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Regional Japan Campervan Itinerary – Tokyo to Shizuoka

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When people think of Tokyo, they envision the world’s LARGEST CITY, with an abundance of neon billboards, skyscrapers and a bustling street life. BUT there’s a whole world of exploration waiting just beyond the crowded streets of Tokyo that most people, sadly, NEVER get to experience. Exploring wider Tokyo and regional Japan, can come with its challenges, especially transport and accommodation. That is why exploring regional Japan in this 5 day Campervan itinerary, is not only FUN but also EASY & EFFICIENT!

Travelling by campervan through Japan allows you to visit ALL the off the beaten track (and uncrowded) gems that regional Japan and wider Tokyo have to offer!

In this blog post we’ll share, what to expect when travelling by campervan through Japan from Tokyo to Shizuoka. We’ll guide you through our 5 day itinerary, share our maps of the must-see destinations, landmarks, and practical tips to make your Japan campervan journey smooth and unforgettable.

Regional Japan Campervan Adventure - Tokyo to Shizuoka
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Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time

Need somewhere to stay in Tokyo, before or after your Japan Campervan adventure?

Don’t miss our guide of Where to stay in Tokyo

Imagine setting off on a regional Japan campervan adventure, where every turn of the wheel uncovers new landscapes, cultures, and hidden gems.

Buckle up, this is set to be one of your most unique and memorable experiences.

Where to hire your Campervan from Tokyo

Samurai Campers, offers a great fleet of Campervans of ALL SIZES. Their vans are well fitted out and they have very affordable prices for groups of all sizes.

Our campervan was one of their largest and easily fit a family of 4, it had air-conditioning, modern led lighting, microwave, sink, plenty of storage, sitting area.

They have campervan depots available throughout Japan, including Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka

Inside out Samurai Campervan Regional Japan Campervan Adventure - Tokyo to Shizuoka

Discover the 15 BEST Apps for Travelling Japan

From Navigating, to Translating or finding the best local eats, this guide will have you travelling Japan with EASE!

Tips for your Campervan trip through Japan

Finding Campervan Sites in Japan:
  • Campervan sites:
    • Campervanning and camping around Japan in actually quite common, and you will find a lot of privately owned Camping & Auto Campervan sites throughout the entire country. Staying in a privately owned campervan park offers you many facilities, like showers, (sometimes an onsen) toilets, food, as well as the option of power. The best way to find them is by searching camping or auto camp site in your google maps from your location. It will pin anything nearby with images and reviews.
    • You can also use this Google Map, created by James Oda. It lists Free Camping Site, Onsens, Auto camping spots etc. They also have a Facebook you can join Free Hot Springs and Free Camping in Japan 
  • Roadside Stops:
    • The rules in Japan for staying overnight in a campervan, are actually very relaxed. You are allowed to camp overnight literally anywhere and they have specific roadside stops for this purpose. What’s more is they have 24 toilets and sometimes shower facilities. They also usually offer 24 hour food, and of course vending machines.
Other Campervan Tips to help you navigate Japan
  • Toilets / showers: Toilets are easy to find and are available at road site stops, convenience stores, fuel stations, public beaches, or lakes. And when it comes to showers you will find an Onsen in just about every location.
  • Fuel station’s are easy to find and readily available. Most have attendant that will assist you in filling up your tank. Also note that you should always travel with excess petrol in regional areas.
  • Rubbish:
    • Alot of bins will require you to sort your rubbish so doing this as you go will save you time later down the track. You will find bins at Roadside stops, convenience stores, and at camping grounds. There may be a small fee to dump your rubbish.
  • Tolls:
    • There are ALOT of toll roads in Japan, and they can be quite expensive, it is always worth mapping with and without tolls to see what the time difference is to work out if they are worth avoiding.
    • Easiest way to use the toll roads is to have an automatic ETC machine. If you do not have this, make sure you go through the ticket lanes with a ‘green’ light, these will have a attendant that can assist you to do it manually.
Restaurants, Food and Dining:
  • We relied on Convenience stores a lot in the regional areas as there is not a lot of restaurants, and, if there are most close very early. Luckily convenience store in Japan have the BEST meals and are easy and convenient to heat up.
Things to know before going to Japan

Everything I wish I knew before Travelling to Japan

Important things to know before you go!

5 Day Regional Japan Campervan Itinerary (Tokyo to Shizuoka)

We have created a GOOGLE MAP, with ALL of our favorite spots, so that you can create the perfect Japan Campervan itinerary tailored to you: Open Google Map

Day 1 – Pickup your Campervan from Narita Tokyo

Day 1 Involves the longest drive of the trip, BUT it is the MOST BEAUTIFUL and will be one of the highlights of your trip. You will be climbing through the winding mountain ranges in Shizuoka, and the views are breathtaking, and the final destination will blow your mind!

DAY 1 MAP: Open in Maps

DRIVING TIME: 5 hours

  • STOP 1: Lake Ikawa Region is BREATHTAKING, the water is a beautiful soft turquoise blue and the lake is surrounded by lush forests and towering mountain peaks.
  • STOP 2: Ikawa Yume-no-Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge – only a short drive from the main part of town you will find this impressive suspension bridge, which offers great views across the lake.

STAY:

  • OPTION 1: There is a rest stop, with 24 hour toilets and an information center in Ikawa Town, it is a free campsite and a great place to stop for Day 1.
  • OPTION 2: Minami Alps Ikawa Auto Camping Ground is a paid campground located close to Ikawa Lake.

Day 2 – Continue to explore Shizuoka

Day 2: You will continue your Japan Campervan itinerary and explore the Ikawa Lake region, before making your way to the Mount Fuji Lakes region.

MAP: Open in Maps

DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours

  • STOP 1: The Yume Suspension Bridge quickly became one of my favorite stops in our campervan trip through Japan. Earning its nickname, the ‘Bridge of Dreams.’ the Yume Suspension Bridge stretches 90 meters across and hanging 50 meters above a lush valley and deep gorge, this pedestrian bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the shimmering, emerald-green gorge below. (the round trip is 2km)
    • OPEN: Dawn to Dusk.
    • COST: FREE
    • ACCESS: 2km round trip walk
The Yume Suspension Bridge Campervan 5 day itinerary japan (tokyo to shizuoka)
The Yume Suspension Bridge
  • STOP 2: Okuōikojō Station – was another trip highlight. Walking across the red train bridge you will reach a cute cafe and what I would guess to be the most remote train station in Japan. Such a cool experience.
    • OPEN: Dawn to Dusk.
    • COST: FREE
Okuōikojō Station Campervan Japan itinerary Tokyo to Shizuoka
Okuōikojō Station
  • STOP 3: Shiraito Falls and Otodome Falls is an impressive waterfall that overlooks Mount Fuji on a clear day.
    • OPEN: Dawn to Dusk.
    • COST: FREE

STAY:

  • OPTION 1: Lake Tanuki Campground
  • OPTION 2: Koan Camping Ground
Lake Tanuki Campground

Day 3 – Your Japan 5 day campervan itinerary continues through Mount Fuji’s Kawaguchiko Lakes Region

Day 3: Kawaguchiko, the Fuji five lakes region is situated at the base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This area features five scenic lakes: Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko.

MAP: Click here

DRIVING TIME: 2 hours / 45 mins

  • STOP 1: Nakanokura Pass View Point – Quick stop to take in the beauty of Mount Fuji
  • STOP 2: Makaino Ranch is a fun hobby farm with novelty oversized swings & big tall seats all that overlook Mount Fuji on a clear day.
    • OPEN: 9.30-5.30
    • COST: Free
  • STOP 3: Oishi Park is a FREE park with beautiful gardens set on lake ** with impressive views overlooking Mount Fuji!
    • OPEN: 24 hours
    • COST: Free
Oishi Park
  • STOP 4: Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine
    • OPEN: 6am – 5pm
    • COST: Free
Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine – Mount Fuji Lakes Region
  • Stop 5: Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park has seasonal flowers, including sunflowers in Summer, and beautiful Mount Fuji Views.
    • OPEN: 9-4.30pm
    • COST: 250 yen per person
Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park
  • STOP 4: Oshino Hakkai is a postcard worthy village nestled at the base of Mount Fuji. It is known for its eight ponds and traditional thatched-roof houses overlooking the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
    • OPEN: 9 – 5pm
    • COST: Free
  • STOP 5: You will make your way to Hakone, and to your campsite.
  • STAY: Fun Space Ashinoko Camp Mura Lake Side Villa

Day 4 – Explore Hakone Region

MAP: Open Map

DRIVING TIME: 3 hours

  • STOP 1: Hakone Ropeway up to Owakundani: Owakundani is a mountain range with volcanic vents formerly known as Hell’s Valley, the views on the ropeway as well as from the lookout are incredible. It’s said that the black eggs you buy there prolong your life by 7years (500 yen for 4)
    • COST: Approx 1500yen
Hakone Ropeway up to Owakundani - 5 day Japan Campervan itinerary
  • STOP 2: Hakone Shrine and Heiwa no Torii – is the iconic shot you will see with the Torii gates overlooking the lake and Mt Fuji, what they fail to tell you is there is a LONG LONG line to take a photo, and you can only see Mount Fuji on a clear day. We didn’t wait in line, but enjoyed the Shine which is very beautiful. If you do want to capture the instafamous shot, our suggestion is to arrive early.
Hakone Shrine and Heiwa no Torii

  • STOP 3 Hein Waterfall The main waterfall is 26 meters tall and was formed roughly 10,000 years ago, what makes the waterfall even more magical are the colorful coy fish that swim at the foot of the waterfall. The surrounding gardens are also very beautiful and the hotel has a day spa and onsite onsen
    • OPEN: 8 – 5.00pm
    • COST: Free
Hein Waterfall, Hakone, Japan Campervan 5 day itinerary from Tokyo
Other things to consider doing in Hakone
  • Swan boat for 1500yen
  • The Hakone Open-Air Museum for 1600 yen
  • Sail on the pirate ship – 1000yen
  • Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Day Spa for 3800yen (Get tickets) Known for its themed onsen areas, like the the Saki, Wine or Ramen onsen, it also has beautiful cave onsens, a waterslide and is a great spot to take kids.
Foods you MUST try when in Hakone
  • Black Ramen noodles (famous in this area)
  • Black ice cream 
  • Eat black egg which are said to prolong one’s life by 7 years / 500 yen for 4 eggs
STAY:

You will drive and make your way to the Izu Peninsular to stay overnight on the coast at either Aqua Village or Ren Village

Day 5 – Explore the Izu Peninsular on Day 5 of your Japan Campervan Itinerary

Day 5 of your Japan Campervan Itinerary, it’s time to explore the Izu Peninsula’s west coast and visit some of the beachside gems just south of Tokyo.

MAP: Open Day 5 Map

DRIVING TIME:

  • STOP 1: Lovers Cape – is a beautiful lookout set high on the coastline.
  • STOP 2: Dougashima Sea Cave Skylight beach side cave (1 hour) – do a boat trip & Riding coast – Nishi Izu (cave)
  • OPEN: 8.30-4.15pm
  • COST: Boat Trip costs 1500 yen
  • STOP 3: Hagachizaki Monkey Bay is a UNICEF listed site where playful monkeys play on the beach
    • OPEN: 9am – 4pm
    • COST: 1200 yen (kids 600 yen)
Hagachizaki Monkey Bay 5 day Japan Campervan itinerary
  • STOP 4: Sawada Park Open-air Bath
    • COST: 600 yen
Sawada Park Onsen 5 day Japan Campervan itinerary
Sawada Park Open Air Onsen Bath

STAY: Kumomi Auto Camping Ground

Kumomi Auto Camping 5 day Japan Campervan itinerary
Kumomi Auto Camping Ground

Day 6 – Final day of your Campervan Itinerary (Izu Peninsular)

  • STOP 1: Amagiso waterfall and hot spring, where to do I start with this one!! INCREDIBLE and an absolute MUST for your itinerary. There were multiple hot spring fed spas as well as one of the most beautiful waterfalls and rivers!
  • STOP 2: Ryugu Sea cave and nearby beaches.
Ryugi Sea Cave 5 day Japan Campervan itinerary
  • STOP 3: Shaojiabi Coast coastline and suspension bridge
  • STOP 4: Akazawa Onsen Day Spa is a day use hot spring infinity pool, overlooking it the Izu coastline. (Tattoo Friendly)
    • OPEN: 10.00am – 9pm (Friday to Monday)
    • Cost: Infinity pool onsen 1600yen
Akazawa Onsen Day Spa Japan campervan itinerary - Izu Japan Shizuoka
Akazawa Onsen Day Spa

Sadly, the time has come to drop off Campervan…

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