Preparations for Self-Driving in Japan
Insurance & Compensation
Camper repairs are very expensive, so be sure to purchase relevant insurance.
Liability compensation insurance system (premium 3,000 yen per day)
After joining this system, if an accident occurs, you will not have to pay the deductible that you need to bear yourself.
Please note! You will be required to bear partial compensation in the following situations:
If you enter a height-restricted area (such as a multi-storey parking lot or a coin-operated parking lot), you will be required to pay 50,000 yen in compensation if an accident occurs.
If a self-injury accident occurs in a parking lot (or other non-public roads), you will be responsible for 50,000 yen in compensation.
Other acts that violate the content published in the lease agreement
Please note! If an accident occurs in the following circumstances, the insurance company will not pay any compensation
Failure to report the accident to the police
Drunk driving
Driving without a license
Other acts that violate the content published in the lease agreement
Car rental and return process
Select car model
Select date
Prepayment deposit
Pick up and inspect the vehicle
Refuel and return the car
Vehicle inspection completed
Cancellation Policy
Refund Policy
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The cancellation date is based on Japan time, with the cutoff at 23:59 on the day of cancellation. Please be aware of this.
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We will refund the remaining amount after deducting the cancellation fee and the administrative handling fee (including tax, 1,100 JPY).
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If the rental period is shortened after a confirmed payment reservation, the fees for the shortened days will be charged according to the cancellation policy.
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Changes to the entire itinerary are considered a cancellation followed by a new booking, and related fees will be charged according to the cancellation policy.
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No refunds will be given for changes or termination of the rental after departure due to reasons attributable to the customer (including contract termination caused by accidents caused by the customer).
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Please note that emails, faxes, and phone calls received outside business hours will not be accepted.
Late Return Fee
If you exceed the scheduled return time without notifying us in advance, you will be required to pay double the usual late return fee as a penalty.
(Please refer to the separate fee information for details on the late return charges.)
Please allow ample time to return the vehicle.
Late fees will be charged regardless of the reason, including traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, or poor health conditions.
If you expect to arrive later than the scheduled time, please be sure to call us and inform us of the delay.
If we have not heard from you before closing time and you exceed the scheduled return time, the vehicle will be returned on the next business day after the store opens, and a one-day late fee will be charged.
If we have not been notified in advance, you will be responsible for the daily fee plus any additional charges incurred up to that time.
(For example, if the scheduled return time is 6:00 PM on the day of rental but the vehicle is returned at 10:00 AM the next day, this counts as a 16-hour delay.)
There is at least a 2-hour interval between rentals. If your delay affects subsequent rentals, you will also be liable for any actual losses incurred.
If you contact us in advance, only the standard late fee will be charged.
If the reserved vehicle is unavailable for rental:
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We will promptly carry out maintenance work at the designated workshop and strive to complete the repairs before the rental date.
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In the event that the vehicle becomes unavailable for rental due to an accident or other reasons, we will contact you immediately.
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We will prepare a replacement vehicle promptly and discuss the options with you.
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Generally, we will provide an equivalent vehicle or an upgrade.
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If we are unable to prepare a replacement vehicle, we will notify you promptly and refund your deposit in a timely manner.
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If we cannot provide a compatible vehicle ourselves, we may arrange for a nearby partner store to provide one for you.
Notes on using services and insurance information
The following information is very important for our customers to enjoy their travels safely and reliably. Although it is lengthy, please be sure to read it carefully before booking or renting to ensure a safe and worry-free journey.
1. About Driving the Campervan
Depending on the type of vehicle, driving performance and difficulty will vary. The only advice we offer is that you should be aware in advance that driving it like a regular passenger car may be very dangerous.
① Compact models like the Amity resemble vans and are very susceptible to wind.
② Regardless of vehicle type, please drive at speeds under 80 km/h on highways to prevent rollovers. Especially when large trucks pass by, the wind pressure can cause the steering wheel to pull toward the truck. Also be aware that wind effects near windbreak walls and tunnel exits may be similar or even stronger. For safe travel, plan daily driving distances to stay within 200 km.
③ When the vehicle is moving, passengers must remain seated and wear seat belts if available. (*Rear passengers should not sleep while driving, as this is very dangerous.)
④ Avoid sudden steering or braking. Accidents caused by vehicles entering highway exits at high speeds and making abrupt stops or turns are common. (Slow down on curves until you feel completely safe!)
⑤ Do not drive between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Please plan your schedule to reach your accommodation before 8:00 PM. In Hokkaido, deer and other wildlife may be active especially at night, so accidents will result in cancellation of your trip. Thank you for understanding.
⑥ When reversing, if there is a passenger in the front seat, please get out and guide them. Even with a rearview monitor, due to vehicle size, there are blind spots that cannot be seen on the screen.
⑦ Some vehicles may have an additional key besides the engine key. If a key is lost or damaged, a fee of 16,500 JPY (tax included) will be charged.
2. About Parking and Sleeping
① Parking is strictly prohibited in no-parking zones. Also, regulations vary depending on where you sleep inside the vehicle, so please strictly observe them. Especially, highway rest areas (SA/PA) and roadside stations are parking lots, not camping sites. Recently, leaving tables and chairs or running the engine overnight despite prohibitions has increased. In some areas, this has led to bans on campervans. Please continue following the rules so everyone can enjoy campervan use in the future.
② When sleeping inside the vehicle, be sure to bring a sleeping bag or mattress and place it under the bed, as sweat may soak in and cause unpleasant odors. If you do not bring your own, rental options may be considered.
3. About Power Supply
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The household outlet inside the vehicle requires an external power source (generally available at paid campgrounds) to be used. The USB ports powered by the cigarette lighter socket can charge low-power devices such as phones.
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Vehicle batteries have limited capacity. Depending on the model, external charging may be necessary. (Please ask our staff for details.) Some vehicles can charge the battery while driving, but if the daily distance is short, the auxiliary battery may not fully charge. Weather conditions can also affect solar-powered vehicles.
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To reliably use various electrical appliances, please use RV parks or campsites with external power connections or bring a generator.
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Using high-voltage equipment may blow the vehicle inverter’s fuse and incur repair costs.
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Auxiliary batteries charge mainly while driving, but due to self-discharge and minor current consumption by camping equipment, the voltage may drop even while driving. Please conserve power by turning off unused devices when not in use or when camping.
4. About Long-Term Use and Inspections
Besides regular inspections for each vehicle, we check various parts before renting. However, if you use the vehicle for a long period (about 5 days or more) or notice any issues, for your safety, we request daily checks such as tire pressure, visual inspection, and checking all lights. Campervans are prone to tire damage due to side contact or running over debris during driving, which can cause blowouts. Please note that tire damage costs are the renter’s responsibility.
5. Other Important Notes for Using the Campervan
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Vehicle height is approximately 3 meters depending on the model. Be cautious of parking entrances, overpasses, power lines, signs, gates, and trees.
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Vehicle width varies by model; the rear seat area is wider than the driver’s seat.
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Besides the main key, some models have multiple keys for different doors. Some keys cannot be duplicated; if lost, the entire lock must be replaced at your expense.
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Each vehicle comes with various equipment. Please confirm operation methods before use. Improper use may cause malfunctions or accidents.
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Confirm the vehicle’s fuel type carefully to avoid refueling errors.
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Shoes are prohibited inside the vehicle except on footrests. Unauthorized shoe use inside incurs a 50,000 JPY cleaning fee.
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Pets are allowed only with prior permission. Unauthorized pets in the vehicle will incur a special cleaning fee of 100,000 JPY, regardless of any damage.
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Smoking is completely prohibited inside rental vehicles, including IQOS and other e-cigarettes. The use of oils or leaving odors inside is also forbidden. Violations will incur a 100,000 JPY special cleaning fee.
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Minors and drivers with less than 1 year of license experience are generally not allowed to drive rental vehicles.
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Only the person presenting the driver’s license during rental procedures is permitted to drive.
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During rental, one vehicle is held as collateral for the customer’s vehicle. We are not responsible for accidents, theft, or vandalism.
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Confirm standard equipment and prepare necessary items yourself. We offer rentals and sales but quantities are limited, so please book in advance.
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Please pay the full rental fee before the designated date. Post-payment is not accepted.
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Navigation system routes are for reference only. We are not responsible for any losses due to route or time discrepancies. Maps may not be up-to-date.
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Dashcams may not record in all situations. We are not responsible for damages or data loss related to dashcam malfunction or use. Dashcams do not guarantee evidence of accidents.
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If you exceed the scheduled return time, contact the store in advance. Late returns incur hourly fees regardless of reason (accident, traffic jam, breakdown, etc.) and must be paid upon return. Returns after the company’s last return time (18:00) without notification must be returned the next business day with an additional day’s fee plus hourly late fees from business start time. Late fees are high—please allow ample time.
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To ensure enough time for the next renter, we keep at least a 2-hour buffer between rentals. If your late return affects the next renter, you must pay up to 150,000 JPY in business compensation fees.
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All passengers must be seated and wear seat belts while driving.
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Carrying unspecified passengers, transporting cargo, or illegal activities are prohibited.
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Report any damage or malfunctions to the vehicle, equipment, or accessories immediately. You are responsible for repair costs. Failure to report will result in a 100,000 JPY business compensation fee plus repair costs, and the incident will be reported to the rental association.
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In case of accidents, prioritize saving lives and immediately contact ambulance, police, insurance company, and our company. Report even minor or single-vehicle accidents. Failure to report may void insurance. Vehicles must be returned on the accident day and cannot be used afterward. No refunds for unused rental days.
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Vehicles and equipment are inspected before rental, but faults may occur during rental. Driving-related faults require the vehicle to be taken to the nearest dealer. Non-driving-related faults are generally handled after return. We may refund part of the rental fee or offer a discount for your next rental if inconvenience occurs.
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Vehicles may have faults from prior use. Driving-related faults will result in vehicle replacement. Non-driving faults will be compensated with a discount voucher for the next rental.
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Repair costs for damage are the renter’s responsibility. Our insurance covers unlimited personal and property liability and up to 30 million JPY for passenger liability, but not vehicle repair. Total loss may cost over 10 million JPY.
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Please confirm that all doors are properly locked. Doors left unlocked during driving may cause accidents.
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Traffic violations and penalties during rental are the renter’s responsibility. Notify us of any penalties. Some violations will notify the vehicle owner later and must be handled by the violator.
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Overnight stays inside the vehicle carry road safety risks. Unauthorized parking on private property is trespassing and punishable. Some paid parking lots and roadside stations prohibit overnight stays.
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Please do not leave trash inside the vehicle upon return. (Our cleaning fee is 500 JPY per 20-liter bag.)
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No refunds for early returns within the contract period. (For rentals over 10 days, a half refund of unused days is possible if returned 3 days early. Not applicable for promotional or discounted rates.)
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Vehicles are rented with a full tank. Please return with a full tank. If not, fees will be charged based on visual inspection as per the schedule. These fees can be high, so please be aware.
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For parking violations, go to the designated police station to process fines. Bring the “Traffic Violation Notice” and payment receipt with date when returning the campervan. If these cannot be confirmed, you must complete a self-admission form regarding the violation. We will charge the fine plus 5,500 JPY administrative fee.
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If you delay returning without notice, there are criminal usage risks, or at police or family request, we may track vehicles using GPS.
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We do not store items left in the vehicle after return. Please check your belongings carefully.
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Malicious users who violate rules, laws, or common sense will face strict penalties, including legal action and registration with related organizations and associations.
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Personal information is used only for this purpose but may be disclosed if required by law.
About NOC and other
(* NOC = Operating Compensation Cost)
In the event of an accident, theft or breakdown during the rental period, the vehicle will be repaired/cleaned within 4 days, regardless of the damage, and the damage will be compensated as part of the business. You will need to pay the following fixed amount. If it takes longer, we will notify you separately.
1. If you can return on your own: 150,000 yen
2. If you are unable to return on your own: 300,000 yen
※The above amount does not vary by vehicle type.
・NOC is not covered by insurance and you will be responsible for any consequences.
If you are unable to return by yourself, you will need to pay additional transportation costs such as towing fees and personnel costs.
Even if you can return the item by yourself, if you cannot return it by yourself, it will be deemed that you cannot return it by yourself.
・All our vehicles are non-smoking vehicles (including the use of electronic cigarettes such as IQOS or lighting cigars or incense that produce generally unpleasant odors). If smoking behavior or traces are found in the vehicle, you will need to pay for cleaning and deodorization fees, and pay NOC. At the same time, we will report the violation information to relevant industry organizations.
・If signs of smoking are found, NOC will be responsible for the cleaning and deodorization costs. We will also report the violation information to relevant industry organizations.
・If the repairs take longer than five days, in addition to the NOC, you will also be required to pay the daily fee for each vehicle from the fifth day after the accident until the day before the repairs are completed and the vehicle can be operated.
・In the event of a total loss due to an accident, in addition to the NOC, you will be required to pay the usual daily fee for each vehicle from the fifth day after the accident until the day before the replacement vehicle starts operating.
Regarding long-term discounts and other discounts
Long-term discounts (※ by vehicle category) If the rental period exceeds 5 days, you will enjoy the following discounts: 10% off for more than 5 nights, 15% off for more than 10 nights, 20% off for more than 15 nights, 25% off for more than 20 nights, and 30% off for more than 30 nights. Please consult us if you need to rent a car for a long period of more than one month.
Notes on Returning a Car and Refueling
When returning the vehicle, please fill up the tank at a designated nearby gas station before returning the vehicle.
If for any reason it is determined that the fuel level is not full, our staff will refuel the vehicle at the next rental and the following amount will need to be paid including the refueling agent fee.
The price will be more expensive, so be sure to fill up at the gas station before returning.
Be careful not to use the wrong type of oil (petrol or diesel).
1. If the oil level is less than 1 tank full: 5,000 yen
2. If the oil level is less than 1 bar but more than 2 bars: 8,000 yen
3. If the fuel level is less than 2 tanks: 15,000 yen Please note that this is more expensive, so please be sure to fill up at a gas station before returning the vehicle. Also, please be careful not to use the wrong type of fuel (gasoline or diesel).
Other matters regarding car return
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There is no need to clean the interior of the car, but please do not leave garbage in the car.
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If you use a sink, etc., please dispose of waste water yourself.
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If dirt or odor is severe, special cleaning fees may apply.
Things to note when traveling with pets
・First of all, since this is a rental car, we ask for your cooperation in order to allow a large number of unspecified people to use it comfortably, so please be more careful than if you were driving your own car.
・If you are traveling with a pet, please be sure to inform us when booking. Optional 20% of the rental vehicle price (pet-friendly vehicles only)
・To ensure your pet's safety, always keep it inside your carry-on meter when driving.
・You can only bring your pet if you register the pet option at the time of rental.
・If you allow pets without permission, you will be required to pay a special cleaning fee and non-operating fee, and your membership will be cancelled and your membership organization/association will be notified, regardless of whether you have joined or not.
・If you choose to bring your pet along, you will need to pay an additional cleaning fee.
・Even when the vehicle is stopped, if your pet is not trained to use the toilet, always put it in a cage inside the car.
・If there is a risk of damaging the equipment or soiling the interior of the vehicle, or if there is severe hair removal or odor, use the cage inside the vehicle even when the vehicle is stopped.
・If something unusual happens inside the car, please clean it immediately to minimize damage. Also, please notify the staff when you return. If the user cleans the room thoroughly, there is no additional charge. However, if stains or odors remain, a special cleaning fee may be charged.
・If you soil the interior of the vehicle or damage the equipment for any reason during the rental period, please be sure to report it to the staff before returning the vehicle. You will only be responsible for the additional cleaning or repair costs. If you do not report it and we find out, in addition to the cleaning and repair costs, you will also need to pay a business compensation fee of 100,000 yen. We will report it to the industry organization or association and take strict measures.
・Pet accommodation is limited to two cats/small dogs and one medium/large dog, and must be kept in cages.
・Even if there is no problem riding in a regular bus, you may experience vomiting or diarrhea when riding in a camper due to the environment, smell, and shaking method. In particular, in many cases, dogs will feel uncomfortable if left alone in a car, and they are more stable and feel better in a cage. Also, take frequent breaks and let them breathe fresh air.
・Do not place pets on beds (including chairs that double as beds), bunk beds, sinks, or shelves.
- Never connect the belt to any part of the car's interior or body as this may cause damage or breakage.
If dirt is left in the car for a long time, it will leave an unpleasant smell in the car. If possible, please do not bring it into the car. If there is an unpleasant smell when returning, a special cleaning fee will be charged.