Overnight stay in a camper van at a highway rest area in Japan: what the rules say

JR East announced a one-time run of the special train 'Tokai Lumiere Express' on the Tokyo–Osaka route. Departure on August 8 at 10:00 PM, arrival on August 9. The train stops at Gifu-Hashima station from midnight to 6:00 AM, allowing passengers to stay onboard. Ticket price is 15,000 yen per person. Tickets are sold exclusively via the JR East Tours website starting July 3.

Japanese coachbuilder RecVee has unveiled the Plus LIV'N Wide motorhome based on the Nissan Caravan Wide Body. The body width is increased to 1880 mm (from 1695 mm on the previous version), overall length is 5230 mm. The new model features a bunk bed, allowing transport of up to 6 people and sleeping 4. A total of 270 combinations of layouts, trims, and equipment packages are available. The public debut will take place on July 11–12 at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight. Pricing will be announced at the show.

INNO has introduced the Low Down Rack roof rack for the Nissan Caravan (E26), keeping total vehicle height under 2.1 m and allowing access to multi-story parking lots

The author, who does car photography and night shooting, tested two types of mosquito coils and a combined sunscreen and insect repellent stick. The testing took place during camping and night photography in Japan. Both coils were effective, with choice depending on scent preference. The combined stick was convenient and non-greasy.

In Yamanashi Prefecture, Hokuto City, the 'RV Park HAKUSHU BASE by bigland' has opened within the 'ANC Auto Resort Park Bigland' campsite, which has been operating for over 30 years. The park offers 13 pitches for motorhomes and caravans at 2,800 yen per night. Unlike regular camping, campfires and outdoor cooking are prohibited, but tables, chairs, and electrical appliances are allowed with prior arrangement. Facilities include toilets, baths, a laundry, and a shop.

A resident of Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures, who spent 19 consecutive months living in a motorhome, compiled a selection of 6 autumn dishes available at road stations (michi-no-eki) in Toyama. The list includes local products such as young yellowtail (fukuragi) and other seasonal specialties. The Himi road station (Himi Banya-gai) offers fresh fish from the local fishing port and operates year-round except January 1.