Within easy reach of both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is a much smaller city but one with a very important history. As the capital prior to Kyoto, Nara boasts many significant temples including Japan’s largest, Todai-ji, and being notably smaller than Kyoto, it is a pleasant city to explore on-foot. On this page you will find the following information:
Once so powerful the capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto to limit the influence of the monks of Todai-ji, the story of Nara is inextricable from that of Kyoto and Japan itself. The city is home to multiple temples and shrines of international and global importance, with other historic and cultural attractions also on offer. While Nara is a small city, it is serviced by two train stations with a couple of important points to note - discussed below.
The following information focuses primarily on train travel, as Japan's extensive rail network is generally the easiest way to travel between major cities and destinations. Where a bus or other form of public transportation offers a significantly more convenient or economical option, we include that as well. For travelers using a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, we also note where JR services can be used as an alternative. Let's start with the obvious question:
Where is Nara?
Nara is a small but hugely historic city lying around 40KM to the direct south of Kyoto and 35KM to the east of Osaka - it takes around 50 minutes to reach Nara from both starting points. The city is serviced by two main train stations - Kintetsu-Nara Station and JR Nara Station. For visitors heading to Nara's main attractions including Todai-ji and the Nara Deer Park, Kintetsu-Nara Station is the more convenient however services to it are not covered by an Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Services to JR Nara Station are covered - see below for details. Nara has plenty to keep you entertained for a couple of days or can be enjoyed as a daytrip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Best Tours in Nara
From the iconic Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine to the ancient wonders of Horyu-ji Temple, the sacred peaks of Mount Yoshino, and the tranquil forests surrounding Muroji Temple, Nara offers some of Japan's richest cultural and natural experiences. Whether you want to meet Nara's famous deer, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hike through sacred mountains, discover hidden temples, or uncover the origins of Japanese civilization on the Yamanobe no Michi, our guided tours showcase the very best of the region.
Led by experienced English-speaking guides, each tour combines famous landmarks with lesser-known destinations, giving you a deeper understanding of Nara's history, religion, and traditions. Browse our collection below to find the perfect tour for your visit and experience a side of Japan that many travellers never discover.
Kintetsu-Nara Station vs. JR Nara Station
Kintetsu-Nara Station: located within walking distance of some of the city’s most famous and popular attractions – including Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji, Nara Park, the Kasuga Grand Shrine and Nara National Museum – Kintetsu-Nara Station is the most convenient station to visitors heading to these sites. It is however important to note that services to and from this station are not covered by any Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
JR Nara Station: located around 1km / 10 to 15-minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, JR Nara Station sits further away from the city's most famous attractions i.e. the walk to Todai-ji from JR Nara Station is around 30-minutes rather than 15-minutes from Kintetsu-Nara Station. However services to and from JR Nara Station are covered by the JR Pass making it an attractive option for many international visitors. Whichever station you choose to use, Nara is a small city that can be explored on foot and both stations will work in terms of getting to the most popular attractions, noting that Kintetsu-Nara Station is the more convenient of the two.
How to Get to Nara
In this section you will find information on how to reach Nara from the following starting points:
We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
How to get to Nara from Kyoto
As noted above, there are two stations servicing Nara, both of which can be reached using services from Kyoto Station. Services heading to Kintetsu-Nara Station are the fastest and take you to the station closest to the most popular attractions however this option is not covered by any JR Pass and requires you to transfer trains along the way. Services to JR Nara Station take a little longer and ultimately place you further away from the main attractions of the city however this service is covered by the JR Pass.
1 / To Kintetsu-Nara Station (fastest/most convenient): take the express service on the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara Station – approx. 48-minutes / JPY760 – not covered by JR Pass.
2 / To JR Nara Station: take the JR Nara Line bound for Nara – approx. 50-minutes / JPY720 – covered by JR Pass.
How to get to Nara from Osaka
Visitors coming from Osaka have the option of using the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara Station or the Yamatoji Rapid Service to JR Nara Station:
1 / To Kintetsu-Nara Station (fastest/most convenient): take the rapid express service on the Kintetsu Nara Line – approx. 40-minutes / JPY680 – from Osaka Namba Station*.
2 / To JR Nara Station (covered by JR Pass): take the Yamatoji Rapid - approx. 50-minutes / JPY800 – from Osaka Station*.
*Please note, Osaka Namba Station and Osaka Station are not stops on the Tokaido or any other shinkansen line.
How to get to Nara from Kansai International Airport
For visitors traveling directly to Nara from Kansai International Airport, the easiest option is to travel to JR Nara Station. From Kansai Airport, take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Tennoji Station, then transfer to the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service bound for Nara. Disembark at JR Nara Station. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, with a fare of around JPY 1,740.
Alternatively, the Airport Limousine Bus provides a direct and convenient connection from Kansai International Airport to JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. The bus takes approximately 90–100 minutes and is particularly convenient for travelers with large luggage, as no transfers are required. A fare around JPY 2,400
How to get to Nara from Nagoya
Nara is most easily reached from Nagoya via Kyoto. Both Nagoya and Kyoto are served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, making this a quick and straightforward journey. From Nagoya Station, take a Tokaido Shinkansen service to Kyoto, a journey of approximately 35 to 40 minutes depending on the service. From Kyoto Station, follow the directions above to continue to Nara.
For more information about everything on offer in and around Nagoya, see our ‘Nagoya & Kii Peninsula’ destination page.
How to get to Nara from Tokyo
Nara is easily accessible from Tokyo via Kyoto. From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto, a journey of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on the service. From Kyoto Station, follow the directions above to continue to Nara.
For more information about Japan's capital, see our ‘Tokyo’ destination page.
How to get to Nara from Kanazawa
Nara is easily accessible from Kanazawa via Kyoto. From Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station, where you can transfer to the Limited Express Thunderbird bound for Kyoto. The journey to Kyoto takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Once in Kyoto, follow the directions above to continue to Nara.
For more information about the attractions and experiences in Kanazawa, see our ‘Kanazawa’ destination page.
Where to Stay When Visiting Nara
Nara has a decent range of accommodation with the option of also staying in nearby Kyoto or Osaka where you will find a huge range of hotels and guesthouses including luxury, mid-range and budgets options. Our ‘Where to Stay in Kyoto & Nara?’ page listed the best areas including accommodation listings.
Plan-Your-Trip-With-Us
Still undecided? Start with our Best Tours in Nara to discover guided experiences covering Nara's ancient temples, sacred shrines, famous deer, and lesser-known cultural sites. For a broader look at the region, explore our 40 Things to Do in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, featuring seasonal activities, neighborhoods, historic sites, and cultural experiences across Kansai.
Looking to explore Nara's most important sights? Discover our guides to Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple & National Treasure Museum, and the Nara National Museum. For travelers with more time, venture beyond central Nara to explore the ancient Horyu-ji Temple, the historic Nara Palace Site Historical Park, and the sacred mountain landscapes of Yoshino and Muroji Temple.
For a deeper look at Nara's mountain temples, shrines, and cultural traditions, discover Kinpusenji Temple, Yoshimizu Shrine, Muroji Ryuketsu Shrine, and the Murou Art Forest. You can also explore the historic mountain town of Ikoma and Hozanji Temple for a quieter side of Nara away from the main tourist routes.
Private Charters & Tours in Central Japan
Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any destination in Central Japan.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule including transport to and from any destination in Central Japan. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about arranging a charter or tour in Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
