Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your campervan adventure.
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🪪 Licenses & Driving
What driver's license do I need?
A regular license from your home country — no special RV license required. Plus one document:
- Most countries (US, Canada, Australia, UK, and more): an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention — check the year on the cover). Get it before you leave home — it cannot be issued in Japan. In the US, AAA issues IDPs same-day for about $20.
- Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia: an IDP won’t work — you need an official Japanese translation of your license instead (order before your trip, or from JAF offices in Japan).
Are there any driver requirements?
Yes — you must have held your driver’s license for at least one year.
Can more than one person drive?
Yes — just register additional drivers at pickup with their license and IDP.
I've never driven on the left. Will I be OK?
Most visitors adjust within 30 minutes. Our vehicles are compact by international standards, Japanese drivers are famously courteous, and we’ll give you time to practice in a quiet area before you set off.
Is the car navigation in English?
The built-in navigation is Japanese-only, so we recommend using Google Maps on your smartphone — it works perfectly in Japan and shows live traffic. A phone mount is provided in every vehicle.
How do tolls work?
Every vehicle has an ETC device — Japan’s version of E-ZPass or FasTrak for automatic toll payment. To use it you need a Japanese ETC card. If you have your own, you’re welcome to use the ETC lanes. If not, no problem — just use the lanes marked “一般 (General)” and pay by cash or credit card.
Can passengers ride in the beds while driving?
No — Japanese law requires every passenger to be seated with a seat belt whenever the vehicle is moving. The beds are for when you’re parked. Children under 6 must be in a child seat.
Can we drink alcohol in the campervan?
When you’re parked for the night — of course, enjoy! But Japan has a strict zero-tolerance drink-driving law, and it applies the next morning too: if you had a late night, give your body time before driving.
📅 Booking, Payment & Cancellation
How do I book?
Send a booking request online — choose your vehicle and dates. We’ll check availability and email you a quote within one business day. Your booking is confirmed once payment is completed. Summer and holiday dates fill up fast.
When do I pay, and what payment methods do you accept?
No payment is taken when you send your booking request. Once we confirm availability and send your quote, we’ll email you a secure payment link. We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Your campervan is reserved once payment is completed.
Is there a security deposit?
No deposit required.
Is there a minimum rental period?
Yes — 2 nights minimum.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes. Changes depend on availability, so contact us early. Cancellation fees follow our Cancellation Policy.
Is there a mileage limit?
No — unlimited mileage on all rentals.
🚐 Vehicles & Sleeping
How many people can sleep in your campervans?
The Compact Campervan sleeps 2 adults (up to 4 with the pop-up roof — great for kids). The Family Campervan sleeps 4–5 with a full-flat main bed plus built-in bunk beds. Vehicles & Rates →
Is there a toilet or shower on board?
No toilet or indoor shower — and in Japan, you won’t miss them. Spotless free restrooms are everywhere: roadside stations, convenience stores, RV parks. For bathing, Japan’s onsen (hot springs) and sento turn washing up into a trip highlight — typically ¥500–1,000 per visit. We’ll recommend the best ones along your route.
Both campervans do have a pull-out shower hose on the outside, with cold water — handy for rinsing sand and salt off feet, kit and bikes before you climb back in.
Is bedding included?
Bedding sets (futon, blanket, pillow) are ¥3,000 per set per trip. Add them when you book.
Can we stay warm in winter / cool in summer?
Yes — both vehicles have a heater that works safely while parked. In summer, we recommend powered RV sites for overnight comfort.
Are child seats available?
Yes, on request — tell us your child’s age when booking. Children under 6 are required by law to use one.
Are pets allowed?
Small pets are welcome for an additional cleaning fee — please tell us when booking.
Can I smoke in the vehicle?
All vehicles are strictly non-smoking (including e-cigarettes). A cleaning fee of ¥30,000 applies for smoking inside.
Do I need to take my shoes off inside?
Yes — Japanese style! Shoes off in the living area keeps the van clean and comfortable.
🍳 Living On Board
What cooking equipment is included?
Everything you need for simple meals: a portable gas stove, pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery. Groceries and seasonings are up to you — convenience stores and supermarkets are everywhere.
How does the water system work?
The sink runs from a fresh-water tank — fine for washing, not for drinking. Refill free at RV parks and campgrounds; buy drinking water at any convenience store.
Where do we throw away trash?
Japan has famously few public trash bins. Sort your trash into the bags we provide, and dispose of it at RV parks or campgrounds — or bring it back to us, no charge.
Can I charge my phone and camera?
Yes — AC and DC outlets run from an auxiliary battery, so you can charge even while parked.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Most visitors use an eSIM or airport SIM card — coverage is excellent across the region.
Can I rent camping gear?
Yes — outdoor tables, chairs, BBQ gear and more as add-ons. Add them when you book.
✈️ Pickup & Return
Where do I pick up the vehicle?
At our office, 5 minutes from Hiroshima Airport. Free airport pickup and drop-off, both ways.
I'm not flying into Hiroshima Airport. Can I still rent?
Yes — take the airport limousine bus from Hiroshima Station (about 50 minutes), and we’ll meet you at the Hiroshima airport.
What are the pickup hours? What if my flight is delayed?
Transfers run 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (JST). Early or late flight? Contact us — we’ll do our best. If your flight is delayed, message us as soon as you know and we’ll adjust your pickup time.
We are closed on Tuesday.
How long does pickup take?
About 30–40 minutes: paperwork, a full walkthrough of the vehicle in English, and time to practice driving.
What's the fuel policy?
Full-to-full: you’ll receive the vehicle with a full tank and return it full. Both campervans take regular gasoline.
Do I need to clean the vehicle before returning?
No deep cleaning needed — just return it tidy: dishes washed, trash bagged. Heavy soiling (for example, wearing shoes in the living area) may incur a cleaning fee of up to ¥30,000.
What if I return late?
Contact us as soon as possible. Late returns may incur an additional charge, so please plan your final day with time to spare.
Can we store luggage at your office?
Yes, free — leave your suitcases with us and travel light.
Can I return the vehicle in another city?
One-way rentals are not available — all rentals start and end at our office near Hiroshima Airport.
🗺️ Where You Can Go
How far can we travel? Can we leave Hiroshima?
Anywhere in Japan! Popular routes: the Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku, along the San-in coast to Izumo, or west to Kyushu. Unlimited mileage.
Can we take the campervan on a ferry?
Yes — vehicle ferries are common across the Seto Inland Sea. Ask us for route advice; for Miyajima, park at Miyajimaguchi and take the passenger ferry instead.
Where can we park overnight?
At RV parks, campgrounds, and roadside stations that permit overnight stays — we’ll share our recommended spots, including seaside locations on the Shimanami Kaido, at pickup. Rules and etiquette on our [Driving in Japan] page.
Can we drive in winter? Is there snow?
The coast rarely sees snow, but northern mountains do (December–March). Tell us your route and we’ll advise.
What if a typhoon or severe weather hits during our trip?
Safety first — contact us and we’ll help you adjust your plans. Typhoon season (roughly July–October) rarely affects more than a day or two; the Seto Inland Sea area is one of Japan’s mildest, most sheltered regions.
🛡️ Insurance & Trouble
Is insurance included?
Yes — basic automobile insurance is included with every rental at no extra cost.
What is the Peace-of-Mind Pack?
For ¥5,000 per day, the Peace-of-Mind Pack (CDW) covers your insurance deductible, so you won’t pay the excess if there’s an accident. We strongly recommend it — most guests take it.
What is the Non-Operation Charge (NOC)?
If the vehicle needs repairs due to damage during your rental, we charge a Non-Operation Charge (NOC) to cover lost business while it’s off the road — a common practice at Japanese rental companies. Our NOC is ¥100,000 if the vehicle can be driven back to our office, or ¥300,000 if it cannot.
What if we have a breakdown or accident?
Call us any time: +81-82-437-1970. For accidents: move to safety, call the police (110 — required by law), then call us. We’ll guide you through everything in English.
What happens to our trip if the vehicle can't be repaired?
If we can’t provide a replacement vehicle, we refund the unused nights in full.
What languages do you support?
English, at every step — booking, pickup walkthrough, and 24/7 phone support during your trip. 台灣的朋友可以參考我們的[繁體中文頁面]。
Still have questions? → Contact us