First family trip to Hokkaido: from Otaru to Wakkanai sunset

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.

In autumn 2022, the author visited four campsites in Okayama, Hyogo and Tottori prefectures. In Okayama, these were Nishiyama Kogen Campground at 450 m elevation and Takebe no Mori Park Auto Campground, in Hyogo — MOUNT LAKE on Awaji Island, in Tottori — Hojo Auto Campground, open year-round with no regular holidays. The latter offers electric hookups and water taps at every site, and visitors receive an original sticker. The trips were made in a Mitsubishi Delica D:5.

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.

A family traveled by camper van to Camp & Cabins Yamanakako despite rain and a typhoon. Check-in was at 8:50, and a 3rd anniversary event featured a quest, crystal hunter, burgers, super ball scooping, and BINGO. In the BINGO lottery, their daughter won a The North Face tent plus goods. Pizza and pasta cost 500 yen each.

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.