The Vanabond Tales · video

What this video covers

Eddie and Kelly rent a camper van from Samurai Campers in Fukuoka and drive a three-day loop around Kyushu, covering roughly 350 kilometres.0:36 The van — a compact, minimalist Japanese-style build — carries a 400–500 amp-hour battery, an inverter with power outlets, a Webasto fuel-fired heater, air conditioning, and a fold-flat bed; it lacks a microwave and refrigerator, making convenience stores and supermarkets essential resupply points.11:10 The route runs south from Fukuoka through the Tuatate River valley to the onsen town of Kurikawa, then past Mount Aso — Japan's largest active volcano, closed and cloud-socked on the day they visit — through the national park at its base, and northeast toward Kumamoto before looping back via Yanagawa, known for 300-year-old unagi restaurants and canal boat rides.2:24 A planned auto camp is closed for winter; both nights are spent free at Michi no Eki roadside stations, which offer clean toilets, rubbish bins, and supermarket access.4:22 A private onsen near Kumamoto costs 1,700 yen.14:32 Total trip cost for three days runs about 35,000 yen (roughly $250 USD) excluding the van hire, which runs approximately $75 USD per day through Samurai Campers.14:36 Winter closures at both the volcano gate and the auto camp are the main practical hazards of an off-season Kyushu van trip.6:24

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