Looking for a different "to visit" for a road trip in Japan?
Japan has many unique places to look around that isn't just Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka or the other major cities. One of our favourite alternative Japan to visit and to do is definitely taking a road trip that explores the ancient pilgrim’s path – the Kumano Kodo – on the Kii Peninsula, called Kii-Hanto locally. So if you enjoy driving around on your trips and want to see all the amazing scenery Japan has to offer, this is also something you would love!
How long?
Allow at least a week.
When to go
The Kii Peninsula has a fairly mild climate and any time is a good time to visit, including winter, although temperatures in the mountains around Koyasan are much cooler then. Autumn, around mid-November, is spectacular! If travelling in Spring during March or April (sakura/cherry blossom season), book ahead during this busy period. Typhoon season is during August and September.
Need to know
Nara and Osaka are the closest cities to the Kii Peninsula, so the best option is to take a train from Tokyo or Kyoto to one of these and access the Kii Peninsula – with a pre-booked hire car – from there. Alternatively, hiring a car to drive straight from other cities like Tokyo and Osaka is also possible.
If you are using a sat nav, make sure you program it to follow local roads once you are on the peninsula: most systems will, by default, direct you onto the expressway. Nachi-Katsuura is a useful destination if you’re inputting information into Google Maps, but don’t confuse it with a place of the same name in Chiba south of Tokyo.
Things to Note
Drive rating: Moderate - sealed roads with narrow, winding sections.
Drive side: Left Total distance Kumano to Nara via the coast - approximately 500km (310mi), including detours.
Average temperatures:
January: 3–11°C (40-52°F)
July: 24–30°C (75-85°F)
The emergency number for police is 110 and ambulance is 119
More information: en.visitwakayama.jp; japan.travel