Japanese convenience store chain to allow tourists to pay to camp in their parking lots
The major convenience store operator Lawson will begin renting out parking spaces at some of its outlets for overnight vehicle stays.
This new service is being introduced as a response to a rising number of tourists in the country, which has made booking traditional accommodations more difficult and expensive.
The initiative aims to provide an affordable alternative for travelers, particularly those with recreational vehicles or those attending events in rural areas with limited lodging.
Lawson is the first major convenience store chain in Japan to officially offer its parking lots for paid, overnight stays.
The practice of people staying in their cars overnight in convenience store parking lots without permission is already a known issue, and this service aims to formalize and monetize that demand.
The program will allow visitors to book and pay for their space online in advance.
Upon arrival, guests can check in at the store, where they will have access to the bathrooms and can also rent items like power cord reels.
Each booking provides a block of two adjacent parking spaces, ensuring enough room for larger campervans and recreational vehicles.
The rules for using the spaces will align with the standards set by the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association.
This move also caters to the growing popularity of RVs in Japan, with ownership numbers reaching a record 165,000 last year, a more than threefold increase since 2005.
The service is being targeted at stores in rural areas that are often near public bathhouses but lack a sufficient number of nearby hotels.
The cost for an overnight stay will range from 2,500 yen to 3,000 yen (approx. $17-20 USD), and the service is scheduled to launch initially at six stores in Chiba Prefecture.
This first phase of the program will begin on Monday, July 14th, with a further rollout planned should the initial trial be successful.
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