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

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.

EV GARDEN is opening the drive-oriented coffee brand BOO BOO COFFEE and the overnight parking facility MOBILITY LOUNGE at EV GARDEN Fukushima on September 18. BOO BOO COFFEE, developed with ONIBUS COFFEE, offers four blends for different coffee-drinking scenarios while driving and operates from 7:00 to 11:00. MOBILITY LOUNGE, jointly operated with Culture Convenience Club, provides overnight parking for 2000 yen on weekdays and 2500 yen on weekends and holidays, with reservations and payments via a dedicated app. The company aims to expand to 200 locations by the end of fiscal 2027 and 1000 locations by the end of fiscal 2030.

Japanese company Nuts RV has introduced a new floorplan for its Border Banks Type T motorhome, measuring 6.25 metres long. The layout includes two longitudinal rear beds (1.80 and 1.90 metres, convertible into a 2.02-metre-wide bed), an over-cab bed (1.58 by 2.02 metres) and a convertible dining area, allowing up to six people to sleep. A kitchen with a two-burner gas hob, round sink and 90-litre compressor fridge occupies the left side. The washroom combines a toilet, sink and shower. Power is supplied by a 400 Ah battery, a 1500 W inverter and a 560 W solar panel; the optional Hyper Evolution III package adds a 600 Ah battery and a 2000 W inverter. The base price is 20.2 million yen, with the package costing an additional 895,000 yen.

Japanese manufacturer Nuts RV has unveiled the Border Banks Type T, a semi-integrated motorhome based on the Toyota Coaster Big Van. The 6.25 m vehicle sleeps up to six: four permanent and two variable berths. The kitchen includes a two-burner gas hob, microwave and 90-litre fridge. Base price is 20,219,000 yen.

Outclass Cars of Tokushima Prefecture has unveiled a modified Toyota Town Ace designed for overnight stays. The van features American-style front-end styling inspired by the Econoline, quad fog lights, a 4-inch suspension lift and a wood-grain interior. The cabin converts into a full-flat bed, which the company says is easy for a single person to set up. Pricing for the conversion starts at 3,150,000 yen.

On September 15, Japanese singer Natsuko Godai (64) announced on Instagram that she took a day trip in her Solan SL camper by RecVee, based on a Toyota HiAce Super Long, spending the day with friends and two dogs.