Travel Guides

From mid-October to mid-November, the deep mountains and highlands of Kansai enter their most poetic season of the year. As the silver grass of Soni Highland in Nara shimmers with golden hues across mountain-ringed valleys, the ridgelines of Oishi Highland in Wakayama roll with vast silver waves against the sweeping sunsets over the Kii Channel. Linking these two peak silver-grass destinations of Kansai creates an extraordinary journey of visual splendor and untamed wilder

This 3-day, 2-night road trip takes you from Lake Biwa and the mountains of Shiga to historic Omi-Hachiman, and finally to the tea fields of Wazuka in southern Kyoto. Along the way, you will experience: Lake views × Mountain scenery × Historic shrines × Traditional towns × Tea plantations × Camping The route is designed to be relaxed, giving you time to enjoy each destination without constantly rushing from one attraction to the next. With a Sora Campers campervan, the jour

Every autumn, the streets of Kishiwada in Osaka become the stage for one of Japan's most energetic traditional festivals: the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival. The festival is famous for its massive wooden floats, known as Danjiri, being pulled through local streets at remarkable speed. The most spectacular moment is Yarimawashi, when a Danjiri makes a sharp turn at speed, often with dozens of people working together to control its direction. But there is much more to the festiva

Just around 30 minutes by car from Kyoto, Lake Biwa offers a completely different side of Japan. Located in Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake and one of the most scenic destinations for a relaxed road trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Whether you are looking for a peaceful weekend escape, a scenic drive or a campervan adventure, Lake Biwa is a wonderful destination to explore at your own pace.

Planning a short Japan road trip from Osaka but don't want to spend the whole trip in the city? A 2-day, 1-night camping trip is a great way to experience a different side of Japan — from quiet mountain villages and hot springs to beautiful coastlines and fresh seafood. We've put together three easy 2-day Japan road trip itineraries from Osaka, each with a different style of travel. Whether you love mountains, outdoor activities, history, or the ocean, there's an itinerary fo

Every summer, Kyoto says goodbye to the Obon season with one of Japan’s most breathtaking traditions — Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (京都五山送り火), also known as the Kyoto Five Mountain Bonfires.

Lake Biwa is one of the best camping destinations in Japan, yet many visitors to Kansai only think of Kyoto or Osaka. As Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa offers breathtaking lakefront scenery, beautiful sunrises, water activities, and a wide variety of campsites. Whether you’re travelling with a rooftop tent, camper rental, or your own camping gear, you’ll find a campsite that suits your style. If you’re planning a road trip from Osaka, Kyoto, or Kansai Airpor

Every August, I find myself paying a little more attention to the night sky — because this is when the Perseid meteor shower puts on its best show. And this year (2026) is especially unusual: on August 12th, the world will witness a total solar eclipse, and that very same night, the Perseids will reach their peak. I can't say for certain how rare a combination like this really is, but one thing is certain — this is a year worth marking on the calendar.

Kyoto is famous for its temples, traditional streets, and rich cultural heritage. But beyond the historic city center, Kyoto Prefecture is surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, and a beautiful coastline, making it one of the best camping destinations in the Kansai region.

The Ultimate Kansai Fireworks Festival Guide (2026)

Kansai Autumn Flower Guide: this guide will introduce the meaning behind Higanbana, the best viewing season, recommended flower spots in Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama, and scenic road trip ideas to help you experience a different side of Japan.

Gion Festival Complete Guide

How to Book Campsites in Japan

Shiga Road Trip Attractions and camping tips