There are many attractive spots in Kansai area that you should visit with your campervan. In this issue, we will introduce five places that we particularly recommend, along with the reasons why and the best times to visit. We have also added parking locations and nearby hot spring spots to each spot.
1. Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture
Awaji Island has a beautiful coastline and lush nature. It is easy to travel around with a camper and has a wide variety of roadside stations.
- Why: Spectacular drive along the coast, rest at Awaji Highway Oasis
- Best time to visit: Evening (sunset view is recommended)
- Parking: Awaji Highway Oasis parking lot (spacious and convenient)
- Hot spring spot: Nandan Onsen (located in the southern part of Awaji Island, with an open-air bath with a spectacular view)
2. Mt. Hiei-zan ,Shiga/Kyoto Prefecture
Hieizan, overlooking Lake Biwa, is a place where you can experience nature and history. There is a spacious parking lot, ideal for campers.
- Why: Historic temple tour and spectacular view of Lake Biwa
- Hot spring spot: Yugoto Onsen (relaxing hot spring resort located northwest of Lake Biwa)
- Best time to visit: morning (stroll in a quiet atmosphere)
- Parking: Hieizan Driveway parking lot (large and easily accessible)
3. Yoshinoyama, Nara Prefecture
Yoshinoyama is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. With a large parking lot and well-maintained roads, you can visit comfortably even with a camper.
- Why: Famous for its cherry blossoms, beautiful scenery in each season
- Hot spring spot: Dorogawa Onsen (about 1 hour drive from Yoshinoyama, famous as a hidden hot spring)
- Best time to visit: Early morning (for cherry blossom viewing without crowds)
- Parking: Yoshinoyama Parking Lot (large and easily accessible)
4. Kumano Kodo ,Wakayama Prefecture
The Kumano Kodo is registered as a World Heritage site. It is an exciting way to tour this road, where history and nature are in harmony, at a leisurely pace in a campervan.
- Why: Historic pilgrimage route and tour of hot spring resorts
- Onsen spots: Kawayu Onsen (located along the river, with natural open-air baths)
- Best time to visit: Before noon (to allow time to relax in the hot springs)
- Parking: Kumano Kodo Center parking lot (convenient access)
5. Tango Peninsula, Kyoto Prefecture
- Why: Spectacular coastline drive and fresh seafood
- Best time to visit: Daytime (seaside scenery and lunch time)
- Parking: Roadside Station Tenki Tenki Tango (spacious and easy to use)
- Hot spring spot: Mamato Onsen (located by the sea, you can enjoy hot spring with beautiful sunset)
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
March to November offers ideal conditions, with distinct seasonal highlights. Spring (March-May) brings Japan’s most famous cherry blossoms at Yoshinoyama and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June-August) is perfect for coastal drives and seafood experiences. Autumn (September-November) features spectacular fall colors and pleasant hiking weather. Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds and beautiful sunset hot spring experiences, though mountain areas may require winter preparations.
Awaji Island: Awaji Highway Oasis parking (spacious, convenient facilities, ocean views)
Mount Hiei: Hiei-zan Driveway parking (large capacity, easy temple access)
Yoshinoyama: Yoshinoyama Parking Lot (large spaces, accessible even during cherry blossom season)
Kumano Kodo: Kumano Kodo Center parking (convenient World Heritage trail access)
Tango Peninsula: Tenki Tenki Tango Roadside Station (spacious, seafood market access)
Nandan Onsen (Awaji Island): ¥800-1,200 adults, spectacular ocean-view outdoor baths in southern Awaji
Yugoto Onsen (Lake Biwa): ¥600-1,000 adults, relaxing lakeside resort hot springs northwest of Lake Biwa
Dorogawa Onsen (near Yoshinoyama): ¥700-1,300 adults, famous hidden hot spring village, 1-hour drive from cherry blossoms
Kawayu Onsen (Kumano): ¥500-900 adults, unique riverside natural outdoor baths along river
Mamato Onsen (Tango Peninsula): ¥800-1,500 adults, seaside location with beautiful sunset views
Awaji Island: Awaji beef, famous onions, fresh seafood (Highway Oasis restaurants, local markets)
Mount Hiei: Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori), Lake Biwa specialties (mountain temple restaurants)
Yoshinoyama: Traditional sweets, mountain vegetables, persimmon leaf sushi (cherry blossom season street vendors)
Kumano: Pilgrimage trail food, mountain herbs, river fish (traditional mountain inns, local restaurants)
Tango Peninsula: Fresh crab, seasonal seafood, local sake (Tenki Tenki Tango market, coastal restaurants)
Recommended Route (5 nights/6 days): ①Awaji Island → ②Mount Hiei → ③Yoshinoyama → ④Kumano Kodo → ⑤Tango Peninsula
Total Distance: Approximately 700km
Travel Times: Awaji→Hiei (2 hours), Hiei→Yoshinoyama (1.5 hours), Yoshinoyama→Kumano (2.5 hours), Kumano→Tango (3 hours)
This route efficiently covers coastal beauty, spiritual heritage, famous cherry blossoms, World Heritage sites, and seafood culture across Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures.
Essential Items: Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and pilgrimage trails, camera for scenic photography, casual clothing for hot spring visits
Important Notes: Cherry blossom season (especially Yoshinoyama) brings massive crowds – book accommodations early and arrive very early morning. Mountain roads require careful driving. Kumano Kodo hiking trails need proper preparation and respect for sacred sites. Temple visits require modest clothing and quiet behavior. Coastal areas have tidal variations affecting access. Some hot springs have specific etiquette – research onsen protocols beforehand.
These spots are perfect for enjoying a campervan trip within the Kansai region. Enjoy a comfortable trip, relaxing in the hot springs while experiencing nature and history.
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