This summer vacation, why not embark on a refreshing trip with a relaxed mindset? Here are our recommended destinations from Kansai for a 2-day, 1-night getaway, featuring nature, hot springs, and stunning scenery. Perfect for those looking to create unforgettable summer memories around Kansai—check them out!
【Shiga Prefecture】Nagahama
Nagahama, located in the northeast of Lake Biwa, is a small castle town with retro streets and serene lakeside views, exuding a tranquil atmosphere.
“Kurokabe Square” is home to glass workshops, cafés, and gift shops, making it ideal for a lively girls’ trip with friends. The lakeside offers activities like cruises and cycling, allowing you to unwind in nature!
- Nagahama (長浜)
- Address: 12-38 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture (Kurokabe Square)
- Operating Hours: 10:00–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
- Access: Approximately 12-minute walk from JR Hokuriku Main Line Nagahama Station
【Kyoto Prefecture】Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, is famous for its “view through the crotch,” where bending over and looking through your legs inverts the sky and sea, creating a magical, mirror-like world.
Take a cable car to the mountaintop or cycle along the beach to enjoy nature’s splendor. The Monju area, a temple town near Chionji Temple, offers cafés and gift shops for leisurely strolls.
Perfect for those who want to enjoy both nature and town exploration, this spot lets you admire breathtaking views, savor delicious food, and relax by the serene seaside!
- Amanohashidate (天橋立)
- Address: Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 6-minute walk from Kyoto Tango Railway Miyazu Line Amanohashidate Station
【Hyogo Prefecture】Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen is a premier hot spring town in Kansai, featuring charming willow-lined streets and stone paths. Strolling in a yukata enhances the travel vibe.
The highlight is the “outer bath” tour, where you can visit seven unique public bathhouses at your leisure, choosing based on your mood. Spend the night in a traditional hot spring inn for a peaceful retreat.
Ideal for those who want to leisurely stroll and soak in hot springs, creating a perfect 2-day, 1-night summer trip.
- Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉)
- Address: Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from JR San’in Main Line Kinosaki Onsen Station
【Hyogo Prefecture】Yumura Onsen
Yumura Onsen, located in northern Hyogo’s Tajima region, is a tranquil mountain hot spring area. Its retro streets evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling.
The famous “Arayu” allows you to cook hot spring eggs, and you can enjoy footbaths along the river or stroll along small paths. Perfect for those seeking quiet relaxation away from bustling tourist spots.
- Yumura Onsen (湯村温泉)
- Address: Yu, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: From JR San’in Main Line Yoka Station, take the Zentan Bus to Yumura Onsen, then walk about 5 minutes
【Hyogo Prefecture】Awaji Island
Awaji Island is a Kansai resort destination, easily accessible and perfect for enjoying nature and gourmet food. A coastal drive is an ideal summer activity.
“Awaji Hanasajiki” boasts sprawling flower fields, and the onion-shaped landmark at “Uzu-no-Oka Great Naruto Bridge Memorial Hall” is a photo hotspot. Local delicacies like Awaji beef, island vegetables, and shirasu rice bowls are a treat!
- Awaji Island (淡路島)
- Address: 2805-7 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture (Awaji Hanasajiki)
- Operating Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Access: Approximately 8-minute drive from Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway Awaji IC
【Nara Prefecture】Yoshinoyama
Yoshinoyama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Nara, is famous for cherry blossoms and enveloped in greenery and tranquility during summer, making it a healing retreat.
Ride the ropeway to the mountaintop to visit historic temples, shukubo (temple lodgings), and traditional cafés. Strolling along shaded paths calms the mind.
- Yoshinoyama (吉野山)
- Address: Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture (Yoshinoyama Ropeway)
- Operating Hours: 7:40–19:40
- Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Yoshino Line Yoshino Station
【Wakayama Prefecture】Nanki-Shirahama
Nanki-Shirahama is renowned for its dazzling Shirarahama Beach and scenic open-air hot springs with ocean and mountain views, making it a popular summer resort.
Adventure World offers dolphin and penguin shows and safari experiences, while fresh tuna, shirasu, and umeboshi dishes are perfect summer delights!
- Nanki-Shirahama (南紀白浜)
- Address: 2399 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture (Adventure World)
- Operating Hours: 10:00–17:00 (varies by season)
- Access: From JR Kisei Main Line Shirahama Station, take the Meiko Bus to Adventure World, then walk about 1 minute
【Wakayama Prefecture】Koyasan
Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Wakayama, is a sacred Shingon Buddhist site, enveloped in a solemn atmosphere and natural beauty.
Stay at a shukubo to experience shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and morning prayers, offering a unique, non-everyday moment. Strolling along mossy stone paths and cedar-lined trails feels refreshingly cool in summer!
- Koyasan (高野山)
- Address: Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: From Nankai Koyasan Cable Car Koyasan Station, take the Nankai Rinkan Bus to Senjuinbashi, then walk about 1 minute
【Mie Prefecture】Ise-Shima
Ise-Shima is famous for the historic Ise Jingu Shrine and its abundant natural landscapes, making it a top tourist destination in Mie Prefecture.
Enjoy coastal drives and cruise tours for a vibrant summer experience! At “Okage Yokocho,” savor local specialties like tekone sushi and Ise udon for a delightful food adventure.
- Ise-Shima (伊勢志摩)
- Address: 52 Uji Nakanokiri-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture (Okage Yokocho)
- Access: From Kintetsu Toba Line Isuzugawa Station, take the CAN Bus to Jingu Kaikan-mae, then walk about 1 minute
【Kagawa Prefecture】Shodoshima
Shodoshima is a natural island in the Seto Inland Sea, where blue skies, the sea, and olive trees create a scenery reminiscent of an overseas resort.
Photo-worthy spots like Angel Road and Olive Park are everywhere, and the leisurely island time is enchanting. The ferry journey adds a touch of extraordinary fun, letting you enjoy a summer surrounded by nature!
- Shodoshima (小豆島)
- Address: 1941-1 Nishimura-Ko, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture (Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park)
- Access: Take the Shodoshima Ferry from Himeji Port to Fukuda Port, approximately 30 minutes
