Uetake — VanSky 31 (Challenging)

JAF Mate Online published a report on a two-night campervan trip across eastern Hokkaido. The route included the 28-km straight road 'Ten-ni Tsuzuku Michi', Oshinkoshin Falls, the Shiretoko Crossing, and Notsuke Peninsula. The rented Cordobanks campervan with a 3.0L diesel turbo engine handled the 738-meter pass smoothly. The author noted missing a chance to see a white orca off Rausu port due to a lunch stop.

Construction of the Hinoyama Sanroku Campground in Shimonoseki is complete. A pre-opening for groups including city residents is set for July 25, with full opening on September 19.

Honda showcased camping possibilities with its N-VAN e: and Super-ONE electric vehicles. The main advantage is the ability to power household appliances from the traction battery via the Honda Power Supply Connector accessory (up to 1500 W). The N-VAN e: features an external power input kit, enabling use of portable air conditioners, electric kettles, and other devices. For the Super-ONE, overnight sleeping inside is difficult, but daytime camping with a tailgate tarp is feasible.

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.