Summer car camping: 5 high-altitude RV parks near Tokyo

A couple who began traveling around Japan with overnight stays in their car shared details about their preparations and expenses. They discussed the necessary equipment and costs required for comfortable car camping.

At the Rihei Chaya Forest Park campsite in Gunma Prefecture, located at an altitude of 1000 meters on Mount Akagi, the organization KiKi, which became the designated manager this spring, is preparing barbecue areas and facilities for staying with pets. A dedicated tent site for groups, which other campsites avoid due to noise, has also been set up. These efforts aim to draw visitors from outside the prefecture and revitalize the local area.

SEIWA and EXEA have introduced new car curtains designed to block sunlight and provide privacy during overnight stays or breaks. The lineup includes magnetic curtains for front side windows and rear quarter windows, as well as a model with a magnetic rail. The products vary in size and mounting method, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

Japanese magazine DRIMO published a review of 10 campers based on the Suzuki Every. Prices start at 2,132,460 yen for the GRANDY PLAMO and go up to 4,907,100 yen for the Miniature Cruise Prime. All models come with air conditioning, some with lithium batteries and solar panels.

Sanjo Mitsubishi Motors Sales and Kato Motor from Niigata Prefecture have introduced the NOCTI camper based on the Mitsubishi Delica D:5. The vehicle features the S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and a 2.2-liter diesel engine, offering high off-road capability. Its dimensions (4800×1815×1875 mm) allow parking in standard garages. The camper includes a 12-volt cooler.

A Japanese couple converted a Suzuki Every kei van into a camper and spent 1.5 years traveling around Japan. They chose a 2012 high-roof model for under 500,000 yen, painted it green, and furnished the interior in beige, keeping costs low. Despite the small space, they found it comfortable for two people.