Lawson Will Offer Staying Services In Parking Areas For Vehicle Users

Lawson Outlets in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. (Wikimedia Commons/LERK)

Japanese convention store operator Lawson Inc., said on Monday last week it would launch a new paid service to offer its store parking lots to tourists who spend the night in their vehicles amid soaring accommodation costs.

The company will hold trials at six outlets in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, from July 14 to June next year, with plans to expand services nationwide.

The company said there was not enough place for vehicle users to spend the night in vehicles in the midst of the growing popularity of recreational vehicles and saving travel.

Although public bath facilities and roadside stations also offer similar services, Lawson emphasizes the operational advantage of outlets that are 24 hours, thus allowing users to buy food and drinks and use bathrooms in stores at any time.

"We can also provide a sense of security because there are always staff in the store," said a company official, according to Kyodo News July 7.

With the hope that young people will use this service, the company plans to charge 2,500 yen to 3,000 yen per night to consumers.

The parking lot, which is available from 18.00 to 09.00 the next day, can be booked via the RV-Park.jp website managed by the Japan Recreation Vehicle Association and paid for with a credit card.