan

Japan is known for their very efficient train systems, but what about a different option for getting around on your next vacation?

This is the question we asked ourselves this summer. Yes, we have used the train systems to get around in Japan. Riding the bullet train is a great experience in and of itself. Airplanes and buses are also very efficient for getting around Japan. Yet, depending on where we go, the crowds can be overwhelming and we may end up standing on the train instead of getting a seat.

We wanted to try a new experience, an experience in which we could set our own pace, not be locked into reservations at hotels, and be free to choose when and what we want to eat. This is why we decided to try an RV camping trip for a week in Hokkaido. Let me share some of the benefits we experienced during our vacation in Hokkaido, Japan.

Camping just isn't my thing!

Before you think, “Well, camping just isn’t for me. I prefer organized tours and established hotels,” hear me out. I understand camping can be seen as being out in the wild among the bugs and away from proper showers and other nice amenities. That just wasn’t our experience!

What is an RV in Japan like?

Having driven an RV in the States, I understand it can be kind of like driving a bus. Even smaller RVs back home can be a little unwieldy. They’re big and must be used, for the most part, at campgrounds in designated spots. It is not the same in Japan.

The RV we rented in Japan was one of the larger models. I told Mika that I wanted to be able to stand up inside. Yet, at the same time, our RV was small enough to park in any parking space anywhere we went. The RVs in Japan that people use are less like big buses and more like trucks with a shell on the back.

Inside, there was a 4-person table, a small kitchen sink and counter, a microwave, and a small dorm-size fridge with freezer. The rental RV also came with a small portable gas burner and utensils for the kitchen. This was especially good for me because I’m often hungry and can get grumpy when missing meals. It was easy to eat a simple breakfast in the mornings before pulling out instead of needing to look for a place to eat.

For beds, there was a lower and upper bunk bed in the back and a pullout bed above the driver’s seat that could sleep 2 adults or 3 kids. The table area could also be converted into a sleeping area with just a few adjustments. In Japanese standards, this RV could accommodate 5-6 people. It was more than spacious enough for just the two of us.

Where can we stay overnight in this RV?

Since the pandemic, camping in cars and small modified vans has grown in popularity. It is completely acceptable to stop at highway rest areas or even roadside parking areas and sleep overnight in one’s vehicle.

We chose some nights at RV campgrounds and some nights at roadside rest areas. Campgrounds have electricity hookups, as well as restrooms and sink areas. One campground we stayed at even had laundry machines if we needed to wash clothes. These campgrounds cost a nightly fee and can range from approximately $20-$50 a night.

However, the roadside rest areas were my favorite. They’re called “michi no eki” and literally mean “road station.” These road stations have recently popped up everywhere and are free to park overnight. It is common to see others camping in small RVs or their cars since this “car camping” trend has hit Japan.

Despite being free to park, many of these roadside stations have more amenities than campgrounds. They often have shops with local goods and produce, small restaurants or eating areas, and some local attraction like an aquarium or an ocean view.

Jerry, don't you need a shower?

This might be the best part of traveling in an RV in Japan. Not only do some of the roadside stations have shower facilities, many of them have or are located near hot spring bath houses, all of which are so clean.

As much as I love camping, it didn’t feel like camping because there was never a day that I missed taking a bath. In fact, some days I took more than one bath because the hot springs are so enjoyable and relaxing. So as much as I appreciate your concern about my BO, there was nothing to worry about. ♨️ 🤣

What else was good (or bad)?

It rained a couple days during our trip, but that wasn’t a problem at all. We were dry inside the RV. Also, the windows all have screens and we didn’t have any issues with mosquitos or other bugs getting inside.

Almost everything about this RV trip was great. We could choose to eat out or eat in. It was so easy to take a nap right after eating or whenever necessary. We were comfortable and didn’t feel cramped.

However, there were some things I wished were different:

Roof clearance – This RV was 2.9 meters high, so I had to avoid anything lower than that such as low underpasses, parking garages, and even drive through services with low-hanging rain canopies. Fortunately, there were no scrapes and I always stayed in the clear.
Mattress thickness – The two bunks in the back might have had an inch of cushion and kind of felt like sleeping on a board. Since there were only two of us, this wasn’t a problem because the other sleeping areas had enough cushion.
No drinking – It was fine to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with dinner at the RV campgrounds, but alcohol was prohibited at the roadside stations. However, most of these roadside stations sold non-alcoholic beer for those who wanted it.
No dumping stations – As popular as car and RV camping has become in Japan, there wasn’t anywhere to dump the gray water from the sink. This was surprising and somewhat inconvenient. We ended up pouring it in the public toilets.

Yes, I completely understand that these are insignificant complaints for such a luxury vacation. And I say “luxury vacation” as a contrast to typical camping trips. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and look forward to doing it again someday.

If you ever consider taking a vacation in Japan and want to do something different than a traditional vacation package, I highly recommend renting a small Japanese RV and exploring new places. I believe you’ll be glad you did!