Yes, you read it right, for free!
We hired our campervan at Samurai Campers in Tokyo, and we can recommend it. Just know, if you rent a small one like us, it's tiny and doesn't have space to put your clothes/stuff away. So it's going to be pretty basic. If you're okay with that, you can hire the small/cheaper one, otherwise go for the bigger car. We have been traveling for two weeks, and it was doable.
Mimi's tip: Bring your speakers if you're a music person. The car does not always come with Bluetooth and doesn't have the best music boxes either.
Where are the free campsites?
Japan is full of roadside stations, aka Michi no eki. This is a government-designated rest area found along the highways and roads of Japan. It provides a place for travelers to rest. It's free, it's safe, but it usually doesn't come with a spectacular view. It's an excellent way to save some money. We used these places when we knew we would arrive late, so the view no longer matters. Most of the time, there are toilets and shower facilities. Toilets are accessible, but the shower you have to pay for them.
Find all the free roadside stations here.
Is wild camping allowed in Japan?
It's not allowed, but it's accepted. We did this many times, and we didn't have any troubles. Make sure to be a good person, clean up after yourself, and don't make too much noise; everything will be fine.
If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.
Love,
Mimi
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