Kyushu's first rest stop with dedicated car sleeping zone opens

YouTube channel ken10/camp addict published a video showing an overnight stay in a Toyota HiAce camper van at Doshi Forest Campground (Japan). Setting up camp took about 10 minutes, after which the author relaxed by a stream. The video includes cooking dinner (sautéed chicken gizzards and khao man gai), an evening by the campfire, and a morning coffee. Viewers noted the ease of setup and teardown.

EENOUR Japan has launched the PA800 portable air conditioner, designed for use in motorhomes, campervans, and tents. It features a Panasonic 7.5cc compressor, providing up to 6,300 BTU cooling and 7,000 BTU heating, with five operating modes: cooling, heating, dehumidification, fan, and sleep. The unit includes an automatic cleaning cycle that removes dust and dirt from the heat exchanger in about 20 minutes. Direct sales price is 129,900 yen.

Carstay will exhibit the SAny.VAN camper at TOKYO DOG SHOW 2026, held June 26–28 at Makuhari Messe. The model is based on the Toyota HiAce or Nissan Vanette (new, used, or customer-supplied). About 80% of SAny.VAN buyers are dog owners. Standard features include a sofa bed, sink, and battery; optional upgrades include air conditioning and solar panels. Price starts at ¥2.42 million (tax included), with delivery in as little as 1.5 months. Carstay also operates a platform for renting out the camper when not in use.

JP STAR (Moon Star Export) presented the HAPPY1+City Turbo concept at TOKYO OUTDOOR SHOW 2026 in Makuhari. Based on the Daihatsu Atrai with a turbo engine, the camper features an electric pop-up roof that keeps overall height around 2 m, allowing access to multi-storey car parks. Standard equipment includes an EcoFlow power system, solar panel, and Dometic air conditioner. Pricing and launch date have not been announced.

Moving Inn (operated by Flex Co., Ltd.) will start renting three large Cresson Journey camper vans near New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido) from June 26, 2026. Daily rental starts at ¥28,000 (excluding tax), with discounts for long-term bookings. Demand for camper vans among international tourists in Hokkaido has increased by 90% year-on-year.

Japanese publication Financial Field analyzed whether buying a motorhome for 6 million yen (approx. $40,000) is cost-effective. At a business hotel rate of 15,000 yen per night, that amount covers 400 nights. Annual maintenance costs of about 300,000 yen add another 20 nights per year. Over five years, total expenses reach 7.5 million yen, equivalent to 500 hotel nights. The article concludes that a motorhome is not a money-saver but offers benefits such as pet-friendly travel, flexible overnight locations, and emergency use.