Camping Car Co., Ltd. and Hoshino Resorts announced the start of sales for a joint campervan travel plan across the Hokkaido powder belt. The route covers about 200 km in central Hokkaido.
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Nissan Motor Sports & Customizing (NMC) has released an updated version of the X-Trail MultiBed, designed for sleeping in the car. The model features new seats and upholstery, and now complies with the latest regulations. Prices start at 5,362,500 yen.
Bodyline, an aftermarket parts brand for the Nissan Caravan, has unveiled the second-generation Light Camper 2. The camper is designed for users who want to carry large items and motorcycles while maintaining living space. It features two side awnings: one for a relaxation area, the other as a sheltered pit for a motorcycle. Inside, a foldable bed kit with height adjustment and multiple storage solutions are installed. Chassis upgrades include stabilizers and shock absorbers with 40-way adjustability.
Kahonan Sabadoru, a Japanese idol and disaster prevention expert, conducted a 72-hour car camping evacuation drill without utilities. She found that a foldable portable toilet greatly improves comfort, especially for women, elderly, and children. She also advises keeping essential supplies like tissues, blankets, and cardboard boxes in the vehicle.
The city of Obana-zawa in Yamagata Prefecture signed an agreement on the 3rd with VANTECH (Saitama Prefecture) to use campers during disasters. Campers, which are easy to move and provide privacy, will be used as rest areas, emergency housing, and for transportation. The company has previously provided support during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Eleven campers are stationed in Higashine, where the company has a base.
A Tokyo resident bought a used camper for 9 million yen in 2023. According to the Japan RV Association, the number of campers in the country reached 173,000 in 2025, a record high. The owner cites high resale value and remote work capability as advantages, but complains about trash, cleaning, and odor issues.
According to the Japan RV Association, the number of motorhomes in the country reached 173,000 in 2025, a record high. A Tokyo resident who bought a used motorhome for 9 million yen in 2023 shared the benefits and drawbacks of ownership. Benefits include the ability to work and play guitar, as well as using the vehicle as a shelter during disasters. Drawbacks include maintenance challenges and role division during trips.
A Japanese couple traveling in a campervan shared on Instagram a photo of a mackerel dish they tried in Yamagata Prefecture. The post has received over 500 likes. The article also provides data on average pensions and medical costs for Japanese over 75.
Kentarō Kawabe, former president of Line Yahoo, who stepped down in June, bought a used motorhome for 10 million yen and is touring all 47 prefectures of Japan. He founded a company called KKJJ where AI agents handle the work, while he enjoys fishing, attends idol concerts, and meets people. Kawabe declared a paradigm shift in labor, urging people to let AI do the work and focus on human interaction and family.
Recvil has unveiled the ISOLA camper van based on the Nissan Caravan Super Long. The model features a waterproof rear compartment with a shower for dirty gear, seats six, and comes with a 300 Ah lithium battery, air conditioning, and a heater.
Japanese camper maker Recvee will exhibit at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 and Yokohama Camping Car Show 2026, featuring the volunteer-focused Pront VVDR.
On September 3, 2026, Nissan launched a facelifted X-Trail. The Multi-Bed sleeping option now includes a new variant based on the G e-4ORCE trim, available on higher grades. The bed accommodates two adults, supports up to 150 kg, and uses Cordura fabric. The new variant is priced at 5,635,300 yen including tax. Regular models also receive updates: new 19-inch wheels for G, black accents for X, and a standard remote power back door for X.
Japanese camper manufacturers unveiled three models developed jointly with outdoor brands Coleman, Captain Stagg, and Logos. The LAMP& model based on the Toyota HiAce by Camper Kagoshima and Coleman features a 200 Ah lithium-ion battery and 1500 W inverter, priced at 7.46 million yen. The keymaker trailer by Kato Motor and Captain Stagg weighs under 750 kg, requiring no towing license, and includes a 600 Ah battery and air conditioning, priced from 5,365,800 yen. The Delica D:5 Active Camper Logos Edition by Direct Cars and Logos, based on the Mitsubishi Delica D:5, has a 300 Ah battery and 800 W inverter, available for a limited time until December 24, 2026, priced from 7.98 million yen.
The Farm company will hold the 'Moon is Beautiful Moon-Viewing Night 2026' event from September 19 to 30, 2026, at Tachibana Fureai Park campsite and THE FARM resort. The event coincides with the harvest moon on September 25 and the full moon on September 27. Campers can join free of charge; other visitors pay between 400 and 1,300 yen depending on age and day. Activities include telescope moon and star gazing, a bamboo lantern-making workshop, seasonal decorations, local sweets, and a bath ticket.
The article discusses portable power stations for use in vehicles during overnight stays. It notes that devices like hair dryers or kettles require sufficient output power, otherwise the appliance may be damaged. Featured models include the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X (32,780 yen), DJI Power 1000 (11,440 yen), and Cellstar PDL-300 (5,780 yen), as well as the A PIT Autobacs Shinonome store in Tokyo where they are available.
Chiba Auto unveiled the 'Ageban GUARDIAN' camper based on a kei van with a roof tent. It serves for camping and as a temporary shelter during floods.
Higashi Onuma Campground in Nanae-cho, Hokkaido, will be temporarily closed from September 14 to 18, 2026, to demolish and construct new toilets and a kitchen building. The construction is scheduled from September 2026 to February 2027, with new facilities expected to open in fiscal year 2027. After September 19, the campground will be accessible, though construction continues.
A Toyama resident who spent 19 months living in his car recommends four little-known onsens and overnight parking spots for enjoying autumn foliage. All are open for day visits, with adult admission at 720 yen. Highlights include the Yu-Raku center in Nanto with views of a dam lake and mountains, and the Taira roadside station offering overnight stays.
The head of a support group for victims of the Kumamoto earthquake said that measures for people sleeping in cars are insufficient. During the 2016 earthquake, many victims initially slept in vehicles, and issues with understanding the situation and providing support remained unresolved. Satoshi Takagi (58), representative director of the general incorporated association 'minori' (Kumamoto City), pointed out that in disasters, there will always be people sleeping in cars, and authorities should prepare on that premise.
Leo Putt and Ta Barbie began a motorhome trip across Japan for a show. The journey coincides with Ta Barbie's birthday and is their first since the death of colleague Re.
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