Japan expands RV Park network: new sites in Tottori, Mie, Kyoto and Wakkanai

Japanese company Gordon Miller Motors, a division of Autobacs, introduced the GMLVAN V-01 based on the Toyota HiAce. The vehicle features a solid acacia wood interior, a four-mode convertible layout (living, bed, couch, luggage), and a sleeping area of 1400×2450 mm. Sales of the V-01 have tripled annually since 2019. Also available are the C-01 on the Nissan NV200 and the S-01 on the Daihatsu Hijet Cargo.

The Hokkaido Camping Car & Outdoor Show 2026 will take place on August 29–30 in Sapporo. Organised by the show committee with the Japan RV Association, Bushiroad Move, and Neo Project, the event at Access Sapporo will feature the latest and most popular camper models from across Japan for comparison and inspection.

A visitor intended a day trip to Mutsuyazaki Beach Auto Campground (Takashima, Shiga) but ended up staying overnight after securing a prime lakeside spot. Overnight fee is 2000 yen per person, day use 1500 yen. Facilities include cooking area, drinking water, and trash station; no showers. Toilets are bio-toilets; water may appear brownish due to system design. Weekdays recommended due to weekend crowds.

Tokyu has compiled a list of four motorhome rental shops located along its railway lines. The selection includes Jemiez Camping Car Rental (Yoga Station), Toy Factory Tokyo (Minami-machida Grandberry Park Station), Towa Motors Sales Yokohama (Tsukimino Station), and Elmonte RV Japan ALBI Setagaya (Oyamadai Station). The fleet ranges from kei-campers (light vehicle-based) to van-conversions and cab-conversions.

Tomica, the die-cast miniature car manufacturer, replaces model No.24 Mitsubishi Delica Mini with a new No.24 Camper from July 17, 2026. The model is a cab-conversion type based on a truck, with original Tomica design. It features an opening door to the living area, a deployable side awning, and a removable bicycle from the rear rack. The article also outlines main camper types: cab-conversion, van-conversion, bus-conversion, truck-camper, and kei-camper.

Kentarō Kawabe, former chairman of Line Yahoo, resigned in December 2024 and plans to travel across Japan in a converted camper van. He has founded a startup called KKJJ, focusing on AI-driven development, and argues that the AI era requires 'unlearning' old approaches. Kawabe said his work at the company was 'mostly done' and he wants to start fresh.