Road tripping in Japan is actually very easy. In fact, I would even say it is one of the most comfortable countries I have ever traveled by road. Here, as a Japanese traveler, I’ve summarized the most common questions people have about road trips in Japan.
1. Where do you sleep?
Unfortunately, iOverlandera(camping and travel app) is almost useless in Japan, so finding free camping spots can be difficult. You might think, “So I have to stay at paid campsites?” But that is not necessary. Japan has something called “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Stations).
● What are Michi-no-Eki?
Michi-no-Eki were originally built as rest areas to prevent fatigue during long-distance driving. At the same time, they help local economies by selling regional products.
Because of that, they are:
- Safe
- Free
- Clean toilets (almost always with washlets)
- Restaurants and shops available
In short, they are almost perfect for overlanders. There are many across Japan (except in major cities like Tokyo).
● Important note
Some Michi-no-Eki prohibit overnight parking, so it is important to check Google Maps reviews beforehand. Most of them are very safe, and toilets remain lit at night.
2. Showers
①Onsen (hot springs)
Showers are generally not a problem in Japan. There are many onsen (hot spring bathhouses) where you can both shower and bathe for around 3–5 usd per visit. This is a core part of Japanese culture and definitely worth experiencing.
● Important notes
- No swimsuits allowed
- Small towels are allowed
- Tie long hair so it doesn’t enter the bath (especially for women)
- Some places prohibit tattoos due to organized crime policies
- Cash may be required
- Shampoo and body soap are usually provided, but bring your own towel
Recommended: Nomura Onsen (Nagano)
Highly recommended is Nomura Onsen in Nagano Prefecture. All baths in this area are free and tattoo-friendly. However, there is no shampoo, body soap, or towels provided, so it is a fully local-style experience.
②For those uncomfortable with public baths
Some foreigners may feel uncomfortable bathing naked with strangers, which is understandable. For those people, there are private shower options. However, Japan does not usually have showers at gas stations or roadside stations. Instead, there are Manga cafés / Internet cafés The most famous and recommended is Kaikatsu Club.
■ What is Kaikatsu Club?
Kaikatsu Club is a multi-purpose facility offering:
- Manga and magazine reading
- Free internet
- Private locked rooms
- Karaoke and darts
- Showers
- Laundry machines
It is often misunderstood as “an otaku place,” but that is not true at all. It is increasingly used as a work and rest space.
■ How to use it
- Register as a member (passport required for foreigners) Usually free, but some locations charge around 370 yen (~2.3 usd)
- Tell staff your seat type and that you want to use the shower (or use self-check-in)
- Receive your entry ticket
- Enter and use the shower
- Pay at checkout
■ Pricing system
There are two main types:
- Regular café use
- Private room use
For showers, regular café use is enough.
Regular café pricing
- First 30 minutes: 250 yen (~1.6 usd)
- After that: 70 yen per 10 minutes (~0.45 usd)
- First-time membership fee: 370 yen (~2.3 usd) (varies by location, sometimes free)
Seats are assigned, and Wi-Fi passwords are written on the ticket. Drinks are all-you-can-drink, and there is even ice cream available.
■ Showers
- Some locations are free
- Some cost around 1 usd extra
- Some provide free towels
Shower rooms are cleaned every hour and are very clean.
Facilities:
- Mirror
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Body soap
15 minutes is usually the recommended usage time during busy hours.
■ Additional facilities
Some locations also have coin laundries:
- Washing: 300 yen (~1.9 usd)
- Dryer: 30 minutes 100 yen (~0.64 usd)
Summary (Kaikatsu Club)
Kaikatsu Club is highly recommended for showers.
At free-shower locations, for around 250 yen (~1.6 usd) you get:
- Shower
- Free drinks
- Ice cream
It is not widely known among foreigners and is very good value. Once you get used to it, it becomes extremely comfortable, and staff are generally helpful.
3. Trash problem
One of the biggest challenges in Japan is garbage disposal. Even Michi-no-Eki no longer provide trash bins, and carrying your trash with you is the norm.
● Where do Japanese people throw trash?
- Train stations
- Convenience stores
- Department stores
- Food courts
- Highway service areas
On road trips, convenience stores are the main place to dispose of trash. However, bringing household garbage is not allowed. A good method is:
“Throw away small trash when buying something.”
There are almost no large public trash bins, so frequent disposal is important.
4. Toilets
Toilets are everywhere:
- Michi-no-Eki
- Convenience stores
You will likely be surprised by how clean convenience store toilets are in Japan.
5. Gas stations
There are two types: Self-service and Full-service.
● Self-service
You pump gas yourself and pay by card, like in other countries.
● Full-service
Staff serve you while you stay in the car:
- Tell them how much fuel you want
- Open fuel cap and wait
- Pay before or after
They often ask:
- “Do you want to throw away trash?”
- “Do you want windshield cleaning?”
Both are free of charge.
Fuel types
Regular (red) = 91 unleaded
Premium (yellow) = 95–98
Diesel (green)
In general:
- Japanese cars → Regular
- Foreign cars → Premium
- Camper vans → sometimes diesel
Always double-check.
6. Cash
Cards work in cities, but cash is needed in rural areas.
Situations requiring cash:
- Attraction entrance fees / parking
- Hot springs
- Street food
- Local restaurants
- Shrines and temples
7. Food
Convenience stores are great, but supermarkets are cheaper. Best time: after 7 PM.
- 20–50% discounts
- Around 8 PM, you can sometimes get sushi for about 3 usd
This became a regular part of our trip.
Summary
Japan is actually an extremely comfortable country for road trips:
- Free and safe stays at Michi-no-Eki
- Onsen culture solves shower problems
- Kaikatsu Club offers cheap showers and accommodation
- Convenience stores are extremely convenient
- Almost no stress except for trash management
The system is a bit unique, but once you understand it, Japan becomes one of the easiest countries in the world for road trips.
🚐 Before You Hit the Road
👉Read these guides :
