Basic information when renting a Campervan

Are you looking for campervan, motorhome, or RV rentals in Japan? JAPAN ROAD TRIP has been acknowledged as Japan’s leading campervan rental company. We provide many types of campervans to meet your specific demands.

Click here to view our Top 5 most popular campervans for preference.

Traveling in other countries and renting a campervan can be exciting but it can also be troublesome if you do not have the right information. So, in this blog, we’ll give you some important information and explanations about renting a campervan.

First and foremost, we have English-speaking staff who will guide and assist you before and during your rental of our vehicle. If you have an accident or become lost while renting the vehicle, please contact our team and we will guide you any time. And if you have any concerns, please notify our staff in advance.

Pick up and Drop off process

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Our pick up and drop off address will be our main office

*To view instructions on how to get from the airport to our head office, click here!*

We will arrange a pick up timeslot with you.

The pick up process usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

During this time, we will:
・Check documents – please bring your valid driver’s license and International Drivers Permits.

・Introduce you to your new home and give you a tour of the vehicle.

・Carry out a damage report.

・Answer any questions.

・Give you the keys

We get very busy, particularly in peak season so, please make sure you are on time for your slot and let us know of any delays in advance.

The drop-off procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

At the end of your trip, drop your campervan back to our main office. And Please let us know your preferred drop off time 24 hours in advance so we can be ready for your arrival.

During this time, we will:

・Carry out a damage report.

・Collect the keys.

Before you drop the camper back, please ensure the following:

・The campervan is clean and tidy – all cupboards are clear and food is thrown out.

・Disposed all garbage.

・Floors, surfaces and leathers have been wiped down.

・Fuel is topped up to the same level it was at when you picked up the campervan.

Driving in Japan

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There are some rules that are different in Japan than other countries. Here are some things you should know before hand.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required for foreign visitors to drive in Japan. And you’ll need to apply for it in your home country before coming to Japan. It can take a few weeks to come, so make sure you apply early. We will need to check your IDP before we can give you the keys for your campervan.  

In Japan, drivers drive on the left side of the road. It indicates that cars and bicycles should be on the left side of the road, and pedestrians on the right side of the road.

Seat belts are required and using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. And if you are using your mobile phone for navigating, it must be securely mounted in a location that doesn’t obstruct your view of the road.

And the most important rule that you should follow is do not drink while driving. Japan has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Alcohol consumption is prohibited before driving, unlike in other countries where it is tolerated. It is strongly enforced, with heavy penalties.

Since traffic signs are typically in English and adhere to international standards, they are easy to read. The only exception is the “stop” sign, which is an upside down red triangle with a Japanese sign that reads “stop”.

*To view more about traffic rules in Japan click here!*

Speed limits are normally 100 km/h on expressways, 60 km/h on ‘regular roads’ in towns, and 40 km/h on country roads. However, due to the height of RV’s, the wind might easily turn them over, so kindly reduce your driving speed by 20%.

Japan has a network of ‘expressways’, which are high-speed motorways. Most expressways have tolls that must be paid at toll gates in order to be used. Cash or ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) can be used for payment.

Our vehicles do not presently have ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards, therefore you will need to pass through manual gates.

How to use campervan

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The vehicle is approximately 3 meters in height, 5 meters in length, and 2 meters in width. Be aware of your height, avoid parking lots with roofs, take care not to run over any eaves near the coin parking payment spot, and request that the person in the passenger seat continually monitor the environment with you.

And, prior to departure, inspect for scratches and dents on the vehicle and fill out a rental certificate. We also encourage customers to take pictures if there is already damage in the vehicle.

Around the campervan there are many storages and entrances that can be convenient while using the campervan, and it can be only opened with the keys.

This compartment will allow you to reach the kits that can be used in an emergency or when you stop your vehicle in a campground, such as a tire stopper, or it can also be used for storage.

 

(View from outside)

(View from inside)

This door can also be used to store larger items such as your suit case, and it can be opened from the inside of the motorhome, allowing you to utilize it as an entrance.

In this Compartment you can find the external power cord. (Sometimes it can be stored in different place.) 

You can also use your keys to open the gas storage chamber. In Japan, service stations are classified as either self-service or full-service. Staff at a full-service gas station will fill your tank for you. In a self-service gas station, you must fill your vehicle yourself.

Before you fill up, double-check the type of fuel (diesel or petrol). You can check the desired type of fuel type near the fuel filler.

There is also a section where the water tank is located. However, for health reasons, its use is restricted. If you use it and felt sick we well not take responsibility.

When you open the door please use the lock to prevent movement.

Please take off your shoes in the steps and put it inside the shoe box. Wearing shoes inside the motorhome is strictly prohibited.

In some RV microwaves maybe placed near the entrance. Please do not use the microwaves door for handrail.

If you wish to use the air conditioner, microwave, or refrigerator, please charge the battery in the campground or wherever you stay.

step 1: Open the socket (Don’t forget to close it after usage)

step 2: Connect the cord to the vehicle

Step 3: Connect the cord in charging places

 

*Some cars have a solar power generation function.*

By turning on the main switch, you will be able to use the appliances inside the campervan.

But please Do not use the aircon and microwave at the same time.

You can adjust the temperature of the refrigerator inside. After turning on the main switch it may take 5 to 10 minutes before it cools down.

This device displays the percentage of the battery. so, if you are using the battery while not charging it you can check the remaining capacity of the battery here.

Turn on the button to convert the sub-battery’s power into a little quantity of power that may be used to charge your smartphone, laptop, and other devices. This also allows you to use the car’s AC or cigarette lighter power sources. Some cars include a lamp that signals “On”. However, it is better to turn it off when not in use to save power.

Can be used even when the car engine is turned off. Advantages include the ability to use it at night on campsites. It gets powered by the vehicle’s gasoline. Even if you use it overnight, it will only consume about 1 liter.

Turn the knob to turn it on and set it to maximum first. After about 5 minutes, warm air will emerge from the vent behind the rear seat. To avoid anomalous combustion, use it at the maximum or medium setting and open the window slightly. Using it while driving is highly prohibited due to the risk of abnormal combustion and breakdown.

Turn the knob next to the fan to open the door, then press the start button to start it. You can change the direction of the fan by pressing the middle button.

Do not use while driving, and be sure to close the door after using it.

Press the button to release the window lever. Push slowly to open it to around 30 degrees (don’t open it too far, or the window may come off). When closing the window, slightly press to return. Ensure that the lever is inserted in its original position. And never open it while driving.

Push the button and slide up to use the shades.

If you lower the Lever, you can use the window screen.

Please use two hands when opening and closing the shades and window screen. And do not open the window while driving.

 

The legs beneath the table can be folded by simply pressing a button on the side of the table. The legs themselves are unsteady, so don’t allow children to stand on them.

It is then secured with a lock beneath the table, pull down the lock to release the table from the wall.

This is how you can maximize the length of the bunker bed

Step 1: Remove the lock from the floorboard folded in front of the bunk bed and expand it. (both sides)

Step 2: Snap the extra mat into the middle.

Step 1: Remove the table and snap it between the rear seats.

Step 2:  Remove the front and rear backrests and place them on the table for a completely flat configuration.

 Beds should be returned before driving.

 Drivers seat circumference

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This are two types of bars that can be used to change the position and angle of the backrest and seat position.

To use the handbrake, pull slightly hard while holding the grip button, then return. Check the front panel for the P mark. If it does not disappear, pull it back forcefully and repeat.

It’s an invisible video camera mounted on the back of the vehicle to monitor what’s behind you. When you put the vehicle in reverse, the camera turns on. As you back up, a mirror image appears on the monitor in front of you, mirroring your perspective.

If you have passenger, ask them to stand at the back of the vehicle and ask for direction.

The vehicle’s tire pressure was checked before to rental, but please double-check it at a gas station for safety. The recommended tire pressure is marked on the driver’s seat, and if you ask the gas station staff, they will check it for you.

Summary

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 All of the information in this blog will be explained and demonstrated to you manually. There are more information that you can use while traveling in Japan, such as applications and places to stay, so please ask our staff if you have any questions.

We invite you to join us on the JAPAN ROAD TRIP and explore the beauty of Japan.