These parking are No Not for public.
Only for the day traveler and include volcano warning problem,too.
Basically felt "cool" are normal reactions as local
bc real bad guys also using regular normal looks rent a car usual.
(cannot explane about their night jobs details)
Maybe u know "hide in plain sight" or similar phrases very simple reason based.
However, stay roadside station(rest area) "Michi no eki" are no problem.
Stay near station with toilet(open 24h/free) also no need parking fee.
http://www.michieki.jp/pref/kumamoto/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_stationJapanese car/mortorcycle traveler using a lot.
This is nearest "Michi no eki Aso"
http://www.aso-denku.jp/michinoeki/power site 10 points with(free/until 7am next morning) for charge cellphone or
and free field kitchen and near area have coin loundry,
convenience store and spa "Yume no yu"(not free/400Y) exist.
http://www.aso-aso.com/018hot_spring/yumenoyu/(open until 22:00/entering until 21:00/foot bath : free)
This Japanese traveler report and said
"high season auto camper/custom camping car a lot amazing".
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/cqcqcq_this_is_kagonma/31391021.htmlBut Aso is top level comfortable stn most stns service are simple.
(extra)
If first time in around summer "mosquitoes" will be ur enemies.
In Japan serious bad poison insects few(not zero)
mosquitoes 100%,spyder 99.999% and small bee 99% safe.
Aso is mountain area many insects living
especially "honets(large bee/calling Suzume bachi)" are most dangerous
if met runaway quickly don't fight don't use if bought repellent spray pls!.