Guest essay

By Russ Veillard

The author is a voice actor who divides his time living in the Seattle area and Japan. Among his many acting credits, he is the voice of the AFLAC duck in Japan.

Looking for someplace fresh to explore? Why not try Japan? Okay, Japan is a bit beyond your favorite spot on the river — and until they build a bridge or bore a tunnel long enough for your rig to navigate, you’ll have to fly at least eight hours or longer to get started. Trust me, though … you’ll be glad you came. Come in fall for bursts of mountain colors and spring for the classic pink carpets of cherry blossoms. Every season in Japan has its charms, so why wait?

Once you get on the ground, most probably at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda international airports, you’ll need your RV, or what the Japanese call a “Camping Car.” They rent for as little as $80 USD per night to more than $200 for a “motorhome” — something like the smallest Class C in America. Depending on the country you’re from, Japan requires most RV renters to obtain an International Driver’s Permit prior to entering the country.

Japan’s roads tend to be narrow, so camping cars over 16 feet long are not permitted. Shucks, because I like narrow roads and I’m great driver. So, lost is a hint of the freedom we Americans take for granted — to go anywhere in anything.

Camping cars in Japan come in small, smaller and smallest, yet they hang onto many of the interior appointments many of us feel we can’t live without. At 6’2”, I’m definitely a giant here, but I find that just a dab of butter on the elbows eases my squeeze into any of these, well … “riggettes.” Hey, maybe I’ve coined a new RV class: Riggettes would fall somewhere between your camper van and a smart car.

No? Anyway, this smaller lineup obviously gives up some muscle, so load yourselves and payload thoughtfully. Oh, and please drive on the left side of the road in Japan, because everyone else does.

SO, OFF WE GO … to the great “camp-jo”! Or, in other words, the Japanese campground. Japan’s sophisticated highway system (yep, you have to pay a toll) gets you there, with most major signage in English, thankfully. If you’re still weary from that long flight and can’t quite make it to the camp-jo before sundown, be sure to pull into the popular “Michi no Eki,” or rest area. Overnights are free and offer convenience stores and clean restrooms with nearby hot spring facilities for bathing.

If you haven’t yet soaked in a Japanese “Onsen,” or hot spring, the rest of your trip may have to be modified — to soak away under the stars, savoring fresh sashimi while sipping your new favorite Japanese sake. Honestly, I’m still not a big fan of raw fish, but the menu is broad enough for all.

Whoopee! We finally made it to the camp-jo! You might be right on the ocean, deep in the mountains or, for me, straight across the lake from iconic Mt. Fuji. Japanese campgrounds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many featuring the same facilities you’re used to in America. Expect to pay anywhere from 4,000 to 8,000 Japanese yen per night, or roughly $35 to $75. If you’re not into rowing the lake or traipsing up Fuji, rest easy, for there’s plenty to see and discover. Or just sit right back at the BBQ and smell what’s cookin’!

So, you’ve been teased with just a glimpse of what the world of camping cars is all about in Japan. Take the next step and see it for yourself.