Hokkaido Campervan Trip: A Lazy Guide to Rentals, Campsites, and Tips

KKday Travel Experience

Tired of Japan? Finding your usual overseas trips no longer exciting? As a seasoned traveler, you should try...

The most popular backpacker mode of travel these days — campervans, which truly embody the "go anywhere, do anything" spirit. No need to worry about finding hotels or restaurants, since one vehicle covers both lodging and meals. Compared to city travel, campervans are also perfect for venturing into remote natural wonders, letting you enjoy undisturbed natural beauty and wildlife. (Main image source: Shutterstock)

This time, KKday has gathered all the info you need for a Hokkaido campervan trip — from rental details, campervan interiors, to popular camping spots in Hokkaido — so you can get everything in one go.

(Source: Burnt-out Nurse)

The editor’s parents went on a campervan trip in Canada when they were younger. They said that one morning, just after waking up in the forest, they saw wild deer drinking by the lake outside their window, with the sunlight streaming down — it was absolutely breathtaking. Ever since then, the editor has considered a campervan trip a must-do in life.

And Hokkaido, Japan is perfect for it — not only does it boast abundant wildlife and unspoiled nature, but the cooler northern climate means fewer bugs, great safety, and a friendly local culture, making it ideal for first-time independent travelers.
■ Valid driver’s license for at least five years.
■ Apply for a Japanese translation of your license: Just like regular car rentals, you’ll need a Japanese translation, which you can obtain at vehicle inspection centers in various cities. It costs 100 TWD and you can get it on the spot. Alternatively, it’s also available at Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Offices or Offices in various Japanese prefectures.
■ Passport.

■ Pickup and Return: Usually done at the airport, so you can hit the road right after landing.

(Source: Decent Couple)

(Source: Decent Couple)

(Source: Decent Couple)

(Source: Decent Couple)

Some come with toilets, others don’t. Since public toilets in Hokkaido are plentiful and campground toilets are very clean — some even have bidets. Those with toilets feature airplane-style flushable toilets. Showers must be taken at campsite facilities, as there are no showers inside the vehicle, but you can also experience a traditional Japanese onsen.

Internet access is a top concern for most travelers, and modern campervans come with Wi-Fi and iPads for navigation, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. If you want a Wi-Fi device, it can be rented separately — it’s recommended for easy access to information, though some mountainous areas may have weak signals.

Power outlets for phones and cameras draw from the car battery, which should last a week’s trip. Be aware that many campervans only have USB ports, so bring adapters or plan to charge at campsites.

Every October, the tires are switched to snow tires for safer winter driving.

(Source: Shutterstock)
■ Recommended sights in Hakodate: Mount Hakodate Night View, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Onsen Street
■ Phone: +81 138-67-3477
■ Admission: Free
■ Opening Hours: Late April to early November
■ Facilities: Toilets available, no showers or dump stations; please take your trash with you.
■ Official Website: East Lake Onuma Campground

The camping area at Lake Toya Little Park is very expansive, stretching from the Lake Toya Service Center — Mizu no Sato — all the way to Ukimido, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Lake Toya. The Ukimido area tends to be more crowded and lively. The advantage of camping right by Lake Toya is that you wake up to stunning lake views, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the sunrise.

This campground does not have a management office; as long as you find an empty spot, you can pitch your tent. Although there are no bathing facilities, there are many hot springs around Lake Toya, which are highly recommended.

■ Address: Lake Toya, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
■ Map Code: 321 820 093
■ Fees: Large tent 1,200 yen / unit, small tent 700 yen / unit, collected by staff during 08:00–16:00
■ Opening Hours: Late April to mid-October
■ Facilities: No bathing facilities, open-air washbasins, toilets, garbage disposal site

Lake Toya Suihen-no-Sato Saida Camping Ground Toya Suihen-no-Sato Saida Campground

The Lake Toya Suihen-no-Sato Saida Camping Ground is located on the north side of Lake Toya. The park facilities are extremely upscale and the grounds are vast, featuring over 200 parking spaces alone. There are plenty of campsite options: you can pitch a tent or choose a powered site for your vehicle. For those who’ve been on the road for days and want a bit of comfort, there are also cute cabins available. In addition, there are plenty of activities, including canoe experiences, nature trails, and a play area. There are shops and a nature experience center nearby.

■ Address: 6-chome, Saida, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
■ Map Code: 321 792 599*83
■ Phone: +81 142-82-5777
■ Admission: Parking fee 800 yen for regular vehicles (1,000 yen for large vehicles, 1,200 yen for RVs) ■ Facilities: Separate shower rooms (wet/dry), coin-operated washing machines, dryers, garbage disposal site, barbecue grills.
■ Official Website: Suihen-no-Sato Saida Camping Ground

Sunrise Park Auto Camping Ground Sunrise Park Auto Campground

The Sunrise Park Auto Camping Ground is also a very popular campsite online. It offers a variety of campsite types, divided into powered and non-powered zones. There are cabins in the park, and the location is excellent — it’s convenient to travel from the campsite to Furano and Biei. In summer, you can see vast fields of lavender from the observation deck. It’s also not far from Tokachidake Onsen and Fukiage Onsen. Nearby, there are plenty of convenience stores and supermarkets, so shopping won’t be a concern.

(Source: Shutterstock)

■ Recommended Attractions: Tomita Farm, Flower Land Furano, Biei, Blue Pond
■ Address: 071-0522 Hokkaido, Sorachi-gun, Kamifurano-cho, 2-nishi 27-higashi
■ Map Code: 349 463 196
■ Phone: +81 167-39-4200
■ Admission: Adults 600 yen, high school and junior high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 200 yen
■ Opening Hours: April 25 to October 25
■ Facilities: Showers (100 yen for 10 minutes), family-friendly restrooms, baby-changing facilities, garbage disposal site ■ Official Website: Sunrise Park Auto Camping Ground

Asahikawa 21st Century Forest

One of the main reasons many people choose Asahikawa 21st Century Forest as a camping site is because it’s conveniently located for trips to Asahikawa, Asahidake, Biei, and Shikisai Pass, making itinerary planning much easier. This large campsite is divided into several zones, including bathroom facilities, a management office, and cooking buildings. The facilities are very complete, the environment is clean and tidy, and best of all—the campsite is free of charge. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious backpackers!

(Source: Shutterstock)

■ Recommended Attractions: Asahiyama Zoo, Asahidake, Biei, Blue Pond, Shikisai Pass
■ Address: 937-1 Tsuru, Higashi-Asahikawacho, Asahikawa City
■ Map Code: 914 185 270*83
■ Phone: +81 166-76-2454
■ Entrance Fee: Free
■ Opening Hours: May 10 – November 30
■ Facilities: Bathroom facilities, management office, cooking building
■ Official Website: Asahikawa 21st Century Forest

1. Camper vans can be seen everywhere in Hokkaido, which shows how popular camper van travel is in Japan—so it’s recommended to book early!

2. Each campsite has different opening hours, so be sure to check the official website before you go. Also, facilities vary from site to site, so it's best to decide based on your individual needs.

Recommended Reading:

3. If you're new to camping in Hokkaido and not sure how to choose a campsite, we recommend using the following websites to search for area and campsite information:

■ Hokkaido Camping Site Memoirs: Look up area and campsite information in Hokkaido.
■ Hokkaido Camping Sites 100 Selections: Enter the site, then click on “Camping Sites” and “Hokkaido Camping Site Information” to see various Hokkaido camping options neatly categorized on the left sidebar for easy selection. ■ Touching! My Hometown Hokkaido: After entering the site, first click on “Camping Sites” then “Hokkaido Camping Site Information” to view a left sidebar divided into many Hokkaido camping categories for selection based on your needs.

(Source: Dettai Couple)

4. Although most campsites in Hokkaido are open until the end of October or early November, I personally recommend visiting in the summer. In summer, you can enjoy colorful flowers, and you won’t have to worry about driving a camper van on snowy roads. In general, you’ll also need to prepare fewer items for summer camping compared to winter. Most importantly, summer camping in Hokkaido is a great way to escape the heat—it’s such a wonderful thing to get away from a sweltering summer!

5. What do you need to prepare for camping in Hokkaido? I’m sure many of you are curious. But if you’re a lazybones like me and don’t want to prepare too much, then a camper van in Hokkaido is an awesome option!

Because the basic equipment is usually included in the camper van, and if you still want to set up a tent outdoors, you can prepare additional camping gear. It’s also recommended to bring a light jacket since Hokkaido can still get a bit chilly in summer. And if you plan to cook in the camper van, it’s a good idea to bring small utensils like a peeler, cookware, bowls, and plates.

That’s my complete guide to camper van travel in Hokkaido. Give yourself a unique trip this summer—head to Hokkaido to beat the heat!

[KKday Travel Experience] Authorized Repost | Original Source: [New Summer Cooling Option: Guide to Renting Camper Vans in Hokkaido, Campsite Info, and Things to Note]