Japanese convenience store chain Lawson offers overnight parking stays

In Japan, convenience store parking lots are emerging as new spots for 'chabak' (car camping). 80% of users are retired couples aged 50 and over, choosing free overnight stays instead of hotels. Observers are watching whether this trend will spread to South Korea.

At the West Japan Kei Truck Camper Festival 2026, a homemade camper based on a Daihatsu Hijet Truck was showcased. Owners Hiroshi and Megumi Ito from Kagoshima Prefecture installed a self-built folding triangular roof on the cargo bed, turning the vehicle into a mini-house. The structure uses an AFC body and provides sleeping space.

The article describes a motorhome camping trip on the Japanese coast in early summer. It mentions sea breeze, hot springs, and relaxing with a dog. The piece was published on NetEase on July 23, 2026.

Former office worker Kimura Koichi reached 1,400 golf courses out of about 2,100 in Japan, traveling by car and sleeping in it. The final round was on June 29 at White Sail Country Club.

R&I Company Limited (Sapporo) will open three takeout shops in Tokushima Prefecture using its own 'BIBox' trailers. The first, Shiokuma Bakery, specializing in salt buns and scones, will launch on July 31 on the premises of a Docomo shop in Yoshinogawa. This marks the company's first entry into the prefecture.

Shohta Suzuki, a 30-year-old horse racing reporter who gave up permanent residence, has equipped a workspace in his kei camper 'Indy 727'. He uses rooftop solar panels for off-grid power, two Jackery portable power stations (1000W and 700W), and an extension table that serves for eating, working, and cooking. A battery-powered mobile monitor provides dual-display capability for up to 6 hours. Suzuki selects parking spots based on sunlight and free Wi-Fi (1.1 Mbps), enabling him to write race predictions without external power for up to three weeks.