【Day 1】 Into the Winter Mountains! Experiencing KINTO's "Mobi-Camp" with the Land Cruiser

When you hear "winter camping," what kind of scenery comes to mind? Many of you probably picture the Land Cruiser conquering the vast deserts of the Middle East or tackling tough off-road trails in South America. But this time, I took my Land Cruiser on a special journey to experience the "beautiful winter of Japan."

On February 21st and 22nd, 2026, I participated in the "Winter Mobi-Camp," an event hosted by KINTO, Japan's car subscription service. Today, I'm excited to share my report of Day 1 with you all!

What is "Mobi-Camp"—A New Kind of Car Experience?

"Mobi-Camp" is an outdoor event hosted by KINTO that combines "Mobility" and "Camping."

KINTO doesn't just provide cars; they value bringing users the "joy of moving" and the "special experiences that are only possible with a car." This Winter Mobi-Camp is a highly unique initiative where participants get to enjoy a new lifestyle using their cars amidst beautiful, snowy nature.

Heading to Kita-Karuizawa with a Reliable Partner: The Land Cruiser

Our journey started in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. Our destination was a campsite in Kita-Karuizawa, one of Japan's most famous, nature-rich highland resorts.

For this trip, I chose the Land Cruiser 250 (VX Grade, 4WD, Gasoline model) as my partner, a vehicle that combines powerful driving performance with a premium, comfortable ride.

Unfortunately, it didn't snow during our drive or at the campsite. However, the winter mountain air was incredibly clear, and the crisp, cold wind let us truly feel the quiet beauty unique to a Japanese winter.

Even on winding winter mountain roads, the Land Cruiser 250 was surprisingly comfortable. Not just on snow or off-road, but even on these freezing paved roads, its confident driving and quiet cabin gave us an overwhelming sense of security. It will comfortably take you to your destination, no matter the environment. I realized once again that this is the greatest charm of the Land Cruiser.

Gathering Around the Fire: Experiencing Japanese Winter Camping

Around noon, we checked into the campsite and immediately kicked off a "Camp Cooking Workshop."

Everyone worked together to cook delicious outdoor meals to warm up our chilly bodies. The camp food, made with rich Japanese ingredients, was exceptional, and the shared experience naturally brought the participants closer together.

Then came the evening. After dinner, we gathered around a large campfire at the "KINTO BAR," which had been set up in the woods, with warm drinks in hand. Listening to the crackling of the firewood while chatting about cars, nature, and family was a magical time that made us forget the stress of everyday life.

The "Value of Mobility" Heard From the Participants

A total of nine groups of KINTO users joined this event. It was a truly diverse crowd, ranging from families with babies and elementary schoolers to grandparents with their grandchildren, and couples. The cars they drove were just as varied, from compact Yaris models to spacious Alphards.

I had the chance to speak with two of the participating groups.

■ A Family of 4 (First-time participants)

"We joined because we wanted to experience nature as a family. Our ideal environment is one where the kids can play safely in nature while the adults can truly relax. The sense of security that comes from having a large group, including the staff and other participants, watching over the kids is a value unique to this kind of event."

■ Two Friends (7th-time participants! Drove 6 hours to get here)

"We keep coming back because it's so stimulating to try things we wouldn't normally do on our own (like Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the past). The joy of discovering unknown worlds and new activities is right here!"

Winter Nature with a Land Cruiser Brings Special Experiences

A Land Cruiser racing through the Middle Eastern desert is awesome, but a Land Cruiser standing proudly in the crisp air of a Japanese winter mountain is also breathtakingly beautiful.

Even without falling snow, venturing into the harsh, freezing nature takes a bit of courage. However, when you have an overwhelmingly reliable partner like the Land Cruiser, that hurdle drops significantly. Waiting for you on the other side are "special experiences you can't get in everyday life" and "warm human connections."

I would love for Land Cruiser fans all over the world to feel the beauty of Japan's winter and the "exciting experiences beyond the drive" that KINTO offers.

I'll be sharing the report for Day 2 next, so stay tuned!