Japan Campers' iPad usage instruction

Before you get into the van and start the travel of your dreams we would like to take you to a short trip around … iPad’s features and functions.
If you’ve never used Apple’s devices please click here for more instructions.
Fasten your seatbelt and let’s start!

Viber - be in touch with JC staff.
Home - van drop off procedure.
Google Maps - navigation.
JC Info - useful information about our vans, driving rules, travel recommendations.
Park & Sleep - find a place to park & sleep.
Spa search - take a bath in a Japanese onsen.

1. Viber

Viber is an easy and free messaging application working like Skype or WhatsApp. Use it to stay in touch with JC staff.
Find our members in contact list and then choose between free call and free message.
Have a question? Let us now!

2. Home - van drop off procedure

Click on the icon to read what to do before droping off the van and how to find our depot on the map.

Click ->

3. Google Maps

Google Maps is a great navigation system that almost everyone knows. However, we would like to point a few things that you should be aware of when using Google Maps in Japan.

Google Maps is designed to analyse traffic and road conditions and it will will always direct you to the fastest route including motorways.
Fastest does not always mean the safest one. Here in Japan there are plenty of very narrow streets that Google Maps considers as a normal public roads.
Once you type in your destination, always have a good look at your road on the map.
It is much safer to drive a bit longer and avoid the narrow, small roads.
Always stay on the main roads (national roads with number) instead of saving a few minutes and suffer in the narrow, sneaky, rural streets.

Please trust us - many vans have been returned damaged just because the drivers took the Google Maps for granted and found themselves on the roads that were almost impossible drive through. If you do not want to spend your money on unnecessary damages then please always double check your route before you drive on it.

Example of Google Maps navigation:

Japanese Highways are pretty expensive. If you are planning to take a long drive then absolutely use them. If you are not going far or you do not like to use the highways, you can select the Google Map navigation route to avoid them completely. How? see below:
Tap the three dots next to "your location" (picture below), then choose "Route Options" and check "Avoid Motorways".
We do not recommend the "Avoid Tolls" option because there are some short tunnels/ bridges that do not cost much money in tolls, but can save a lot of time and stress when using them.

4. JC Info

In JC info section we have collected the most helpful and important information that you should know before you start your trip.

Tap pointed applications to move to each section and read some of our advices:

5. Park, Sleep and Onsen

Here we collect few tips and applications that can help you travel and find places to sleep and hot springs around Japan.

- Michi no Eki - road stations

Michi no Eki is a roadside rest area for travellers driving across Japan.
The most popular places to park & sleep along public roads, always used by our customers.
Free of charge parking areas where you can stay overnight, use the restrooms, eat some lunch, buy local products and souvenirs from market. Also you can get some sightseeing information and catch a free Wi-Fi.
There are more than 1,300 "Michi no Eki" in Japan so you will definitely find some of them on your way.

- Hot springs (onsen)

Onsens are public baths with water sourced from the hot springs that can be found across the volcanic island of Japan. But that is too simple explanation for such a wonderful experience. Do not leave Japan without giving them a fair shake!
As "onsen lovers", we recommend to experience hot springs daily, instead of regular showers.
Showers are quite rare and you can find them only on camping-grounds. There are more than 3,000 onsens and public baths in Japan, so you can find them in almost every city!

Notes!

1. Onsen require you to get completely naked before you can indulge in the hot water.

2. Do not worry, man and women are separated.

3. Due to a Japanese custom, most Onsens do not allow entrance to customers with visible tattoos on their bodies.
Please let us know if you have a tattoo that can pose a problem and we will inform you about alternatives.

4. Many onsens will accept small, less noticeable tattoos while refusing guests with larger pieces. It is still on case by case basis. For the time being, those with tattoos need to come up with inventive ways to get around the restriction: waterproof tape or bandage (available at drugstores), hot spring with private bath etc.
Also, see the "tattoo friendly" onsen website below:

Tattoo Friendly Onsen

Our applications:

Michi

Easy app in english thanks to which you can find:
- Michi no Eki stations,
- Hot springs,
- Camping grounds,
- Coin laundries,
- Ryokan (Japanese hotels).

- JC Map - our travel recommendations

JC Map has been created (new places added almost daily) by Japan Campers staff and our valued customers.
The purpose of this map is simple: to make your journey as easy as possible.
We have been collecting popular destinations and show them on Google Map - each with a short description. Please feel free to use the map.

We also ask you a favor in return: if you discover a beautiful spot for spending an afternoon, charming onsen, a nice place to sleep (close to a toilet), a restaurant with delicious food and more, please send the location to us to help next travellers experience Japan even better.

Who knows...maybe you will use the map again in the future?

How to open JC Map?

If you want to use Google Maps again without recommendations, click at the Japan Campers account in the app and choose "Use Maps without an account".

The above are the most helpful apps on your iPad as recommended by Japan Campers.
Thank you for your time!
Of course there is much more to learn about Japan but you didn't come here to spend your precious holiday time in our Narita office, did you?
If you have any question, please let us know!

Have a wonderful and safe trip!
Japan Campers team