I Van Lifed through Every Region in Japan for a Year
After years of dreaming about it, I quit my 9-5 job, bought a 1996 Toyota Hiace, and spent a full year van lifing every region of Japan. From the wild north in Hokkaido to the forgotten roads of Shikoku, the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu, and everywhere in between.
This is the full story of year one. Every season, every island, every region, chasing Japan off the beaten path in a way that’s only possible with a van. From backcountry skiing volcanoes in Hokkaido’s cold winters, to having Japan’s most stunning cherry blossom spots entirely to myself in Shikoku, to hiking the Japanese Alps in summer, this video covers it all. If you’ve ever wondered what Japan looks like beyond the Golden Route, this is it.
#JapanVanLife #JapanTravel #offthebeatenpath #vanlifejapan
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Video: Sony ZVE1 https://amzn.to/432R9TM
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🎬Chapters:
0:00-1:50 Intro
1:51-6:42 Fall
6:43-13:33 Winter
13:34-14:55 Musicbed
14:56-21:48 Spring
21:49-27:23 Summer
27:24-30:01 Outro
⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel, Ryan Bednar, is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The creator, Ryan Bednar, documents personal experiences, thoughts, and travel adventures through Japan while living a minimalistic van life.
The creator and channel assume no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, damages, or losses that may occur from attempting to replicate or follow any content presented here. Viewer caution and judgment are advised.
✖️ Copyright notice: This video and this YouTube channel contain dialog and images that are property of “Ryan Bednar” You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to this YouTube Channel is provided.
© ryan_bednar
Ryan Bednar
23 Comments
Although I technically visited or drove through every region, there are obviously many that I need to do in more depth. My second year of van life has already brought me through areas I hadn’t been before, but there’s still so much to see in all the places I HAVE been. I’ve got my work cut out for me before my visa runs out!
Just about to start taking my Honda Freed on the road here around Kyushu myself to start. First time sleeping in a car, so keen though. Keep up the rad work legend 🤙🏽
Hi Brother, Love from India 🇮🇳
This is so beautiful, I’m sure you did this trip for yourself and adventure, but Im so grateful that you shared it in such a beautiful way for all of us to enjoy ❤
Beautifully shot. Beautifully produced. But wait, you had to hike back up the volcano?? Wtf. Lol.
So well done and amazing life experience.
Crazy video Ryan, I watched the whole thing! I love all your footage its so gorgeous and I hope you had a life changing experience. Curiously, how did you afford to do this? I know you quit your 9-5 but how long did you have to save? I'm also from Canada so at least that's a common variable. Cheers
This is SOOOOO good Ryan. You should be so proud of what you have achieved already in such a relatively short time. I continue to be so inspired for my upcoming Japan travels. Thankyou. x
Hey Ryan, I have been following your journey since the start and really enjoyed every bit of it. Since 2024 fall, I have made 3 separate trips to Japan and coincidentally they all lined up with significant parts of your itinerary. Tohoku, Hokkaido, Izu, Chubu region, Hokuriku region, Hyogo, Mie, Wakayama. Everytime when I return home from one of my trips, I would catch your latest video essentially going through a similar itinerary as mine. It was wild how we were just passing each other maybe a few weeks apart. It felt like I was reliving my own journey through yours but in all your cinematographic glory. It made your videos a lot more personal and memorable for me.
Thank you for sharing your incredible journey so far. Your videos are the best out there in the Japan content space, especially since you cover a lot of hidden gems that people rarely visit. You deserve a lot of followers and I look forward to the next chapter of your Japan van life!
It’s been a joy following your journey ❤🎉
Been following you awhile. Prayers for you and glad to live through your eyes. I hope this video blows up!!!
And damn your videography has gotten amazing!!
Your channel reflects the places you’ve gone to: underrated! We are lucky to be able to see Japan with you, and all the rugged beauty Japan has to offer. I am curious as to why you left out the Expo from this video, that was a cool side quest. Anyways, keep it going brother, and don’t forget us when you get famous!
Man😍, I don't have enough words to describe how I'm feeling after watching this video. I can confidently say that "this is the most beautiful, full-feeling, heart-touching video that I have ever come across about Japan. A life I dreamed about in Japan." I say what a privilege to "Watch" this video💯✨.
I was time-stamping every single second, like Ryan, how beautiful this view is😍! And I realize, it was heading to be a huge paragraph😅. Like man, really love this video. I'm telling you, all this is coming from a person who wants to live a life in Japan just like you. So, I believe, you are getting this that"how much I mean these lines, when I'm writing this". I won't say that I've watched all of your videos, I've been following you recently in search of Japan. And I love to see Japan from your perspective, from your viewpoint. Because it's so alike myen. As I always said, I also want to express that life in Japan, I've been working hard on my own to fulfill my dream. Hopefully, I can make it as soon as possible🙂. And hopefully could meet you in person one day😅.
I would be looking forward to what this year in Japan brings to your life. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with us.
Thanks! You are an inspiration. You make the best videos on YouTube.
Amazing recap! When I grow up, I would love to follow in your footsteps!
ありがとうございます！
Ryan, this is absolutely amazing! You stunningly captured the Japan that 99.9% of tourists will never see, and the one most Japanese have never seen. Let's make it go viral!
Some of the best content about traveling in Japan I have seen in a long time. Great work, man! I can absolutely relate to your impression about Shikoku – its a magical place. I´m going to get a job in Japan starting next year for 4 years, with a lot of spare time. I´m going to buy a van for sure, because I surf and will live in Sapporo. But I´m not sure what kind of van I should buy. Toyota Hiace is great – but what abou all the narrow streets and small parking spaces (?) – maybe something smaller like a Nissan NV 200 would be better.
Outstanding video, from an exceptional young man, thank-you for sharing your van life with us 💯👌💫🇯🇵
I am SO happy to hear you are doing another year in Japan. Your videos are like therapy to me.
The bank of memories is deeper than the bank of cash. Make the memories. Beautiful video, keep going mate!
Have loved watching your journey throughout Japan.
I've been once and would love my next japan visit to be in shikoku. Off the grid and away from the tourists.
Cant wait for you next adventure in beautiful Japan and what surprises you have to show us. Keep up your amazing work!