【By Scene】Recommended Touring Spots in Kansai and Osaka for Beginner Bikers! 18 Selections

Once you get a bike, you'll definitely want to go touring!

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/%e8%bc%b8%e9%80%81-honda-vfr-5152694/

I believe every rider, upon getting their first motorcycle, longs to go on a touring trip.
Therefore, this time, we will introduce touring spots for beginners, recommended spots accessible by general roads even for 125cc motorcycles, hidden gems, and spots offering spectacular views.

【For Beginners】3 Recommended Touring Spots in Kansai

1. Hieizan Driveway, Shiga Prefecture

The Hieizan Driveway is a toll road that connects Tani Pass in Otsu City to the summit of Mt. Hiei, covering approximately 8.1 km.
Although it is a mountain road leading to the summit of Mt. Hiei, the curves and gradients are not too steep, so even beginners can enjoy touring with peace of mind.

2. Koya-Ryujin Skyline, Wakayama Prefecture

The Koya-Ryujin Skyline is a 42.7 km mountain road connecting Mt. Koya and Ryujin Onsen, and it is subject to traffic restrictions during winter due to ice and snow in various locations.
While touring is not possible in winter, from spring to autumn, you can enjoy a pleasant ride with magnificent views.
Additionally, there is the Ryujin Onsen, where you can relax and soothe your tired body after a tour.

3. Mino Green Road Tunnel, Osaka Prefecture

The Mino Green Road Tunnel is located 55 km north of National Route 423 in Osaka.
In autumn, it is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, and the course allows you to enjoy touring while admiring the magnificent scenery, such as Mino Falls.
It is a course that is easy for beginner riders to navigate, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the beautiful scenery.

【Hidden Gems】3 Recommended Touring Spots in Kansai

1. Hoshi no Buranko, Osaka Prefecture

Hoshi no Buranko is a large suspension bridge located within the "Fumin no Mori Hoshida Enchi" in Katano City, at the border of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara prefectures.
It is a tourist spot where you can experience magnificent nature, and in autumn, the park, colored with autumn leaves, offers a truly spectacular view.
It is easily accessible from various parts of the Kansai region, making it a recommended touring course.

2. Tomogashima, Wakayama Prefecture

Tomogashima, which has gained popularity for its resemblance to the world of Laputa. The island retains remnants of artillery batteries and fortifications, allowing visitors to explore them along hiking trails.
To reach the island, you'll need to take a ferry using the "Tomogashima Kisen." While motorcycle touring is limited to the port, why not enjoy the ride to the port?

3. Kuragari Pass, Nara Prefecture

Kuragari Pass, located on the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures, is a mountain road covered with dense trees, as its name suggests.
It's not recommended for beginners due to its steep and winding S-curves, but it's a popular hidden gem for touring in Kansai.
Near Kuragari Pass, the Ikoma Skyline offers a night view of the entire Osaka Plain from its parking areas.

【Accessible by general roads even for 125cc motorcycles】3 Recommended Touring Spots in Kansai

1. Osaka Prefectural Road 29 Osaka Rinkai Line

This is a course on Osaka Prefectural Road 29 Osaka Rinkai Line, easily accessible from the center of Osaka.
It's a course where you can enjoy touring while gazing at the scenery of Osaka Bay, and it's a spot where you can enjoy the setting sun and the night views of the factories lining the coast.
The course also provides access to Kishiwada Kankan Bayside Mall, a shopping facility, so you can enjoy a meal after your touring trip.
Please note that some sections will be closed during the Haruki Danjiri Festival and Kishiwada Danjiri Festival.

2. Kisen Kogen Skyline, Wakayama Prefecture

This is a forest road running along the prefectural border of Osaka and Wakayama, also known as the Kisen Kogen Skyline for tourism.
Highland Park Konkawa, located in Kinokawa City, has an observatory where you can overlook Kansai International Airport, offering a 360-degree panorama of nature.

3. Miyama Thatched Village, Kyoto

Miyama Thatched Village, designated as a National Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District in December 1993, is a tourist spot where traditional thatched-roof houses remain.
Miyama, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of old Japan, shows different expressions in each season, making it enjoyable regardless of when you visit.
It is an recommended touring spot close to Kyoto City and accessible for day trips from Osaka and Kobe.

【Capture Amazing Photos】3 Recommended Touring Spots in Kansai

1. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge ~ Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a scenic spot where you can enjoy touring across a long bridge over the sea, feeling the sea breeze and the scent of the ocean.
Beyond the bridge is Awaji Island. At michi-no-eki (roadside stations), you can enjoy delicious local cuisine, and there are many tourist attractions, making it a touring spot where you can fully enjoy a day trip.

2. Amanohashidate, Kyoto Prefecture

Amanohashidate is one of Japan's three scenic views, alongside Miyajima in Hiroshima. You can make Amanohashidate your destination, or take the route from National Route 178 towards Ine Bay to admire Amanohashidate from afar.

3. Metasequoia Namiki, Shiga Prefecture

You've probably seen photos of the Metasequoia Namiki (Metasequoia tree-lined road) in Makino Kogen, Shiga Prefecture.
The refreshing green trees from spring to summer transform into beautiful autumn foliage in the fall. This spectacular view is a must-see for anyone living in Kansai.

What are the recommended touring spots for spring?

1. Ohno Dam Park, Kyoto Prefecture

Ohno Dam Park, commonly known as "Niji no Ko" (Rainbow Lake) and selected as one of the "Top 100 Dam Lakes," is a scenic spot with 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees planted around the lake, bustling with a "Cherry Blossom Festival" in spring and a "Maple Leaf Festival" in autumn.
It's also a classic destination for cherry blossom touring in Kansai, so why not enjoy cherry blossom viewing with the beautiful dam lake as a backdrop?

2. Samegai, Shiga Prefecture

In Samegai, with its charming old townscape, you can see "Baikamo" water buttercups blooming from spring to summer.
As it's a rare plant that only thrives in spring water around 15 degrees Celsius, it's said to be quite rare to see it in Western Japan. It's definitely a spot you'd want to visit on a touring trip.

3. Futagawa Dam, Wakayama Prefecture

Futagawa Dam is located upstream of the Arida River in Wakayama Prefecture. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom around it, creating a magnificent view.
There are also spots nearby where you can see beautiful terraced rice fields, so you can enjoy a leisurely ride through the rural scenery.

Recommended touring spots for winter?

Mount Rokko, Hyogo Prefecture

Mount Rokko is famous among riders, but the night view from Mount Rokko is definitely a must-see in winter. Offering a panoramic view of Kobe's nightscape, it's a scenic spot counted among Japan's three great night views.
However, it's important to note that several roads on Mount Rokko are closed to motorcycles on weekends and holidays, so care is needed when choosing a route for weekend rides.

Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture

Maizuru City has tourist attractions such as Akarenga Park, which is designated as an important cultural property, and Maizuru Port Park, where you can enjoy a marine planetarium.
Among the many tourist spots, "Maizuru Bay Oyster Hut Oister" is highly recommended in winter.
It has become a popular gourmet spot for tourists, as you can eat natural oysters there.

National Route 42, Wakayama Prefecture

National Route 42 in Wakayama Prefecture offers a subtropical scenic view even in winter. Tourist spots are concentrated along Route 42, so you might enjoy a touring trip without a specific destination.

Summary

In addition to the spots introduced here, there are many touring spots in Kansai.
Discovering hidden gems or finding your own scenic spots while riding is also part of the fun of touring. Besides the spots introduced this time, I encourage you to explore and find your own favorite places.