Van life dates back many years but in the last 5 years or so, partly thanks to social media, van life in Japan and around the world has started to increase in popularity as people are starting to realise you can enjoy freedom and the ability to travel all while living in the comfort of your little home on wheels.
These days it’s possible to live in your van with many of the modern day gadgets and amenities found in a standard house, so it has never been easier to live a very comfortable existence while being able to wake up to a different view each day.
We have experienced van life in a few different countries around the world, however van life in Japan is definitely our favourite and we will explain why below.
1. Toilets
The first reason why we love van life in Japan is due to the abundance of toilets all over the country and even in remote areas. When comparing our experiences of vanlife in a country like Ireland for example, we found that some local Irish councils lock toilet blocks at night to prevent damage or vandalism. For van lifers, this is a nightmare and a huge inconvenience if you don’t have a toilet in your van and need to use the toilet during the night.
In contrast, in Japan, toilets are open 24/7 and we have never come across toilets being locked at night. You can find toilets in convenience stores, at road-side stations and sometimes even just in a random lay-by at the side of the road. Another amazing bonus is that most toilets in Japan are sparkling clean and usually well stocked with toilet paper and hand soap.
2. Showers
A question van lifers often get asked is: “how do you shower while living in a van?” In Europe, we often rely on our portable solar shower or sometimes pay to use showers at campsites or service stations. However, one of the best things about van life in Japan is the abundance of affordable hot springs all over the country.
Of course there are hot springs with spectacular views and special mineral water which come with a higher price tag, however there are many low-cost onsens and sentos that can be used for between ¥400 – ¥600. If you don’t mind bathing with others, visiting an onsen can be a lovely relaxing experience to pass the time and you could even start your own onsen bucket list.
3. Roadside Stations
All over Japan, usually located on the side of a highway or main road, you can find many roadside stations. Roadside stations in Japan are fantastic and you will never find the same roadside station design twice.
There is normally always a shop inside the station selling produce from local farmers and regional specialties such as sake or sweets. Many roadside stations are also home to a tourist information centre and souvenir shop. We have also seen hot springs, museums, restaurants, convenience stores, playgrounds and campsites located at roadside stations.
There are always clean toilets and vending machines and this makes it a popular choice for van lifers who are looking for somewhere to park up for the night. We have stayed at many roadside stations while travelling in Japan and it’s not uncommon to see other vans. There doesn’t seem to be any problem with parking overnight at a roadside station in Japan, but it is best to arrive around dusk and leave in the morning so you are not taking up space in the car park.
If we compare Japanese roadside stations to those in other countries, we much prefer the facilities in Japan. Roadside stations in the UK for example, usually only allow parking for 2-3 hours and always have the same facilities such as McDonalds or KFC.
We stayed at a roadside station in Kochi prefecture, check out the video we made below.
4. Free Campsites
Another great part about van life in Japan is the availability of free campsites. There are of course privately owned campsites that charge fees, however free campsites are usually owned and taken care of by the local city government.
We usually find out about free campsites by searching on google maps and checking the reviews on google from other people who have visited. Most free campsites have wonderful views and facilities, however you need to be aware that on a rare occasion they require you to call and reserve in advance.
5. No Negativity Towards Vanlifers
Since van life has become so popular in recent years, some local beauty spots in Scotland for example, can attract up to 30 vans each night. Locals who live in these places start to resent this, especially if they have paid a lot of money for a house with a nice view which is then obstructed by many vans parked up. Some van lifers are also inconsiderate and leave trash or create noise which of course annoys the people living there. There can be hostility towards van lifers and sometimes they feel they are not welcome.
In Japan, we have never experienced hostility and pretty much everyone we have met is very friendly and welcoming. Since van life in Japan is not as popular as it is in some countries overseas, many Japanese people are very interested to see inside the van and always ask lots of questions. We have always felt comfortable and safe everywhere we have stayed overnight which sometimes isn’t the case in other countries if you feel like the locals don’t want you staying there.
6. Food
A fantastic aspect of van life in Japan is the food. Japanese food is famous around the world, but each prefecture within Japan is famous for its own dish or produce, ranging from onions on Awaji Island to chocolate covered crisps in Hokkaido.
Of course other countries have regional specialties, but in Japan it’s a really big deal and one of the main reasons people love travelling domestically within Japan. Restaurants and eating out is also really affordable in Japan compared to countries like the UK and sometimes it works out cheaper to eat out than buying lots of ingredients and cooking in your van (it also saves you doing the washing up too!)
7. Infrastructure
Even though Japan is a nation of islands, the infrastructure is well developed and most places are accessible by vehicle. There are incredible bridges and regular ferries connecting the islands together so it is very easy to get around. There are many expensive toll roads in Japan but we try and avoid these by selecting toll-free roads when planning a route on google maps.
