<h3><span class="strongInContent">Staying &#8220;in the car&#8221;&#8230;Lawson&#8217;s groundbreaking initiative is making headlines</span></h3>
<p> It will be possible to &#8220;stay overnight in a car&#8221; in the parking lots of convenience stores. Hotels and inns are soaring in accommodation prices, and reservations are difficult during peak season. This will be good news for those who travel freely by car.</p>
<p> Lawson, a major convenience store chain, will allow customers to stay overnight in their cars at its stores&#8217; parking lots. The company began a demonstration experiment in July at six stores in Chiba Prefecture. According to the announcement, the convenience of being able to purchase food and beverages at any time and the security of having employees in the store are the main selling points, and Lawson claims that this will be an effective use of its parking lots.</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> By utilizing its nationwide network of stores, Lawson hopes to increase the number of options for places to stay overnight in a car and help people have a comfortable &#8220;car trip&#8221; (Lawson press release).</span></p>
<p> Mr. Shoma Nakagawa, a public relations manager for Carstay (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture), a company that offers a sharing service for campervans and overnight spots, says, &#8220;Japan has an environment that is conducive to overnight stays in cars. There are hot springs and public bathhouses everywhere, public toilets are clean, and it is a safe country.</p>
<figure id="attachment_434030" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434030" style="width: 3024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="107847c5"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/166eb7486d1679b4e9d28f8f50966c6e.jpeg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434030" class="wp-caption-text"> One of the joys of staying in a car is barbecuing. The photo shows Vanlife BASE, a 10-minute walk from Katakai Beach in Chiba Prefecture (from 7,000 yen/night).</figcaption></figure>
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<p> Mr. Nakagawa has been staying overnight in his car for more than 10 years and has never had any problems. The secret to avoiding problems while staying in a car is to maintain moderation and good manners.</p>
<p> What kind of places can you stay overnight in a car? Roadside stations and highway service areas may come to mind, but Mr. Nakagawa denies that they are &#8220;temporary rest facilities for people who are tired from driving, not places to stay overnight in a car. According to Mr. Nakagawa, there have been problems with long-term visitors to the parking lots of these temporary rest facilities taking out trash, setting out tables to cook, washing their hair and flushing leftover food in the washrooms, and other such activities.</p>
<p> Facilities mentioned for overnight stays include auto campgrounds, RV parks, and even overnight spots provided by businesses such as Carstay.</p>
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<p> RV parks are certified by the Japan RV Association and meet the following criteria: ample parking space, 24-hour access to restrooms, access to power, nearby bathing facilities, waste disposal, and the ability to stay for multiple days. The MISHOP website lists more than 500 approved facilities nationwide and their respective fees.</p>
<p> At auto campgrounds, visitors can pitch tents as well as stay overnight in their cars. They are often equipped with toilets, showers, cooking facilities, and power sources. The Japan Auto Camping Association&#8217;s website introduces facilities nationwide, and you can search by criteria such as &#8220;pets OK.</p>
<div data-friday-nextpage-lead=" Spots for overnight stays in cars start at 500 yen per night."></div>
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<h3><span class="strongInContent">Matching Service&#8221; for Car Overnight Spots is Popular</span></h3>
<p> Private operators also offer overnight spots. Carstay, for example, offers about 350 spots nationwide. Carstay is a business that connects people who want to rent out vacant lots, parking lots, etc., with people who want to stay overnight in their cars. Fees start at 500 yen per night (per car), and average around 2,000 to 3,000 yen.</p>
<p> Mr. Nakagawa added, &#8220;If you want to stay in your car for entertainment, please use a spot dedicated to entertainment. For example, in a car-sharing spot often used by logistics companies, truck drivers may be taking a break while idling, and you will be bothered by exhaust gas smells and noise.</p>
<figure id="attachment_434031" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434031" style="width: 2000px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="97ad6eb7"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/620e819e36ba5d8f6c7c3765f6ed61b3.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434031" class="wp-caption-text"> Countryside Backpacker House,&#8221; which offers camper car sharing and overnight stay experience (Noto region, Ishikawa Prefecture; from 4,000 yen/night)</figcaption></figure>
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<p> When staying in a car, you should also make sure that the car is equipped with the facilities you need, such as toilets. You should also check how to dispose of garbage. If you are traveling with a dog or other pet, it is a good idea to have facilities such as a dog run. Pets are stressed out after a long car trip.</p>
<p> When sleeping in a standard car, it is also important to check if the interior of the car is fully flat. If it is difficult to stretch out the legs when sleeping, there is a risk of economy syndrome. Renting a specialized vehicle such as a camper is also an option.</p>
<p> In addition, when staying overnight in a car, it is necessary to be considerate of the people around you, such as opening and closing the car door when going to the restroom. If you use the air conditioner with the windows closed during the summer, you will have to leave the engine running, which will create noise for those around you.</p>
<p> If there is no security problem, it is possible to sleep with the windows open, but without a screen door, insects will come in. In summer, heat stroke is a serious concern. Campers are often equipped with household air conditioners. Portable air conditioners are available on the market, so you may want to consider using a portable power supply.</p>
<p> Be careful with fire when cooking. At auto campgrounds, be alert for natural disasters such as sudden downpours. For beginners, Mr. Nakagawa recommends using a special spot for overnight stays in a car.</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> There are people with experience in overnight stays in cars at these spots, and they can give you a lot of advice,&#8221; he says. They can give you advice on sightseeing spots.</span><span class="strongInContent"> spots,&#8221; he says. &#8220;It&#8217;s a great chance to interact with people. It&#8217;s a good chance to interact.</span></p>
<p> Owners and managers of dedicated spots for overnight stays in cars are knowledgeable about local conditions, and they may be able to tell you about hidden gems and recommended spots. During the peak season, it is expected that there will be no more spots available for overnight stays in cars. It is best to check availability and the surrounding area in advance and be prepared to enjoy your overnight stay in a car.</p>
<figure id="attachment_434032" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434032" style="width: 1240px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="372bf586"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/e027dc124b66dc17117c0ca97e8438f1.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434032" class="wp-caption-text"> Shateraise Hotel Ishiwa (Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture): 2,000 yen～/night] This is an overnight spot in the city center, about 5 km from the Ichinomiya-Misaka Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. The alkaline simple hot spring is popular. There is also an authentic restaurant where you can enjoy dishes such as Japanese Wagyu beef and tuna shipped directly from Shimizu Port.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434034" style="width: 4915px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="64bbb999"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/0814a3538bf07f762d8c39e3a3425518.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434034" class="wp-caption-text"> The hot spring is a simple alkaline spring with a pH of 9.1. Private hot spring baths (reservation required) are available for a fee (Shateraise Hotel Ishiwa).</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434035" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434035" style="width: 4032px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="5aeb3b19"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/adcef798511510414aa04b9d8c3ffdc3.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434035" class="wp-caption-text"> Vanlife BASE (Chiba Prefecture) 7,000 yen～／night] A 10-minute walk from Katakai Beach, a famous surfing spot, this is a spot dedicated to overnight stays in cars. The private space and socializing opportunities are popular with everyone from beginners to vanlifers traveling throughout Japan!</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434036" style="width: 720px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="f38cd36c"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/0c127cd86cd789c9c267d520c38af219.jpeg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434036" class="wp-caption-text"> Shower, washroom, lavatory, and laundry facilities are available in the user-only building (Vanlife BASE).</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434037" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434037" style="width: 1512px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="6bb575eb"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/54f1ba65105c11c64b9d85a7c548396b-rotated.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434037" class="wp-caption-text"> RAKU SPA Cafe Hamamatsu (Shizuoka Prefecture) 3,500 yen～/night] A hot-spring bath facility with a bedrock bath and one of the largest tower saunas in Hamamatsu City. The morning bath, which opens at 7:00 a.m., is also convenient.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434040" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434040" style="width: 3084px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="46b5a839"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/1929bc524e68cabd72dd4081939cf67d.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434040" class="wp-caption-text"> The use of the morning bath (7:00-10:00) for up to two persons per car per night is included in the price (RAKU SPA Cafe Hamamatsu).</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434041" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434041" style="width: 1999px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="d9bec78e"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/b13c85c14890f16dad1f683974ce8a99.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434041" class="wp-caption-text"> Rural Backpacker House (Noto region, Ishikawa Prefecture) 4,000 yen～/night] This spot offers campervan car sharing and lodging experience. Interaction with car traveler/van lifer + backpacker owners is one of the attractions of this spot.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_434042" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434042" style="width: 2000px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="5ffdac4a"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/07/730d94d8b976857239791fde18b331f5.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434042" class="wp-caption-text"> From winter to spring, we recommend Noto oysters, which you can receive directly from oyster fishermen! (Countryside Backpacker House)</figcaption></figure>
<p> *Prices and other information in this article are current as of July 2013. Please refer to Carstay or each facility&#8217;s website for details, prices, and terms and conditions of each facility.</p>
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<p><a href="https://carstay.jp/ja/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Click here for <span class="strongInContent">Carstay&#8217;s</span> website.</a></p>
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 Hideki Asai

 Courtesy of Carstay

 Lawson, a major convenience store chain, has made headlines by announcing that it will allow customers to "stay overnight in their cars" in the parking lots of its stores. A person in charge of a company that provides a sharing service for overnight stay spots says, "Japan is an environment where it is easy to stay overnight in a car.

Lawson&#8217;s approach to &#8220;Hotels and inns are expensive&#8230;&#8221; &#8220;Japan is an environment where people can easily stay in their cars! Japan is a good place to stay in a car&#8221;

Lawson’s approach to “Hotels and inns are expensive…” “Japan is an environment where people can easily stay in their cars! Japan is a good place to stay in a car”

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