Why Renting A Camper Van Is The Best Affordable Way To Tour Uncrowded Parts Of Japan

It's easy for foreigners to overlook just how beautiful Japan is. Not the bustling streets of Osaka, or the blinding nocturnal skyline of Tokyo, but the country itself — misty, mountainous, and outlined with 18,480 miles of coastline. It may seem incredible that such a densely populated nation could also be so rural, but it's true: About 69% of Japan's land area is covered in forest. Indeed, traditional Japanese culture also involves taking great pride in your natural space; the ancient Shinto religion even asserts that the earth (including soil, trees, and water) is sacred and contains a divine spiritual presence.

But just a glance at Mount Fuji — one of the most famous mountains in the world — is all most travelers need to start daydreaming about a road trip through Japan. You could almost certainly rent a car at the airport and drive it around the island. Japanese roads are efficient and well-maintained and cars would grant you a lot of freedom. You could also ride trains across Japan's scenic countryside, or tour small towns by bicycle. Or, to the surprise of many first-time visitors to Japan, you could rent a camper van. Not only are these vehicles reasonably easy to find, but they're potentially the most cost-effective way to explore Japan's vast open lands.

It may be hard for Westerners to picture RVs and camper vans in Japan. Maybe some are accustomed to seeing campground signs and Southwestern mesas in the background, not bamboo forests and Buddhist shrines. But these vehicles are actually very popular among Japanese road-trippers. Some reporters cite social distancing during COVID-19 as a turning point for the current RV craze. Whatever the origins, large vehicles with living spaces are now a fixture of Japanese tourism and international guests are welcome to operate them as well.

Naturally, tourists will have to rent one when they arrive instead of bringing one from home. There are several companies operating in Japan, such as Samurai Campers, which rents two-person mini-campers for a base price of about $50 per day and five-passenger camper vans for around $100. There are Samurai Campers branches in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. There's also Japan Campers, a company based in Tomisato, about an hour's drive outside of downtown Tokyo.

As Japan Campers notes on its website, the infrastructure for camper vans is impressive: Japan has 1,200 road stations across the country, which are designed for free overnight RV parking. Public restrooms, water stations, coin-operated laundromats, and thousands of 7-Elevens providing iced coffee and snacks all day and night are also widespread. Such amenities easily offset the cost of the rental, especially for couples or groups.

Before you start booking, make sure to get an international driver's license from your local DMV or AAA –– this is required for vehicle rentals in Japan. Insurance is generally included in the price of the rental, but you may opt for the Collision Damage Waiver to dodge deductibles in the event of an accident. It's smart to get an electronic toll card as well since paying tolls individually can really slow a trip down. Many camper rental companies provide a delivery service directly to you when you rent as well.

A major adjustment for Americans is left-side driving, which is standard across Japan. If you don't have a lot of experience operating large vehicles, this added inconvenience might feel daunting, especially on Japan's many narrow roads. The important thing is to take it slow and acclimate to the new wheels and environment. Rest assured that Japanese drivers are widely considered safe and conservative on the road, and the speed limits are generally slower. Part of the appeal of camper culture is taking your time. As the classical Japanese poet Matsuo Basho wisely put it, "Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home."