RV Rental—Onsen, Road Trips and Surfing

Are you a fan of road trips but haven’t done one yet due to the great public transport in Japan? Exploring Japan by RV (recreational vehicle) is an amazing way to experience the country. With an RV rental, you can discover the countryside and find hidden hot springs while enjoying the comforts of home at your own pace. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer journey, an RV rental is an ideal way to explore all Japan has to offer. 

Onsen are Everywhere

Ski trips in Japan usually conclude with an onsen at the end of each day. As big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka don’t have easy access to natural hot spring water, why not take the time off to travel and soak in the healthy minerals that many onsen offer? 

Despite well-known onsen places near Tokyo such as Kusatsu and Nozawa, we also recommend Kyushu, southern Japan. With multiple prefectures and landscapes, you can find a myriad of different onsens with varied health benefits depending on the area. Kyushu is also famous for delicious food such as tonkotsu ramen, karaage, mentaiko and fresh seafood. 

Keisuke Mitsui, a Sales Representative from RV Land, advocates for Hokkaido: “Hokkaido is the best destination with campers for sure. There are lots of hidden hot springs everywhere that you can have all to yourself, since not so many people visit them. This allows for a unique onsen experience.” 

Camping Culture

In Japan camping has a rich history, and with an RV, you don’t have to worry about carrying bulky gear such as tents or sleeping bags on crowded public transport. Besides driving directly to the campsite, you also have the option of sightseeing and hiking at day or night. 

If you’re not a fan of paid campsites, Dream Drive, an English-language-friendly RV rental company, recommends road-side stations called michinoeki for parking and sleeping. Tyson Faa from Dream Drive’s Marketing team said: “An RV gives you the freedom to adjust your schedule as needed. It’s more comfortable and easier to travel without having to book hotels; you can easily visit smaller towns and rural areas off the beaten track that have fewer accommodation options.” 

Back to Nature

The Tohoku area, north of Tokyo and south of Hokkaido, has six of Japan’s 47 prefectures; its vast space makes up almost one-fifth of Japan and you can visit plunging waterfalls in Akita, shimmering lakes and dense forests in Aomori or go skiing in Yamagata. Japan Road Trip has 59 rental RVs with different equipment for your needs and locations. “Travelers looking for the inner essence of Japan should visit these places for a different perspective of the country,” said Bern Recto, Inbound Marketing Consultant at Japan Road Trip.

Events for Everyone

For the three-day annual Fuji Rock Festival, don’t worry about expensive accommodation—instead call RV JAPAN. While Japan doesn’t have many music festivals, it does boast multiple other events. With spring coming, beautiful plum and cherry blossoms will soon bloom, and many seasonal festivals will take place across the country. From the lively hanami gatherings in parks to traditional celebrations such as Kyoto’s Miyako Odori, spring in Japan offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature and festivities.

Summer Sports

Shikoku, known for its art festivals such as the Setouchi Triennale, is also a top surf destination, especially in Kochi. Wakayama and Hyogo offer great waves too, with popular spots such as Shirahama, Isonoura, Kaifu and Himeji, which are go-to places for surfing lovers. Renting an RV makes the ultimate surf trip, offering flexibility to explore multiple spots, beachfront camping and the convenience of having gear, food and rest all in one place.