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Overnight Parking at Japan's Michi-no-Eki: Rules and Risks

04.01.2026 08:00 1 min 2 sources РУС
CARNEWS ENG + 1 more
Overnight Parking at Japan's Michi-no-Eki: Rules and Risks
Original source: くるまのニュース

In Brief

Car sleeping is growing in Japan, causing conflicts at roadside stations. While not illegal, it may violate station rules or local ordinances.

The popularity of camper vans and sleeping in cars is rising in Japan, leading to more conflicts, especially at roadside stations known as Michi-no-Eki. According to the Japan RV Association, 165,000 camper vans were registered in the country in 2024.

Although sleeping in a car is not prohibited by law, it may violate the internal rules of a specific station or local ordinances aimed at preventing disturbances. Many stations ban long-term parking or overnight stays, as they are intended for rest, not accommodation.

For a safe overnight stay, it is recommended to use paid RV parking lots, campsites, or experimental services such as designated zones at Lawson store parking lots. Specialized RV parks or auto campsites are also suggested as alternatives.

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Story sources

Is Overnight Parking Allowed at Japanese Roadside Stations 'Michi-no-Eki'

04.01.2026 CARNEWS ENG Original source

Is 'Car Camping' at Roadside Stations OK? Can It Be a 'Rule Violation' or 'Ordinance Violation'? Troubles Increase with Rising Camper & Car Camping Travel - How to 'Sleep' Properly

28.12.2025 kuruma-news.jp JPN Original source

JP Japan — fuel prices

Updated: 22.08.2026

Regular

$1.04 /l

JPY166.43 · €0.90/l

29 of 142

cheaper than 80% of countries

High-octane

$1.10 /l

JPY176.40 · €0.95/l

15 of 94

cheaper than 85% of countries

軽油

$0.97 /l

JPY154.61 · €0.83/l

20 of 142

cheaper than 87% of countries

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The popularity of motorhomes and car camping is rising, leading to increased incidents at roadside stations 'michi-no-eki'. While overnight stays in vehicles are not illegal per se, they may violate station rules or local ordinances, for instance, due to noise or extended parking. As an alternative, dedicated RV parks or paid campervan parking areas are recommended.

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Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has clarified that short rest stops in RVs at 'michi-no-eki' stations are allowed, but long-term stays are not. With RV numbers reaching 165,000 by 2024, complaints about hair washing in toilets and BBQ on parking lots have increased.

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