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In response to the rising cost of accommodations and the growing popularity of flexible travel styles, Lawson has announced a new service: From July 14, 2025, select Lawson stores have started offering paid overnight car camping spots in their parking lots.

This initiative targets the increasing number of people practicing shachuhaku — sleeping in their vehicles while traveling. With traditional lodgings becoming more crowded and expensive due to inbound tourism, more travelers are turning to RVs and camper vans or simply sleeping in their cars. However, this has led to concerns about etiquette at public rest areas and michi-no-eki (roadside stations), such as noise, trash, idling engines and unauthorized camping behavior.

To address these issues and offer a more structured solution, Lawson is partnering with the Japan RV Association to create officially recognized “RV Parks” at six of its stores in Chiba Prefecture, including locations in Minamiboso, Kamogawa, Onjuku, Ichinomiya and Futtsu. These pilot sites will run as a proof-of-concept program until June 2026, with possible expansion to other regions based on demand and success. 

The parking costs ¥2,500–¥3,000 per night, with each lot consisting of two parking spaces. Guests may use their lot from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the next morning, and facilities included during the stay are: access to store restrooms, electricity for charging via extension cords and trash disposal service for one garbage bag.

Online reservation and prepayment are required via the RV Park website, and during the trial period, approximately one vehicle per store will be available.