Car Camping in Japan A Guide to Staying Overnight at Michi no Eki

In Japan, there is a unique way to travel cost-effectively and flexibly: overnighting in the car at 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 frequently on the move and want to decide spontaneously where to stay overnight.

In this blog post, I want to share my personal experiences with this type of travel. We decided to embark on a trip from Tokyo to Tochigi and further to Fukushima – with a small K-Car, in which we also stayed overnight. Here you will learn how to approach this type of car camping best, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and what equipment should definitely be 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 area, but offer much more than just parking spaces and toilets. At these stations, you can often find local products, restaurants with regional cuisine, and sometimes even cultural or tourist information. They are accessible around the clock, making them a popular spot for travelers who do not wish to stay in hotels overnight.

The main advantage of Michi no Eki is that overnighting there is free of charge. Unlike regular parking lots, camping in the car at these locations is tolerated, which provides a cost-effective option for spending the night, especially on longer trips.

The Advantages of Car Camping at Michi no Eki

1. Cost Savings: Staying in a hotel in tourist areas of Japan can become expensive, especially in rural areas or during peak travel seasons. With car camping at Michi no Eki, you save on these costs without having to forgo basic necessities like toilets. Spending a night in the car is not only free but also flexible – you can decide spontaneously where to sleep, allowing you to plan your route as you wish.

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

3. Close-to-Nature Experiences: On our trip through Tochigi and Fukushima, we were enchanted by the surrounding nature. Forests, mountains, and lakes characterized the landscape we drove through. Car camping provides the opportunity to stay close to nature and experience Japan's beauty in its purest form. Even if the weather doesn't cooperate once – like when a typhoon passed by us – the car offers protection while still allowing for a unique travel experience.

4. Relaxation through Onsen and Sento: Since many Michi no Eki do not have showers, visiting an onsen (hot springs) or sento (public baths) has become almost standard for car campers. These baths are often found near Michi no Eki and not only offer a way to clean up but also to relax after a long day on the road. We did this regularly, and it was always a highlight, especially when you could relax your muscles in the hot water after a day full of explorations.

The Challenges of Car Camping and How to Overcome Them

Depending on the season, sleeping in the car can become a challenge. In the summer, it can get very hot quickly, while in the winter cold, the cold can become a problem. Since we traveled in the autumn, we were fortunate to experience a pleasant climate. Nevertheless, we had small rechargeable fans with us, which we operated with our power banks. In winter, an electrically heated blanket could be useful, which can also be operated via a power bank.