A Complete Guide to Exploring Tokyo in a Mini Camper

Tokyo, often seen as a bustling urban center, surprisingly offers great outdoor camping opportunities. This prefecture has it all if you seek unique urban camping experiences, ideal BBQ spots, luxurious glamping, or a peaceful retreat close to the city.

That’s why we’ve compiled this delightful list of fantastic places where you can travel and camping sites in Tokyo to guide you on your adventure.

Renting A Mini Camper

Whenever you are planning to explore Tokyo in a mini camper, there are some things that you need to consider before you rent a mini camper. Read about it below:

Mini-Campers

A mini-camper would be amazing if you hit the roads in Tokyo.

Vehicle Facilities

• Microwaves (not all)
• Car seats
• Inside Table (not separate)
• Water Sink (jet spray or none in some)
• Portable Stove
• Flatbed kit
• 110V Socket
• LED lights

Pop-Top | Mini-Camper

Imagine a delightful mini-camper with a fantastic pop-top. This little gem would truly enhance your adventures.

Vehicle Facilities

• Microwave
• Comfortable seating
• Easy to Park
• Water Sink
• Portable Stove
• Flatbed x2
• 110V Socket
• Indoor lights

Mini – Motorhome

Motorhomes used to be big, but now they come in mini sizes. You can take them anywhere.

Vehicle Facilities

• Microwave
• Comfortable seating
• Easy to Park
• Water Sink
• Portable Stove
• Flatbed x2
• 110V Socket
• Indoor lights

You can get all these types of mini camper vans in Japan with Samurai Campers. Visit our website today!

Exploring Tokyo

Since you know what to pick up to explore Tokyo, we will tell you about the places where you can go.

Koishikawa Korakuen (Central Tokyo)

Koishikawa Korakuen is a lovely gem among Tokyo’s oldest Japanese gardens. Established in the early Edo Period (1600-1868) by the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family, its name reflects a beautiful poem encouraging rulers to cherish the happiness of their people. This garden, nestled in its namesake, is a delightful reminder of the history and serenity of the district.

Koishikawa Korakuen, like many traditional Japanese gardens, features miniature landscapes with ponds, stones, trees, and hills to reflect Japanese and Chinese scenery. Trails guide visitors to viewpoints that showcase the garden, giving you a serene escape from the urban backdrop of Tokyo Dome and nearby buildings.

Tokyo National Museum (Northern Tokyo)

The Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and largest museum, stands alongside the Kyoto, Nara, and Kyushu museums. Established in 1872 at Yushima Seido Shrine, it moved to lush Ueno Park.

Discover over 100,000 captivating art and archaeological items, including nearly a hundred national treasures, with about 4,000 pieces on display at any time. English resources and audio guides are available for non-Japanese speakers.

The complex features six buildings, each dedicated to different art types. The main Honkan opened in 1938, showcases stunning Japanese artwork from the ancient to the 19th century, including intricate Buddhist statues and ceremonial artifacts.

Meiji Shrine (Western Tokyo)

Meiji Shrine honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Near Harajuku Station, it and Yoyogi Park create a wooded area with peaceful walking paths away from the city bustle.

The shrine, completed in 1920, was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken eight years after his death and six years after hers. Although it was destroyed during the war, it was quickly rebuilt.

Emperor Meiji was Japan’s first modern emperor. He was born in 1852 and embraced the throne shortly afterward in 1867. He ended the feudal era and led a remarkable modernization until he died in 1912.

Odaiba (Southern Tokyo)

Odaiba is a shopping and entertainment place on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It started as small fort islands (daiba means “fort”) built in the late Edo Period (1603-1868) to defend Tokyo against sea attacks, particularly from Commodore Perry’s gunboat diplomacy.

In the 1980s, these islands were connected by landfills to create a new city district. However, development slowed after the 1990s economic bubble burst, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.

Camping Spots in Tokyo

If you are searching for camping spots in Tokyo, no need to worry about that. We have got you covered:

Wakasu Park Camping Ground

Wakasu is a densely populated city park offering views of Tokyo Bay and space for activities. It’s ideal for city views, featuring city lights and the Tokyo Gate Bridge. While it is better for a short stay than a nature retreat, it remains enjoyable. The park attracts families and school groups due to easy public transport access, equipped bathrooms, washing stations, and communal BBQs.

Heiwajima Park Camping Ground

Heiwajima Park Camping Ground is a delightful spot just south of Shinagawa, nestled in the charming suburb of Ota. This unique campsite and park hybrid not only provides convenient access to one of Tokyo’s favorite areas but also surrounds you with lush greenery, giving you that wonderful feeling of being in nature.

You’ll also find Oifuto Central Seaside Park nearby, which is perfect for family-friendly adventures and a lovely place for a relaxed BBQ with loved ones. Initially, the campground featured just three themed areas: stream, mountain, and grassland, but now, it boasts 18 inviting campsites.

Final Thoughts

Are you considering a cozy mini-camper van for exploring Tokyo? We’re excited to make your adventure easier. Choose the camper van that suits your needs and visit the suggested attractions. Also, check out the campsites mentioned above for a memorable Tokyo experience.

If you haven’t figured out what mini campervan will be ideal for you, there is no need to worry about that. Get in touch with us so we can help you choose the right rental mini campervan from Samurai Campers!