Summary
- Start
Kansai Airport, Osaka, or Kyoto - Finish
Kansai Airport, Osaka, or Kyoto - Mileage
Total 650km
160km per day - Travel Pace
Normal - Onsen Stay
Max.1 night
This is 4 days road trip itinerary that takes you to the Seto Inland Sea and charming old town Kurashiki. You can enjoy driving through the beautiful and calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
You can stay Kurashiki for 2 nights.
It is okay to depart from either Kansai Airport, Osaka or Kyoto.
Osaka – Takamatsu
Start: Osaka (大阪京都)
Finish: Takamatsu (高松)
Mileage:
From Kyoto: 245km
From Osaka: 210km
From Kansai Arirpot: 240km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Matsuyama to Takamatsu via Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island.
1
Inn in Osaka or Kyoto
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
Although it depends on the departure point, it is recommended to start as early as possible because the mileage is 245km. Also, use the expressway as much as possible to reduce travel time.
140 min
When you depart, take the expressway (4, 5, and E28) directly to Awaji Island.
The [Akashi Kaikyo Bridge] that passes on the way has a beautiful view and you can enjoy comfortable driving.
2
Uzu no Michi & Eddy Memorial Hall
Parking MAPCODE:
406 212 782*48What is MAPCODE?
11:20
Immediately after arriving at Awaji Island, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Awaji SA) has a wonderful view and is perfect for a break.
After passing Awaji Island, you will arrive at the first destination of the day, [Uzu no Michi & Eddy Memorial Hall]. Here you can enjoy the whirlpools of Naruto and the Onaruto Bridge.
[Uzu no Michi] is a promenade installed under the road of Onaruto Bridge, and you can enjoy whirlpools while taking a walk in the air for about 500m.
[Eddy Memorial Hall] is a facility where you can experience the Naruto Ohashi Bridge and whirlpools in a simulated manner using virtual technology.
5 min
3
Whirlpools Sightseeing Boats
Parking MAPCODE:
12:30
There is a platform for [Whirlpools Sightseeing Boats] where you can see the whirlpools of Naruto in front of you. Experience the famous Naruto Whirlpools from the top of the ship.
Small boats are recommended on weekdays, and large boats are recommended on weekends and holidays.
[Weekday]
Uzushio Kisen (small size 1550 yen 20 minutes) is recommended
MAPCODE: 406 211 567
[Weekend or Holiday]
Wanda Naruto (large 1800 yen 30 minutes) is recommended
MAPCODE: 406 210 211
Uzushio Kisen
Wanda Naruto
5 min
4
Otsuka Museum of Art
Parking MAPCODE:
406 211 331*85What is MAPCODE?
14:30
After enjoying the whirlpools of Naruto, let’svisit [Otsuka Museum of Art].
This is a museum that reproduces the world’s masterpieces in full size, created by the Otsuka Group, known for its Pocari Sweat. All the masterpieces that everyone has seen in textbooks are recreated from ceramic plates, so you can touch them directly. You will be overwhelmed by the extraordinary number of exhibits.
There are many delicious restaurants around Naruto.
Choose your favorite restaurants such as seafood, Tokushima ramen, and Naruto udon.
60 min
5
Inn in Takamatsu
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:40
After enjoying Naruto, take the expressway (E11) again and head toward Takamatsu.
You will stay in Takamatsu on this day.
There are many hotels in Takamatsu on the south side of Takamatsu Station, but restaurants are especially concentrated around Takamatsu Castle. Enjoy local gourmet food such as bone-in chicken and olive dishes as well as Sanuki udon.
On this day, you will also pass near [National Akashi Kaikyo Park] where various flowers such as tulips and cherry blossoms bloom all year round, and [Awaji Hanasajiki] where you can see rape blossoms in spring and cosmos fields in autumn. If you are traveling during this time of the year, we recommend that you adjust the time and stop by.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
The inns are concentrated south side of Takamatsu station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and most inns don’t have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Takamatsu – Kurashiki🔒
Start: Takamatsu (高松)
Finish: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Mileage:120km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day you will head from Takamatsu to Kurashiki via Seto Ohashi bridge.
1
Inn in Takamatsu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
The mileage is 120km, so it’s okay to leave around 10 o’clock.
However, Kurashiki where you stay on this day is overwhelmingly spectacular, and it is a place where you will want to take a walk for half a day. If you want to spend more time in Kurashiki, it is recommended to go directly to Kurashiki after leaving Takamatsu.
45 min
Takamatsu has the famous [Ritsurin Garden], which is especially recommended during the cherry blossom season (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (late November-early December). If you are traveling during this time, we recommend that you adjust the time and stop by.
2
Marugame Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:45
It is also recommended to stop by [Marugame Castle] before going to Honshu island. Its Ishigaki (stone wall), which is said to be the best in Japan with a height of over 60m, is very powerful.
25 min
3
Seto Ohashi Bridge(Yoshima Parking area)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:10
Next, let’s take the expressway(E30) and head toward Kurashiki through the Seto Ohashi Bridge. [Yoshima PA(parking area)] is recommended for a break. Located almost in the center of the Great Seto Bridge, you can see the bridge up close. There is also an observatory, which is ideal for a break while admiring the beautiful scenery.
Along the Seto Ohashi Bridge, you can enjoy driving in the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands, and enjoy the exhilaration of a road trip.
15 min
4
Mt.Washuzan Observatory
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
Once you cross the Seto Ohashi bridge and reach the main island side, it is highly recommended to visit [Mt. Washuzan Observatory]. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the islands of the Setonaikai Sea and the Bridges from the observatory.
It is one of the best observatories in Chugoku & Shikoku regions.
Near the observatory, there is a very nice restaurant that specialized in octopuses. If you want to try, please refer the driving map.
40 min
5
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:00
Your last visit on this day is [Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter]. Traditional white-walled buildings, quaint Kurashiki River, willows, and bridges harmonize beautifully, leaving the beauty of a good old Japanese town and making you want to walk for hours. In addition, it is a town full of various attractions such as the Ohara Museum of Art.
5 min
6
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:00
You will stay in Kurashiki on this day.
In Kurashiki, hotels are concentrated between Kurashiki Station and the Bikan Historical Quarter, but it is recommended to stay in the Bikan Historical Quarter as much as possible. Enjoy a fantastic night walk in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Also enjoy local gourmet food such as demi-glace sauce and takomeshi.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Kurashikia(倉敷) City which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Kurashiki station and the “Bikan Historical Quarter” area.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like western-style hotels and Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Kurashiki – Kurashiki🔒
Start: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Finish: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Mileage:80-120km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day you will drive around Kurashiki and come back to Kurashiki again
1
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:00
The mileage depends on the destination but you will stay Kurashiki continuously and it’s a relaxing day.
For those who want to enjoy Kurashiki thoroughly, it is recommended to spend some time exploring the Bikan Historical Quarter without driving on this day.
70 min
2
Bitchu Kokubunji Temple
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
10:30
First, let’s head to the [Bitchu Kokubunji Temple] with the five-storied pagoda. It is known as the only five-storied pagoda in Okayama prefecture with a height of 34m.
It is also famous for its flowers and is especially recommended for the below period.
Rape blossoms: Mid Jan-End Feb
Ranger: End Apr-Bgn May
Sunflower: End Jun-End Jul
45 min
3
Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
11:45
Please head to [Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle]. Korakuen Garden is one of the three famous gardens in Japan along with Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen garden in Mito. You can see Okayama Castle from the splendid Japanese garden.
The flowers of Korakuen Garden are beautiful, especially during the cherry blossoms (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November-early December) are recommended. Bitchu Kokubunji Temple is also known for its rape blossoms (mid-January-late February), lotus (late April-early May), and sunflowers (late June-late July).
[Okayama Castle] has a black appearance and is also called a Karasu (Crow) castle, and is sometimes contrasted with Himeji Castle (Shirasagi Castle), which has a white appearance.
45 min
4
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
15:00
On this day, you are staying in Kurashiki, following the previous day. Enjoy a night in a traditional town with a calm atmosphere.
There is some attraction around Kurashiki. Please refer driving map and visit spots where you are interested in.
[Bicchu Matsuyama Castle] is original castle built on the mountain and famous for a fantastic figure in the sea of clouds. Likely to be visible from late October to early December from sunrise to about 8:00 am.
If you are art lover, to visit [Naoshima island] is recommended. The island is commonly known as Japan’s art island and travelers from all over the world seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.
You can drive to Uno port and take ferry there. Please refer the driving map.
If you haven’t visit [Mt.Washuzan Observatory], it is really recommended.
The wonderful panorama of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-ohashi Bridge extending to Shikoku will make you sigh!
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Kurashikia(倉敷) City which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Kurashiki station and the “Bikan Historical Quarter” area.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like western-style hotels and Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Kurashiki – Osaka🔒
Start: Kurashiki (倉敷)
Finish: Osaka (大阪京都)
Mileage:
To Kyoto: 260km
To Osaka: 235km
To Kansai Airport: 260km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day you will back from Kurashiki to Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.
1
Inn in Kurashiki
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
Driving mileage is very long, more than 230km so it is recommended to leave by about 8 o’clock or at the latest around 9 o’clock. Please also take the expressway along the way to save time.
The following itinerary is for reference only. Please plan your schedule according to your car return location and your schedule.
40 min
2
Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:40
After leaving Kurashiki, head to [Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle]. Korakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan along with [Kenrokuen garden] in Kanazawa and [Kairakuen garden] in Mito. You can see Okayama Castle from the splendid Japanese garden.
The flowers of Korakuen Garden are beautiful, especially during the cherry blossoms (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November-early December) are recommended.
[Okayama Castle] has a black appearance and is also called a Karasu (crow) castle, and is sometimes contrasted with Himeji Castle (Shirasagi Castle), which has a white appearance. You will go to Himeji Castle after Okazaki Castle, so it may be interesting to compare the appearance of both.
60 min
3
Tamachan
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
12:30
We would definitely recommend “Kakioko” for lunch on this day! Kakioko is Okonomiyaki(savory Japanese pancake dish) that has oysters in it. Tamachan is the most famous Kakioko restaurant but you will have to wait long queue. If you visit on the weekend or on holiday, please refer driving map and consider other restaurants.
60
4
Himeji Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:45
Next, take the expressway (E2) to [Himeji Castle]. The castle was registered as first World Heritage in Japan and, is the biggest highlight of the day. The cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle have also been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” and are visited by a large number of people from late March to early April.
If time permits, we also recommend the Kokoen Garden located on the west side of Himeji Castle. Kokoen is a Japanese garden with a view of Himeji Castle. It is often used as a location for Japanese historical drama.
70 min
5
Mt.Rokko(Garden Terrace)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
18:00
Your last stop on this day is [Mt. Rokko (Garden Terrace)] on Mt. Rokko in Kobe. Use the expressway (E2) for this section as well.
This is famous as one of Japan’s three major night views, and the vast night view from Kobe to Osaka along Osaka Bay is beautiful.
5
Rental car branch at Kansai Airport, Osaka or Kyoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
The distance and time from the observatory to the goal are as follows.
Umeda (Osaka) Station: 40km / 70 minutes
Shin-Osaka Station: 40km / 70 minutes
Kyoto Station: 80km / 80 minutes
Kansai International Airport: 80km / 90 minutes
①Returning a car in Osaka or Kyoto
When you return to Osaka or Kyoto, refuel and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest rental car stores and gas stations near Osaka Station or Kyoto.
Traffic jams often occur in Osaka and Kyoto because they are both large cities. Be sure to return your car with plenty of time to spare.
Osaka and Kyoto offers a wide variety of culinary delights! For dinner, try Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and other local food.
②Returning a car at Kansai Airport
When heading to Kansai airport, the distance from Osaka station is about 75 km, about 1.5 hour by expressway(5&4). Make sure you arrive at the car rental company branch 2 hours before your flight.
Additionally, there are no gas stations on the Kansai International Airport island. If you do not have enough time before your flight, we strongly recommend that you head to the airport and settle the missing gasoline bill at a rental car branch instead of trying to force yourself to refuel.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
If you are planning to stay in Osaka or Kyoto, we recommend the following places.
Osaka
There is 2 recommended area in Osaka to stay in.
1. Around Osaka Umeda Station
Many people misunderstand, but Osaka and Umeda are the same places. It is 20min to USJ and10min to “Shin-Osaka Station” for Shinkansen train.
2. Around Nanba Station
It is located within walking distance of the famous “Dotonbori” and “Tsutenkaku” areas and is recommended for travelers who want to go sightseeing in Osaka.
- Inn Type
There are about 1,600 inns in Osaka. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
It is inconvenient to travel in Osaka by car. - Onsen
Most of inns don’t have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are 60,000 restaurants in Osaka. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Kyoto
There is 2 recommended area in Kyoto to stay in.
1. Around Kyoto Station
There are many buses to all areas in Kyoto and convenient.
2. Higashiyama area
The most famous area in Kyoto because of good access to “Kiyomizu Temple” and Gion area.
- Inn Type
There are about 1,600 inns in Kyoto. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
It is inconvenient to travel in Kyoto by car. - Onsen
A few inns provide Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are 9,000 restaurants in Kyoto. As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
Hotel&Car Booking
- Highly recommended to book a rental car first to book hotels with special discounts.
- Book hotels. Recommend hotels have parking and convenient locations for dining and strolling. Selected hotels can be booked with a single payment.
With rental car booking number, you can book hotels with exclusive discounts(Avg.18%, Max45% OFF)!
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
There are 6 places for pick-up and return cars in Kansai area.
- Airport
There are 2 main airports. The domestic Airport “Itami” is close to Osaka and Kansai Airport is 50km away.- Kansai Airport
50km to the center of Osaka.
45 minutes from Osaka station by train, and 50 minutes by car. - Itami Airport
15km to the center of Osaka.
30 minutes from Osaka station by train, and 20 minutes by car. Please note that the official name of Itami Airport is “Itami International Airport”, but it is for domestic flights only.
- Kansai Airport
- Main stations in Osaka
There are 3 recommended stations for Pick-up and Drop-off. Due to the complexity of the road and heavy traffic, we recommend Shin-Osaka for those who are concerned.- Shin Osaka Station
Recommended for travelers who will take Shinkansen. Only 5min to Osaka station. Easy to pick-up and drop-off. - Shinjuku Station
Sometimes called Umeda Station or Osaka-Umeda Station, but consider them all to be the same station.
Conveniently located 15 minutes to USJ without transfers. - Namba Station
Convenient for Minami downtown area includes Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Glico Man and many department stores.
- Shin Osaka Station
- Kyoto station
- You also can Pick-up or Drop-off cars in Kyoto. Most car rental shops are located southern side of Kyoto Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at Airport and return to Osaka or Kyoto, and vice versa. Usually, the one-way charge is about JPY5,000-9,000. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
Kansai rarely gets much snow, even in winter, and snow tires are not necessary.