Kansai
Kansai Driving Guide
Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama and Lake Biwa in one 4–6 day loop.
Updated 2026-09-01
Region
Kansai
Best season
March–May and September–November.
Popular road trips
6
Why visit
- Lake Biwa
- Kumano Kodo
- Himeji Castle
Best season
March–May and September–November.
Driving notes
- ETC is essentially required on Kansai's dense network.
- Allow extra time on coastal and mountain sections.
Driving tip
Planning a road trip in Japan?
Search Rental Cars on holioo.comPopular road trips
Kansai Golden Route: 5 Days
From Kansai Airport through Nara, rural Kyoto, Lake Biwa and Kobe.
Kansai Loop: Spring in Nara, Kyoto & Osaka
A cherry-blossom route through Kansai that favours suburban viewing spots over hard-to-park city centres.
Kansai Loop: Autumn in Nara, Shiga, Kyoto & Osaka
An autumn route around Lake Biwa, with the Koto Sanzan temples and Mt. Hiei foliage.
Kansai Loop: Nara, Wakayama & Ise in 5 Days
Kumano Kodo and the Kii Peninsula coast — the Kansai route that really needs a car.
Kansai Loop: Kobe, Awaji Island & Osaka
Across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji's farms and flower parks, plus Kobe's night view.
Kansai Loop: Nara, Kyoto & the Hyogo Coast
From Nara north to the Sea of Japan, with Amanohashidate and the Ine boathouses.
Nearby airports
Related articles
Heading here together? Share the driving notes with your group.
holioo.com | Kansai Driving Guide https://e-drive.holioo.com/en/regions/kansai