Fukushima develops camper vans for tourism in Hamadori region

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.

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.

Toyota has unveiled the Tacozilla project, a camper based on the Tacoma TRD Sport pickup with a manual transmission, inspired by Chinook models of the 1970s–80s. The premiere is planned for the SEMA Show. The preliminary layout includes a sleeping area above the cab, a small kitchen, a dining area and a bathroom; the model will be more compact than traditional American motorhomes. The project is at the prototype stage. Chinook RV was founded in 1938, closed in 2005, revived in 2013 and produces motorhomes based on Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit, as well as travel trailers.

In Taketa, Oita Prefecture, Grand Park Nagayu RV Park offers overnight parking for motorhomes with a 24-hour free-flowing bicarbonate spring. The rate is 3000 yen per pitch for up to four adults, plus a 1000 yen per-person facility fee. Paid sauna and indoor camping spaces are also available. Nearby, the Kua Park Nagayu thermal facility, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, provides bicarbonate spring baths and does not supply chemical detergents or shampoo to maximise the water's effects.

A couple from South Korea completed a 15-day campervan trip around Hokkaido in June 2026, refuelling approximately every 500 km. They pre-planned the route, overnight spots, fuel stops, bathing and laundry, and brought winter sleeping bags due to possible cold. Waste was stored in deodorising bags and containers, and food was mostly bought locally.