Overnight car stays surge in Japan as hotel prices rise

Starting July 17, Lawson is expanding its car overnight parking service to 28 stores in Aichi, Shizuoka, Saitama and Chiba prefectures. In Chiba, occupancy exceeded 90% during peak periods.

Lawson, a major convenience store chain, has started renting out portions of its parking lots in Shizuoka Prefecture for overnight car camping (車中泊) as of July 2026. The initiative aims to attract tourists.

A family of four transported their camper on the Sunflower ferry from Kobe to Oita (approx. 650 km). The fare during the peak season (26 December 2025) was 66,900 yen, covering a 5–6 m camper, two adults, and two preschool children. In regular periods, the price drops to 47,650 yen. The ferry departs at 19:50 and arrives at 7:20, with a travel time of about 11.5 hours. Passengers noted comfort, public baths, a restaurant, and entertainment, but found the private bed cabin cramped (width approx. 80 cm). Compared to driving: fuel and tolls cost about 34,000 yen; the difference with the ferry is about 33,000 yen in peak season and about 13,000 yen in regular season.

Auto Azuma has launched the JINKU, a new camper based on a light truck. Unlike most campers in this class, it lacks a pop-up roof, which improves insulation and reduces cost. The JINKU sleeps two, features 20 mm insulation in walls and floor, double acrylic windows. Interior height is 1230 mm, bed width is generous. Price starts at 3,861,000 yen.

Gordon Miller has unveiled a limited run of 32 camper vans based on the 9th-generation Toyota HiAce, featuring round headlights and a vanlife conversion. The vehicles will be allocated through a lottery system. Each unit includes a sleeping area, kitchen module, and storage.

A custom interior project for the Toyota Probox in Japan focuses on solving the problem of storing a mattress used for sleeping in the car. The design allows the mattress to be stowed quickly without compromising daily usability. The build includes custom front and rear bumpers, HardCargo HCW005 wheels, PARADA PA03 tires, and a center console with armrest, storage compartment, and cup holders. Seat upholstery uses antique-style fabric in two-tone options (black/beige, black/brown). With the rear seats folded and a cargo mat laid down, the space resembles a secret base.