Campervan Travel in Japan Made Easy: License Rules, Safety Tips & More!
#rv-vanlife
Hey everyone!
Today, I want to share a quick tip for anyone new to campervan travel.
Can I Drive a Campervan with a Regular Driver’s License?
When you first start out, there are always those little “hmm… I wonder how this works?” moments, right?
One of the most common questions I get is:
👉 “Can I drive a campervan with a regular driver’s license?”
The answer is simple — yes, you totally can!
In Japan, most campervans are built on standard van or truck bases that fall under the category of a “regular driver’s license.” Your normal Japanese license — or a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention — is all you need.
If you’re visiting Japan from another country, make sure your International Driving Permit includes a “B” stamp, as this is required to drive standard vehicles in Japan, including campervans. You’ll also need to bring:
✅ Your home country driver’s license
✅ Your International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 version, with “B” stamp)
✅ Your passport (required when renting)
If your license is from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan
These countries don’t issue the 1949 IDP, so you’ll need:
✅ Your original driver’s license
✅ An official Japanese translation (from JAF or your country’s embassy/consulate in Japan)
✅ Passport
A few larger RVs (the big, bus-sized ones) might require a “medium vehicle license”, but those are rare for rental use. Most rental campervans in Japan — like Toyota Camroad, Hiace, or Caravan models — are totally fine with a regular license.
So, no need to stress about special permits — just make sure your license and IDP are valid, and you’re good to hit the road! 🚐💨
Can I Lie Down and Sleep While the Campervan Is Moving?
Here’s another question I often hear:
👉 “Can I lie down and sleep in the bed while the campervan is moving?”
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s easy to think,
“They can nap in the bed while I drive,” or “We’ll take turns resting — no problem, right?”
Some of you might have even tried it before.
Well… actually, that’s a no-go.
I know, I was surprised too!
According to Japanese law, all passengers must be seated with their seatbelts fastened while the vehicle is moving.
Kids under six must also be in a proper child seat.
Even vehicles with sleeping spaces — like long-distance buses or trucks — don’t allow people to lie down while driving.
So if you want to rest on the road, the safest option is to slightly recline your seat but keep your seatbelt on.
Lying down completely, even with the belt fastened, isn’t safe — the belt won’t protect you properly, and it’s technically against the law.
It’s one of those things even experienced campervan travelers might not know!
Quick Tips for First-Time Campervan Travelers in Japan
1. Pack light — space is precious!
Campervans are cozy, but space can fill up fast. Pack only what you really need, and use soft bags instead of hard suitcases (they’re easier to store!).
2. Always check your power source 🔋
Before stopping for the night, make sure you know if your parking spot has electricity or if you’ll rely on the campervan’s battery.
Many RV parks and michi-no-eki (roadside rest areas) offer plug-in power.
3. Plan bathroom and shower stops 🚿
JAPAN ROAD TRIP’s campervans don’t come with built-in toilets or showers, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for rest stops. The good news is that Japan has plenty of clean, safe options — from convenience stores and roadside “Michi-no-Eki” stations with restrooms, to public baths and relaxing onsen (hot springs) where you can refresh after a long day on the road.
4. Try staying at RV parks or michi-no-eki 🏕️
They’re affordable, safe, and perfect for campervans. Many offer water, waste disposal, and even Wi-Fi or laundry facilities.
5. Keep cash handy 💴
Japan is still quite cash-based, especially in rural areas. Toll roads, small RV parks, and local shops may not accept cards.
7. Be mindful of local etiquette 🙏
Avoid running the engine too long when parked overnight (for air conditioning or heat). It can bother locals and waste fuel.
8. Download a few useful apps 📱
Try RV Park MAP, Michi-no-Eki Navi, or Google Maps Offline — perfect for finding nearby parking spots, baths, or local restaurants.
Summary
Campervans are super comfy and full of cool features, but the key to an amazing trip is staying safe and following the rules. That way, you can enjoy every mile of your adventure worry-free
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