Hi from Japan

[Zerpersande]

I’m an American that has been living in Japan for the last 30 years. I’m buying a van that I want to rig for camping.

 

[user 22017]

I’m an American that has been living in Japan for the last 30 years. I’m buying a van that I want to rig for camping.

Welcome Zerpersande

 

[bullfrog]

Cool and welcome! Bet you have seen a lot of neat small light weight camper vans and vehicles in Japan we are just now starting to consider in the USA.

 

[Zerpersande]

Cool and welcome! Bet you have seen a lot of neat small light weight camper vans and vehicles in Japan we are just now starting to consider in the USA.

Actually I’ve heard next to nothing about them here. I asked my wife (Japanese) if she had heard anything about stealth camping here and she knew nothing. Car camping is popular, but you rarely see them built for sleeping, much less living.

 

[bullfrog]

As electric vehicles and smaller lightweight off road utility vehicles (UTV) are becoming popular here the small trucks and vans (I think they are called “city” vehicles, 600 or so cc motors) are starting to show up here. A few companies are advertising concept camping options.

 

[Zerpersande]

I think they are called “city” vehicles, 600 or so cc motors)

There is some kei-cars here. (K car) 500cc or less, special rates at toll booths. very small.

 

[user 22017]

There is some kei-cars here. (K car) 500cc or less, special rates at toll booths. very small.

This guy on YT bought a "K-camper":


Have you done a search for "vanlife + Japan" on youtube? Seems there are quite a few vanlifers there.

Jump to 4:06 to see Mav's Toyota Hiace, if you are interested

 

[Zerpersande]

This guy on YT bought a "K-camper":

Have you done a search for "vanlife + Japan" on youtube? Seems there are quite a few vanlifers there.

Jump to 4:06 to see Mav's Toyota Hiace, if you are interested

No, but thanks for the suggestion. I’m very new to this ‘van life’ idea, though I remember at about the time I entered jumior high my dad built a camper from a bread truck step van. So I’m not a stranger to van camping at all.

 

[user 22017]

Regarding the K-Camper, someone in the comments posted that the K-Camper costs $26,000 USD new. That post might have been a year or so old.

 

[Zerpersande]

Regarding the K-Camper, someone in the comments posted that the K-Camper costs $26,000 USD new. That post might have been a year or so old.

And keep in mind that that $26K is a result of the currently artificially high exchange rate. I’m looking at a used, though almost new, version that is ¥4M. Until recently, average over the last few years, that would translate to about $37K.

 

[Frood]

In Japan are nomads called Jellyfish? Saw a show called handyman Jellyfish which was basically a nomad that went around doing odd jobs (kind of detectivey) for people.

Here is a guy that does a LOT of fishing and camping... I love his videos. May be some inspiration for you. Basically vanlife on the inland sea in Japan is my ultimate dream... Or maybe boatlife? Are houseboats a thing on the inland sea?

 

[Bev]

I immediately perked up on reading your post! I watch 2 channels on YouTube of Van campers and nomads in Japan. If you build out a van, or updated one I suggest you start a YouTube channel about your build and blog your travels. Friday m the commentary on the videos I watch show a great interest in Japan. From the food to history and customs. Maybe you could make a little cash to pay for your adventures! Anyway just an idea!

I look forward to hearing about your adventures’

 

[Zerpersande]

If you build out a van, or updated one I suggest you start a YouTube channel about your build and blog your travels.

I’ve never considered myself the type to be a YouTuber. I posted a couple of clips on how to make a slip collar for a dog and that’s about it. But I‘ve been into building stuff all my life. I think documenting the build would slow me down a bit (a lot??) but maybe the process outside of the build might prove interesting to those not familiar with the Japanese Hoop Jumping process. ;-)

So that’s a great suggestion. If I do it I guess I can count on at least one subscriber, RIGHT BEV???

 

[Bev]

Yep!

 

[Zerpersande]

Yep!

Really, you may changed a large part of how I proceed in my ‘Latter Days’.

And I just made another pist about GoPro alternatives. if you have thoughts…..

 

[Frood]

I watch 2 channels on YouTube of Van campers and nomads in Japan.

Please share!

 

[Bev]

Please share!

Tatsuo and Umiko
OshareJapan

Both are couples who life in a van and show the Japanese culture!