Car camping in Japan A Guide to Overnight Stays at Michi no Eki

In Japan there is a unique way to travel inexpensively and flexibly: spending the night in your car at the so-called Michi no Eki (roadside stations). These stations are spread throughout the country and offer a practical alternative to traditional hotels, especially for travelers who are often on the move and want to decide spontaneously where to sleep.

In this blog post, I would like to share my personal experiences with this type of travel. We decided to take a trip from Tokyo to Tochigi and then on to Fukushima – in a small K-Car in which we also spent the night. Here you’ll learn how to best approach this kind of auto-camping, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and what equipment is absolutely essential to have on board.

What are Michi no Eki?

Michi no Eki (道の駅) are roadside stations found along many major highways in Japan. They are a kind of rest stop, but offer much more than just parking spaces and restrooms. At these stations, you will often find local products, restaurants serving regional dishes, and sometimes even cultural or tourist information. They are accessible around the clock, making them a popular spot for travelers who do not want to stay in hotels.

One major advantage of Michi no Eki is that spending the night there is free. Unlike regular parking lots, car camping at these locations is tolerated, which offers an economical way to spend the night, particularly on longer trips.

To find specific Michi no Eki, you can use the official website of the Michi no Eki Association: https://www.michi-no-eki.jp/search . However, it is possible that not all stations are registered with the association and therefore listed on this site. It can be helpful to also consult mapping services like Google Maps. The association regularly announces new registrations. Most recently, on January 31, 2025, nine new roadside stations were registered, increasing the nationwide total to 1,230.

The Advantages of Auto-Camping at Michi no Eki

1. Cost Savings: A hotel stay in tourist areas of Japan can be expensive, especially in rural regions or during peak travel seasons. With auto-camping at Michi no Eki, you save on these costs without having to forgo essentials like restrooms. A night in your car is not only free, but also flexible – you can decide on the spur of the moment where to sleep, allowing you to plan your route as you please.

2. Time Savings and Flexibility: Since most Michi no Eki are strategically located along highways and near attractions, you can wake up in the morning and dive straight into your next adventure. No check-outs, no long walks from a hotel to the sights – you’re right on location. This flexibility allows you to make the most of your day without being tied to fixed hotel schedules.

3. Nature-Filled Experiences: On our journey through Tochigi and Fukushima, we were enchanted by the surrounding nature. Forests, mountains, and lakes defined the landscape we traveled through. Auto-camping gives you the opportunity to sleep close to nature and experience the beauty of Japan in its purest form. Even when the weather isn’t cooperating – as when a typhoon passed by during our trip – your car provides shelter and still allows for a unique travel experience.

4. Relaxation with Onsen and Sento: Since many Michi no Eki do not have showers, visiting an Onsen or Sento almost becomes a standard part of the itinerary for auto-campers. These baths are often found near the Michi no Eki and offer not only a way to freshen up, but also a chance to relax after a long day on the road. We did this regularly and it was always a highlight, especially when after a day full of exploration you could relax your muscles in the hot water.

The Challenges of Auto-Camping and How to Overcome Them

Depending on the season, sleeping in your car can become a challenge. In summer it can get hot quickly, while in winter the cold can be an issue. As we were traveling in autumn, we were fortunate to experience a pleasant climate. Nevertheless, we had small rechargeable fans that we powered with our power banks. In winter, an electrically heated blanket that can also be powered by a power bank might prove useful.