A 3-night, 4-day family trip to Kansai! A model itinerary showcasing the best of Kansai, exploring Osaka, Kobe, Awaji Island, and Kyoto by rental car - THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside

A 3-night, 4-day family trip <br>to the Kansai region!<br> A model itinerary <br class="sp">that captures <br>the best of Kansai, <br class="sp">exploring Osaka, Kobe, <br class="sp">Awaji Island, and Kyoto<br> by rental car. [Updated 260609] April article thumbnail - PC

For a family trip that offers
the best of both worlds,
the Kansai area is highly
recommended!

The Kansai area is a popular travel destination that the whole family can enjoy. With its abundance of attractions—gourmet food, sightseeing, nature, and entertainment—it's easy to get overwhelmed and wonder, "Where should I go?"

For those looking for such a trip, we recommend a Kansai sightseeing plan that offers the best of everything by rental car. Based in Osaka, you can enjoy a 3-night, 4-day trip that includes the exotic atmosphere of Kobe, the scenic beauty and gourmet delights of Awaji Island, and the history and charm of Kyoto.

This time, we'll introduce a Kansai sightseeing course by rental car that families can easily enjoy. Let's embark on a trip to fully enjoy the charms of Kansai, centered around a stay at "THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside" as our base!
April
April
Day01

On the day of arrival,
we didn't travel far,
but instead toured
the Osaka Bay Area.

09:00

First, let's
rent a car!

Once I arrive at Shin-Osaka Station,
I'll rent a car.

Let's head to the bay area near
"THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside".
POINT!
Arranging your rental car in
advance will make things
go more smoothly!
10:00

Kaiyukan Aquarium

The sight of whale sharks swimming
gracefully in the giant tank is simply
breathtaking.
It's one of Osaka's
most popular tourist spots, enjoyable
for both children and adults.

Tempozan Harbor
Village

This popular bay area spot offers a
Ferris wheel, shopping, and dining.
You can relax and enjoy the
ocean view.


16:00

THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside

Checked in at "THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside".
You can leave your luggage in your
room and rest your body, which is
tired from traveling.
POINT!
There's a parking lot on-site,
so you can reserve a parking
space!
Perfect for a road trip around
the Kansai region.
18:00

Dotonbori

If you want to enjoy Osaka's classic
cuisine, taking the train at night is
recommended. You can enjoy alcohol
without worrying about driving,
allowing the whole family to spend
a relaxing time together.

In the heart of Minami, famous for its
Glico sign, you can enjoy authentic
Osaka cuisine such as takoyaki
and okonomiyaki while strolling
around. Enjoy a truly Osaka-style
night in a lively atmosphere.

22:00

"THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside"

After a tiring day of sightseeing and
traveling, relax and rejuvenate in a
hot spring. Refresh your mind
and body and be ready for the next
day's sightseeing.
Day02

Kobe Driving Tour

07:30

Let's start with a
delicious breakfast!

Start your day off right with a
luxurious breakfast at the hotel.
On the second day, take a drive to
Kobe and enjoy the exotic
atmosphere of the city,
typical of the Kansai region.

THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside
is easily accessible from Kobe,
taking approximately 30 minutes
via toll roads and about an hour via
regular roads. This allows for a
comfortable and stress-free travel
experience, making it ideal for
enjoying sightseeing.
10:00

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan
District

This area, with its rows of
Western-style buildings exuding an
exotic atmosphere, is one of Kobe's
most representative tourist
destinations. The hilly streets and
stylish ambiance make it enjoyable
even just to stroll around.
13:00

Rokko Garden Terrace

This scenic spot offers breathtaking views of Kobe city and the sea,
and you can enjoy different
charms both during the day and
at night.

With plenty of restaurants and shops, it's perfect for a relaxing stay.

The night view is also recommended.

Kobe's night view is said to be one of Japan's three greatest night views and is even referred to as
the "million-dollar night
view."

After enjoying the sparkling night view, let's head back to
"THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside".

THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside

After returning to your room, enjoy
a relaxing dinner. We recommend
using ingredients purchased
at Rokko Garden Terrace or on your
way home to enjoy a simple and
delicious meal.

The kitchen is equipped with a
microwave, toaster, cutlery, and
other amenities, allowing you
to enjoy a relaxing mealtime that's a
little different from eating out.
Day03

A scenic drive around
Awaji Island

Let's head out on a
popular driving route!

On the third day, we'll head to Awaji
Island, a popular driving destination
in the Kansai region.
Let's enjoy the breathtaking scenery
created by the beautiful sea and
nature.

THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside is
easily accessible, about an hour and
a half away via toll roads.
Enjoy a pleasant drive and take in
the extraordinary scenery.
11:00

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

This is one of the world's largest
suspension bridges, boasting a
total length of approximately 4 km,
and its main attraction is the
exhilarating drive across it over
the sea.
This scenic route is a highlight of
any trip, even if you're just
crossing it.

Awaji Island National
Akashi Kaikyo Park

This vast park, where you can enjoy
flowers throughout the seasons,
is a popular spot, especially in
spring when the cherry blossoms are
in full bloom. With plenty of lawns
and playground equipment,
it's perfect for families to relax
and unwind.

Awaji Yumebutai

This tourist spot features a beautiful
space designed by architect Tadao
Ando.
The harmonious blend of the sea and
gardens makes for stunning
photographs.

16:00

Shin-Osaka Station

I'll head back to Shin-Osaka Station and return the rental car.
Let's take the train back to
"THE RISE Osaka Universal Bayside".

[Move]
JR Shin-Osaka Station: JR Kyoto Line ↓
JR Osaka Station: JR Osaka Loop Line / Yumesaki Line ↓
JR Ajikawaguchi Station

THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside

If you're tired from a long drive, we
recommend refreshing yourself in
the sauna at the natural
hot spring "Hinata no Yu".
A good workout that makes you sweat
will help you recover from the
fatigue of your travels.
Day04

Kyoto Higashiyama sightseeing

09:00

Traveling to Kyoto by
train is convenient.

On the fourth day, we'll go
sightseeing in Kyoto. We'll travel
by train and explore the charming
streets and historical landmarks.
Let's leave our luggage in the
lockers at Kyoto Station.
The train journey takes about
60 minutes.

[Move]
JR Ajikawaguchi Station:
JR Yumesaki Line ↓
JR Nishikujo Station:
JR Osaka Loop Line ↓
JR Osaka Station:
Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line ↓
Kyoto Station

11:00

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This is one of Kyoto's most famous
spots, where you can enjoy the
scenery of each season. In spring,
the cherry blossoms are in full bloom,
and the view from the stage is
exceptional.

"Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka"

This strolling area, with its
cobblestone streets and traditional
townhouses, exudes the charm
of Kyoto. With numerous souvenir
shops and cafes, simply walking
around enhances the feeling
of being on vacation.

14:00

Gion

This is one of Kyoto's premier tourist
areas, where traditional townscapes
remain intact.
You can enjoy a relaxing time while
savoring Japanese cuisine and
matcha sweets.
17:00

Departing from
Kyoto Station for the
return journey.

After enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto,
we headed home from Kyoto Station.

You can spend a moment basking in
the afterglow while reminiscing
about your memories.

Reasons why
"THE RISE Osaka
Universal Bayside"
was chosen as the base
for this trip

  • Overwhelming access

    It's close to a theme park!
    You can avoid crowded trains and stay at the park from right after it opens until just before it closes.

  • BBQ without bringing
    anything

    No preparation needed, you can
    enjoy a BBQ without bringing
    anything. The venue is on the
    rooftop!
    Raising a toast together while
    gazing at the night view of Osaka
    will make it an even more
    memorable night.

  • Includes natural
    hot spring

    It includes a natural hot spring
    where you can properly soothe
    your tired body after walking.
    Refresh yourself at this
    full-fledged spa, which includes
    everything from open-air baths
    to carbonated springs and saunas,
    and you're sure to be able to
    play to your heart's content
    the next day.

  • Comfortable guest rooms
    and facilities

    "Accommodations where you can
    stay as if you were living there"
    The themed rooms, furnished with
    furniture from famous brands,
    offer a sense of comfort and
    relaxation, just like being at home.
    The fully equipped kitchen and
    washing machine are also great
    features.
    We also have spacious rooms that
    can accommodate up to 9 people,
    making it ideal for group stays.

  • A satisfying meal

    You can enjoy high-quality meals
    for both breakfast and dinner at
    the hotel's restaurant.
    One of the attractions is being
    able to enjoy a satisfying meal
    without having to travel.