Road Genius compares campervan rentals across Japan so you can choose the right van and supplier. Most international travelers start in Tokyo, Osaka or Sapporo and loop through national parks, coastal routes and historic towns. One-way rentals are common on the long north–south run between Hokkaido and Kyushu.
Season | Avg High °C/°F | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Spring (Mar–May) | 13–22 °C / 55–72 °F | Yes – cherry blossom season and mild weather |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 25–31 °C / 77–88 °F | Mixed – hot, humid, typhoons in late August |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 14–24 °C / 57–75 °F | Best – dry weather, autumn colors |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 3–10 °C / 37–50 °F (below 0 °C / 32 °F in Hokkaido) | Good for snow sports; roads may be icy |
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Private Auto Campground | Full | Hot showers, electricity, staff on site | ¥4 000–¥6 000 per night, book 1-3 months in advance |
National Park Campground | Water+Electric | Good scenery, low cost, close to hiking trails | Basic toilets, many close in winter |
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) | None | Free, 24-hour toilets, open all year | No hook-ups, quiet hours 22:00-06:00 |
RV Park Japan Network | Water+Electric | Waste dump point, 100V outlets, online booking | ¥2 000–¥5 000, limited spaces per site |