Recommended Drive Course
Kansai International Airport · Pickup / Return
Kansai Loop: Autumn in Nara, Shiga, Kyoto & Osaka
An autumn route around Lake Biwa, with the Koto Sanzan temples and Mt. Hiei foliage.
- Suggested days
- 5
- Total distance
- 480 km
- Driving load
- Easy
- Best season
- Please check the official website for the latest information.
About 480 km over 5 days, roughly 96 km a day. Actual time on the road depends on traffic and how often you stop.
holioo.com Japan Drive Editorial TeamLast updated:2026.09.01
Kansai International Airport
Departure
DAY 1
KIX → Osaka → Hikone
Hikone Castle
Konkicho, Hikone
Suggested stay: 2 hours
Parking: Castle-town parking, JPY 400
DAY 2
Hikone → Koto Sanzan
Saimyoji & Kongorinji
Kora, Inukami
Suggested stay: 3 hours
Parking: Free parking at each temple
DAY 3
Otsu → Mt. Hiei → Kyoto
Enryakuji, Mt. Hiei
Sakamoto, Otsu
Suggested stay: 3 hours
Parking: Oku-Hiei Driveway toll about JPY 1,700
DAY 4
Higashiyama, Kyoto
Tofukuji
Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku
Suggested stay: 2 hours
Parking: On-site parking closes in foliage season; use nearby private lots
DAY 5
Kyoto → KIX
Expocity, Osaka
Senri Banpaku Park, Suita
Suggested stay: 1.5 hours
Parking: Paid parking
Kansai International Airport
Arrival / Return
Driving this route together? Send the itinerary to the people coming with you.
holioo.com | Kansai Loop: Autumn in Nara, Shiga, Kyoto & Osaka https://e-drive.holioo.com/en/routes/kansai-autumn-nara-shiga-kyoto-5-days
About this page
We keep updating this collection of driving, rental, road, parking and itinerary information for Japan. When rules, facilities or spot details change, we revise the page.
Related guide
Haven't arranged a car yet?
Once your itinerary is settled, you can check what is available in that area. holioo.com provides the rental search and booking service.
See rental options