Getting There and How Long to Stay in Nara

Part of the Nara travel guide — see every topic in All Nara Guides.

Nara is an easy trip from both Kyoto and Osaka. Two railways serve the city: Kintetsu and JR. They use different stations, and the choice affects how far you walk. This guide compares the two lines, explains how to get around in Nara, and helps you decide between a half day, a full day or a night.

From Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, the Kintetsu Kyoto line goes to Kintetsu Nara Station. Limited express trains take about 35 minutes and need a reserved seat ticket on top of the fare. Express trains are cheaper and take about 45 minutes, sometimes with a change at Yamato-Saidaiji. The JR Nara line goes to JR Nara Station, with rapid trains taking about 45 minutes. JR is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and Kintetsu is not. Both lines are easy to use with an IC card such as Suica or ICOCA. Trains run often, so you do not need to book except for the limited express.

From Osaka

From Osaka Namba, Kintetsu trains go to Kintetsu Nara Station in about 35 to 40 minutes, with no extra ticket needed on rapid express trains. Kintetsu limited express trains are a little faster and need a seat ticket. Kintetsu also stops at Osaka Uehommachi and Tsuruhashi on the way. From Osaka Station, JR Yamatoji rapid trains go to JR Nara Station in about 50 minutes. If you stay near Namba, Kintetsu is the easiest choice. If you stay near Umeda or have a JR Pass, JR may be better. Some Kintetsu trains run through from Kobe.

Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara

Kintetsu Nara Station is right at the edge of the old town, about five minutes on foot from Nara Park and about 15 to 20 minutes from Todai-ji. JR Nara Station is farther west, about 20 minutes on foot from the park and about 30 minutes from Todai-ji. From JR Nara, city buses go along the main road past the park and Todai-ji. The two stations are about 15 minutes apart on foot, along Sanjo-dori, a shopping street that leads to the park. Lockers are at both stations, so you can leave bags and walk freely.

Getting around Nara

Most sights in central Nara are close together, so walking is the best way to see them. Nara Park, Todai-ji, Naramachi and Mount Wakakusa are all within about 30 minutes on foot of each other. City buses run a loop around the main sights and accept IC cards. Bicycles can be rented near the stations, but paths in the park are crowded with people and deer. Taxis wait at both stations. Wear comfortable shoes, because even a half day in Nara means a lot of walking on gravel and slopes.

How long to stay

Half a day is enough for Nara Park, the deer and Todai-ji, if you start early. A full day lets you add Naramachi, Mount Wakakusa and a slow lunch. If you have time, stay one night. In the evening and early morning, after the day visitors leave, the park and old streets are calm and the deer rest on the grass. You can then walk the forest path or see sunrise from the hills. Nara is also a good base for day trips south, such as Yoshino in cherry season. Hotels near the stations are often cheaper than in Kyoto.

Getting There and How Long to Stay at a glance

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