Car camping, as the name suggests, involves staying in your car and has become a popular self-driving travel option in Japan. If you're looking for a great place to experience car camping for the first time, Hokkaido is an ideal choice. It offers diverse landscapes in every season, making it a perfect destination for a road trip where every moment behind the wheel is a sightseeing opportunity.

In Japan, there are many options for renting camping cars, ranging from economical compact vans (with double beds and outdoor tables and chairs) to luxurious camping cars (with multiple beds and built-in sofas and dining tables) - the choice is yours.

Once you've reserved your camping car and packed your driver's license, you'll also need a flexible, spacious luggage box for your essentials. Don't forget to bring travel data and chargers for various electronic devices, ensuring you stay connected and entertained throughout your journey.

Lake Shikotsu, a 40km-long volcanic caldera lake, is Japan's northernmost ice-free lake, with a depth of 360 meters, making it Japan's second-deepest lake. The crystal-clear blue waters are surrounded by mountains, providing breathtaking views in every season. You can take a boat tour year-round, allowing you to see the clear, expansive lake waters through windows on the boat's bottom. This unique experience offers a clear view of fish and the columnar jointed formations created by the rapid cooling of magma, making it a special volcanic lake. In winter, visitors can also enjoy snowshoeing to view the Seven Waterfalls, where frozen water creates a rare spectacle.

Lake Shikotsu has a paid car camping site (with shower facilities) and a paid camping site (where vehicles are not allowed in the camping area). Staying by Lake Shikotsu can be a great experience.

To start your day, don't forget to enjoy a fresh cup of hot coffee. You can bring a portable coffee maker, ensuring you maintain some daily comforts during your camping adventure.

From Lake Shikotsu, it's about a one-hour drive to Noboribetsu City, a well-known hot spring resort in Japan. Within the city is Noboribetsu Jigokudani, known for its various hot springs, geysers, and the scars left by volcanic eruptions. These features create a unique landscape resembling hell with steam and hot pools, hence the name "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley). The complete walking trail through Hell Valley takes about two hours and offers natural wonders like geysers, hot springs with intermittent eruptions, and the Ōyunuma Pond, which releases sulfuric water with temperatures around 130 degrees. After exploring, you can soak your feet in the "Ōyunuma Kawa Natural Footbath," experiencing the heat from the volcano. In the fall, Hell Valley is adorned with red foliage, while in winter, it's covered in snow, creating an entirely different and mesmerizing experience. After exploring Jigokudani (Hell Valley), you can head to the nearby hot spring market to have a meal, take a break, and buy souvenirs. It's an opportunity to experience the pleasures of returning to civilization.

When driving for an extended period, it's crucial to be fully prepared to ensure a smooth journey. Bring a dashcam and a wireless charging mount for the car to drive with peace of mind.

From Noboribetsu City, a drive of just over an hour takes you to Lake Toya. Lake Toya is a caldera lake with several uninhabited islands in its center, creating a unique and picturesque view. Tourists can take sightseeing boats to get a close look at the islands. In summer, the boats dock at one of the islands, allowing passengers to disembark and visit the Lake Toya Forest Museum or take a stroll on the island, experiencing the untouched natural forest. From late April to the end of October, there's a fireworks festival at Lake Toya, with a 20-minute firework display each night. From November to early March, there's a light bulb tunnel, creating a delightful atmosphere. In February 2024, there will be a grand 22-day fireworks event combining music and pyrotechnics, serving as a prelude to the annual fireworks festival.

Car campers can park for free by Lake Toya, but there are only restrooms available, no shower facilities. You may need to visit the nearby Jozankei Onsen for a shower.

Every part of your journey is an opportunity for a memorable experience, so make sure you have personal care products like a portable razor, ion hairbrush, or a portable curling iron to keep yourself looking your best at all times.

Mount Yotei is located north of Lake Toya, and it takes about an hour's drive to reach it. Mount Yotei is a conical active volcano, and due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji, it's often called "Ezo Fuji" (Hokkaido's Fuji). Self-driving travelers can enjoy different perspectives of Mount Yotei from three different locations: the Lake Toya Observatory, the national road leading to Mount Yotei, and the Niseko ski resort. Each distance provides a unique and unforgettable experience. When you pass by Mount Yotei, don't forget to visit the Kyogoku Springs Park to find the natural springs. You can try the sweet spring water, a popular destination for many Japanese visitors who come to collect the water for drinking, tea, and cooking. The spring water is so famous that you can even find bottled water and ice made from Kyogoku's pristine water in Hokkaido convenience stores.

When you plan to cook during your travels and have more ingredients than you can use at once, consider bringing a mini vacuum sealer. It's an easy way to keep your food fresh and extend its shelf life.

Tips for Car Camping: The camping car market in Japan is well-developed, and many roadside rest areas offer services like parking and charging for camping cars. However, be sure to check for signs indicating if car camping is prohibited at rest areas. Some roadside station shops also sell fee-based garbage bags, so remember to properly sort and dispose of your trash. Avoid leaving it in the shops' bins.