3 days · Moderate; urban parking is harder
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe: 3 Days
Historic cities, culture and food
See route and practical notes →Kansai · 大阪
Osaka road trips
Osaka is a useful gateway to the Wakayama coast, outer Nara and the hills around Kobe. Central Osaka and Kyoto have busy traffic and parking; plan the driving around places outside the city cores.
Explore routes ↓Shirahama suits a slower family trip. Divide Kyoto, Nara and Kobe across different days rather than rushing through all three.
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Drives from Osaka
3 days · Moderate
Osaka to Wakayama & Shirahama: 3 Days
Coasts, onsen and families
See route and practical notes →
1–2 days · 90 km
Yoshino & Dorogawa Onsen
Suggested 2 days: D1 Mount Yoshino｜D2 Dorogawa Onsen—Menfudo Cave; use official park-and-ride arrangements in blossom season.
Local visitor information ↗
2 days · 105 km
Koyasan & Ryujin Skyline
Suggested 2 days: D1 Danjo Garan—Okunoin｜D2 Ryujin Skyline—Ryujin Onsen; check winter road restrictions.
Local visitor information ↗2–3 days · 250 km
Kumano Kodo & Nachi Falls
Suggested 3 days: D1 Kumano Hongu—Yunomine｜D2 Nachisan—falls｜D3 Katsuura; hiking trails are not drivable roads.
Local visitor information ↗
1–2 days · 180 km
Okayama & Kurashiki
Suggested 2 days: D1 Korakuen—Okayama Castle｜D2 Kurashiki Bikan Quarter—Kojima Jeans Street.
Local visitor information ↗
2 days · 190 km
Tottori Dunes & Uradome Coast
Suggested 2 days: D1 Tottori Dunes—Sand Museum｜D2 Uradome Coast—Hakuto Shrine; shorten dune time in high winds or heat.
Local visitor information ↗Prefer to pick your own stops? Filter routes by city on the homepage and add places to your printable trip notebook.
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