Nara is less than an hour from both Kyoto and Osaka, which is why most visitors see it as a day trip. Two railways serve it. Kintetsu trains are a little faster and arrive at Kintetsu-Nara Station, a short walk from Nara Park. JR trains arrive at JR Nara Station, about fifteen minutes further on foot, and are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
From Kyoto
- Kintetsu limited express — about thirty-five minutes from Kyoto Station, with reserved seats and a small extra charge.
- Kintetsu express — about forty-five to fifty minutes, with no extra charge.
- JR Miyakoji Rapid — about forty-five minutes on the JR Nara line. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
The JR Nara line also stops at Inari, for Fushimi Inari Shrine, and at Uji, so you can combine them with Nara in one day.
From Osaka
- Kintetsu rapid express — about forty minutes from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu-Nara.
- JR Yamatoji Rapid — about fifty minutes from Osaka Station, or thirty-five from Tennoji. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Which station?
Kintetsu-Nara Station is underground at the edge of Nara Park: the deer, Kofuku-ji temple and the road to Todai-ji are five to ten minutes away. From JR Nara Station, walk up the main shopping street for about fifteen minutes or take a city bus. If you do not hold a rail pass, Kintetsu is usually the more convenient choice.
Tips
- IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica work on all these trains except for the limited express seat charge.
- Go early. Todai-ji and the park are quietest before 10:00.
- Start in one city and finish in the other. Travel Kyoto to Nara in the morning and Nara to Osaka in the evening, sending your luggage ahead.
Our Nara day trip guide covers what to see, and Kyoto to Osaka explains the third side of the triangle.
FAQ
How long does it take from Kyoto to Nara? About thirty-five minutes by Kintetsu limited express, or forty-five minutes by JR rapid train.
How long does it take from Osaka to Nara? About forty minutes from Osaka-Namba by Kintetsu, or fifty minutes from Osaka Station by JR.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the trip to Nara? Yes, on JR trains to JR Nara Station. Kintetsu is a private railway and is not covered.
Which Nara station is closer to the deer park? Kintetsu-Nara, which is a few minutes' walk from Nara Park.
Planning Nara for yourself, your family or your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp or message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090 with your dates and group size, and we will reply within 24 hours. Explera is a destination management company for Japan — IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
