DIY camper conversion: Nissan Caravan turned into vanlife rig in one year

The Yokohama Camping Car Show 2026 will take place on 26–27 September at Pacifico Yokohama, bringing together 163 motorhomes. Organisers named the final speakers, including actor Shido Nakamura, TV personality Becky and New Japan Pro-Wrestling wrestlers Tomohiro Ishii and Taichi, as well as five models making their event debut. These include the light camper Morning One Camper Just based on the Suzuki Carry, a special Thunderbird 2 edition, the HYMER B-MCI600 with a redesigned interior, the rear-entry Liberty 52 REi and the Familyère based on the popular Family Mo. Advance adult tickets cost 800 yen; on-site prices are 1,000 yen for an e-ticket and 1,200 yen for a paper ticket, with free entry for junior high school students and younger.

The article lists five actions to take when choosing to evacuate by sleeping in a car. These include: identifying permitted parking locations, preparing a sleeping area, securing toilet, water and food supplies, managing temperature and ventilation, and taking security measures. The author, with over eight years of car camping experience, notes that such parking is not allowed everywhere, and that prolonged stays in a vehicle carry risks of economy class syndrome and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The EXPEDITION STRIKER camper by Nippon Tokushu Body (NTB) has received the Audience Prize at the Phase Free Award 2026, organised by the Phase Free Association. The model became Japan's first camper to obtain Phase Free certification in May 2025. The Audience Prize is awarded through a public vote among the finalists. The award ceremony is scheduled for 26 September 2026 during Phase Free Meet 2026, where the vehicle will also be displayed.

From October 9, Lawson introduces motorhome overnight stays at store parking lots in Gifu and Mie. Cost is 2500–3000 yen per spot, booking via a dedicated website.

The 26th Kurashiki Motorhome Festival will take place on 3–4 October 2026 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. Around 70 motorhomes will be displayed at the LAC Mobil Kurashiki venue, including 4WD Mercedes-Benz-based models and next-generation EV models. Admission is free, opening hours are 10:00–17:00, and free parking for 50 vehicles is available.

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has clarified that overnight stays in motorhomes are not permitted in general parking areas at roadside stations (michi-no-eki), but some stations provide separate zones where overnight parking is officially allowed. An article dated 17 September 2026 lists five such stations in Chiba and Gunma prefectures, including some with hot springs. According to the Japan RV Association, there were 686 certified RV Parks nationwide as of the end of August 2026, an increase of 87 over eight months.