Camping Ryokan Road Trip
Upcoming: 10-17 Oct, 17-24 Oct 2026
Custom Dates Possible
Custom outdoor vehicle | 1 night Tokyo, 4 camp sites, 2 ryokans
An eight-day, seven-night self-drive road trip in a custom outdoor vehicle fully equipped with rooftop tents (tents on top of the car) and camping gear. Begin the journey in Tokyo where the car is dropped off at your hotel. Drive to camp site, stop at (secret) spots along the way, reach campsite, set up camp, cook, eat around a campfire, climb into tent on the roof of your car, gaze at the stars, drift off to sleep, wake up to the sound of birdsong, make a pour-over coffee, break camp, hit the road again, next stop ryokan. Check in, hit the onsen, enjoy kaiseki dinner, read a Murakami novel in the lounge, sleep in traditional tatami rooms, ryokan breakfast, maybe one more dip in the onsen before hitting the road again. Rinse and repeat.
Examples of nature spots and campsites - Tateshina, Mt Fuji, Lake Motosu, Kiso Valley, Northern Alps, Naraijuku, Central Alps, Utsukushigahara Highland.
This camping and ryokan road trip can be done as a small group tour (mini convoy) with guide or a single vehicle self-drive vacation without guide.
Hidden spots: Waterfalls, Treehouses, Horse Farms, Tea Huts
Yamayama's experienced guide will bring you to hidden spots en route to the next campsite or ryokan. Many of these are places recommended by locals in the area. Some others we discovered on our own when we were scouting new campsites and ryokans. A massive waterfall near Obuse, a treehouse in Kita Karuizawa, a horse farm in Kiso, a tea hut in the northern alps.
If you're doing this as a single vehicle self-drive vacation without guide, we will share the location of these hidden spots with the suggested route and itinerary.
Stay: Campsites and ryokans
We know the campsites in Japan with the best views (e.g. where scenery on the 1,000 yen bill can be seen), nicest facilities (saunas and onsens) and most interesting activities (SUP, fishing, canoeing etc). We have also stayed in many ryokans around Japan and can bring guests to our favourite ryokans - the ones with beautiful outdoor onsens, delicious kaiseki dinners, great views, amazing service.
We plan the itinerary based on the season and campsite and ryokan availability. Some campsites are better suited for winter than others, for example. During popular seasons like peak autumn in mid October, many camp sites and ryokans are fully booked months in advance so we work with trusted partners to make sure our guests have access to the most ideal accommodation options in the area for the specific season.
What We Love About Camping Ryokan Road Trip
Get off the beaten track. Skip touristy spots like the infamous Mt Fuji Lawson and go where few tourists go, as recommended by our local friends.
Camp, ryokan, camp, ryokan - best of both worlds. First time camping outdoors, not sure you'll like it? 6 nights of onsen and kaiseki a bit much? With this tour, alternate between camping and staying in a ryokan.
Surrounded by nature. We choose campsites and ryokans at the foothill of mountains, by the water, in the woods. Wake up to a different view every morning.
Real family bonding. Hotels and theme parks are great, but there's nothing like cooking dinner on a camping stove, sitting around a campfire, sleeping in a rooftop tent gazing at the stars for real family bonding.
Sense of freedom. Driving in a vehicle customised for camping, with mountain range on one side and rice fields on the other. Open road. Wind in your hair.
Creature comforts. Showers and clean toilets at campsites. Mattress inside rooftop tent. Fans and portable refrigerators in summer, stoves and electric blankets in winter.
Your Road Trip Package
S$6,500* for 2 adults + 2 kids
What's included:
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1 night Tokyo accommodation (with breakfast)
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2 night ryokan accommodation (2 different ryokans, with breakfast and kaiseki dinner)
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4 night camp accommodation (4 different camp sites, self-cook)
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7 day outdoor vehicle rental (including Tokyo hotel drop off)
*Prices are indicative and will vary depending on the ryokans booked and the number of guests. All prices are quoted in SGD.
Additional 2.5% for payments using Singapore credit card, 3.5% for payments using overseas credit card. No transaction fees via PayNow.
Practical information
Car rental company will drop off the car at your Tokyo hotel the morning you set off on the road trip. Return vehicle at car rental company's HQ in Sumida evening of last day.
Two types of vehicles available. Delica D:5 Adventure Van (maximum capacity 4 adults + 1 child) and Jimny Sierra Compact 4WD (2 adults). Both vehicle types come with rooftop tent and side awning.
Morning drop off at Tokyo Hotel
All campsites come with shower and modern flush toilets. Some campsites have additional facilities like onsen and sauna. Camping gear included with vehicle rental - large capcity portable power supply, fans, refrigerators, stoves, electric blankets, lights, flat burners, chair, table, sleeping bag.
Advance booking required for most campsites, which Yamayama will take care of.
Types of campsites
Most ryokans offer half board accommodation with kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Many ryokans have both indoor and outdoor onsens. Some only have one or the other. Ryokans are generally Japanese-style tatami rooms with futons.
Types of ryokans