Car camping and vanlife: benefits and tips for beginners

Rally Japan, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship, will take place from May 28 to 31, 2025, in Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Organizers offer packages with overnight stays in vehicles, including the 'Serena P-SV' by Piescraft, which can accommodate up to four people. Spectators can watch special stages and see rally cars on public roads.

Best Car Web tested whether the budget Honda WR-V SUV can be used for sleeping in the car. Priced from 2,149,400 yen with a 458 L trunk (five passengers), the cargo length reaches 2181 mm with rear seats folded and front passenger seat slid forward. However, there is an 11 cm step and slope between the folded seats and trunk floor, requiring mats or cushions for comfortable sleep. With preparation, it is suitable for solo sleeping; for two people, with limitations.

KINTO editorial staff compared three types of mattresses for sleeping in a Toyota Alphard (8-seater). The test included an inflatable mattress, a Nitori mattress, and a Coleman inflatable mattress. When the seats are folded flat, there is a height difference of about 10 cm, which is best compensated by the thick Coleman mattress. The vehicle also features two 1500 W power outlets and an overhead storage compartment.

On June 14, a camper van caught fire on the Tohoku Expressway in Fukushima City. According to NEXCO East Japan, the section is closed and reopening time is uncertain.

A member of the tetu channel embarked on a spontaneous trip in a DIY camper van converted from a light truck, with only 5,000 yen in hand. The route went from Kumamoto to Kagoshima, where she visited several fishing ports, had lunch at a local restaurant, and slept in the vehicle. Despite catching no fish, she enjoyed hot springs and a homemade dinner.

Moto Megane portal compiled a list of 18 roadside stations (michi-no-eki) in the Tohoku region suitable for overnight car stays. Stations were selected based on availability of hot springs, dining options, and tourist attractions.