[Kansai Drive] 2025 Latest! 20 Hidden Gem Spots Recommended for Day Trips! Carefully Selected Spots Only Accessible by Car!

[Kansai] 20 Hidden Gem Spots Recommended for Day Trips! Hand-picked Spots Accessible Only by Car!

This article introduces carefully selected recommended drive spots in the Kansai region! Let's enjoy a day trip drive with friends, as a couple, or with family!

If you're planning a day trip drive, this is the place to go! 20 Recommended Spots in Kansai

Kansai offers many attractive driving spots that friends, families, and couples can enjoy.

We've carefully selected recommended spots perfect for a day trip, ranging from popular attractions and hidden scenic gems to places with beautiful night views.

We'll also introduce spots that can be enjoyed with children and places perfect for dates, so please use this as a reference for your next drive.

Enjoy the natural beauty of all four seasons! "Mt. Ibuki Driveway [Shiga Prefecture]"

The Ibuki Mountain Driveway is a scenic road approximately 17km long, spanning across Shiga and Gifu prefectures. It allows you to drive close to the summit of Mt. Ibuki, offering a pleasant driving course where you can fully enjoy nature as you go.

The Ibuki-yama Driveway is designed for easy driving, with gentle curves that make it a worry-free experience. You can enjoy mountain wildflowers in spring and summer, and autumn foliage from your car window. To the west, you can see the northern part of Lake Biwa, and to the north, a grand panorama unfolds, offering views all the way to Mount Hakusan.

Once you arrive at the "Sky Terrace Ibuki" at the summit of Mt. Ibuki, enjoy a light meal. Among the offerings,

Apparently, the soft-serve ice cream made with 23 types of medicinal herbs is quite popular. It has a unique flavor you can only taste here, so please give it a try.

With the "Love-Struck Kannon Statue" also located near the western trail of Mt. Ibuki, it's also perfect for couples on a date. In the summer, it's open 24 hours, so you can spend a night on the cool mountaintop. This is a spot highly recommended for nature lovers and those who want to enjoy mountain scenery.

Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (3rd Saturday in April - 3rd Friday in July), 3:00 AM - 9:00 PM (3rd Saturday in July - August 31st), 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (September), 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (October - last Sunday in November)

Fees: Passenger car ¥3,400 (round trip), Motorcycle ¥2,300 (round trip) (*125cc or less cannot be used*), Microbus ¥8,500 (round trip), Large truck/bus ¥13,600 (round trip)

Access: 10 minutes by car from Sekigahara IC on the Meishin Expressway (approx. 3 km) to the driveway entrance

Enjoy retro and stylish cafes! "[Shiga Prefecture] Kurokabe Square"

Kurokabe Square is an area in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, known for its preserved old townscape. It features old buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods, allowing visitors to stroll while experiencing the atmosphere of a bygone era. It's also said that a short distance away, you can enjoy views of Japan's largest lake, Biwako, and the surrounding mountains.

Kurokabe Square features a row of charming shops and stylish cafes, centered around the Glass Museum, which is a renovated old bank. It's known as the area that promotes the largest glass art in western Japan, and it's said to attract 1.5 million visitors annually.

At the Kurokabe Glass Museum, you can see various glass artworks. They offer everything from everyday glasses and plates to rare overseas glass items and accessories. Next door, at the workshop, they say you can try 10 different handmade experiences, such as blowing glass and creating stained glass.

At Kurokabe Square, you can enjoy a relaxing time by experiencing art and leisurely spending time at cafes while strolling through the old town. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy both the old atmosphere and modern art, or for those who want to try making something.

Business hours: Varies by store

Price: Varies by store

Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Nagahama Station

Showcasing the Beauty of All Four Seasons! "Metasequoia Tree Road in Shiga Prefecture"

The Metasequoia Tree Road is a path lined with 500 metasequoia trees on both sides, stretching for about 2.4 kilometers. The metasequoia is said to have been named because it resembles a very large redwood tree. When you take a picture of this straight tree-lined road, it creates a dramatic, deep perspective that looks like something out of a movie.

The Metasequoia Namiki is captivating because it reveals a completely different face with each season, from the fresh green of spring to the snowy landscapes of winter. In particular, the autumn foliage, which reaches its peak from late November to early December, is so stunning that it has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan," with an orange panorama that fills the sky.

The nearby park, "Makino Pic-Land," also hosts a autumn foliage festival. Makino Pic-Land also has souvenir shops and cafes, so you can enjoy your visit while taking breaks. If you visit during the autumn foliage season, be sure to stop by.

Also, the tree-lined road dusted with snow in winter is magical. The scenery is particularly quiet and beautiful in the early morning on weekdays. It's perfect for those who enjoy taking photos or want to feel nature up close while driving.

Business hours: None

Fee: None

Access: Approximately 1.5 hours from Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi Interchange via Route 161, Kosai Road, and Route 161.

Experience Japan's original landscape! "Miyama Town, Kyoto Prefecture"

Miyama Town is an area located about an hour's drive from central Kyoto, where the landscapes of old Japan remain as they were.

Miyama's representative spot, "Miyama Kayabuki no Sato," features 39 thatched-roof houses, making you feel as if you've stepped back in time. The oldest thatched-roof house is said to have been built about 220 years ago. It is designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and the local residents continue to protect these houses while living in them today.

At Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the satoyama, relax at a cafe housed in an old building, and spend some peaceful time.

Miyama Town is also famous for its delicious gourmet food. You can savor fresh local vegetables, river fish, and game meat dishes. In particular, the game meat dishes are a must-try, offering nutritious meals made with meat carefully prepared by local hunters.

If you're looking to experience traditional Japanese life or want to spend some time calming your mind and forgetting your busy daily routine, be sure to visit Miyama Town.

Business hours: Vary by spot

Fee: Varies by spot

Access: Approximately 1 hour by car from central Kyoto.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of one of Japan's Three Great Views! "Amanohashidate [Kyoto Prefecture]"

Amanohashidate is a famous scenic spot, known as one of Japan's Three Great Views, alongside Matsushima and Miyajima. It is a sandy path, 20 to 170 meters wide and about 3.6 kilometers long, lined with approximately 6,700 pine trees, said to have been created by nature over thousands of years.

If you want to see Amanohashidate, it's recommended to go to the nearby "Amanohashidate View Land." From the observation deck, it's said to be a popular pose to do a "matanogezoki," where you spread your legs and bend over, looking at the scenery through your legs. When viewed this way, the scenery is said to look like a dragon soaring into the sky.

Amanohashidate View Land also has rides like a Ferris wheel and a carousel, and though it's small, you can still have fun, so please be sure to check it out.

In addition to strolling through Amanohashidate on foot, its appeal lies in the various ways you can enjoy it, such as cycling or taking a boat ride. Not only is the view from the observation deck beautiful, but the scenery seen from within Amanohashidate itself is also said to have a different kind of beauty.

This is recommended for those who want to enjoy Japan's traditional beautiful scenery or see a special breathtaking view.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Cost: Free

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Miyazu Amanohashidate IC

Enjoy the beauty of the valley and autumn leaves at "Hozukyo Observatory [Kyoto Prefecture]!"

Hozukyo Observatory is a viewpoint located along the "Arashiyama-Takao Parkway," a scenic drive connecting Arashiyama and Takao in Kyoto Prefecture. From the observatory, you can enjoy views of the Hozu River flowing below and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can even spot riverboats on their downstream journey and the Torokko train.

Along the 10.7-kilometer drive course, there are three other observation decks, and this is said to be the most popular spot among them.

Hozukyo Observatory offers spectacular views of autumn foliage when visited in the fall. As autumn arrives, the maple trees that cover the mountains gradually change color, revealing a breathtaking panorama of mountains dyed in shades of orange and red. It's especially enjoyable on a clear day, when you can appreciate the contrast between the blue sky and the vibrant autumn leaves.

Arashiyama-Takao Parkway is packed with enjoyable spots such as an amusement park, athletic facilities, flower gardens, cafes, and barbecue areas. It's a place where families, couples, and friends can have fun all day, so be sure to visit it along with the Hozukyo Observatory. It's the perfect spot for those who want to experience Kyoto's charm and natural beauty all at once.

Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Price: Free

Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kyoto Minami IC

Enjoy a spectacular sunset view! "Kyoto Prefecture: Yuhigaura Coast"

Yūhigaura Coast is a beach in Kyōtango City famous for its sunsets. It is also known as "Tokoyo-no-hama" (Eternal Shore) and offers spectacular views of the setting sun.

The best season to visit Yūhigaura Beach is from spring to summer. From spring to summer, the sun sinks directly below the horizon, making it particularly magical. The sight of the sea dyed gold is breathtakingly beautiful. There are also benches near the beach, so you can relax while leisurely watching the sunset.

Another recommended spot to visit at the same time is "Yurari," a handmade wooden swing. Yurari is located down the road from the coast. It's said to be a photogenic spot where you can take pictures with a white sandy beach and blue sea during the day, or with a sunset and the sea in the evening. If you enjoy photography or want to create special memories, be sure to visit!

Near Yuhigaura Beach, there is also Yuhigaura Onsen, said to have skin-beautifying effects. Why not visit to soothe your tired body during your drive?

Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cost: Free

Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kyotango Omiya Interchange

Experience the charm of interactive fun! "Nifrel [Osaka Prefecture]"

Nifrel is an experiential museum that combines an aquarium, zoo, and art museum. Its theme is "touching the senses," and its name is said to come from the "nifureru" part of "kanshi ni fureru" (touching the senses).

The area is divided into eight sections, each with a different concept, where you can encounter over 1,000 creatures of approximately 120 species. The exhibition spaces are designed from an artistic perspective, with the goal being "to enrich one's sensibilities" rather than simply displaying the creatures.

Therefore, instead of dividing exhibits by region like typical zoos and aquariums, the displays are designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each creature, such as their colors, shapes, and abilities. For example, in the "Touching Colors" area, you can experience beautiful colors, and in the "Touching Skills" area, you can feel the creatures' abilities.

It seems to be popular with a wide range of people, not just those with children, but also women in their 20s and 30s. It is recommended for those who want to have a new experience or interact with living creatures in a different way than usual.

Business Hours: [Weekdays] 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM) [Weekends] 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Last entry 6:00 PM)

Fees: Adults (16 years and older) / High school students ¥2200, Elementary and junior high school students ¥1100, Toddlers (3 years and older) ¥650

Access: 2-minute walk from Osaka Monorail "Expo Commemoration Park Station"

Enjoy Japan's tallest Ferris wheel! "O Osaka Wheel" [Osaka Prefecture]

The Osaka Wheel is Japan's largest Ferris wheel, standing 123 meters tall. All of its gondolas are transparent, allowing you to enjoy an approximately 18-minute aerial journey that makes you feel as if you are floating in the sky.

All gondolas can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, so anyone can use them with peace of mind.

From the Ferris wheel, you can enjoy a captivating view of Osaka's iconic landmarks such as the Tower of the Sun, Abeno Harukas, and the Umeda Sky Building.

For those seeking a more special experience, we recommend the VIP gondola, complete with luxurious sofas and LED lighting. Plans are also available that include champagne or sparkling wine, making them perfect for anniversary celebrations. Additionally, there are unique experiences different from ordinary Ferris wheels, such as gondolas equipped with karaoke, gondolas collaborating with soccer teams, and escape room or haunted house themed attractions.

If you want to spend a special time on the Ferris wheel, be sure to give it a try. Next to the Osaka Wheel is "LaLaport EXPOCITY," where you can also enjoy shopping and dining, so why not consider stopping by there as well?

Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last boarding 20 minutes before closing)

Price: Regular gondola 1000 yen, VIP gondola 8,000 yen

Access: 2-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail

Enjoy a day trip to a hot spring! "Arima Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture"

Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, counted among Japan's three most celebrated springs and three ancient springs. It is said to be Japan's oldest hot spring, with tales even suggesting Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself bathed here.

Arima Onsen boasts a rare water quality globally, offering two distinct bathing experiences: the iron-rich, brown "Kinsen" (Golden Spring) and the clear "Ginsen" (Silver Spring) containing carbonic acid and radium. Kinsen warms you to the core, while Ginsen leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth. We encourage you to enjoy the unique properties of each.

The Arima Onsen town is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. You can enjoy a temple tour while indulging in local street food like the famous carbonic soda crackers.

At "Tansansen Gen Park" near the hot spring town, you can actually drink the carbonic acid spring that was the origin of Japan's first cider. It's a rare opportunity to drink hot spring water, so please try it at least once.

This spot is recommended for those who want to relax on their days off or refresh themselves with a day trip to a hot spring.

Business Hours: Varies by spot

Fees: Vary by spot

Access: 40 minutes by car from Osaka Station (Umeda Station)

Enjoy Kobe's night view! "[Hyogo Prefecture] Venus Bridge"

Venus Bridge is a approximately 90-meter-long spiral bridge connecting Kinsei-dai (Venus Lookout) in Suwayama Park, Kobe, to the observation deck at the summit. It's known as a popular spot for enjoying Kobe's night view, offering a panoramic vista of the buildings in Sannomiya, Meriken Park, and the lights of Harborland.

Venus Bridge is a place in the Yamanote area where you can feel particularly close to the night view. It's said to offer a sensation as if a panoramic view is unfolding right before your eyes.

Locally, it's also a beloved staple for dates. Within Suwayama Park, the Venus Terrace features the "Love Lock Monument," where it's said that couples who pledge eternal love and attach padlocks inscribed with messages of love will have their wishes granted. When the monument becomes full of padlocks, the keys are melted down and transformed into memorial plates, which are then placed on the ground near the bridge. It's charming how the proof of their vows of love remains even as time passes.

Couples who want to enjoy a romantic night view should definitely try visiting Venus Bridge.

Business hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Access: 10 minutes via National Route 2 from Hanshin Expressway Kyobashi Exit

Enjoy a European-style atmosphere! "Rokkō Garden Terrace [Hyogo Prefecture]"

Rokko Garden Terrace is a complex facility located on Mt. Rokko, about an hour from Kobe. The grounds, which have a European-like atmosphere, are dotted with restaurants, cafes, and general stores.

Furthermore, Rokko Garden Terrace is known as the best observation spot in the Rokko mountain range. From the "Mihashi Tower" and "Mihashi Terrace" within the grounds, which stand 11 meters tall, you can see from Akashi Strait all the way to the Osaka Plain and Kansai Airport on a clear day.

At night, you can see Kobe's representative beautiful night view, known as the "million-dollar night view." The scenery, especially as it changes from dusk to night, is truly spectacular, so be sure to enjoy it.

"Rokko Shidare," a paid observation deck, is also located very close to Rokko Garden Terrace. Rokko Shidare has a unique appearance, resembling a large tree standing on Mount Rokko, and is a spot where you can enjoy both scenery and art. It is said to show different faces when viewed from outside and inside.

This is a recommended spot for family outings and dates for couples.

Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM (may vary depending on season, store, weather, and day of the week)

Fee: Free (some facilities require a fee)

Access: 15 minutes by car from the Rokko Driveway entrance

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and delicious food! "Awaji Service Area [Hyogo Prefecture]"

Awaji Service Area is a service area located at the entrance to Awaji Island from Honshu. It is fully equipped with facilities such as restaurants, a food court, and an observation terrace, creating a relaxing environment. It's the perfect spot to refresh yourself after a long drive.

Awaji Service Area is also known as "Hill with a View of the Bridge" because it offers a close-up view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. From the service area, you can make a U-turn, access both directions of the highway, and reach the general road, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent bridge scenery from various angles.

When you visit Awaji Service Area, don't miss out on the unique gourmet specialties of Awaji Island. The soy sauce ramen, made with a whole Awaji onion, is a dish that generously uses an entire sweet Awaji Island onion. The Awaji beef steak, served on a sizzling hot plate, is said to be exquisite with the deliciousness of butter and onion enhanced by the refreshing zest of lemon.

It's popular as a place to enjoy the scenery of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, as a rest stop for drivers, and as a date spot. It's also a facility where families with children can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Opening Hours: Food court 24 hours, outside kiosk 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Price: Varies by store

Access: Directly connected from Awaji-Naruto Expressway Awaji SA (Up/Down)

Enjoy a "Castle in the Sky" floating on a sea of clouds! [Hyogo Prefecture] Takeda Castle

Takeda Castle is a castle ruins designated as a national historic site, located at the summit of a mountain 353 meters above sea level. Although no buildings remain, the stone walls and grounds from that era are almost perfectly preserved, and it has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.

From September to December, thick sea of clouds often forms, allowing you to see the castle appearing to float on the clouds from afar. Its mystical appearance has earned it the nicknames "Castle in the Sky" and "Machu Picchu of Japan."

For viewing sea of clouds, the best season is especially from October to November. The prime times are days when it's clear and cold from the night before until dawn, and then suddenly warms up during the day, or when the temperature difference is over 10 degrees Celsius.

Takeda Castle offers a beautiful contrast between the mountains and its stone walls when visited during the day. You can explore the castle grounds in about 30 minutes to an hour, and you can walk along a designated course, so it's a relaxing experience. If you want to enjoy a mystical landscape, be sure to visit.

Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (varies by season)

Price: Adults ¥500 (high school students and older), Junior high school students and younger Free

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from the "Wadayama IC" on the Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway and Bantan Expressway.

Enjoy Nara's night view and temple hopping! "Mt. Wakakusa [Nara Prefecture]"

Mount Wakakusa is a gentle mountain located along the Nara Okuyama Driveway. Because it has the shape of three rounded hills stacked on top of each other, it is also known by the nickname "Mikasa-yama." Using the Nara Okuyama Driveway, you can access the summit by car, and from the summit, you can reportedly see Nara Park, famous for the Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall, as well as Mount Yamato Sanzan and Mount Ikoma.

The Nara Okuyama Driveway offers a choice of three courses: "Shin-Wakakusa-yama Course," "Nara Okuyama Course," and "Takamatsu-yama Course." Each course has its own unique points of interest, so be sure to find the perfect one for you.

Along the road, not only can you enjoy the cherry blossoms of spring and the autumn foliage, but there are also tourist attractions to be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. There are also cafes near Mount Wakakusa, and you can enjoy your time for a long duration by combining it with temple hopping.

Also, if you're going to visit Wakakusa Mountain, we recommend seeing the night view. The night view of Wakakusa Mountain has been selected as one of the New Three Major Night Views of Japan. Be sure to see the city transform into gold as evening turns to night.

This is recommended for those who want to enjoy the night view or those who want to experience Nara's history and nature at the same time.

Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥150, Children (3 years and older) ¥80

Access: 50 minutes by car from Osaka

Enjoy thrilling, spectacular views! "Tanize Suspension Bridge" in Nara Prefecture

Tanize Suspension Bridge is a 297-meter-long, 54-meter-high suspension bridge spanning the Kumano River. It is the longest bridge in Japan built by villagers for daily use, and it is still an important daily route for local residents, used for commuting to school and work.

At Tanize Suspension Bridge, you can experience the thrill of swaying with every step, making you feel as if you are walking in the sky. From the bridge, you can enjoy magnificent scenery, including the mountains that line the valley and the clear river flowing below. To prevent accidents, no more than 20 people can cross at once, but this allows for a more leisurely appreciation of the views.

Tanize Suspension Bridge is famous for "Yure-daiko," a Japanese drum performance held on the bridge every August 4th. It's an event where powerful Japanese drum performances take place on the suspension bridge. If you're interested, be sure to visit.

Tanize Suspension Bridge is a recommended spot for those seeking thrills or wanting to experience the grandeur of nature.

Business Hours: 24 hours

Fee: Free

Access: Approximately 2 hours by car from Osaka

Great hiking trails! "[Nara Prefecture] Odaigahara"

Odaigahara is a mountainous region centered around Mt. Hinodega-dake, located on the border of Nara and Mie prefectures. It is known as one of Japan's rainiest areas, and heavy rainfall has nurtured its primeval forests of spruce and beech, as well as its sheer cliffs and ravines. The water, after carving deep gorges, creates waterfalls with dramatic drops, and from the hiking trails, one can apparently enjoy the beautiful scenery created by this magnificent nature.

This region is a premier destination for serious climbing in the Kinki area, yet its charm lies in its well-maintained hiking courses that even beginners can enjoy. You can access the parking lot by car, and the courses are largely free of dangerous sections with well-kept paths, allowing you to hike with peace of mind. The elevation changes are also not too drastic, making it perfect for those new to mountain hiking.

From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, with a superb view stretching east to the sea and west to the mountains of the Omine mountain range. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy hiking in nature and for beginners who want to experience mountain walking safely.

Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Visitor Center)

Fee: Free

Access: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from the Kōriyama IC on the Nishinamei Hanshin Expressway, via the Keinna Expressway.

Enjoy a "Ghibli-esque" abandoned island! [Wakayama Prefecture] Tomogashima

Tomogashima is a group of uninhabited islands floating in the Kitan Strait between Kada in Wakayama City and Awaji Island. It consists of four islands: Jinoshima, Torajima, Kamishima, and Okinoshima. Ferries depart from Kada Port, making it a popular tourist destination in Kansai as an easily accessible uninhabited island.

Tomogashima is dotted with many ruins that feel as if you've wandered into a Ghibli world, drawing particular attention from anime fans and ruin enthusiasts.

Okinoshima has many remnants of wartime artillery emplacements, and hiking trails are available to explore them. The First Artillery Emplacement, located near the summit, is said to offer excellent views of a beautiful panorama. The areas near the Second and Third Artillery Emplacements have a ruin-like atmosphere, presenting a landscape that evokes a sense of history.

Near the site of the third battery, there is also the "Takanosu-yama Observatory," which offers a panoramic view of the Kitan Strait. From the observatory, you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains in Shikoku and Rokko.

This is recommended for those seeking an extraordinary experience, or those who want to enjoy abundant nature on a day trip.

Business hours: Vary by spot

Fare: [Kada Port ~ Tomogashima (Round Trip)] Adults ¥2,200, Children ¥1,100

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by Tomogashima ferry from Kada Port.

Enjoy a summer beach resort! "Nanki Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture"

Nanki-Shirahama is a resort town with excellent access, about a 90-minute drive from Osaka. It boasts beautiful, fine white sand brought from the west coast of Australia and a blue sea, and has a sister beach relationship with Hawaii's Waikiki Beach. Blessed with a mild climate and natural beauty throughout the year, it is a popular area that attracts many tourists from all over the country.

Shirarahama is a crescent-shaped beach stretching about 620 meters. The contrast between its white sandy shores and emerald green sea is beautiful, and the palm trees lining the beach create a truly tropical island atmosphere.

You can enjoy it year-round with different attractions, from the summer swimming season to beautiful illumination events held in winter.

Nanki-Shirahama is also famous for its fresh seafood. In particular, the "phantom fish" known as kuromutsu is highly recommended. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy a summer beach resort atmosphere and for those who want to enjoy beautiful scenery and hot springs together.

Business Hours: 24 hours

Cost: Free

Access: Approximately 90 minutes by car from Osaka

Refresh with Negative Ions: "Nachi Falls [Wakayama Prefecture]"

Nachi Falls is a sacred waterfall worshipped as the object of worship at Hiro Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. Nachi Falls is also known as "Ichinotaki" (the First Waterfall) and is known collectively as "Nachi Otaki" along with the "Nitotaki" (Second Waterfall) and "Santotaki" (Third Waterfall) located upstream.

Nachi Falls is a magnificent waterfall with a drop of 133 meters and a plunge pool 10 meters deep. It is said to be a place of spiritual training where waterfall asceticism has been performed since ancient times, as it is the first among the "48 Nachi Falls" found throughout the Nachi Primeval Forest. The powerful spectacle of about 1 ton of water plunging down every second has also earned it the name "Three-Stream Waterfall" due to the way it splits into three cascades.

From the "Ontaki Haisho Butai" (Waterfall Worship Platform), where you can get a close-up view of the waterfall, you can feel its power firsthand at a distance that makes you feel one with the cascade. The water in the waterfall basin is said to be water of longevity, which purifies the mind and body. It is also said that if you drink the pure water of the waterfall, it will heal the fatigue of your journey.

This is a sacred place recommended for those who want to visit power spots in Kansai or feel the mystical power of nature.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Admission: [Otaki Worship Stage] Adults ¥300, Elementary/Middle School Students ¥200, Preschoolers Free

Access: Approximately 25 minutes from JR Kii-Katsuura Station

In Conclusion

We've introduced 20 day trip driving spots in the Kansai region.

From nature-rich mountains and historic hot spring towns to coastlines offering spectacular views, Kansai is packed with attractive driving spots. Since they are all spots that can be easily enjoyed as a day trip, why not find your favorite place on your next day off and enjoy a wonderful drive?