Lawson and Japan Recreational Vehicle Association have come up with an alternative to budget or emergency accommodations.
Some people plan their travels with a focus on luxury. Think exclusive guest experiences, premium transportation, and, of course, the world’s finest accommodations. Then there are those who find it more enjoyable to go for the most cost-effective options.
If you think the latter are your kind of people, then consider yourself lucky, especially if you’re traveling to Japan any time soon. The land of anything and everything unique (and often quirky) has launched a new option for where budget travelers can sleep overnight: a convenience store parking lot—if you have a car or van.
The Japan Recreational Vehicle Association has teamed up with convenience store chain Lawson to expand its services, offering overnight parking at select locations. The project aims to address the growing demand for affordable, safe, and flexible accommodations for Japan’s night travelers.
According to a study by Tokyo Shoko Research, hotel prices have been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzed 11 hotel operators from October to December 2024 and found that average nightly rates surged by 40%, or JPY16,289 (PHP6,300) per night, since 2019.
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And though sleeping at a Lawson’s parking lot may seem unusual for many, it actually makes a lot of sense. The convenience store has what it takes to get the job done, offering 24-hour access to comfort rooms, electrical hookups, meals with affordable prices, trash disposal service, and on-site staff. The initiative also provides Lawson with a new revenue stream, as customer traffic typically declines in the late-night hours for most businesses.
While the program is a joint effort between the convenience store chain and Japan Recreational Vehicle Association, it doesn’t mean that you still have to rent a recreational vehicle with living quarters to avail of the service. Anyone with a car or van can spend the night in a Lawson parking lot, provided that they pay the fee of JPY2,500 (PHP970) to JPY3,000 (PHP1,200) per night, depending on the vehicle type. Check-in time is between 6 and 9 pm, with check-out at 9 am the following day.
The program is currently on a test run, starting last July 14 and ending on June 30, 2026. And travelers can avail of the service in six Lawson branches, all in Chiba Prefecture: Ichinomiya Torami branch in the town of Chosei, Onjuku Shinmachi branch in Isumi, Amatsuko Minato branch in Kamogawa, Futtsu Miinato branch in Futtsu, Tomura Interchange, and Minamiboso Iawii Kaigan branches in Minamiboso.
For the uninitiated, Chiba is located east of Tokyo and boasts a slew of beaches, surf spots, and other outdoor attractions. According to local publication SoraNews24, this is in keeping with the project’s goal of promoting Japan’s lesser-known yet equally scenic destinations. Reservations have been open since July 8 and can be placed through the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association’s website.
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