Gross. Anyone who has camped knows that feeling of sadness when it’s cold outside but you have to go to the bathroom at 3am. But some of the best moments I’ve had outside are during that time. The air is cleaner, you can see the stars if it’s clear, you might hear coyotes or other animals yipping not too far off...well worth the momentary annoyance.

Camping in a remote environment is way different than parked in a parking lot on some highway exit - and now that Walmart isn't 24 hrs in the US you can't even just park there and walk in.

Temperature also changes things - if it's above zero outside it's not so bad for a quick jaunt, but if it is -40º it's a whole different ballgame.

Sure, but I don't know a lot of places in Japan that get to those temperatures, especially on the map indicated.

Yeah, "van life" is going to vary wildly depending on the country and even where in the country you are.

True, but at the same time I'd wager its rather difficult to appreciate the grand mystery of nature while you're sloshing around in a pee soaked diaper.

It's a rare opportunity to see the stars. It's always worth it.

Reminds me of getting out of a hammock in the woods at night.