The Charm of Winter Camping and Essential Gear

Japan’s four distinct seasons make camping a unique experience.

However, winter camping offers an unparalleled charm compared to other seasons. In the crisp, clear air, you can admire the majestic view of Mount Fuji and gaze at the star-filled night sky. Even popular campsites become quiet and less crowded, allowing you to truly connect with nature—that’s the essence of winter camping.
(And my least favorite bugs don’t show up during winter! Haha)

Wouldn’t you like to enjoy this luxury that is only available during the colder months? But, some might worry, “Isn’t it too cold?”
Don’t worry!

CLOUD NINE CAMPING JAPAN offers a range of equipment to keep you warm and comfortable during winter camping. With these items, you can fully enjoy the charm of winter camping without any concerns about the cold.

Let us introduce the cold-weather equipment offered by CLOUD NINE CAMPING JAPAN.

CLOUD NINE’s Four Essential Cold-Weather Items

①Wind-blocking Awning Wall

We provide a specially designed wall for the awning installed on the campervan, free of charge.
This wall blocks cold winds, creating a cozy space.

The setup is simple—just attach the wall to the awning with Velcro and secure the bottom to the ground with pegs. We also provide instructional videos in Chinese and English, so even beginners can set it up easily.
Avoiding direct wind contact helps create a warm and comfortable environment!

②Long-lasting Kerosene Heater

During winter, all CLOUD NINE CAMPING JAPAN vehicles come equipped with kerosene heaters. The tank holds about 5 liters, offering up to 18 hours of continuous heat.
You can even boil water on top of the heater for a warm drink.

*Note: Using kerosene heaters inside rooftop tents is prohibited.

③Electric Blankets to Keep Your Feet Warm

We also provide electric blankets for free.
Two blankets are available for the DELICA D:5 and one for the Jimny Sierra.
Stay warm while relaxing under the awning by connecting the electric blankets to a portable battery. (For details on the onboard power station and winter power management, see the “Winter Power Guide” section below.)

④Heated Vest (Paid Option)

For those who want extra warmth, we offer rental heated vests.
These vests effectively warm your abdomen, back, and shoulders, helping you forget about the cold outside.

The heated vests have internal pockets for mobile batteries.
We also offer rental packages that include a large-capacity mobile battery (20,000mAh) along with the heated vest.

The rental fee is 500 yen per day.

Available sizes include S, M, L, XL, and 2XL.
*Children’s sizes for heated vests are not available.

For those who are sensitive to the cold or concerned about Japan’s winter temperatures, please consider this option.

Please note that this option cannot be reserved online. If you wish to use it, please inform the staff on the day of rental.

Winter Power Guide: The Onboard Portable Power Station (EcoFlow)

Every CLOUD NINE vehicle comes with a large-capacity EcoFlow portable power station (approx. 1,000Wh). That is enough to fully charge a smartphone about 50–60 times — in summer, most guests do not even use it up on a 3-day trip.

Winter, however, is a different story. Electric blankets and other heating items consume a lot of power, and with long hours of use every night, the battery may run out in 1–2 days depending on how it is used.

Here are three smart tips for managing power in winter.

①Let the Kerosene Heater Do the Main Heating

The kerosene heater uses no electricity at all. Warm up with the heater during the day and before bed, and save the electric blanket for sleeping — your battery will last much longer.

②Plan a Night at a Campsite with Powered Sites

Many campsites across Japan offer powered sites with AC outlets. Simply spend one night at such a campsite in the middle of your trip, and the power station can be fully recharged overnight — the rest of your journey will be worry-free.

③For Extra Peace of Mind: Choose a Custom Series or Long Trip Vehicle

Our Custom Series and Long Trip Vehicles are equipped with an EcoFlow alternator charger, which fully recharges the power station in about 1.5 hours of driving (regular vehicles take about 10 hours). Your battery recovers just from sightseeing drives, so power is hardly a concern even in winter.
For details, see the Custom Series article / Long Trip Vehicles article.

For Buying Warm Clothes, We Recommend WORKMAN!

One key to enjoying winter camping is having proper warm clothing.
Please prepare warm outerwear and insulated pants to protect yourself from the cold.
If you need to purchase warm clothing in Japan, we recommend visiting a WORKMAN store, which can be found throughout the country.

WORKMAN is highly popular among Japanese campers, offering warm clothing at affordable prices. If you are concerned about your clothing, visiting a WORKMAN store after renting your vehicle but before heading to the campsite is a great option. With over 1,000 locations nationwide, you are likely to find one on your way!

For example, the closest store near Mount Fuji is “WORKMAN Fujiyoshida Matsuyama Store.”

Finally: A Unique Winter Experience

Winter camping offers a special experience unlike any other season.
Prepare well, and enjoy the great Japanese winter outdoors with CLOUD NINE CAMPING JAPAN’s vehicles. Breathe in the cold air, sit around a campfire, and gaze at the star-filled sky—savor such a luxurious moment!