Travel

How to Travel from Kyoto to Nara

How to Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Nara is home to many of Japan’s most iconic tourist destinations. Among them is Tōdai-ji Temple, famous for its Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and which houses the impressive Great Buddha (Rushanabutsu) statue of Nara. Additionally, Nara Park is an expansive park that includes Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where numerous deer roam freely. Tōshōdai-ji Temple, founded by the Chinese monk Jianzhen, retains buildings like the Kondō (Main Hall) and the Lecture Hall, showcasing the architectural style of the Tempyo period.

Nara is easily accessible from both Osaka and Kyoto, making it possible to visit on a day trip. This article will clearly explain how to travel from Kyoto to Nara by train.

1.Reasons to Visit Nara

Nara is known as an ancient capital of Japan, having thrived as the nation’s capital from 710 to 784 under the name Heijō-kyō. As the political, cultural, and economic center, it developed significantly during this period. The rich history of Nara is still alive today, with numerous temples, shrines, and lush natural surroundings.

Nara is home to many historical buildings registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺), Kōfuku-ji Temple (興福寺), and Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社). These structures are precious legacies that convey Japan’s culture and technology from over 1300 years ago. The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, is particularly awe-inspiring.

Nara Park is a vast area encompassing historical buildings like Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, as well as abundant natural beauty. Visitors are delighted by its many free-roaming deer. Additionally, spots like Mount Wakakusa and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest offer rich natural experiences and beautiful seasonal scenery.

2.How to Travel from Kyoto to Nara by Train

Traveling from Kyoto to Nara by train is convenient, with two main options: the Kintetsu Nara Line and the JR Nara Line.

The Kintetsu Nara Line is usually slightly faster than the JR Nara Line and arrives at a station closer to central Nara (Kintetsu-Nara Station). However, the fare is a bit higher. The choice between these lines depends on your budget, time, and destination.

The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Day Trip from Osaka to Nara

2-1.JR Nara Line

The JR Nara Line connects Kyoto Station (京都駅) in Kyoto City to Kizu Station (木津駅) in Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture. It also includes the segment from JR Kizu Station to JR Nara Station, part of the JR Kansai Main Line, making the entire route from JR Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station known as the JR Nara Line.

Taking the Miyakoji Rapid on the JR Nara Line will get you from JR Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station in about 44 minutes. The stops along the way include Tofukuji Station, Rokujizō Station (Nara Line and Kyoto Municipal Subway), Uji Station (Nara Line), Jōyō Station, Tamamizu Station, and Kizu Station. The fare is 720 yen.

Note that JR Nara Station and Kintetsu-Nara Station are about 900 meters apart. If you plan to visit places like Kōfuku-ji, Nara Park, or Tōdai-ji, using the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara Station is more convenient.

2-2.Kintetsu Nara Line

The Kintetsu Nara Line, operated by Kintetsu Corporation, runs from Fuse Station in Higashiōsaka City, Osaka Prefecture, to Kintetsu-Nara Station in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It’s a major transport route connecting Osaka and Nara, and is popular among both commuters and tourists. The line is also convenient for traveling to Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

For a regular train ride, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station, transfer to the Kintetsu Nara Line at Yamato-Saidaiji Station, and head to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The fare is 760 yen, and the travel time is about 60 minutes. The Kintetsu Kyoto Line Express takes about 45-48 minutes.

Using the Kintetsu Kyoto Line Express (Limited Express) is more convenient, with a travel time of around 34 minutes from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The fare is 760 yen plus a reserved seat fee of 520 yen. It stops at Kintetsu-Tambabashi Station and Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

3.Railway Passes for Traveling in Kyoto and Nara

There are several rail passes that allow foreign tourists to travel economically around Kyoto and Nara. Here are the main ones:

JR Kansai Mini Pass
The JR Kansai Mini Pass allows unlimited travel on JR lines in the Kansai area (including the Kansai Airport Rapid Service) for a limited period. However, it requires a separate ticket for Haruka Airport Express and other limited express trains.

It is valid for three days and costs 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children (ages 12 and up are considered adults, under 6 are considered children). Two children under 12 months can ride free per adult or child.

出典:JR西日本「チケットの割引とパス」

The pass can be purchased by short-term visitors to Japan and must be exchanged within three months of purchase.

Kansai Area Pass
The Kansai Area Pass is a special ticket for short-term visitors touring the Kansai region. It allows unlimited rides on JR West’s limited express trains (including Haruka), regular trains (including special rapid and rapid services), and West Japan Railway buses for one to four days.

However, it does not cover Shinkansen. For example, for the Kansai (Kyoto-Osaka) Zone, the price is 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 yen for children for one day.

出典:JRおでかけネット「関西エリアパス」

Kansai Wide Area Pass
The Kansai Wide Area Pass is a special ticket for foreigners, offering unlimited travel on JR West’s limited express trains (including Haruka), regular trains (including special rapid and rapid services), and West Japan Railway buses within a specified area for three days. The price is 12,000 yen for adults and 6,000 yen for children.

出典:JRおでかけネット「関西ワイドエリア乗り放題パス」

4.Exploring Major Tourist Spots in Nara

The ancient capital Nara, woven with timeless history and rich nature, offers the following four travel plans recommended for international tourists.

Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Nara is home to many historical buildings registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When visiting Nara, we highly recommend exploring the following spots at least once.

・Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺)

The Great Buddha Hall at Tōdai-ji Temple houses the Great Buddha and is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. One of the hall’s main columns has a hole in the bottom the size of the Great Buddha’s nostril – large enough for young children to pass through. There is a legend that passing through this hole will bring good fortune.

・Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社)

Kasuga Taisha, the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kasuga Shrines across Japan, is known for its beautiful vermilion buildings and numerous stone lanterns which create a mystical atmosphere.

・Kōfuku-ji Temple (興福寺)

Kōfuku-ji Temple retains many national treasures, including the Eastern Golden Hall and the Five-Story Pagoda. Its collection of precious Buddhist statues, such as the Asura statue, is a must-see.

Feeding Deer in Nara Park
Nara Park is home to many deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. The deer gather around in no time when visitors offer them deer crackers.
Shopping Around Kintetsu-Nara Station and JR Nara Station
Around Kintetsu-Nara Station, you’ll find shops selling famous Nara souvenirs like Nara pickles (奈良漬) and persimmon leaf sushi (柿の葉寿司). Additionally, you can discover unique souvenirs such as traditional crafts and Japanese accessories. The area around JR Nara Station features shopping malls and department stores where you can enjoy the latest fashion and miscellaneous goods.
Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino is famous for its cherry blossoms and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With about 30,000 cherry trees blooming, the view is spectacular and is often called “a thousand cherry trees in one glance.” The cherry blossom season usually peaks in early to mid-April, so checking the blooming status on websites beforehand is recommended.

Conclusion

Nara is within day-trip distance from Kyoto. With historical landmarks like Tōdai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Kōfuku-ji, and Hōryū-ji Temple, as well as the beautiful Nara Park, it offers a rich travel experience.

For those mainly touring the Kansai area, using passes like the JR Kansai Mini Pass, Kansai Area Pass, or Kansai Wide Area Pass can make travel more economical. For example, the Kansai Wide Area Pass allows unlimited travel as far as Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture and Takamatsu in Shikoku.

*This article is based on information available as of July 2024.