Japan RV Association to propose motorhome travel style at Tourism Expo Japan 2026

A resident of Aomori Prefecture, who moved from Chiba, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise 5.5 million yen for a used kei-class camper with '8' number plates to film and document little-known locations across the prefecture over all four seasons. The project includes monthly trips, photo and video reports, and the creation of a public archive. The campaign operates on an all-or-nothing basis.

In Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, the RV park 'LOHAS PARK' has opened, featuring 24-hour toilets, AC power, paid waste disposal, and free water. Amenities include a covered dog run (50×6 m), a cafe serving burgers, and an osteopathy clinic. Rates start at 2,200 yen per night, with 11 spaces, check-in from 15:00 to 21:00, and check-out by 11:00. The park is certified by the Japan RV Association and supports stays of up to a week.

Infoseek tested the installation of the portable air conditioner BREEZE BOX from the OUTFIELD brand (owned by Corona) in a vehicle for sleeping. The 12 kg unit was placed on the front passenger seat table, with two ducts routed out the window. Setup took three steps: attaching ducts, drain hose, and connecting to a portable battery. It was noted that the drain hose sometimes detached, and the ducts could be shorter than desired. The price is 59,800 yen.

On August 6, on the Shin-Tomei Expressway in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, a motorhome suffered a tire blowout, rolled over, and collided with the median barrier. The four occupants were not seriously injured. The cause is under investigation, with possible factors including tire aging, overloading, and excessive speed. Motorhomes are more prone to tire blowouts than regular cars because their weight often exceeds the tire's load index, especially in summer when tire temperatures rise. Due to their high center of gravity, they are more likely to roll over in a blowout at highway speeds. Owners are advised to check tire pressure and tread depth, avoid overloading, and maintain speeds around 80 km/h on expressways.

Illustrator Miyuki Ito, inspired by camper vans in New Zealand, converted a Suzuki Every kei van into a camper named 'Shirokuma'. She used affordable materials, including a children's mattress from IKEA and folding brackets, to create a functional space for sleeping, cooking, and working. Ito emphasizes that one doesn't need to be a DIY expert: ready-made solutions and a no-stress approach are key, such as skipping insulation if summer camping is avoided.

On August 29-30, the Unzen Tourism Bureau will hold the 'Cool! Unzen Forest Play Expo' at the Shirakumo Pond campsite in Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture. The event features water play, tree climbing, insect classes, and lantern-making. According to the bureau, based on heat index data, Unzen had only one day of 'danger' level heat in August over the past five years, compared to 102 in Fukuoka and 64 in Nagasaki.