travel tips

How to rent a campervan in Japan

Renting a campervan is an option as a means of travelling and sightseeing with a high degree of freedom. Below you will find detailed information on how to rent a campervan in Japan, the procedure, precautions, price rates and rental offices near major airfields.

Contents
  1. 1. common rental methods and procedures in Japan
  2. 2. What you need.
  3. 3. How to return and what to look out for
  4. 4. Usage fee rates
  5. 5. Rental offices near major airports
  6. Conclusion

1. common rental methods and procedures in Japan

Process from booking to departure

  1. Online booking
    Many rental operators accept bookings on their websites. Select the date, time, vehicle type and options (e.g. bedding, kitchenware, etc.).
  2. Preparation of required documents.
    A driver’s licence (Japanese or international) is required. Some operators also require registration of credit card information.
  3. Vehicle check at pick-up point.
    On the day of the appointment, you will hear about the use and precautions of the vehicle at the office and check its condition.

Points to check in advance

  • Pets allowed or not.
    An increasing number of vehicles allow pets, but prior confirmation is essential.
  • Cancellation policy
    Check the cancellation fee policy in case your travel plans change.

2. What you need.

Driving-related

  • Driving licence.
    Ordinary driver’s licence for residents of Japan. Foreign travellers must have an international driving licence.
  • nsurance verification documents
    Voluntary insurance is recommended. Also check the insurance details provided by the operator in advance.

Items to keep you comfortable on your journey.

  • Food and condiments.
    Some vehicles are equipped with a fridge, but available space is limited.
  • Mobile batteries.
    Spots with access to power may be limited, so an extra power source is useful.

3. How to return and what to look out for

Return process

  1. Vehicle cleaning
    The interior of the vehicle basically needs to be cleaned. Keep it free of food debris and rubbish.
  2. Filling up with fuel
    Many operators require the return of a full tank. Check this when you sign the contract.
  3. Check when returning the vehicle.
    Check the condition of the vehicle with staff. If there is damage, you may be charged separately for repairs.

Common problems.

  • Delayed return times.
    Be punctual as late fees are often incurred.
  • Lost and found.
    Be aware that kitchen utensils and personal items are often left behind.

4. Usage fee rates

Campervan hire rates vary as follows.

Approximate fees

  • Weekday use
    Around JPY 15,000-25,000 per day.
  • Weekends and public holidays
    Around JPY 20,000-35,000 per day.
  • Busy periods (GW and summer holidays)
    May rise to JPY 30,000-50,000 per day.

Examples of additional charges

  • オプションOptional costs.
    Rental of kitchen utensils and bedding: ¥1,000 – ¥5,000/day.
  • Insurance costs.
    JPY 1,000-3,000/day for optional insurance.

Estimate the total cost in advance and plan within your budget.

5. Rental offices near major airports

Here are some rental camper businesses near major city airfields for your reference.

Stores around New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido

  1. 旅する車 新千歳店 (Traveling Car New Chitose Branch)
    • Opened in Chitose City since 2017. 7 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the gateway to the northern land, by free shuttle service.
    • Various types of campers available, from light campers for solo travelers to van-cons and cab-cons.
    • URL:https://travel-camper.jp/shop/shinchitose/
  2. 北海道ノマドレンタカー (Hokkaido Nomad Rent-a-Car)
    • Aims to provide the No. 1 luxury travel experience in Hokkaido.
    • Cleaning is handled by JAL staff.
    • URL:https://nomad-r.jp/

Stores close to Haneda Airport, Tokyo

  1. オリックスレンタカー　羽田空港店 (ORIX Rent-A-Car Haneda Airport)
  2. TOKYO RV Campers
    • Experienced staff with a wealth of car sales experience
    • Pet-friendly vehicles available.
    • URL:https://tokyo-rv.co.jp/

Stores close to Narita Airport, Chiba

  1. バンテックレンタカー (Vantec Rent-a-Car)
    • Vantec Rent-a-Car is operated by Vantec, a manufacturer and seller of campervans.
    • A 10-minute walk from Narita International Airport Terminal 3.
    • URL:https://rentacar.vantech.jp/narita/
  2. eレンタカーNARITA (e-Rent-a-Car NARITA)

Stores around Kansai International Airport, Osaka

  1. キャンピングVan Life Rent a car（バンライフレンタカー）　大阪店大阪 (Camping Van Life Rent a car Osaka Osaka)
  2. McClent Osaka/Izumisano

Stores around Central Japan International Airport

  1. ボヤージュレンタカー (Voyage Car Rental)
  2. Van Life Rent a car(バンライフレンタカー) 愛知本店

Stores around Fukuoka International Airport

  1. 「CAN-Be 福岡BASE」センター (CAN-Be Fukuoka BASE Center)
  2. レンタカースタイル　福岡空港店 (Rental Car Style Fukuoka Airport)

Around Okinawa International Airport (Naha Airport)

  1. 沖縄キャンピングカーレンタルサービス (Okinawa Camper Rental Service)
  2. AsovivaWorks

Conclusion

When renting a campervan in Japan, advance preparation and confirmation of the rules are key. There are many convenient rental offices near major airports and easy access to tourist attractions. We encourage you to use a campervan for your next trip and create special memories!

campervan service for foreigner is available from the banner below in Japan.

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I have always wanted to travel in a campervan and have moved from staying in a minivan to buying a campervan. I am currently doing a lot of research for the purchase of a campervan. I am still a new guide, but I will use this opportunity to learn more and share this information with you.
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