Campervan Adventures: Top Japanese Cultural Experiences in October
#travel-plans
Autumn is a great time to explore Japan by campervan. Not only is the weather comfortable, but you’ll also get to enjoy stunning natural scenery along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan this fall, and you’re looking for cultural experiences or unique places to visit, then this blog is just what you need.
Additionally, for more travel inspiration, don’t forget to check out our post on the Top 5 October Campervan Destinations in Japan. It’s full of great ideas to help you make the most of your road trip!
Whether you’re traveling around Hokkaido, Tokyo, or Osaka, there’s no need to worry! JAPAN ROAD TRIP has rental branches all across Japan, so you can easily choose the most convenient location to start your journey.
We also offer early bird and long-term discounts, so if you’re planning a longer road trip, be sure to book early to save more. And for an even bigger deal, our special autumn campaign gives you 25% off the basic rental fee for a limited time.
Japanese School Day Experience in Chiba
At CAMPiece Kimitsu, a unique campsite in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, you can experience a full day as a Japanese student from the nostalgic Showa era. Set in a peaceful countryside town surrounded by rice fields, this activity lets international visitors dive into a part of Japanese culture rarely experienced by tourists.
You’ll wear a real school uniform—either a sailor outfit or a gakuran—and take part in an authentic school day led by a “homeroom teacher” who guides the experience in English.
Your School Day Includes:
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Morning Homeroom
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Japanese Calligraphy
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Classic School Lunch
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History Class (with cosplay!)
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PE Class (Sports Festival)
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Cleaning Time
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Graduation Ceremony
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School Festival
Optional: Stay overnight with camping in the schoolyard or relax at a nearby onsen ryokan.
Highlights:
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Wear authentic school uniforms (multiple sizes available), complete with indoor shoes.
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Calligraphy class: Personalize a traditional hagoita paddle with your name and favorite kanji.
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History class: Dress as a samurai, ninja, or Edo-period merchant for a fun cosplay photo shoot.
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PE class: Take part in a mini sports festival and try ninja-style shuriken throwing!
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Lunchtime: Enjoy a classic Japanese school lunch, and even participate in traditional routines like cleaning time and a fire drill.
CAMPiece Kimitsu is the only place in Japan where you can fully experience the charm of student life in the Showa period. Perfect for anime and drama fans or anyone looking for a fun, cultural adventure!
For more details, visit their website:
https://campiece.com/area/kimitsu/
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Gold Leaf Application Experience in Yugawara
Looking for a unique and luxurious hands-on experience during your trip to Japan? Try your hand at gold leaf decoration in Yugawara! In this workshop, you’ll apply real gold leaf from Kanazawa onto a handcrafted ceramic plate designed by local artisans.
Using special adhesive, you’ll draw your own pattern or message on a black or brown ceramic plate (about 16 cm in diameter), then carefully apply the gold leaf. The shimmering gold beautifully contrasts with the dark glaze, creating a striking and elegant design that makes for a perfect souvenir or gift.
Customize your design!
Whether it’s your travel date, name, or a special message, you can create a personalized design that turns your plate into a one-of-a-kind memory.
Take it home the same day
No need to wait, it is ready to bring home right after your session. It’s an ideal activity for travelers looking for a meaningful keepsake or a thoughtful handmade gift.
Great for groups & easily accessible
The spacious studio easy to visit by campervan, with nearby parkin and can host up to 70 participants. Whether you’re a group of friends, students, or coworkers, everyone is welcome. Friendly instructors will guide you through the process, making it easy even for first-timers.
Make your trip to Yugawara unforgettable with this beautiful gold leaf experience!
For more details, visit their website:
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Master Japanese Charaben in Tokyo
Known globally as “BENTO,” Japan’s traditional lunch boxes are loved for their balance, beauty, and creativity. But one style in particular has captured hearts worldwide—”Charaben” (character bento)! These cute creations feature characters from anime and manga, like Totoro or Kumamon, made entirely from rice, seaweed, cheese, and other everyday ingredients.
In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to create your own charaben using simple ingredients and easy techniques—all taught in English! It’s a perfect way for visitors to explore Japanese culture through food.
What You’ll Do:
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Create cute shapes using various ingredients
Learn to make sweet Japanese rolled omelets, shape them into hearts or flowers, and even craft octopus-shaped sausages with ketchup flavoring. Add touches like chikuwa tempura and boiled broccoli to complete your meal. -
Design your favorite character’s face and body
Mix rice with black sesame or salmon flakes, then shape it into your character. Use nori (seaweed), cheese, and imitation crab to make the eyes, nose, and mouth. Tools like tweezers, scissors, and straws make it fun and easy—even for beginners! -
Pack it beautifully into a bento box
Carefully place your character in the center and arrange the other ingredients neatly around it. The finished result is always so cute you won’t want to eat it—but too delicious to resist!
This is more than just a cooking class—it’s an exciting cultural experience. Join the class and take home your very own edible masterpiece. Perfect for anime fans, food lovers, or anyone looking for a unique memory in Japan!
For more details, visit their website:
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Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Looking for a peaceful and authentic cultural experience during your Kyoto visit? Head over to An Kyoto, located in the Karasuma Gojo area, where anyone can enjoy hands-on Japanese cultural experiences in a relaxed and friendly setting. One of the most popular options is the matcha tea ceremony experience. After a simple and easy-to-understand introduction, you’ll get to whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy it just like the locals do. You can also take beautiful photos while seated on traditional tatami mats — a lovely memory to capture during your stay. Whether you’re exploring Kyoto’s historical streets or winding down after a busy day, this quick matcha experience is a perfect cultural break.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of matcha, you can also try combo experiences that include making traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) or joining a 3-step matcha journey for tea lovers.
Why you’ll love it
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High-quality, single-origin matcha is used.
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It comes with Wasanbon, a delicate traditional sweet.
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It’s perfect for solo travelers (minimum 1 participant); and it costs just ¥1,160 per person.
Whether you’re new to Japanese tea or a longtime fan, An Kyoto offers a simple and welcoming way to enjoy one of Japan’s most elegant traditions. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of matcha even if it’s just for 30 minutes!
For more details, visit their website:
https://kyoto.nipponbunkan.com/
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SUP Wakeboarding Experience in Shiga
Did you know you can surf without going to the ocean? Wake surfing (also known as boat surfing) lets you ride artificial waves created by a motorboat. Whether you’re into longboards, shortboards, or funboards, you can enjoy wave riding right on Lake Biwa!
No board? No problem! Rental boards are available, so just bring yourself and your excitement. This experience is perfect for everyone — from complete beginners looking to try surfing for the first time, to seasoned surfers chasing the thrill of endless waves. Even if you’ve thought, “I want to surf, but there are no waves today…” Lake Biwa has you covered. Go and catch a wave on Japan’s largest lake!
What’s included and what to expect:
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Available year-round
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Solo bookings welcome (1 person OK)
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Rental board included in the price
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Free parking on site
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You can swim in Lake Biwa
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Facility fee: ¥550 (July–August: ¥1,100)
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Free hot showers and changing rooms available
There friendly, experienced instructors can speak English and will guide you based on your level. Beginners are especially welcome! If you’ve always wanted to try surfing but felt unsure or never had the chance, now is the perfect time. And for experienced surfers, They will help you level up your skills and enjoy the dream of endless surfing!
For more details, visit their website:
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Summary
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing or more active experience, you can truly feel autumn in these Japanese cultural activities. If you want to book a campervan with us or need different recommendations for places to visit, feel free to contact us thru mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger. We’re happy to help you plan the most exciting road trip in Japan!
