I’ve recently landed a job that is supposed to be true Work from Anywhere (as long as anywhere is somewhere in Japan with Internet connection) and hyperflex schedule.
Assuming the job lives up to its promise, I’m thinking about the possibility of buying one of those Kei vans that have been retrofitted to be camping cars, so that from time to time I could be touring Japan and working at the same time. And bringing wifey along if she’s game.
Anyone here has tested those? The “having your little nest on wheels” while still being a small, maneuverable, and decently cheap (including shaken/taxes) car is very appealing to me.
5 comments
Despite them being cheap kei cars after they are retrofitted – they cost a lot, unless you can do this yourself.
Camping in the summer might be not ideal as it’s very humid. I don’t think you would be comfortable sleeping in one of them. Late Fall when it’s dry and warm is probably the best.
I’ve seen a lot of those at car shows. Seen how people live in them on TV a couple of times (バンライフ on youtube).
It looks extremely uncomfortable and frustrating to me. There’s just no space in a Kei. You’re going to be converting between work and sleep every day and even then the amount of space is just very little. Forget about having a nice desk and chair, big monitor etc. Some people manage to cook in them and whatnot but I would go crazy.
If you only plan on going out a couple of times a year you might as well get a car and just book a hotel/inn and work from there.
If you want to go out regularly I’d say spend a bit (a lot) more and buy a proper camping car.
Get a real one or you’re going to be miserable. Hiace or NV350 Caravan.
What’s the job? Will you be parked at a desk 10-12 hours or do you have more flexibility?
Google for `honda n-van camper` for inspiration; it ain’t cheap though…
Looking at how the local do it, it seems that a kei van, or a full-sized van, loaded to the brink with a huge tent, a stove, grill, folding furniture, tent cover, food, toys, clothes, etc., is the way to go.
Another consideration: are you planning to travel solo? as a couple? with kids?