Kei Van Camper Conversion | Surf and Snow Roadtrips in Japan
Looking for an affordable and practical way to explore Japan?
Look no further than the humble Kei van. With their compact size and fuel-efficient engines, Kei vans are the perfect choice for travelers on a budget. Despite their smaller engines (usually 660cc), they can easily handle Japan's slower speed limits and narrow roads, making them an ideal vehicle for navigating the country's beautiful and often winding roads.
But what makes Kei vans even more appealing is their versatility. With a bit of creativity and some basic carpentry skills, it's easy to convert a Kei van into a cozy home on wheels. With just a few days of work and a budget of around ¥10,000, you can build your own comfortable and functional living space that's perfect for two people and all your gear.
So if you're ready to hit the road and experience the freedom of van life in Japan, read on for our guide to building your own Kei van camper on a budget.
Build Notes:
Starting with a rough design of my idea created on tablet
Would like to keep easy access to the rear passenger seats
KEI VAN ENGINES are accessed from behind the rear passenger seats so need to be able to access that easy if any breakdowns happen
Would like to build a pull out slat bed
Be able to store skateboards, surfboards and snow gear
Fold out table for photo editing on the go
‘ The Sofabox`
My first Kei Van was the Honda Acty Street which is a compact and boxy design that maximizes interior space while still being easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It typically features a 660cc engine that is coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission. Unfortunately I got the Automatic which I wouldn’t recommend due to it only using 3 gears.
The interior of the Street Kei Van is simple but functional, with ample storage space and seating for up to four passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to create more cargo space, making it ideal for transporting small to medium-sized items.
Honda Street 1997
2WD
Automatic
‘ The Capsule`
After 2 years of `The Sofabox` I decided to sell and upgrade to a manual 4wd. The Hobio Kei Van comes equipped with features that make it ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing and snow camping. For example, the van's rear seats can be folded down to create a flat surface that can be used for sleeping or storing camping gear. Additionally, the van's roof can be fitted with racks that can hold surfboards or skis, providing ample space for sports equipment. After just a couple of days parked outside a DIY store and finished off by the beach. We welcome our new team member `The Capsule`
Honda Hobby 2004
4WD
Manual
*** UPDATED 2021 ***
When I built my key van, I quickly realized that it required a lot of trial and error to get it right. I had a general idea of what I wanted to achieve, which was a vehicle that could accommodate various activities like camping, surfing, and snowboarding. However, as I started to build and test my van, I faced a number of challenges that I had to overcome.
For example, I struggled with limited space and an awkward layout that made it difficult to transport all the gear I needed for my snowboarding trips. But through persistence and hard work, I was able to make adjustments to my van's design that addressed these issues.
One of the biggest changes I made was to increase the amount of available space in my van. I did this by reconfiguring the layout and storage solutions, which allowed me to bring more gear with me on my snowboarding trips. It was a lot of work, but I found that it was well worth it to have a personalized mode of transportation that met my unique needs and preferences.
Overall, building my key van was a challenging but rewarding experience that required a lot of problem-solving and creativity. I'm proud of what I was able to achieve, and I'm excited to continue exploring the great outdoors with my van as my trusty companion.
Follow Our YouTube Series
Explore More
If you’re renting or hosting an Airbnb in Myoko or Hakuba and want professional property photos, vacation rental photography, or lifestyle shots that showcase your space and surroundings, we can help. From autumn foliage sessions to winter snowy landscapes, we create images that attract more guests and bookings.