A Lawson where you can "stay overnight" in the store parking lot is born! ――Experience the "Convenience Store × RV Park" revolution for 2,500 to 3,000 yen per night――

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Lawson's Challenge

2. Why Car Camping Now? — Market Background and Inbound Demand

3. Service Overview and Usage Flow

4. Six Experimental Stores and Surrounding Model Routes

5. What is an "RV Park"? — Comparison with Overseas and Other Companies

6. Manners, Safety, and Regulations When Using

7. Impact on Environment and Local Economy

8. FAQ for Foreign Travelers (Reservations, Payments, Vehicle Size, Insurance)

9. Future Vision of Lawson × Mobility

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction: Lawson's Challenge

In the summer of 2025, Lawson will start a groundbreaking experiment in the convenience store industry by transforming stores into accommodation infrastructure. The background includes surpassing 165,000 camping cars, rising hotel prices, and redefining the "strengths" of 24-hour operation and equipped toilets. The experiment is led by the Japan RV Association and payment system company Glory.lawson.co.jp

2. Why Car Camping Now? — Market Background and Inbound Demand

• Domestic Factors: Traveling with pets, workations, and a growing outdoor orientation.

• Inbound Visitor Factors: More tourists are arriving late at night, and hotels near cities are fully booked. Car camping becomes a "cheap, close, and short" option.

• Overseas Examples: In the U.S., Walmart parking lots have formed a "free RV stay" culture. In Japan, legal restrictions and noise complaints were barriers. Lawson's model aims to reduce troubles and improve service quality by charging fees.bestcarweb.jp

3. Service Overview and Usage Flow

Step

1. Web Reservation (Enter vehicle type, number of people, presence of pets)

2. Confirm Card Payment → Receive QR code

3. Show QR to staff upon arrival, guide to space

4. During Stay: Shopping, charging, using nearby bathing facilities

5. Upon Departure: Hand over garbage bag, perform simple cleaning, then check out

4. Six Experimental Stores and Surrounding Model Routes

1. Ichinomiya Torami Store (Surfer's Sanctuary, Kujukuri)

2. Onjuku Shinmachi Store (Stage of the Nursery Rhyme "Moon Desert")

3. Amatsu Kominato Store (Tai no Ura Sightseeing Boat, Birthplace Temple of Nichiren Buddhism)

4. Tomiura Interchange Store (Starting Point of Boso Flower Line)

5. Minamiboso Iwai Beach Store (Calm, Shallow Beach for SUP Experience)

6. Futtsu Minato Store (Gateway to Nokogiriyama Ropeway & "Hell Peep")lawson.co.jp
   
   

Model 1 Night 2 Day Plan
Day 1: Narita Airport → Stay at Ichinomiya Torami Store (Dinner with Lawson × Local Craft Beer)
Day 2: Morning Surfing → Katsuura Morning Market → Lunch Break at Amatsu Kominato Store → Nokogiriyama Trekking → Stay at Futtsu Minato Store

5. What is an "RV Park"? — Comparison with Overseas and Other Companies

• Japan RV Association Certification: 24h toilets, waste disposal, and independent space per night are mandatory.

• Overseas Comparison:

  • US "Boondock" = Free, Self-Responsibility Type

  • EU "Aire de Service" = Municipality-Installed, Paid 3–15€

  • Lawson Model = 24h Staffed + Store Services for Added Peace of Mind

6. Manners, Safety, and Regulations When Using

• Road Transport Vehicle Act: Modified vehicles must carry inspection documents.

• Waste Management Law: Illegal dumping of household waste is prohibited.

• Noise Prevention: Complies with late-night idling prohibition ordinance.

• Crime Prevention: Lock vehicles, store valuables in in-store lockers.

7. Impact on Environment and Local Economy

8. FAQ for Foreign Travelers

Q1: Driver's License?
→ An international driving permit valid in Japan or a converted license during stay is required.

Q2: Concerned about Left-Hand Traffic
→ Boso Peninsula has many wide highways, making driving less challenging.

Q3: Wi-Fi?
→ Free Lawson in-store Wi-Fi 30 minutes × 5 times/day, accessible from the vehicle.

Q4: Shower Facilities?
→ Each store displays nearby onsen within walking distance or with shuttle service.

Q5: Vehicle Size Limit
→ Up to 5.5m in length. Full-size motorhomes not allowed.

9. Future Vision of Lawson × Mobility

• Planned expansion to Kanto-Koshin and Kinki regions by fiscal 2026

• Concept of "Charging & Lodging" package with EV rapid chargers

• Considering in-store co-working seats + car camping set for digital nomads

10. Conclusion

Lawson's car camping experiment proposes a new norm of **"Convenience Store = Travel Hub."** It offers both the reassurance of 24-hour operation and the charm of local engagement to foreign and domestic travelers troubled by accommodation shortages and high prices. If the small start in Chiba succeeds, there is potential for "places to stay" to rapidly expand across 14,000 stores nationwide. As a third accommodation option that chooses neither tents nor hotels, future developments are worth watching.lawson.co.jpbestcarweb.jp

Reference Articles (External Links, in Date Order)

1. Lawson Official News Release "Start of 'RV Park' Demonstration Experiment at Six Stores in Chiba Prefecture" (July 7, 2025)lawson.co.jp

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