軽自動車キャンピングカーが人気　4人で寝られる快適空間　旅先のホテル代わりに【もっと知りたい！】【グッド！モーニング】(2026年7月13日)

Amid soaring hotel prices, overnight stays in vehicles while traveling are gaining popularity. In particular, campervans based on kei cars (mini-vehicles) that can accommodate a family of four are becoming increasingly popular. ■ Approximately half the price of a regular campervan Campervans have also attracted attention in recent years as a form of disaster preparedness. Sales are increasing year by year, reaching 112.7 billion yen two years ago. Among them, campervans based on kei cars, commonly known as "kei-campers," are attracting attention. SNS and video-sharing sites are filled with photos and videos of people enjoying kei-campers. While regular campervans typically cost around 8 million yen, and some exceed 10 million yen, Kei-campers are about half the price of a regular campervan. Smile Factory Product Development Department Masahiro Nagafuji "Kei-campervans cost around 3 million to 4 million yen." However, even so, it's still a kei car. How can one live comfortably in such a limited space? There are various ingenious solutions. "Currently, it accommodates two people sleeping, but a pop-up roof tent can be attached to the ceiling. This allows two more adults to sleep on the ceiling, making it possible to accommodate four people in total, including the interior." It's a magical space that utilizes the ceiling area as sleeping space. "Large vehicles are a bit difficult for everyday use. (A mini camper) can be driven with a regular driver's license. Because it's the size of a kei car (mini car), it can be parked in almost any parking lot." These points are said to be popular with families and others. "I think the appeal of a mini camper is that you can go on trips without making reservations. The money saved on hotel costs can be used for meals, hot springs, or other travel expenses." ■As an alternative to hotels When we spoke to people who actually purchased and use mini campers, we heard comments like these: "It's convenient for everyday use, and you can even go shopping. It's easy to load large shopping bags into the back. With larger vehicles, parking becomes a problem, but (a mini camper) is fine in regular parking lots." It can also serve as an alternative to hotels when traveling. "When I wanted to go out for one or two nights, I had to book a hotel. It was a hassle to go out. Since buying a mini camper van, I can just go wherever I want to go, and if there are no vacancies, I can rest at a roadside station or RV park. I might even be able to say, 'Let's go tomorrow,' and go." (From the broadcast on July 13, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp