A chilly coastal walk followed by a hot spring soak is an ideal way to spend an autumn afternoon in Japan. Add colourful gardens, lively shopping streets and winter lights, and there is plenty to enjoy beyond the Tokyo area.
This campervan rental Tokyo itinerary takes you west into Aichi and Mie, with plenty to explore on the journey out and fresh stops to look forward to on the way back. Travel from late November into early December for autumn colour, or set off later for warming onsen visits and evenings beneath the winter lights.
This route focuses on coastal and lowland destinations, keeping away from Japan’s snowy mountain regions. Winter weather can still affect these roads, particularly later in December, so check forecasts and road conditions before each journey. If snow or ice is forecast, postpone that section or change your plans rather than continuing through it.
Book campsites or RV parks that welcome overnight stays in advance, and check ferry updates before each crossing in case sailings change or are cancelled.
DAY 1
Narita to Yokohama
To kick off your trip, collect your campervan in the morning, pick up any supplies you will need and set off for Yokohama. Find suitable parking, then stretch your legs along the waterfront or hop on public transport to explore. Round off your first day with dinner in Minato Mirai, where the city lights shimmer across the bay.
DAY 2
Autumn Gardens and Atami Onsen
Spend the morning wandering through Sankeien Garden, where autumn leaves bring splashes of red and gold to the ponds and historic buildings from late November into early December. Then it’s back to the campervan for the coastal drive through Odawara to Atami. After a day on your feet and behind the wheel, a hot spring soak is a welcome reward. Choose an onsen that welcomes day visitors, checking entry times and tattoo policies before you go.
DAY 3
Follow the Coast to Shimoda
Begin your day following Route 135 south through Ito, giving yourself time to stop for a seaside lunch along the way. Once you reach Shimoda, stretch your legs along Perry Road, where old buildings and little cafés line the canal. Linger over a coffee before wandering down to the harbour to watch the boats and enjoy the salty sea air.
DAY 4
Cross Suruga Bay to Shizuoka
Today, the journey is part of the pleasure. Follow Izu’s southern and western coastline through Matsuzaki to Toi, then give yourself a break from driving aboard the vehicle ferry to Shimizu. Once ashore, head towards the port for a seafood meal and a relaxed end to the day.
Book your sailing ahead, confirming that the ferry can accommodate your campervan’s dimensions and that your rental agreement permits the crossing. With winding coastal roads and a ferry to catch, leave plenty of time and save longer sightseeing stops for another day.
DAY 5
Hamamatsu’s Dunes and Local Flavours
Continue west to Hamamatsu, where the Nakatajima Sand Dunes offer a change of scenery and a chance to shake off the drive. Wrap up warm for a wander across the sand, with the sea breeze in your face and the sound of waves nearby. Afterwards, follow your appetite into town for local eel or a plate of gyoza. You’ll return to the area on day 12, with time to explore Lake Hamana.
DAY 6 & 7
Sail to Ise-Shima
Follow the Atsumi Peninsula to Irago, where the Ise Bay car ferry to Toba gives you a chance to swap the driver’s seat for views across the water. Confirm sailing times and arrangements for your campervan before travelling. Once you arrive, ease into the afternoon with a waterfront wander and something good to eat.
Give day 7 to Ise Jingu, taking your time through the shrine grounds before exploring nearby Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho. These traditional streets invite a little browsing and plenty of snacking, so arrive with an appetite. Settle down to a bowl of Ise udon, then see which shopfront catches your eye next. Spend another night around Ise or Toba, keeping to the lower coastal roads between stops.
DAY 8
Nagashima’s Shopping and Winter Lights
Drive along Ise Bay north to Nagashima, where you can swap sightseeing for a little shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima. Browse for gifts or treat yourself, but save some energy for an evening at Nabana no Sato. After dark, glowing tunnels and colourful displays give you plenty of reasons to wander and keep your camera out for quality snaps.
The illumination season runs from 17 October 2026 to 31 May 2027. Be sure to check tickets and opening hours beforehand, and plan your journey back to your overnight base so you can enjoy the lights without watching the clock.
DAY 9 & 10
Discover Nagoya
Make Nagoya your home for the next two days, leaving the campervan somewhere suitable while you explore by public transport. Start with a gentle wander through Tokugawaen Garden, where autumn colour gives you every excuse to pause beside the pond. As evening approaches, head into town and choose somewhere inviting for dinner.
On day 10, lose yourself for a while in Osu’s shopping streets, dipping into shops and following the tempting smells from food stalls. Make time for a stroll around Nagoya Castle’s grounds, too. When hunger catches up with you, try miso katsu: a crisp breaded pork cutlet served with a rich miso sauce.
DAY 11
Gamagori’s Seaside and Illuminations
Head towards Mikawa Bay for some fresh sea air and a leisurely walk around Takeshima. Give yourself time to enjoy the waterfront before an evening beneath the seasonal lights at Laguna Ten Bosch. Check the event dates and operating calendar, and sort out your evening transport beforehand. Then wrap up warm and take your time wandering through the displays.
DAY 12
Lake Hamana’s Hot Springs
It’s time to head back towards Hamamatsu, this time trading the sand dunes for the shores of Lake Hamana. Spend the afternoon in Kanzanji, with time for a lakeside wander before slipping into a hot spring bath. Choose a facility that welcomes day visitors and check its entry times beforehand. After Nagoya’s busy streets and evenings beneath the lights, there’s something lovely about having little to do except enjoy the water and the warmth.
DAY 13
Shizuoka’s Pine Groves and Castle Park
Continue east to Miho-no-Matsubara, where pine trees line the shore and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji makes a memorable backdrop to your coastal walk. Take your time here before heading to Sumpu Castle Park for a stroll around the grounds. Having explored the port earlier in the trip, today is a chance to see another side of Shizuoka, with sea air, history and perhaps a few favourite photographs to take home.
DAY 14
Western Izu and Shimoda’s Beaches
Start your day boarding the ferry from Shimizu to Toi, then settling in for a winding drive along Izu’s western and southern coastline towards Shimoda. Break the journey in Matsuzaki for a bite to eat and a wander before continuing south. If there’s daylight to spare when you arrive, round off the day with a beach walk. Give the coastal roads plenty of time; this is a day for enjoying the journey at an easy pace.
Book an early sailing to leave enough daylight for the coastal drive and any stops along the way.
DAY 15 & 16
Atami’s Late Autumn Colour and Return to Narita
Follow Route 135 north to Atami for the final night of your trip. If autumn colour is still lingering, take a wander through Atami Plum Garden; otherwise, browse the shopping streets near the station for a few edible souvenirs and something to snack on along the way. Enjoy one last hot spring soak before heading back to the campervan to pack—hopefully with room for everything you’ve picked up.
If time allows, say goodbye to Atami with a short waterfront stroll before setting off early for Narita. Follow the coast through Odawara, allowing several hours for the journey and extra time for traffic. Keep your agreed return time in mind, with room to refuel before handing back the keys and bringing your adventure to a close
Enjoy the Journey at Your Own Pace
Over these 16 days, there’s time for both the big sights and the smaller pleasures: a bowl of udon after exploring Ise, a sea view from the ferry, or a hot spring bath after a chilly afternoon outside. For travellers planning a motorhome Tokyo adventure, fresh stops on the way back make the return journey just as much a part of the holiday. Leave room for the weather and the occasional change of plan, and enjoy seeing where each day takes you.
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