As Japan’s hotel rates hit record highs, Lawson convenience stores launch “RV Park” services, offering overnight parking with toilets and amenities, giving travelers a cheaper, more flexible option than traditional hotels.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – The latest report from TOKYO SHOKO RESEARCH, LTD. pointed out that as of the fiscal year ended March 2025, the average daily housing price of 13 listed hotel operators in Japan and 15 brands reached 16,679 yen, a sharp increase of 12.6% from the same period last year. Driven by strong demand, the hotel industry continues to maintain high unit prices and high occupancy rates, and the accommodation market remains hot.
The total number of overnight tourists received by Japan throughout the year reached 659.06 million, an increase of 10.6% over the previous year. Among them, the inbound passengers reached 164.46 million, accounting for 25%, an increase of 39.7%. The huge overseas demand has pushed up the Japanese tourism industry, which has also caused hotel housing prices and occupancy rates to rise simultaneously, bringing structural pressure.
As accommodation costs are rising, convenience store operators are looking at emerging demand. Since July 2025, Lawson, a Japanese convenience store chain, has created a “RV Park” demonstration service in six store parking lots in Chiba Prefecture, providing an accommodation experience for people in cars. Passengers pay between 2,500 and 3,000 yen per night to spend the night in the parking space and can use toilets, power socket rentals, and garbage disposal services.
Since the convenience store is open 24 hours a day, passengers can buy food and beverages at any time, which improves the convenience and sense of security of accommodation in the car. This service is seen as a new and more affordable option than a hotel, and it also creates new business opportunities for Lawson to utilize parking resources effectively.
A report from the Japan RV Association shows that with the diversification of tourism types, the demand for camping for minivans and light vehicles has increased significantly in recent years. In 2024, the number of camper vehicles in Japan reached 165,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. However, legal and safe car camping places are relatively insufficient, so providing 24-hour toilets, garbage disposal, and “RV Park” facilities with personnel on duty has become an urgent need for the market.
At present, there are more than 500 RV parks certified by the Japan RV Association in Japan, distributed in hot springs, accommodation facilities, roadside stations, and amusement parks. Lawson’s participation means that accommodation in the car is expected to be further popularized. An office worker who had experienced “car parking” for the first time said in an interview: “I originally just wanted to save on accommodation, but I didn’t expect it to be so convenient. I wanted to drink coffee or have snacks in the middle of the night, and I could buy them when I got off the bus. There was also a clean toilet, which was much more comfortable than I thought. I will consider using it again next time I travel.”
