Campervan rental conditions vary quite a bit from shop to shop. The most frustrating pattern is being told "that's not possible" on the day of pickup—something that could have been avoided by checking in advance.
According to the rental shops we interviewed, basic information is usually posted on their websites, so direct inquiries aren't actually that common. In other words, most misunderstandings can be avoided simply by reading the website carefully. This article organizes the "points you should check" and what to ask if the information isn't listed on the site.
Compare conditions and search → Find a campervan near you
The most common question at the shops we interviewed was, "Can I bring my pet?" Pet policies vary by shop and vehicle, and many shops don't allow pets at all.
What you need to watch out for is that there are cases where customers are told "pets aren't allowed" on the day of pickup. If you don't mention it when booking, the shop has no way of knowing. If you're planning to travel with a pet, always check before booking and choose a pet-friendly vehicle. Conditions such as the number of pets allowed, whether a carrier is required, and additional cleaning fees also vary by vehicle, so be sure to ask about these too.
On our site, you can filter for pet-friendly vehicles by prefecture. For example, you can search from your prefecture's page, such as pet-friendly campervans in Hokkaido.
Campervans are divided into those that can be driven with a regular (standard) driver's license and those that require a semi-medium-sized vehicle license. At one shop we interviewed, a group whose members all had regular licenses booked a vehicle that required a semi-medium-sized license, and their booking was turned down on the day of pickup.
Additionally, many shops won't rent to people who just got their license, or require conditions such as at least 2 years of driving experience. Make sure everyone who plans to take a turn driving meets the requirements. For more details, see Can you drive with a regular license?
At many shops, the basic rental only covers the vehicle itself, and what's included inside varies by shop. Here are the three main things you should check:
Checking these is essential for deciding what you need to bring. We've put together a full packing list in What to bring on the day.
If you're renting in winter, be sure to check whether the vehicle is fitted with studless tires (winter tires). Some vehicles and shops don't use studless tires even in winter. If you're heading to a snowy region and end up with a vehicle on summer tires, your whole trip could fall apart. For more details, see Is renting a campervan in winter a good idea?
According to the shops we interviewed, long holiday periods such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's often get fully booked 2-3 months in advance. If you're planning to rent during a holiday period, plan ahead early. On the other hand, during off-peak seasons like winter, it's often easier to book even at the last minute, giving you more time to carefully choose your vehicle.
It's common to want to change your dates after making a booking. Here's a summary of what the shops we interviewed told us:
Since conditions vary by shop, it's best to read the cancellation policy before booking. If you're worried about the weather, instead of cancelling, we recommend asking, "I'd like to change our destination—do you have any recommendations?"
According to the shops we interviewed, about 80% of customers arrive by their own car, with most of the rest arriving by taxi (common among those coming from farther away). Picking up the vehicle at the shop is standard, and many shops don't offer delivery service to a specified location.
There are two points worth checking:
If you'd like to rent directly from the airport, you can search by airport, such as shops offering airport pickup.
Finally, here's something the shops we interviewed said they'd love for customers to ask.
It's a question like, "I'd like to take this kind of trip—do you have any recommendations for places to go?" Local rental shops know the area's RV parks (overnight parking spots for campervans), campsites, and easy-to-drive routes. If you tell them what kind of trip you're hoping for, they can point you toward places that suit you.
Checking conditions is about "avoiding being turned down," but this question is about "making your trip better." Be sure to add this question before or after booking.
Compare conditions and search → Find a campervan near you
You might also like
This article was created by the Campervan Map editorial team based on interviews with multiple campervan rental shops listed on Campervan Map. Conditions vary by shop.
Sep 18, 2026
Sep 17, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
Sep 15, 2026