Upcoming Events
All EventsJapanese couple quits corporate jobs for vanlife
A Japanese couple in their late 40s left their jobs at a major postal service and airline to travel Japan in a camper van. They stopped infertility treatment after five years and now run a YouTube channel about their lifestyle, which has gained over 70,000 subscribers.
Electric blankets and heaters for winter vanlife
A Japanese review recommends electric heating devices for motorhomes and camper vans in winter. The article features portable blankets powered by cigarette lighter sockets and compact heaters. The focus is on the safety of using electric heaters in the confined space of a vehicle.
Four RV Parks with Hot Springs in Wakayama Prefecture
Four RV parks in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, offer access to natural hot springs. The locations are situated in scenic areas and provide opportunities to enjoy local seafood.
Japanese couple reveals key to comfortable camper van sleep
Japanese bloggers who run a channel about camper van life in a Honda Stepwgn shared the key element of their comfort. They state that the main secret to harmonious travels is installing a double-size, high-resilience mattress inside the vehicle. The couple started filming their camper van life videos after turning 50, aiming to try something new.
Roof Tents Emerge as New Trend for Car Camping
A new style of vehicle-based camping, known as 'roof-top camping', is gaining traction in Japan. The article details a trial of the TRAP Overland N-Trip 2P Extreme roof tent, rented from a specialist shop in Yokohama. The tent sets up in 2–3 minutes and offers protection from humidity and insects, though it raises the vehicle's center of gravity and overall height.
Japanese vanlife YouTubers report increased conflicts on the road
A Japanese couple in their late 40s, who run a popular vanlife YouTube channel, say they started arguing more after their videos went viral. They describe their relationship shifting from a marital one to something resembling a boss-employee dynamic due to pressure over views and subscriber counts. Despite these challenges, they continue their journey around Japan.
New episode of camper van customization show released
A new episode of a Japanese TV program about converting vans into campers has been released. The episode features the customization process of a vehicle to meet the host's specific requirements.
New Year's Eve celebration in a motorhome with a dog
Motorhome and camper van owners are celebrating New Year's Eve on the road with their pets. The trend of holiday celebrations while traveling is gaining popularity, reflecting the growing interest in vanlife culture and traveling with animals.
Roof tents gain popularity for camper vans in Japan
A new trend of 'roof camping' is emerging in Japan, shifting from sleeping inside a van to on its roof using specialized tents. A rental service in Yokohama offers vehicles pre-equipped with roof tents, such as the N-Trip 2P Extreme model, which sets up in 2–3 minutes and is designed for humid climates. The format allows testing without commitment, though it increases vehicle height and requires ladder access.
New Accessories for Toyota Hiace Camper Vans and Motorhomes
Specialized accessories for space organization and comfort in camper vans based on the Toyota Hiace and Caravan have been presented. The range includes systems for creating a flat bed, organizers, drink holders, and pedals. The products are designed for models produced from 2013 to 2021.
Land Cruiser 250 vs Harrier for winter car camping compared
The article compares two SUVs for car camping in cold weather. The Land Cruiser 250 offers more width but has a 10 cm height gap when the seats are folded. The Harrier provides a flatter surface but features a sloping roofline that reduces headroom. For temperatures as low as -3°C, an electric blanket and a hot water bottle are cited as essential for warmth.
Increase in people living in vehicles instead of houses
Japan is seeing a rise in the number of people choosing to live in vehicles instead of renting or buying homes. High housing costs and a desire for mobility are cited as key reasons. This phenomenon, known as 'shachuhaku', is gaining attention as an alternative lifestyle.
Disaster expert: How motorhome experience aids evacuation
A disaster prevention specialist explains how recreational vehicle living experience can be adapted for emergency evacuation. Key points include a ban on indoor cooking, the necessity of checking hazard maps, and the importance of considering local conditions. Practicing overnight stays in a vehicle at home is recommended as preparation.
New Year's earthquake strands people in motorhomes
An earthquake struck Japan on New Year's Day, catching many people in motorhomes and camper vans. Severe cold weather compounded the situation, forcing occupants to endure a long and freezing night in their vehicles. The incident highlights the risks of winter camping in seismically active areas.
Three gadgets to turn a car into a home cinema
Japanese resource ITmedia has reviewed three devices for comfortable movie watching in a car. The selection includes the portable projector WiMiUS P61 Pro, the BAREBONES C-Light LED strip, and the MOSMEE electric blanket. These accessories are designed to create a home theater experience during vanlife or car camping.
Japanese TV program investigates the vanlife phenomenon
A Japanese TV show dedicated an episode to the growing trend of vehicle dwelling. The segment features three cases: a couple traveling in a converted microbus, a 69-year-old woman who visited all prefectures, and a man who saved 5 million yen by eliminating rent and utility costs.
Motorhome test in Hokkaido's whiteout conditions and -10°C temperatures
A traveler spent a night in a motorhome in Rikubetsu, one of Japan's coldest towns, during a snowstorm. The outside temperature dropped to -10.1°C, while the interior of the vehicle barely maintained 0°C. The video of the harsh winter challenge garnered attention from viewers.
Limitations of Low-Capacity Portable Power Stations for Vanlife
A 19-month vanlife experience has highlighted key limitations of low-capacity portable power stations. Such units are insufficient for powering high-consumption appliances like induction cookers or electric kettles. Their capacity is only adequate for charging gadgets and running LED lighting. The focus should be on calculating energy needs and selecting devices with appropriate power output.
Camper van exploration game Outbound launches in April
Publisher Silver Lining Interactive and developer Square Glade Games announced the release date for Outbound. The open-world exploration game, where players live in and customize a van, will launch on April 23 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PS5. A playable demo is now available for Switch and Switch 2.
Show all (29) Show less
- vandal.elespanol.com 3 days ago SPA
- pcgames.de 3 days ago DEU
- gamewith.jp 4 days ago JPN
- sqool.net 4 days ago JPN
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago RUS
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago ITA
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago ZHO
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago HU
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago NOR
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago IS
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago RO
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago SPA
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago POL
- sortiraparis.com 5 days ago POR
- appmedia.jp 5 days ago JPN
- 4p.de 5 days ago DEU
- gamemeca.com 5 days ago KOR
- gamer.ne.jp 5 days ago JPN
- gamebiz.jp 5 days ago JPN
- news.yahoo.co.jp 5 days ago JPN
- gamespark.jp 5 days ago JPN
- 4gamer.net 5 days ago JPN
- 3dmgame.com 5 days ago ZHO
- automaton-media.com 6 days ago JPN
- news.nicovideo.jp 6 days ago JPN
- playfront.de 6 days ago DEU
- doope.jp 6 days ago JPN
- famitsu.com 6 days ago JPN
- nichegamer.com 6 days ago HR
First-time camper van users face unexpected cold in mountains
A family with a corgi dog experienced their first overnight stay in a camper van at a mountain RV park located 1200 meters above sea level. Unprepared for the low temperatures, they faced difficulties despite attempting to use an air conditioner for heating.
Former office workers convert bus into motorhome and move to Miyazaki
A couple from Tokyo quit their office jobs to live in a motorhome they converted themselves from a used microbus. After traveling, they settled in Kunitomi Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, where they integrated into the local community. Their motorhome is equipped with solar panels, a wood stove, and a kitchen with an induction cooktop.
20 gear items for combined car camping and tent camping
The channel Genya Films has compiled a list of 20 gear items for a hybrid travel style that mixes vehicle dwelling and traditional tent camping. The selection includes a camping mat, a car side shelter, a portable power station, and a gas heater. The list is based on the author's personal field experience with the equipment.
Former office workers find new life in rural Japan after switching to vanlife
A Japanese couple, formerly office workers in Tokyo, converted a used microbus into a camper van four years ago and began a life on the road. After having a child during their travels, they settled in the town of Kunitomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, where they now care for horses and assist local persimmon farmers, integrating into the community.
Lack of Preparedness for Motorhome Evacuation: Support Falls Short
Systems to protect the lives of evacuees sheltering in motorhomes during disasters are not in place. Prolonged stays in cramped vehicles increase health risks and disaster-related deaths, but local authorities struggle to identify these evacuees. Experts call for better coordination among stakeholders, as some cases have already seen a lack of support.
Experts criticize inadequate support for vehicle-based disaster evacuation
Support systems for people forced to live in their vehicles after disasters remain underdeveloped. Experts highlight the difficulty local authorities face in identifying these evacuees and the high health risks from prolonged confinement in cramped spaces. They call for improved coordination among relevant agencies.
Japanese brand yadocari launches KURUMOCHI insulated blanket for car camping
The Japanese brand yadocari, in collaboration with Washio Inc., has launched the KURUMOCHI insulated blanket designed for sleeping in vehicles. The product utilizes a patented 1970s-era pile fabric technology, features a tubular structure to block cold air, and is manufactured entirely in Hyogo Prefecture. It is currently available through a crowdfunding campaign ahead of general retail.
59-year-old vanlifer shares winter survival tips for car camping
An experienced vanlifer, using only a hot water bottle for heat, shares strategies for his third winter living in his vehicle. He recommends urban areas with sento (public bathhouses) in Tokyo, like Ota ward, and warmer coastal zones including Miura, Minami-Izu, and Minami-Boso for winter overnight stays.
Actor Sugiyama Taiki discusses his $100k+ motorhome
Japanese actor Sugiyama Taiki, a father of five, spoke at a motorhome fair in Nagoya. He owns a motorhome built on a Toyota Camroad base, valued at over 10 million yen, which he uses for family trips. The actor highlighted the convenience of having a toilet and kitchen in the vehicle when traveling with young children.
Ideas to improve comfort for car camping life
A blog post presents practical tips for enhancing vehicle-based living. The author shares specific ideas aimed at improving the convenience and functionality of sleeping and living quarters within a confined space.
Simplicity of use highlighted as key benefit of vanlife
A Japanese outdoor expert spent a day at Lake Saiko, combining canoeing with one-burner and Dutch oven cooking. He stated that a custom-built camper van provides reliability and comfort in any terrain, which directly translates to ease of recreation.