If you are planning on visiting Tokushima in your camper van or to stay overnight in your car, there are many wonderful free overnight spots. In this blog post we will recommend our favourite 5 places that we stayed while enjoying van life in Tokushima!
This list will include a combination of roadside stations, campsites and random locations. The places we list will also be spread out over the whole of Tokushima prefecture so that if you are planning a 5 day trip for example, you can use each location while exploring the entire prefecture.
When staying overnight, there are always two important factors which we look for in addition to the place being free of charge.
- Toilets (if they are clean, then that is a huge bonus)
- Running water
Other factors that we like but are not necessary:
- Safe
- Quiet
- Nearby Onsen
- Nearby Amenities (for example: supermarket or convenience store)
- Nice View
1. Minodanofuchi Campground
This is a lovely free government owned campground located on the banks of the Yoshino river. There is no need to make a reservation and there are clean toilets, running water and a vending machine. There are 3 shaded areas located near the entrance that are perfect for camper vans since they are flat and provide some privacy.
It’s also possible to drive up the hill and park beside the toilets since that area is also flat. Near the entrance there is another general parking area which is suitable for camper vans. Weekends during the summer are very busy with locals doing day camping and having BBQs but when we stayed on weekdays, it was quiet.
2. Iya Fureai Park
We struggled to find somewhere to park up for the night while exploring the Iya Valley but eventually came across this rest stop. It’s the car park for an amusement park but we arrived when it was already closed and left very early in the morning.
The toilets are very clean and are available to use during the night. There is no running water here so it’s better to eat something easy which doesn’t require using dishes that need cleaned. There are many vending machines here which you can use to get your morning coffee!
3. Roadside station Mima-no-sato
This is a really great and fully-equipped roadside station. There is a restaurant, bakery, tourist information center and shop available in addition to very clean toilets, free wifi and many vending machines. We also spotted many other camper vans staying at this roadside station, There is a supermarket next door which started discounting food from 5pm.
4. Nippoomiko Koen Camping Ground
If you are planning to spend a day in Tokushima city exploring, then this campsite is a great place to spend the night after stuffing your face with delicious Tokushima ramen. The campsite is located in a big park and is very near the ocean.
Camper vans need to park in the car park since the camping area is located inside the woodland beside the beach. There are many toilets, vending machines and BBQ areas available to use. When staying here on a Saturday night, many young people from the city were hanging around in the car park and making noise but it didn’t bother us too much.
5. Road Station Hiwasa
If you plan to visit the south of Tokushima, this is the best place to stay since it is a nice roadside station that has a local shop, tourist information and free foot bath. There is a convenience store across the road and an onsen with fabulous views nearby.
One of the famous temples from the Shikoku pilgrimage and the beautiful Ohama beach where turtles lay eggs in the summer are both within walking distance.
Van Life In Toksushima Prefecture
We hope this blog post was helpful for those of you who are planning to stay overnight in your car or camper van in Tokushima prefecture. We absolutely loved van life in Tokushima and can’t wait to return again someday.
