4-Day Kansai Vanlife Escape: Awaji Island, Nara & Onsen Stays
Overview
Start your journey in Osaka and head across the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge to explore the coastline and cultural highlights of Awaji Island. Enjoy hot springs, fresh local food, and seaside views. On Day 2, drive into the peaceful woods and temples of Nara, spending the night in a countryside roadside station. Bath facilities are available every night, making this a safe, low-cost and flexible trip — perfect for first-time vanlifers and nature lovers.
Highlights:
✔ Van camping with hot spring access every night
✔ Architecture & ocean views on Awaji Island
✔ Historic temples and deer in Nara
✔ Free/low-cost michi-no-eki car stays
✔ Ideal for compact camper vans like Suzuki Every
Inclusion & Exclusion
Each camper van comes fully equipped for two people, ideal for overnight stays and light cooking:
- Bedding set for 2 (mattress & blankets)
- Eating utensils (plates, bowls, cups, cutlery)
- Portable gas stove
- Basic cooking tools (pan, spatula, scissors, etc.)
- Foldable table and camping chairs (1–2 units)
- Disposable towels and toothbrush sets × 2
- Expressway tolls (based on actual driving routes)
- Fuel costs (depending on distance and consumption)
- Attraction entrance fees (e.g., museums, ropeways)
- Meals not mentioned (during free time)
- Parking fees at michi-no-eki (most are free, but not guaranteed)
- Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, shopping, etc.)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional hotel upgrades or extra nights
- Transportation to/from Osaka start point (for international guests)
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point.
What To Expect
- Day 1 – Pick Up Camper Van in Osaka & Drive to Awaji Island
Your Kansai vanlife adventure begins in the morning as you pick up your Suzuki Every camper van in Osaka. After a brief orientation and equipment check, hit the road and head south toward Awaji Island, crossing the impressive Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.
Once on the island, take your time to explore its scenic coastlines and local culture. Stop for lunch at Michi-no-Eki Awaji, where you can enjoy views of the sea and try local specialties like Awaji beef bowls or grilled onion croquettes.
Recommended afternoon stops:
🏛 Awaji Yumebutai & Botanical Museum – iconic Tadao Ando architecture
🌊 Awaji Seaside Park – perfect for a gentle walk and sunset views
In the evening, relax at Matsuho-no-Yu, a seaside onsen with open-air baths. You’ll spend your first night in your camper van parked at a designated rest area.
🚌 Car Stay Suggestion:
Michi-no-Eki Awaji
- Free overnight parking
- Clean toilets, vending machines, ocean breeze
- Safe and quiet with sea views
🚗 Driving Info:
- Distance: approx. 95 km
- Toll fees: approx. ¥2,310
- Fuel cost: approx. ¥950 (based on 17 km/L and ¥170/L)
- Day 2 – Awaji Island to Nara: From Ocean Views to Sacred Deer
After a restful night by the sea, enjoy a relaxed morning on Awaji Island before heading inland. You’ll drive northeast, passing through Kobe and onto the expressway that leads to Nara, Japan’s first capital and a city full of ancient charm.
Upon arrival, explore Nara’s most iconic spots:
🦌 Nara Park – Home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer that are considered sacred
🏯 Tōdai-ji Temple – One of Japan’s most famous temples, housing the Great Buddha
🌳 Kasuga Taisha Shrine – A beautifully preserved Shinto shrine set in a peaceful forest
In the late afternoon, head to a local bathhouse such as Nara Kenko Land or Niji-no-Yu to relax and refresh after your journey.
🚌 Car Stay Suggestion:
Michi-no-Eki Hari Terrace (針テラス)
Ample overnight parking
- 24-hour toilets, convenience stores
- Restaurants & souvenir shops nearby
- Safe, clean, and RV-friendly
🚗 Driving Info:
- Distance: approx. 160 km
- Toll fees: approx. ¥3,750
- Fuel cost: approx. ¥1,600
- Day 3 – Nara to Osaka: Slow Countryside Return & Final Onsen Night
Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast in Nara, then start your journey back toward Osaka — but not without a few meaningful stops along the way.
Optional morning detours:
🏞 Mount Yoshino (吉野山) – A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its forest trails and seasonal cherry blossoms
☕ Local cafés or farmers’ markets – Perfect for slow travel moments and souvenirs
In the afternoon, continue driving toward the southern outskirts of Osaka, avoiding city-center congestion. Enjoy a relaxing final evening with a visit to a local onsen or super sentō.
🛁 Recommended Bathhouse Options (South Osaka area):
Shiratori-no-Sato Onsen (しらとりの郷 羽曳野) – Countryside onsen next to a michi-no-eki
Minoh Spa Garden (箕面スパーガーデン) – A larger facility with mountain views and entertainment
🚌 Car Stay Suggestion:
Michi-no-Eki Shiratori-no-Sato (道の駅しらとりの郷・羽曳野)
- Overnight parking available
- Nearby restaurants and souvenir shop
- Clean facilities, suitable for last-night prep
🚗 Driving Info:
- Distance: approx. 70–90 km (depending on route)
- Toll fees: approx. ¥1,500
- Fuel cost: approx. ¥1,000
- Day 4 – Return to Osaka & Drop-Off: Journey Complete
Wake up to your final morning in the van and enjoy a leisurely start to the day. You may wish to grab a local breakfast, stop by a nearby park, or visit a convenience store for any last-minute snacks or souvenirs.
After packing up and tidying the vehicle interior, make your way back to the designated rental location in Osaka to return your Suzuki Every camper van.
Please ensure:
- All personal belongings are removed
- Fuel is refilled to the required level
- Trash is disposed of properly
- Cooking equipment and tableware are returned clean
Depending on your flight or onward plans, you may wish to explore a bit more of Osaka, or head to the airport directly.
🛬 Optional Services (available on request):
- Luggage storage after van return
- Airport transfer arrangement (additional fee)
- Late return extension (upon request and availability)
🚗 Driving Info:
- Distance to return location: approx. 20–30 km
- Fuel top-up: approx. ¥500–¥800 depending on previous day