"Accommodation Costs Too High"... Car Camping at Convenience Stores for 30,000 Won per Night [Nichiyobi Nichibunka]

Lawson to Launch 'Convenience Store Car Camping' Service from July 14
Car Camping Now Possible at Suburban Convenience Store Parking Lots with Reservation
Access to 24-Hour Restrooms and Garbage Disposal Included
Will This Solve the 'Lodging or Dining Only' High-Price Trend?

There have been numerous reports in Japan about a decrease in Chinese tourists due to the so-called "July 5 Great Earthquake prediction." Nevertheless, it seems that many people are still preparing for summer vacations in Japan. Unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, when inbound tourism nearly came to a halt, the number of visitors has not dropped to such an extent, so prices in major cities and tourist destinations remain high. As a result, a new trend called "Hakushokubunri" (separating lodging and dining expenses) has emerged among locals, where people spend money on either accommodation or food, but not both, when going on vacation. (Article: During Golden Week, only foreigners are out and about... Locals disappear from luxury hotels and buffets [Nichiyobi Nichibunka])

While the media continues to report daily that "hotel prices are rising due to an increase in inbound tourists," convenience stores?living up to their reputation as the "convenience store kingdom"?have recently stepped in to address the accommodation shortage, drawing attention. Lawson, a convenience store chain that travelers to Japan almost always visit, has announced plans to open its parking lots as car camping sites. The response has been surprisingly positive. Today, I will share the story of this camping site initiative in the convenience store kingdom.

Virtual usage image of Lawson campsite. Lawson.

Lawson has announced that it will open the parking lots of some stores as camping sites for car stays. Starting on July 14, a pilot program will begin at six stores in Chiba Prefecture, with plans to gradually expand. The usage fee is 2,500 to 3,000 yen (23,400 to 28,000 won) per car. Reservations are required in advance, with check-in at 6:00 p.m. and check-out at 9:00 a.m. Since each car is allocated two parking spaces in the convenience store lot, even large camper vans can be accommodated.

The car camping sites have received "RV Park" certification, which is granted when companies related to camper vans and the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association recognize a facility as suitable for car stays. To receive certification, certain conditions must be met, such as "having a restroom available 24 hours nearby" and "being able to dispose of garbage."

Most convenience stores in Japan open their restrooms to customers (if you buy something and ask to use the restroom, you can usually do so), and they can also handle garbage disposal themselves, so meeting these requirements is not a problem. Lawson plans to provide users with a permit, an information pamphlet outlining rules, and one dedicated garbage bag. Food waste can also be disposed of in this special bag. In addition, extension cords for using electrical appliances in vehicles will be available for rent. Normally, RV Park users must pay a membership registration fee and an application fee, but since this is a pilot program, these fees will be waived.

Lawson Ichinomiya Torami Store to be opened as a convenience store campground. RV Park.

This pilot program is attracting significant attention. Since convenience stores are spread throughout Japan, people attending events in rural areas or the suburbs can now use car camping at a reasonable price. Lawson alone has 14,000 stores nationwide, and more than 3,000 of these have parking lots suitable for car camping. It is also a good way to generate revenue from unused store space. For now, the program will focus on stores in rural or suburban areas with nearby bathhouses and few private residences, and will gradually expand.

Above all, as accommodation costs soar due to the influx of inbound tourists, Japanese media have voiced hopes that this could provide a breakthrough for locals. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of overnight stays by Japanese guests last year was 659.06 million, a 7% increase from the previous year. This is also 11% higher than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) also reported on the Lawson camping site initiative, noting, "With the weak yen driving an increase in inbound tourists, hotel prices are rising daily." It remains to be seen whether this will become a new niche market for the convenience store kingdom.