Don’t just travel from point A to point B. Get more out of that car by making a pit stop at Nara. Only 55 miles from Kumano, it features terrific attractions like Nara Park and Yakushi-ji Temple. Nothing says living big like a road trip does, so keep on cruising to Osaka. It’s 60 miles away and also has a few excellent sights, such as Universal Studios Japan and Tsutenkaku Tower.