Camping in Yamanakako: Rain didn't stop the fun, BINGO wins The North Face tent

Japanese company Nuts RV has unveiled the compact Toyota Camroad Aletta Evolution Type X motorhome based on a Toyota Camroad truck chassis. Measuring 4.85 metres long, about 2 metres wide and 2.8 metres high, it accommodates up to six passengers and provides five berths, including a transformable alcove bed of approximately 180×180 cm. The living area features two opposing benches with a mobile table, a kitchen unit with a 70-litre fridge, a sink and a microwave, plus a transverse bed of about 126×180 cm. The base version has rear-wheel drive, a 132 hp petrol engine and an automatic transmission. Pricing starts from 10.05 million yen or 5.3 million Russian rubles.

On the first day of Silver Week, the author and their partner set up a DOD tarp and tent at the Chinaihama Auto Campground in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, on the shore of Lake Biwa. They secured a site in the middle of Kitahama, adjusting the tarp after finding it too close to the neighboring plot. After multiple attempts, they pitched the tent, struggled with the high poles, and finally laid out the inner sheet and inflatable mat. The author noted it was their first camping experience and suggested visiting once a month.

Ogusho has introduced a model based on the Nissan Caravan Grand Premium GX featuring a 60% matte black paint finish that provides a semi-gloss surface. The vehicle includes a dark brown woodgrain interior, a convertible bed system, herringbone-pattern flooring, and Ohlins DFV shock absorbers. The five-seat layout is retained.

From October 9, Lawson will add RV parking facilities at nine stores in Gifu and Mie prefectures. The initiative, developed with Glory and the Japan RV Association, will bring the total number of participating stores to 37. The company plans further expansion in Kyushu, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shikoku and Miyagi, aiming to operate RV parking at approximately 70 stores by the end of fiscal 2026.

Japanese web magazine DRIMO published a selection of four roadside stations (michi-no-eki) in Wakayama Prefecture where visitors can combine overnight stays in their vehicles with hot spring bathing. The availability of overnight parking was confirmed by phone as of November 11, 2025. The list includes Okutoro roadside station in Kitayama Village, which has parking for 82 standard and 7 large vehicles, 24-hour toilets, and the Yamano-Yado hot spring open from 15:00 to 20:00, with admission at 700 yen for adults and 500 yen for children aged 3 to 12. The publication notes that overnight stays are intended for short rest and sleep only; setting up tables and chairs, using open flames, and leaving trash behind are prohibited.

Yuka Suzuki, a former AKB48 member and travel YouTuber with over 600,000 subscribers, converted a Nissan NV100 Clipper commercial van into a camper. The van, which her father was going to dispose of, was given to her. The conversion included a bed, monitor, sink, acrylic windows with wooden frames, LED lighting, a refrigerator, and underfloor heating. Suzuki also obtained a manual transmission license in 2024 to drive a wider range of vehicles.