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No Place to Sleep? Lawson Offers New Options for Japan’s Night Travelers
Japan’s night travelers are growing, but roadside rest spots aren’t. Lawson steps in with a new safe — and paid — option.
By Francesca Annio
These days, Japan is all about travel. Some people love chasing the daylight, with the sun lighting their way. Others prefer the quiet of the night, hitting the road under the stars to arrive fresh at dawn. And then there are those who have no choice but to drive through the night because of work. Whatever the reason, Japan is full of night travelers.
But here’s the thing: driving all night without a break isn’t easy. So, where do all these night owls stop to rest or catch some sleep? Highways have plenty of spots, but not all of them are exactly welcoming. That’s where Lawson, the well-known convenience store chain, might have just found the perfect fix.
New roads to rest
Although still in trial until July 30 this year, Lawson’s new Overnight Car Stay Service shows a lot of promise. The chain launched the pilot at six locations in Chiba Prefecture, all registered as RV Park facilities. These spots are certified by the Japan RV Association (JRVA) as safe places for people to sleep in their vehicles. Currently, there are approximately 500 RV-certified locations nationwide.
