Osaka Camping Car Fair 2026 ~Autumn Grand Negotiation Meeting~

Japanese company Carstay said total bookings for camper vans and overnight parking spaces on its platform reached 2,586 in July–September 2025, with gross merchandise value of about 98.37 million yen, roughly 1.8 times higher than a year earlier. During the summer holidays (July 18–August 31) there were 739 bookings and about 64 million yen in GMV; during Silver Week (September 19–27) there were 514 bookings and about 20.26 million yen in GMV. The growth is attributed to a shortage and rising prices of hotels: in peak periods, per-person nightly rates exceeded 15,000–20,000 yen, while renting one camper van costs an average of 16,000 yen and is shared among several people. In summer, the share of trips to music festivals and fireworks events rose from 5% to 15% year-on-year, while Silver Week was dominated by multi-region tourist routes such as around Shikoku and Tohoku.

At the Yokohama Camping Car Show 2026, held on 26–27 September at Pacifico Yokohama, Nuts RV presented its flagship Radicool camper van based on the ninth-generation Toyota HiAce. The show drew 20,158 visitors. The vehicle measures 5.38 m long, 1.88 m wide and 2.28 m high, with a capacity of 7 seats and 4 berths. It features a kitchen with a shower-equipped sink, an optional 40-litre top-opening refrigerator, a household air conditioner and the EVOLITE II fast-charging system. The base price starts at 7,980,000 yen; the display model was priced at 9,225,640 yen.

On October 1, the Ikko-Daira campsite in Noikura, Kotoura, transitioned to a new designated operator following the bankruptcy of the previous manager. Camping sites and a sauna will open on October 2. The operator is a telecommunications company based in Kurayoshi.

A three-day van life documentary from Tokyo recorded a work trip to Hachioji that coincided with two typhoons, over 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain in 24 hours and a strong earthquake. The trip was timed to the launch of a DIY Kei Van camper that took two years to build. On the drive home, visibility dropped to almost zero.

The Japan RV Association (JRVA) announced the certification of 18 new RV Parks in September. As of the end of September 2026, the total number of such overnight facilities for motorhomes in Japan reached 706. The new sites include locations at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari hotels and parks with views of Matsushima, the Seto Inland Sea, and Hakodate Bay.

The article claims vanlife combined with remote work is accessible at low daily costs. It cites prices: coffee at McDonald's — 150 yen, at Starbucks — 400 yen, a set meal at Sukiya — 460 yen, at Matsuya — 450 yen. Free workspaces include public desks with power outlets, and an AnyTime Fitness membership is suggested for showers. The author also mentions automated sales funnels and subscriptions to generate income while travelling.