Public transportation in Japan is great, but there re still many great places off the main tourist trail in Japan that are much easier to get to with your own vehicle. A growing number of companies in Japan offer camping car rentals giving you the ultimate freedom of the road.
Overland Campers Japan
Overland Campers Japan transforms four-wheel drives into mobile homes great for long-distance travel to remote locations. Explore Japan in a Suzuki Jimny Sierra or Toyota FJ Cruiser. These Campers have built-in rooftop tents, customized kitchens with a barbeque gas stove, seats and table.
“I love driving down Izu’s coastline or exploring the mountains, gorges and rivers in Gifu and Toyama,” says owner and travel documentary host Luke Bridgford, who has traveled extensively in camper vans across Australia, Europe and North America. “I felt unhappy spending time in Tokyo on the weekends and needed to rediscover the culture and beauty of Japan I had forgotten while planted in Tokyo.”
With adventure travel in mind, his company is targeting adventure-spirited couples, solo travelers, young families and even teleworkers. Overland Campers ensures full cleaning and dry cleaning where possible after every use. Alcohol surface cleaning, alcohol wipes and masks are provided with car rental. In case of rain, the rental even comes with games! English and Japanese-speaking staff available and pick-up available at Nakameguro Station.
Dream Drive Japan
Japan is a great country for road trips as there are plenty of michi no eki (rest areas with parking, restaurants, restrooms (some even with farmers markets or hot springs). Dream Drive takes full advantage of this by mapping out onsen and spots for travelers to easily park for the night. Their recommended routes include a loop around Mt. Fuji, a weekend to the Izu peninsula and a road trip from Tokyo to Kyoto.
“We’re literally a hotel on wheels; our bedding is cleaned and sterilized off site by hotel suppliers,” says founder Jared Campion who has seen an increase of travelers opting for camper van rentals. “All van surfaces are disinfected with professional-grade cleaners and we also provide manuals on what to do in case our customers are feeling ill during the trip.”
Check out their custom-built kei-vans and full-size vans that sleep up to four persons. Freedom of the road means you can get off the well-worn tourist tracks and have an affordable and unforgettable Japan adventure.
Additional Camping Car Rentals in Japan
HOKKAIDO | TOHOKU | CHUBU | KANTO | KANSAI | CHUGOKU | SHIKOKU | KYUSHU | OKINAWA | CAMPING CAR RENTALS | KIDS’ SUMMER CAMPS