How to get from Kyoto to Nara by train
Nara is a culturally rich destination close to Kyoto and Osaka. It offers a blend of historical and modern sights, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and even friendly deer in its parks.
All these make Nara well deserving of a spot on your Osaka and Kyoto itinerary. Whether you’re chasing history or seeking to commune with Nara’s famed deer, you're only a train ride away from Kyoto.
Read on as we cover the essential information on train routes, travel duration, and ticket pricing between Kyoto and Nara.
Why Nara is worth a Visit
Imagine standing before a colossal bronze Buddha, strolling through lantern-lit pathways of a Shinto shrine, or sharing a quiet moment with a friendly deer in a sprawling park. This is Nara, a city that effortlessly blends antiquity with modernity. As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each seeping with history and culture.
Being close to Kyoto City, Nara is a favored destination for day trips. It’s a great choice if you’re keen on savoring the scenic beauty of the Kansai region. A 35-minute train ride is all you need from Kyoto!
Traveling from Kyoto to Nara by Train
The efficient train services of Japan Railways (JR) Nara Line and the Kintetsu Railway make the journey from Kyoto to Nara quite effortless. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, these trains will whisk you to Nara. So, which line should you choose?
JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara
The JR Nara Line is a reliable option if you’re starting your journey to Nara from Kyoto Station. Offering multiple express and local services every hour, the JR Nara Line connects Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station directly at any time of the day.
The Miyakoji Rapid Service on the JR Nara Line takes you from Kyoto to JR Nara Station in approximately 45 minutes for ¥720. Two such Rapid Service trains run hourly.
Should you miss the Miyakoji Rapid Service, there's also the local service that takes slightly longer, about 70 minutes. It will, however, still cost you ¥720. If you have a JR Pass, you’ll be pleased to know that the JR Nara Line is covered by it, making your trip to Nara both convenient and cost-effective.
#KlookTip: Use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder or the Japan Travel by Navitime app to help you determine the best journey effectively.
At JR Nara Station
Upon arriving at JR Nara Station, you can easily transfer to a local bus to reach the enchanting Nara Park and surrounding sights like the Todaiji Temple. Signposts and maps are readily available at the station to guide you to the bus station.
Compared to the Kintetsu Nara Station, this JR Station is situated a bit further from central attractions but within a comfortable 15-20 minute walk from Kofukuji and other historic sites. But we highly recommend taking the bus instead.
Kintetsu Railway from Kyoto to Nara
If speed is your priority, the Kintetsu Railway offers a faster connection between Kyoto and Nara. Also departing from Kyoto Station, the Kintetsu Railway takes you on a journey through the heart of the Kansai region, dropping you off at the centrally located Kintetsu Nara Station.
Two options are presented to travelers by the Kintetsu Railway. You can choose a 35-minute trip on express trains costing ¥1,280 or a slightly longer 45-minute trip for ¥760. While the Kintetsu Railway is not covered by the JR Pass, its speed and central drop-off point make it a convenient choice for those who want to start exploring Nara as soon as possible.
#KlookTip: Use the Kintetsu Route & Fare Finder to determine the best train to take depending on the day and time!
At Kintetsu Nara Station
The Kintetsu Nara Station boasts a prime location closer to many of Nara's main sights. You'll be within walking distance of the famed Nara Park and the Nara National Museum. This can be particularly convenient for those who prefer less walking or are short on time.
Train Passes to Travel around Kyoto, Nara, and Kansai
If you intend to explore beyond Nara, regional rail passes such as the JR Kansai Mini Pass, JR West Kansai Area Pass, and Kintetsu Rail Pass can be invaluable. These passes offer unlimited travel on the JR networks, making it easy to explore Osaka, Kyoto, and the wider Kansai area at your own pace.
Regional JR Pass
The JR Kansai Mini Pass offers 3 days of unlimited travel on local and rapid JR trains in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. It provides a cost-effective and convenient way to journey between Osaka and Nara. It's a great option for budget travelers who want flexibility without the need for speed as this pass does not cover Limited Express trains.
The JR West Kansai Area Pass is perfect for short trips around the Kansai region, covering not only Nara and Osaka but also Kyoto, Kobe, and Himeji. It's available for 1 to 4 consecutive days of travel, perfect for those wanting to make day trips out of Osaka.
The JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass is for those who wish to venture further afield. This 5-day pass includes all the benefits of the Kansai Area Pass with the added reach to areas such as Okayama, the northern part of Wakayama, and Tottori.
#KlookTip: Remember that these JR Passes often need to be purchased outside of Japan before your trip, so plan ahead to take advantage of these deals on Klook!
Kintetsu Rail Pass
Klook review photo
The Kintetsu Rail Pass offers unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway network, with options spanning one to five days. Your travels can extend beyond Nara to the cultural corners of Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Mie, with additional benefits at about 40 facilities and attractions.
The 1/2-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass offers unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway between Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, as well as unlimited rides on the Nara Kotsu Bus Line.
The 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass further extends the coverage to destinations like Mie and Nagoya, and rides on the Iga Railway as well.
Kansai Railway Pass
Klook review photo
The Kansai Railway Pass is a newly launched 2024 edition of the Kansai Thru Pass. With 2 or 3-day options, this pass is an ideal way to discover Kansai region. This flexible all-inclusive pass enables you to ride on subways and railways in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and Koyasan.
Specifically, the Kansai Railway Pass will cover the journey between Osaka and Nara on the Kintetsu Railway.
Getting around Nara
Once in Nara, it’s effortless to move around and discover the city’s treasures. From a special Loop Bus service to leisurely walking routes, Nara offers a variety of ways to navigate through its streets and explore its attractions.
Nara Bus Pass
The Nara Bus Pass ensures a hassle-free exploration of Nara. Offering unlimited rides on Nara Kotsu buses, including the tourist-friendly Loop Bus services, this pass ensures that you get around Nara without any hiccups.
Besides unlimited rides, the Nara Bus Pass also offers a map for easier navigation and exclusive discounts at select restaurants and shops in Nara. The pass can be conveniently obtained at the bus ticket offices, which are situated across the street from Kintetsu Nara Station and inside JR Nara Station.
Walking Routes
Exploring Nara on foot can also be the ideal choice. Central Nara is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to access many of the city’s major attractions without the need for a bus.
Walking routes in Nara connect key locations such as Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and the historical district of Naramachi. These routes offer a leisurely pace for visitors, making it possible to fully enjoy the atmosphere and sights.
Booking a Day Tour from Kyoto to Nara
You definitely can't miss out on Mt. Yoshino's iconic cherry blossom view
For those who prefer a structured itinerary and the convenience of an organized tour, booking a day tour to Nara through Klook can be an excellent option. Klook offers a variety of day tours that cater to different interests, including to the neighboring Mount Yoshino to catch sakura blooms, ensuring that your trip to Nara is both memorable and hassle-free.
Private Car Charter from Kyoto to Nara
For those who value comfort, flexibility, and privacy, opting for a private car charter can be an ideal way to travel from Osaka to Nara. This option allows you to design your own itinerary, make stops along the way, and travel at a pace that suits your preferences.
Exploring Nara's Top Attractions
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to a vibrant shopping and dining scene, Nara is a city that promises a memorable experience at every turn. Be it the towering Todai-ji Temple, the charming Nara Park, or the bustling Higashimuki Shopping Street, every corner of Nara tells a story.
Deer at Nara Park during Sakura season
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess. These sites encapsulate the essence of Nara during the 8th century, a time of great prosperity and cultural development. Spanning eight sites and encompassing 78 buildings over a 617-hectare area, these World Heritage Sites offer a unique window into Japan’s past.
Todaiji Temple Nara
From the divine aura of Todai-ji Temple to the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, each site is a cultural revelation underlining the city’s enduring legacy in the cultural and historical narrative of Japan.
Feeding Deer at Nara Park
Feed the friendly(ish) bowing deers of Nara. Image Credits: @ayakaaa.1023
Nara Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, famous for its friendly deer population and sakura blooms in Spring. Known as the “Deer Park,” this sprawling park is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods.
You can interact with these gentle creatures, feeding them special crackers known as ‘shika senbei’ sold around the park. It’s important to remember that although the deer are generally friendly, they should be treated with respect and not teased.
Shopping and Dining in Nara
Nara’s charm extends to its dining and shopping experiences, where the essence of Japanese culture can be savored and taken home. Higashimuki Shopping Street, near Kintetsu Nara Station, and Sanjo-dori Street, next to JR Nara Station, are bustling with shops that offer traditional sweets, ceramics, and textiles, complemented by cozy cafes and souvenir stores.
Don’t miss the chance to taste local specialties like kakinoha sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves and freshly pounded yomogi mochi. So, whether you’re a shopaholic or a foodie, Nara ensures that your shopping bags and your stomach are both filled!
Traveling from Other Locations to Nara
While Nara is a popular day trip from Kyoto, it’s also easily accessible from other cities around Kansai.
From Osaka
Traveling from Osaka to Nara is a quick and easy journey, thanks to the efficient train services offered by JR and Kintetsu Railways. Whether you’re at Osaka Station or JR Namba Station, a train to Nara will bring you to Nara in about 50 minutes.
From Tokyo, Nagoya, and Other Cities
The high-speed Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Nagoya to Kyoto, from where you can take the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Line trains to reach Nara.
The Nozomi Shinkansen offers a comfortable and swift journey from Tokyo to Kyoto in 2 hours and 15 minutes. So, even if you’re in Tokyo or Nagoya, Nara is just a Shinkansen ride away!
From Kansai International Airport
If you’re landing at Kansai International Airport, reaching Nara is a straightforward affair. The JR Line offers the Haruka Express to Tennoji where you can switch to the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service for Nara. This journey takes about 80 minutes and costs ¥2,400. As soon as you land in Japan, you can begin your hassle-free journey to Nara!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nara a day trip from Kyoto?
Yes, Nara is a convenient day trip from Kyoto. You can take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service which will take around 45 minutes, or use the private Kintetsu Line if you don't have a Japan Rail Pass.
How do I get from Kyoto to Nara?
You can take the Kintetsu line, which only takes 35 minutes and costs ¥1,280 for a one-way ticket. The JR Nara line is also an option, taking 45 minutes by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train from Kyoto Station.
What are some must-visit attractions in Nara?
You must visit the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara Park with its friendly deer, and the charming shopping streets in Nara for a memorable experience.
How can I travel from Osaka to Nara by train?
You can take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Nara Station or the Kintetsu Railway from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. Enjoy your trip!
What train passes are available for traveling around Kyoto and Nara?
You can use the JR West regional rail passes or the Kintetsu Railway Pass for unlimited travel around Osaka and Nara. Each pass covers different areas, so choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
