By Ahmad Bilal 
Foreigners prefer driving motorhomes (or campervans) in Japan due to the high popularity of this type of vehicle. Well, they need to keep certain things in mind while driving so that the overall experience remains positive.
In 2024, there were 165,000 registered campervans in Japan, representing an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. These recreational vehicles offer a unique travel experience, comfort, and flexibility. Moreover, renting them does not require a huge expense, which is why foreigners often prefer Japanese motorhomes when visiting the country.
Japan is friendly to RV travellers because the country has well-maintained roads. This is coupled with a safe and extended network of roadside stations. You can obtain dedicated camping grounds and RV parks. This increases the overall experience of a traveller. This article guides a foreigner who opts to drive motorhomes while visiting Japan for the first time.
Foreigners can drive in Japan. The main needed document is an International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and a foreigner can acquire it from his or her home country. This allows driving for a year.
Are you coming from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, or France? Then, you need to have an official Japanese translation of your driving license. This translation is provided by the Japan Automobile Federation.
A person needs to be above 18 years to acquire a driving permit in Japan. If you go for motorhome rental in Japan, some rental agencies might demand a valid license from you that is 1-2 years old. It’s better to obtain clarity on this ground before you rent.
After obtaining the necessary driving permit, a first-time traveller in Japan must choose a renowned rental company. Try to book as early as possible because campervans are highly in demand in this country.
A typical motorhome includes bedding, kitchens, refrigerators, power supplies, etc. Check all the needed amenities before you book any vehicle. Also, get clarity on the specific services that companies offer to international travellers.
Are you visiting Japan for the first time? Do you want to drive Japanese motorhomes? Here are a few aspects that you must acknowledge to ensure hassle-free driving.
Bilingual signage (Japanese and English) is present in major roads and highways in Japan so that foreigners do not face any problem while driving. Rental campervans contain a GPS that helps in finding several places. You can also rely on Google Maps.
In Japan, most of the expressways are toll roads. You need to get an ETC card to pay for tolls. You can obtain it from your rental provider. While passing narrow countryside roads, drive slowly and use mirrors at blind corners. Also, don’t block the paths of pedestrians and cyclists.
For a first-time visitor, understanding the main road rules is important if you opt for a motorhome rental in Japan. Left-hand driving is mainly practised here. Always keep in mind that pedestrians are to be prioritised. Let’s check out the main rules that a foreigner must obey while driving in Japan.
| Traffic rules | Details |
| Maximum speed limit | 60 km/h (ordinary roads), 100 km/h (expressway), 40 km/h (towns), side streets (30 km/h) |
| Mobile phone usage | No, only hands-free use is allowed |
| Drink & drive | Illegal |
Table 1: Key traffic rules in Japan
You need to park your vehicle in the right place so that you can sleep inside it peacefully. Here are some of the overnight options that you can consider.
| Options | Facilities | Cost | Need for booking |
| Roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) | Shops, toilets, vending machines, etc. | Free | No |
| RV parks | Water, electricity, waste disposal | ¥2,500 – ¥3,000 per stay | Often |
| Campsite | Showers, BBQ areas, etc. | ¥2,000–¥5,000 per site | Often |
Table 2: Available overnight options
While driving Japanese motorhomes, you need to obtain some necessary amenities. Fuel stations are available throughout the country, and most of them are self-service. They provide regular (red nozzle), high-octane (yellow nozzle), and diesel (green nozzle) fuels.
Don’t worry about public toilets, as you can get them everywhere. They are very clean and well-maintained. 24/7 convenience stores offer some necessary services, like food, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, etc.
For beginners, several aspects are to be considered while driving a camper van in Japan. Here are some of the tips that you need to obey.
- Keep offline maps and translation apps downloaded
- Carry cash, as you might not use cards in some rural areas
- Keep your shoes off inside the motorhome
- Plan fuelling in the rural areas
To ensure smoother travel, you must not make certain mistakes. Here are some of the common ones that you should avoid.
- Not carrying the IDP or license translation
- Parking the vehicle anywhere
- Avoiding road signs
Driving a motorhome can be a memorable experience for foreigners in Japan if they follow the road signs and mandatory considerations. You can explore Japan by obtaining an IDP or a translated license. The vehicles can be parked at night in roadside stations and RV parks. Drivers must obey the road signs while driving.
Are you prioritising motorhome rental in Japan? Get knowledgeable about the Japanese roads and the main signs while driving. Find a reputable motorhome rental company and fulfil your needs.
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