JAPAN CAMPER ROADTRIP - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Japan is a country full of contrasts - futuristic metropolises, centuries-old traditions and untouched natural landscapes come together here in a fascinating way. But away from the well-known Shinkansen routes, there is another, equally fascinating way to discover this extraordinary country: by camper van! We rented a camper van from the camper van rental company Travellers Autobarn and traveled through Japan for two weeks.

Traveling with a campervan offers unbeatable flexibility, allowing you to not only travel the big cities but also discover hidden gems - from outlying mountain villages to tropical coastlines. It combines closeness to nature with cost efficiency and allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in Japanese culture.

Japan proves to be a perfect country for a camper vacation. An excellent infrastructure, exceptional hospitality and outstanding safety make it an ideal destination, even for motorhome beginners. In addition, there are breathtaking landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps to the bamboo forests of Kyoto, as well as unique cultural experiences that make traveling an unforgettable adventure.

Read on to find out everything you need to know for your camper adventure in Japan.

Disclaimer: On our road trip we cooperated with the provider Travellers Autobarn Japan. We share our impressions and experiences with you here in an unbiased and honest way.

CONTENT

▹ Camper van rental in Japan: 5 things you should know

▹ 1. Finding the right rental - Travellers Autobarn

▹ 2. International driving license or driving license translation?

▹ 3. Road traffic rules and tolls

▹ 4. Michi no Eki - Japanese rest areas

▹ 5. On the road: Grocery shopping, showers and everyday life in a camper

▹ Our travel route

▹ Tips for your roadtrip

▹ Conclusion

CAMPER VAN RENTAL IN JAPAN: 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. FINDING THE RIGHT RENTAL - TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN

There are numerous campervan rental providers in Japan, with most stations located near major cities and airports such as Tokyo and Osaka. These strategic locations allow travelers to start their adventures as soon as they arrive.

For our trip, we chose Travellers Autobarn, a popular provider of camper van rental in Japan, with a convenient location right at Narita Airport in Tokyo. This location is ideal, especially if you plan to explore the fascinating metropolis of Tokyo before or after your road trip.

Travellers Autobarn's campervans are perfect for exploring Japan's diverse landscapes. Thanks to their compact size, they are easy to drive even on narrow roads, for example in the mountains. The equipment leaves nothing to be desired: All the essentials such as cooking sets, sleeping bags and towels are included, so you can set off straight away without any additional preparation.

The vehicles are in outstanding condition. We had no problems of any kind and everything ran absolutely smoothly. Especially practical: the campervans are equipped with an automatic gearbox, which makes driving on the left much easier - ideal if you are not used to this style of driving. This allowed us to enjoy the impressive landscapes around us even more.

We were particularly impressed by the service provided by the team at Travellers Autobarn. Not only are they super friendly, but they also respond quickly to questions and provide helpful tips for the trip. Whether it's about routes, sights or organizational questions, you'll be well cared and looked after.

So if you're looking for camper van rental in Tokyo, Travellers Autobarn is an excellent choice. The combination of ideal location, excellent facilities and first-class customer service makes them the perfect partner for a campervan trip through Japan. Also, If you're dreaming of exploring Australia, New Zealand, or the USA on a road trip, Travellers Autobarn has campervan rental locations there too!

2. INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE OR DRIVING LICENSE TRANSLATION?

If you want to drive a vehicle in Japan, you need more than just your national driver's license. For German citizens - as well as for travelers from Switzerland, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan - an international driving license is not sufficient. Instead, an official translation of the national driver's license into Japanese is required, which must be carried along with the original driver's license.

There are two ways to apply for this translation:

In Advance in Germany: the more convenient but more expensive option is to apply to providers such as ADAC or online translation services (cost: approx. €60). This way you can ensure that the translation is ready before you start your trip. This option is particularly practical if you are only in Japan for a short time and don't want to lose any time once you arrive. Depending on the provider, the processing time ranges from a few days to up to 3 weeks.

Onsite in Japan: Applying to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) is cheaper and official. However, you must already be in Japan. The translation can be done in a branch or online on the website. The processing time can vary between a few hours and up to two weeks, depending on the location and workload.

Important: The translation is not valid without the original driver's license, so don't forget to carry both with you.

3. ROAD TRAFFIC RULES AND TOLLS

Exploring Japan by car is a special experience - from curvy mountain roads and quiet country streets to modern expressways. Before you hit the road, there are a few important things to know to ensure a safe and relaxed journey.

Lefthand traffic and road conditions

Japan has left-hand traffic, which can be a little unfamiliar at first. However, with a little practice, especially at junctions or traffic circles, you will quickly get used to it. The expressways - Japan's highways - are clearly structured, well indicated and make it easy to travel long distances quickly. Almost all traffic signs are also translated into English.

Away from the big cities, you can usually expect narrower roads in the countryside, especially in the mountains or remote areas. This can be challenging in places, but Japanese drivers are generally very relaxed and considerate, which makes driving much more relaxed.

Speed regulation: The maximum speed limit on highways is usually 80-100 km/h, on country roads 50-60 km/h and in cities usually 30-40 km/h.

Tolls and the ETC-System

Almost all expressways in Japan are charged with tolls. To simplify the payment process, the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system is the best option.

With an ETC reader, tolls are automatically charged when you pass through the gates at the toll stations. We rented an ETC device from Travellers Autobarn, which was incredibly practical. This meant we could drive without interruption and didn't have to worry about paying - all the charges were collected and conveniently settled at the end of the trip.

4. "MICHI NO EKI" - JAPANESE REST AREAS

If you travel Japan by camper, you will quickly realize that the rest areas, the so-called Michi no Eki, are much more than simple parking lots. These facilities are perfectly tailored to the needs of travelers and offer an amazing variety of amenities.

Michi no Eki, literally “road stations”, are government-sponsored rest areas that can be found along country roads throughout Japan. They are accessible free of charge and are an important part of rural Japan.

What do Michi no Eki offer?

Each Michi no Eki station is different, but most have the following basic features:

Overnight accomodation: Michi no Eki are free to stay overnight, making them a popular option for vanlifers and campers. They are safe and usually quiet. On our two-week road trip, we didn't pay a penny for overnight stays.

Clean toilets: Open around the clock and usually in excellent condition (hello heated toilet seat and waterfall sounds).

Parking options: Plenty of space, especially for larger vehicles such as motorhomes.

Local products: Many Michi no Eki have markets selling regional specialties, fruits, vegetables or handcrafted products.

Restaurants and snack bars: Ideal for sampling the local cuisine - from fresh fish in coastal regions to typical dishes from the mountains.

Tourist information: There are often brochures and maps of sights in the area.

Some larger Michi no Eki offer additional features such as showers, hot springs (Onsen), or playgrounds.

How to find Michi no Eki?

Michi no Eki are well signed along country roads and easy to find. We often used the official website by filtering by the Prefecture we were in and the amenities we needed. A little tip: Use the translation function in your browser as the website is only available in Japanese. Alternatively, you can also search for Michi No Eki in navigation systems such as Apple Maps or Google Maps in your area - the search terms “Roadside Station” or “Roadstation” worked best for us.

5. ON THE ROAD: GROCERY SHOPPING, SHOWERS AND EVERYDAY LIFE IN A CAMPER VAN

A road trip through Japan offers unforgettable experiences, but also a few practical challenges. From grocery shopping and waste disposal to taking a shower - here are our experiences and tips on how to master everyday life on the road without any problems.

Grocery shopping in Japan

Shopping in Japan is incredibly straightforward, especially thanks to the numerous convenience stores that can be found almost everywhere. Seven Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart are the best-known chains that are open around the clock. They not only offer snacks and drinks, but also ready- to-go meals, fresh coffee and even household goods. Particularly practical for tourists: many convenience stores have ATMs that also accept foreign credit cards and sometimes even free Wi-Fi.

For larger purchases, supermarkets such as Aeon, Ito Yokado or MaxValu are recommended. These have a larger selection of food, including fresh fruit, vegetables and local specialties. Especially towards the evening, you can find discounted food there (e.g. fried noodles, sushi, salads), as many foods are sold fresh every day.

Showers and personal hygiene on the road

As we were traveling in November, many campsites were already closed. Onsen - Japan's traditional hot spring baths - are a perfect alternative for taking a shower and relaxing on the road.

Onsen are an important part of Japanese culture. The baths, which are either naturally heated by volcanic activity or artificially heated, are usually gender-segregated and require bathing without swimwear. Before entering, you wash yourself properly in a designated area. Afterwards, you can relax in the various pools, which are often located outdoors with a view of nature. There are onsen in all price ranges - from simple baths to luxurious facilities with saunas, whirlpools and relaxation areas. We usually paid around €6-10 per person. So absolutely affordable luxury when traveling!

Waste disposal

Another important point on a road trip in Japan is waste disposal. In Japan, waste is strictly separated and public garbage cans are often difficult to find. Michi no Eki are a real help here, as they almost always offer garbage stations for travelers. You can dispose of your garbage there, usually separated into categories such as plastic, cans and residual waste.

OUR TRAVEL ROUTE

Our first stop on the road trip took us to the fascinating Nagano region, which impresses with a mixture of nature, history and traditional charm. An absolute highlight was watching the famous snow monkeys in Yamanochi warming up in the hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park - a unique natural spectacle. We continued on to Matsumoto, where we admired the imposing Matsumoto Castle, one of the most beautifully preserved castles in Japan with its striking black facade. The day was rounded off with a visit to the historic village of Narai-Juku, a picturesque post town along the old Nakasendo trade route. The charming wooden houses and peaceful atmosphere take you straight back to the Edo period - a perfect start to our trip.

Our next stop took us to the Kansai region, where we explored three fascinating cities: Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.

In Nara, we experienced the peaceful atmosphere of Nara Park, where tame deer roam freely - a particular highlight for animal lovers. The imposing Todai-ji temple, home to the giant Daibutsu (Great Buddha), impressed us with its architecture and spiritual symbolism.

We continued on to Kyoto, Japan's cultural treasure trove, which delighted us with its variety of impressive sights. We started with a visit to the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, whose tranquil atmosphere and the adjacent bamboo forest created a very special mood. Not far away, we were impressed by the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with its unique stone statues, all showing different facial expressions. The magnificent Kinkaku-ji was an absolute highlight and a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto.

At the busy Nishiki market, we discovered a variety of local specialties, from fresh seafood to sweet treats. Finally, a stroll through the picturesque streets of Ninenzaka took us to the Kiyomizu-dera temple, from whose wooden terrace we could enjoy an impressive view of the city. Another highlight for us was the Tori Gates in Fushimi Inari-Taisha, where we were able to walk up the mountainside under thousands of traditional red gates.

Finally, we visited the lesser-known but no less impressive Daigo-ji Temple, which left a deep impression on us with its peaceful surroundings and historical significance. Kyoto offered us a perfect blend of culture, nature and culinary experiences - an unforgettable part of our trip.

At the end of this part of our trip, we experienced the vibrant metropolis of Osaka. Of course, we couldn't miss the vibrant Dotonbori district with its huge light panels and the fascinating Namba Yasaka Shrine.

Our next stop took us to Koya-san, one of the holiest places in Japan. There we visited the Kongobu-ji temple, the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism. The impressive temple complex with its ornate rock garden and centuries-old buildings gave us a deep insight into the spiritual history of Japan.

From Koya-san, we continued along the spectacular Koyaryujin Skyline Route, a beautiful mountain road with breathtaking views of the green valleys and deep forests of the region. The winding route was an adventure in itself.

Our next stop was the Maruyama Senmaida rice fields, one of the most beautiful rice terraces in Japan. The terraced fields, which lie gently against the hills, offered a picturesque panorama and a fascinating insight into traditional agriculture, which has been practiced in Japan for centuries.

Finally, we reached the majestic Nachi Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Japan. The sight of the thundering water falling 133 meters, combined with the scenery of the neighboring Nachi Taisha Shrine, was an unforgettable experience. This place combines nature and spirituality in a unique way and was a real highlight of our road trip.

From our southernmost point of the trip, we made our way back north to experience one of Japan's most famous and iconic sights: the majestic Mount Fuji. The impressive volcanic landscape offered us ever-changing, breathtaking perspectives from various view points:

Our first stop was the Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchi, a perfect place to marvel at Mount Fuji framed by bright red maple trees - especially spectacular in the fall. At nearby Lake Shoji, one of the smaller of the Fuji Five Lakes, we enjoyed a tranquil atmosphere and a clear view of the mountain reflected in the water.

Another highlight was the famous Chureito Pagoda near the village of Shimoyoshida. The sight of the five-storey pagoda in front of snow-capped Mount Fuji is a postcard image that perfectly captures the magic of this region.

The different places around Mount Fuji showed us ever new facets of the volcano, and each stop offered us unforgettable views and moments. This chapter of our trip was a real highlight and a wonderful conclusion to our exploration of Japan's nature and culture.

TIPS FOR YOUR ROADTRIP

Plan your travel time and route

Japan has four distinct seasons that can influence or inspire your route. Adapt your route to the travel season and take in highlights such as the cherry blossoms in spring or the leaves changing color in autumn. The different regions in Japan have an incredible amount to offer at any time of year. Your advantage with the camper van: you can spontaneously travel to wherever it is most beautiful.

Useful apps for on the road

Google Maps: Ideal for navigation, gas stations and sightseeing attractions. The “offline maps” function in particular is perfect for more remote regions.

Japan Travel by Navitime: Provides helpful information on routes, activities, sights and much more.

Klook oder Get your Guide: To easily book trips and activities in advance.

Disaster control app: For example, “NERV” for earthquake or weather warnings.

DeepL: An excellent translation app to help you communicate in Japan, especially with more complex texts or conversations. It has functions such as translating voice recordings or text from photos.

The right equipment

Good equipment makes your road trip more comfortable:

Adapter: Japan uses flat sockets (type A), an adapter is essential.

Powerbanks: For longer days without access to electricity.

Flashlights or headlamp: Practical for late arrivals at rest areas or campsites.

Sleeping bags and towels: Especially important if you are traveling in cooler regions. We also recommend microfiber towels, as these are particularly space-saving and quick-drying. However, we got everything from Travellers Autobarn and didn't have to take anything with us.

CONCLUSION

Our trip through Japan by motorhome was an unforgettable adventure full of freedom, impressive landscapes and cultural highlights.

The motorhome gave us the flexibility to discover remote places like the Daigo-Ji Temple, Maruyama Senmaida rice fields or the Nachi waterfall. At the same time, we were able to enjoy Japan's incredible infrastructure, from the convenient Michi no Eki rest areas to the well-maintained roads.

Mount Fuji, the beautiful finale of our trip, was a symbol of the beauty and diversity of this country. Japan is an ideal destination for campers, with friendly people, breathtaking nature and a culture that perfectly combines tradition and modernity.