Discover a Different Side of Kansai by Campervan

Looking for a different way to explore Kansai?

Instead of staying in the city and moving from one famous sightseeing spot to another, why not slow down and explore Kansai by campervan?

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 journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

DAY 1｜Start Your Adventure at Lake Biwa

Sora Campers → Biwako Terrace → Lakeside Camping

Suggested schedule

10:00 | Arrive at Sora Campers and pick up your campervan10:30 | Vehicle and camping equipment briefing, then depart

Approximately 2 hours | Drive to Biwako Terrace

01｜Biwako Terrace

Your first destination is a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Shiga.

Located high in the mountains overlooking Lake Biwa, Biwako Terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of Japan's largest lake and the surrounding mountains.

On a clear day, the view stretches across the vast blue lake, creating a completely different atmosphere from the busy streets of Osaka and Kyoto.

After picking up your campervan, this is the perfect place to slow down, take in the scenery and officially begin your road trip.

Recommended stay: approximately 1.5–2 hours

02｜Campsites' Suggestion

After visiting Biwako Terrace, head towards your first campsite.

For this itinerary, we have selected two camping options so that you can choose according to your travel style.

Option A｜Lake Biwa Satoyama Auto Camping Ground

If you prefer a quieter camping experience surrounded by nature, this is a great choice.

Located in the Takashima area, the campsite offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere surrounded by mountains and greenery.

It is ideal for travellers who want to escape the city and simply enjoy an evening outdoors.

Check-in: 13:00–18:00

Option B｜Makino Kogen Campground

If you would like to stay closer to the natural attractions around Makino, you can choose Makino Kogen Campground.

The Makino area is particularly famous for the Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue, which you will visit the following day.

Staying here also allows you to begin the next morning surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery of Takashima.

Check-in: 13:00–16:00

Which one should you choose?

Prefer a quiet and relaxing campsite surrounded by nature?

→ Choose Lake Biwa Satoyama Auto Camping Ground.

Want to stay closer to Makino and the Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue?

→ Choose Makino Kogen Campground.

There is no single “right” choice. Pick the campsite that best matches the kind of trip you want.

Once you arrive, make use of the camping equipment included with your Sora Campers rental, prepare dinner and enjoy your first night under the stars.

DAY 2｜Forest Roads, Historic Towns & Lake Biwa

Takashima → Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue → Omi-Hachiman → Lakeside Camping

Start your second day in the Takashima area and slowly make your way south.

Today combines scenic countryside roads, historic Japanese culture and one of Shiga's most popular sightseeing areas.

01｜Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue

After checking out of your campsite, head to the famous Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue in Takashima.

Around 500 tall metasequoia trees line both sides of the road, creating an impressive tunnel of trees.

The scenery changes dramatically throughout the year.

In spring and summer, the avenue is surrounded by fresh green foliage. In autumn, the trees turn warm shades of orange and red, while winter creates a quieter landscape with bare branches.

For a campervan road trip, this is also one of those places where the journey itself is part of the experience.

Take your time, enjoy the countryside scenery and stop at designated areas to take photos.

02｜Metasequoia and Horse Forest

If you would like to spend a little more time in the area, make a stop at Metasequoia and Horse Forest.

This peaceful farm area combines horses and nature, offering a slower and more relaxed experience compared with larger tourist attractions.

It is a nice addition to the morning, especially for travellers who enjoy animals and outdoor activities.

03｜Himure Hachimangu Shrine

Continue your drive towards Omi-Hachiman and visit Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

This historic shrine has long been an important place of worship in Omi-Hachiman.

Surrounded by large trees and traditional shrine architecture, the atmosphere here is peaceful and very different from the busy sightseeing areas of central Kyoto.

The shrine is also a convenient starting point for exploring the historic Omi-Hachiman area and nearby attractions.

Take some time to walk around, appreciate the traditional architecture and experience a quieter side of Japanese culture.

04｜La Collina Omi-Hachiman

Next, experience a completely different side of Omi-Hachiman.

La Collina Omi-Hachiman, created by Japanese confectionery company Taneya and Club Harie, combines architecture, sweets and nature in one unique space.

The most recognisable feature is its distinctive architecture covered with greenery, making the buildings appear as though they have emerged naturally from the surrounding landscape.

You can explore the grounds, enjoy sweets and pastries, or take a break with a coffee.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, this is also a great place to try Club Harie's famous baumkuchen.

05｜Campsites' suggestion

For the second night, you can once again choose between two different camping styles.

This time, the choice comes down to one simple question:

Lake views or hot springs?

Option A｜Miami Hama Auto Camping Ground

If your ideal camping experience is:

Lake × Open space × Outdoor atmosphere

then Miami Hama Auto Camping Ground is a great choice.

Located along the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, the campsite offers a relaxing lakeside environment.

On a clear evening, you can enjoy the sunset by the lake before returning to your campsite to prepare dinner.

It is a great option for travellers who want to make the most of Lake Biwa's natural scenery.

Check-in: 14:00–17:00

Option B｜Jûnibô Onsen Family Campground

If you prefer:

Camping × Hot springs × Relaxation

then choose Jûnibô Onsen Family Campground.

The highlight here is the combination of camping and hot springs.

After a full day of driving and sightseeing, soaking in a hot spring before returning to your campervan is a relaxing way to end the day.

Check-in: 13:00–18:00

Which one should you choose?

Want lakeside scenery and a classic outdoor camping experience?

→ Choose Miami Hama Auto Camping Ground.

Prefer to relax in a hot spring after a day of sightseeing?

→ Choose Jûnibô Onsen Family Campground.

Once again, you can choose the option that best matches your travel style.

DAY 3｜Art, Architecture & Kyoto's Tea Country

Campsite → MIHO MUSEUM → Wazuka Tea Fields → Wazuka Tea Café → Return

On the final day, the scenery changes once again.

Leave Lake Biwa behind and travel through the mountains towards Wazuka in southern Kyoto.

Away from the crowds of central Kyoto, this area is known for its rolling hills, tea plantations and peaceful rural landscapes.

01｜MIHO MUSEUM

Your first stop is MIHO MUSEUM, located in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.

Designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, the museum is famous for its unique architecture and the way it blends into the surrounding mountain landscape.

The journey to the museum is part of the experience.

You first pass through a distinctive tunnel before reaching the museum, which appears surrounded by the forest and mountains.

Even if you are not a regular museum visitor, the architecture and natural surroundings make MIHO MUSEUM worth visiting.

02｜Wazuka Tea Fields

From MIHO MUSEUM, continue towards Wazuka, a rural town in southern Kyoto.

When many people think of Kyoto, they imagine temples, traditional streets and historic buildings.

Wazuka offers a completely different image of Kyoto.

The town is surrounded by mountains, with tea plantations covering the slopes and valleys.

Wazuka is one of the important tea-producing areas of Kyoto, and its beautiful tea fields have become one of the area's most recognisable landscapes.

Driving through the countryside, you will see layers of tea fields stretching across the hills.

This is a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of Japan.

A small reminder

Many tea fields are privately owned farmland.

Please avoid entering the tea fields without permission and make sure to park only in designated areas. When taking photos, please respect the local farmers and their work.

03｜Wazuka Tea Café

No visit to Wazuka would be complete without experiencing its local tea.

At Wazuka Tea Café, you can discover tea produced by local farmers and purchase Japanese tea and tea-related souvenirs.

You can also take a break with a cup of Wazuka tea or enjoy matcha-based sweets.

Depending on the date and availability, you may also be able to join tea-related experiences, such as making traditional sweets or learning how to create matcha latte art.

If you are interested in joining an activity, we recommend checking the latest schedule and reservation requirements in advance.

A Different Way to Explore Kansai

In just three days and two nights, this road trip takes you through several completely different landscapes.

Day 1: Lake Biwa and the mountains of Shiga.

Day 2: Forest-lined roads, historic Omi-Hachiman and lakeside camping.

Day 3: Mountain scenery, MIHO MUSEUM and the tea fields of Wazuka.

The highlight of this trip is that you do not have to rush from one famous attraction to another.

You can drive at your own pace, stop when you discover somewhere interesting and spend the night surrounded by nature.

And when you travel with a campervan, the destination is only part of the experience.

The road itself becomes part of your journey.

🚐 Explore Kansai Your Way with Sora Campers

Every traveller has a different idea of the perfect road trip.

Some people want to wake up beside a lake.

Others would rather spend the evening soaking in a hot spring.

Some want to explore tea plantations and rural villages, while others simply want to find a quiet place away from the crowds.

That's why at Sora Campers, we don't believe every traveller needs the same itinerary.

Depending on your interests, travel dates and rental period, we can help you plan a route that fits your trip.

From lakes and mountains to hot springs, coastlines and traditional towns, there is much more to discover beyond the usual tourist routes.

Rent a camper. Drive beyond the usual.