5 day trip around Kyoto by campervan rental

An ideal trip of the Kyoto and Osaka area

 

You must be excited since the journey begins at Kansai International Airport!

From the airport, you must generally take a limited express train called the “Haruka express” to reach Osaka’s center city. First and foremost, hire a campervan at Tamatsukuri station for your Japan road trip.

Campervan Allocation Service available- please check the company’s official website or make reservations in advance if you need.

Once you rent a RV, let’s move out! About 50 min drive will take you to Kyoto-city.

Day-1

Rent a campervan

 

【Information】

• Rental company: JAPAN ROAD TRIP @ Tamatsukuri in Osaka.
• Office hours:10:00〜19:00 (JST)
• Address: 1-7-10 Tamatsukuri Chuo-ku Osaka-city Osaka in Japan〒543-0004
• Reservation here:https://www.japanroadtrip.com/en/

Drive to Kyoto-city

Begin in Kyoto, one of the most popular and traditional destinations for tourists in Japan.

There are numerous well-known temples and shrines near Kyoto Station that you can explore.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

 

This is a Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that border the hiking trails.

The main hall of the shrine is located at the base of the mountain, and tourists can trek up the mountain to visit the many smaller shrines and offerings along the route.

【Information】

• Admission fee: Free
• Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
• URL:http://inari.jp/en/

 

Kinkaku-ji Temple

 

Known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning gold leaf exterior.

The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and visitors can explore the interior of the temple, which features stunning architecture and artwork.

【Information】

• Admission fee: JPY 400/ AUD 4.42
• Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
• URL:https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/

 

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

 

This bamboo forest is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is a popular destination for tourists.

The bamboo grove is a peaceful and tranquil setting, and the tall bamboo stalks create a unique and striking atmosphere.

Visitors can take a stroll through the grove and enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder.

【Information】

• Admission fee: Free
• Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan
• URL:https://livejapan.com/en/in-kansai/in-pref-kyoto/in-arashiyama_uzumasa/article-a2000532/

 

Arashiyama South Area Parking Lot

You can stay a night here at the end of Day-1.It’s near by Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

【Information】

• Price: JPY 1,500/ AUD 16.59 per night
• Address: 26-1 Arashiyamanakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan

 

Day-2

 You still have plenty of tour options in Kyoto, let’s have a look at some of the most famous castles and temples.

Nijo-jo Castle

 

The castle features stunning architecture and artwork, including intricate wood carvings and beautiful painted screens.

Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and gardens, and learn about the history of the Tokugawa shogunate.

【Information】

• Admission fee: JPY 1,000/ AUD 11.06
• Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
• URL:https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

 

Gion District

 

This is a historic district in Kyoto that is known for its traditional architecture and geisha culture.

Visitors can stroll through the streets and admire the beautiful Machiya townhouses and temples, and may even spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to work.

The district is also home to many shops, restaurants, and tea houses.

【Information】

• Admission fee: Free
• Address: Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0001, Japan
• URL:https://travel.yahoo.co.jp/kanko/prefecture-kyoto/area-gion/ (Japanese Only)

 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

 

This is a Buddhist temple located on a hillside overlooking Kyoto.

The temple is famous for its stunning views of the city, and its main hall is built on wooden stilts that extend out over the hillside.

The temple is also a popular destination for visitors to Kyoto, and is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring.

【Information】

• Admission fee: JPY 400/ AUD 4.42
• Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
• URL:https://feel.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

 

Yamashiro Service Area Parking Lot

【Information】

• Price: JPY 1,000/ AUD 11.06 per night
• Address: 261 Kiyomizudera Monzencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

 

Osaka Bay Area Kaiyukan Parking Lot

【Information】

• Price: JPY 1,000/ AUD 11.06 per night
• Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

 

You can stay at Yamashiro Service Area Parking Lot if you want to take a rest soon after visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Otherwise, you can travel to the Osaka area at the end of Day 2 and stay at the Osaka Bay Area Kaiyukan Parking Lot, which is close to central Osaka. You can choose whichever.

Day-3

Osaka-jo Castle

 

This is a famous castle located in the heart of Osaka, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.

Visitors can explore the castle’s many floors, which feature exhibits on the castle’s history and artifacts from the feudal period.

【Information】

• Admission fee: JPY 600/ AUD 6.64
• Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
• URL:https://www.osakacastle.net/

 

Dotonbori Street

 

This is a popular entertainment district in Osaka, known for its vibrant nightlife, street food, and shopping.

The district is famous for its large illuminated signs and billboards, including the famous Glico Running Man.

Visitors can try local delicacies like Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)./p>

【Information】

• Admission fee: Free
• Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
• URL:https://osaka-info.jp/en/spot/dotonbori/

 

Osaka Bay Area Kaiyukan Parking Lot

This parking lot is convenient for you if you are going to visit USJ on the next day.

【Information】

• Price: JPY 1,000/ AUD 11.06 per night
• Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

 

Day-4

Universal Studio Japan

 

This is a theme park located in Osaka, featuring many popular attractions based on movies and TV shows.

The park features many themed areas, including Harry Potter World, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park.

And there are many interesting spots for families with little children, where parents can make their children play around and take a break for themselves, too.

Visitors can enjoy rides, shows, and other entertainment throughout the park.

【Information】

• Admission fee: JPY 8,600/ AUD 95.13 for a one-day pass
• Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
• URL:https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

 

USJ RV Park

 

There are many types of parking lots around USJ. They have specific areas for campervans as well.

This RV park is a little expensive, so you can also stay at the Osaka Bay Area Kaiyukan Parking Lot again if you want to save money.

【Information】

• Price: JPY 5,000/ AUD 55.31 per night
• URL:https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/access#parking

 

Day-5

Return the campervan

Back to Tamatsukuri station for returning the campervan at JAPAN ROAD TRIP.

Note: Admission fees are subject to change, so please check the official websites for up-to-date information. Also, be sure to check RV park availability and make reservations in advance. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!