Japan's MLIT clarifies rules for overnight parking of RVs at roadside stations

A car camping festival took place on January 4–5, 2026, at the Merkari Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture. Co-hosted by the Kashima Antlers football club and car dealership Charisma Japan, the event featured vehicle displays, yoga sessions, and overnight stays in cars.

Camper Atsugi unveiled the Grand Puppy Atlas SG at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, based on the Nissan Atlas (Isuzu Elf Mio OEM). The compact motorhome measures 4970 mm by 1740 mm, seats 7, sleeps 6, and can be driven with a standard license. Prices start at 12,892,000 yen for 2WD and 13,398,000 yen for 4WD.

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, held July 11–12, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, DIRECT CARS showcased a limited edition of 7 campers based on the Toyota Hiace, themed after the anime Fist of the North Star. The model is called 'Century-End Car Sleeping Legend: Fist of the North Star'.

Japanese company Camper Atsugi has introduced the Grand Puppy Atlas SG camper based on the Nissan Atlas truck. The rear-wheel-drive version costs about $78,700, while the all-wheel-drive version is $81,800. The vehicle is 4,970 mm long and 1,740 mm wide. The interior offers seven seats and six berths: a lower bed measuring 1,830x1,640 mm for three people and an overhead sleeping area 1,900 mm long. At the rear, there is a kitchen unit with a sink, a 65-litre refrigerator, and storage compartments. Standard equipment includes three auxiliary batteries, an independent heater, air conditioning, an inverter, and a charging system while driving. The vehicle is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or part-time all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive option costs about $3,100.

Aomori City will conduct a pilot program allowing overnight vehicle parking at Aomori Ekimae Beach from August 1 to 7 to alleviate accommodation shortages during the Nebuta Festival. Up to five vehicles per night can park at rates ranging from 35,000 to 70,000 yen per night depending on fireworks displays. The program is organized by local comedian Masunobu Ono and construction company Shida Umi. Each vehicle can accommodate up to four people, with access to toilets and power. Participants will be surveyed to consider establishing a permanent overnight parking site.

Lawson, a Japanese convenience store chain, has introduced an overnight parking service at select locations. The fee is 2,500–3,000 yen per night, including electricity, restroom access, and trash bags. About 80% of users are retired couples aged 50 and above, and 30% bring pets. Cooking and tent setup are prohibited, which has prevented complaints from residents.