Nara is the former capital city in Japan and it is older than Kyoto. Many shrines, temples and districts are listed on UNESCO World Heritage, National Heritage and/or National Treasure. When you travel in Kansai region, you may think about visiting or staying in Nara. If you go to Osaka or Kyoto from other cities, such as Tokyo, you can get there by Shinkansen. But when you go to Nara, there are several routes and options. The trip route to Nara is varied by your trip plan and/or the deal which you intend to use.
In this post, I would like to share the information about access to Nara by train and bus.
Overview
Please see the route map below:
Osaka and Kyoto are the gateways to Nara. JR and Kintetsu railway connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. And Nara Kotsu bus runs between Nara and Kansai airport.
Locations of JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations
Before I start to explain about the access routes, I would like to show you the locations of Nara stations. This may be reason why you choose Kintetsu railway. Please see the map below.
View Nara station in a larger map
Kintetsu Nara station is just a step away from many tourist spots, such as Kofuku-ji temple. Nara Park (Deer Park), Todai-ji temple (big statues of Buddha) and Kasuga Taisha shrine. These are within walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station.
JR Nara station is about 1 km away from Kintetsu Nara station. It is acceptable and still within walking distance. If you take Sanjo Dori (三条通/dark brown line in the map above), there are lots of shops along the street. You can enjoy this 1 km walking from the station to Sarusawa pond and Kofukuji temple. But if you travel with a senior or small child, you want to minimize to walk. Before choosing the route, please consider the location of the station in Nara.
Access from Kyoto
You can take either JR or Kintetsu. Kintetsu railway Kyoto station and JR Kyoto station are exactly same location.
But if you intend to use JR Pass or JR West rail passes (such as Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass), JR trains are covered and your choice is JR.
If you use Kansai Thru Pass, Kintetsu railway is covered fully. If you do not intend to use any deals, take Kintetsu railway because Kintetsu Nara station is better location.
I show you the fastest train on each Kintetsu and JR lines.
Miyakoji Rapid Service on JR Nara line
There are three kinds of train running on JR Nara line between Kyoto and Nara. These are local, rapid and Miyakoji Rapid train. Miyakoji Rapid is the fastest JR train which connects Nara and Kyoto. The trip time is around 45 to 50 minutes. This train runs every 30 minutes in daytime. Please see the post below to find more information:
Access to Nara from Kyoto by Japan Railways, Miyakoji Rapid Service
Express and Limited Express on Kintetsu railway Kyoto line
There are four kinds of trains running on Kintetsu Kyoto line between Kyoto and Kintetsu-Nara. These are local, semi express, express and limited express. Express is the fastest train which can be taken by only a base fare ticket. The trip time is almost same as JR Miyakoji Rapid train but as I mentioned, Kintetsu Nara station is closer to the tourist spots. Kintetsu railway is faster way to get there.
However if you pay 510 yen extra, you can take limited express train. The trip time is 30 minutes and accommodation is much nicer than express and JR Miyakoji Rapid train. Please see the link below to find the train route of Kintetsu railway Kyoto line. It does not show “Nara” or “Kintetsu-Nara” station on the map in this link. But many trains from Kyoto go to Kintetsu Nara station via Yamato-Saidaiji. The segment between Yamato-Saidaiji and Kintetsu-Nara belongs to Kintetsu railway Nara-Namba line.
Kintetsu railway Kyoto-Kashihara line map
Kyoto Subway Karasuma line and Kintetsu Kyoto line inter-connected through service
If you take Kyoto city subway Karasuma line to get Kyoto station, you may stay on the subway train after Kyoto station. Because many subway trains go through Kintetsu Kyoto line. A few trains go directly to Nara. Please see the link below to find the information in Kyoto city subway official site:
Kyoto city subway Karasuma line route map
Access from Osaka
There are JR Yamatoji line and Kintetsu Nara line. But the departure station is different. You may choose the route by the pass or the departure station.
Yamatoji Rapid Service on JR Yamatoji line
If you intend to use JR Pass or JR West rail passes (such as Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass) for the trip to Nara, Yamatoji Rapid Service is fully covered and the fastest train to get Nara from Osaka.
This rapid train depart from Tennoji. But this runs to counterclockwise direction on Osaka Kanjo line (loop line) from Tennoji to Tsuruhashi, Kyobashi, Osaka, Nishikujo, Bentencho. This train comes back to Tennoji again and then goes to Nara. So you can catch this train Osaka (Umeda area) and most of major stations on Osaka Kanjo line. This train is operated very frequently. In day time, it runs every 15 minutes. Trip time to Nara is 55 minutes from Osaka and 35 minutes from Tennoji. If you cannot take this train, you can take rapid or local train. But you may have to change trains on the way.
Please see the details about this train in the link below.
Rapid Express on Kintetsu railway Nara line
If you intend to use JR Pass or other JR deals, Kintetsu is not covered. You should take JR Yamatoji Rapid train to get Nara. But if you use Kansai Thru Pass, it’s fully covered. If you do not use any passes, Kintetsu railway is better choice because of fare, frequency and location of Nara station.
In Osaka, Kintetsu has three terminal stations, Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tsuruhashi. Namba is one of the biggest downtown cores in Osaka. JR has JR-Namba station too. But JR-Namba station is a bit away from the center of Namba. Please see the link below to find more information:
If you take JR train from JR-Namba, you have to change to Yamatoji Rapid Service at Shin-Imamiya or Tennoji. On the other hand, Kintetsu takes you to Nara directly.
Osaka-Uehonmachi is located at same location as Osaka Subway Tanimachi line Tanimachi 9-chome station. You can transfer easily there. And you can transfer easily from JR Osaka Kanjo line (loop line) at Tsuruhashi.
There are 6 kinds of trains running on Kintetsu railway Nara line, such as Limited Express, Rapid Express, Express, Semi Express, Suburban Semi Express and Local. Limited Express is the fastest but you have add a seat fee on top of a base fare. And this is a commute line and Limited Express does not run very frequently. The fastest and most convenient choice is Rapid Express. This is a sort of the commute train. Please do not expect a comfortable seat and interior. You may have to stand up in the train.
The travel times from major terminal stations to Kintetsu Nara station are the following:
Osaka-Namba or Osaka-Uehonmachi -> Kintetsu Nara : 40 minutes by Rapid Express
Tsuruhashi -> Kintetsu Nara : 30 minutes by Rapid Express
Please see the link below in Kintetsu railway official site to find the Kintetsu railway Namba-Nara line route map:
Kintetsu railway official site (English)
Trip time is not much different between Kintetsu railway Rapid Express and JR Yamatoji Rapid. However Kintetsu Nara station is better location. Just keep it in your mind.
Access from Kobe
If you access to Nara from Kobe, you have to go through Osaka. There are two ways to get Nara as well. These are JR and Hanshin-Kintetsu Railways.
JR Special Rapid and JR Yamatoji Rapid Services
This is the way for the traveler who wants to use JR Pass or other JR deals. You may take Special Rapid train from Kobe to Osaka. After arrival in Osaka, you can take same way that is Yamatoji Rapid train. There is no direct JR trains from Kobe to Nara.
Hanshin Railway and Kintetsu Nara line
Hanshin Railway is other private railway company and it connects Umeda/Namba and Kobe (Sannomiya). Hanshin railway and Kintetsu railway are connected each other at Osaka-Namba station. Many trains go through each other. Some Rapid Express run between Kobe-Sannomiya and Nara directly. It is operated every 20 to 30 minutes during daytime and travel time is 75 to 80 minutes.
This is only direct train service. It is the easiest and the fastest way to get Nara from Kobe.
If you use Kansai Thru Pass, both Hanshin and Kintetsu railways are covered fully. If you do not use any deals, this is the best choice as well.
Access from Kansai airport
There are three ways, Nara Kotsu bus, JR and Nankai-Kintetsu railways.
Nara Kotsu airport limousine bus
This is only direct transportation from Kansai airport to Nara. Please see the link below to find the timetable and the faretable:
Kansai airport limousine bus official site (English)
If you do not use any train passes, this is the best way to get Nara from Kansai airport.
JR Limited Express Haruka and Yamatoji Rapid Service
This is the way for the traveler who want to use JR Pass or other JR deals.
Kansai airport (Limited Express Haruka) Tennoji (Yamatoji Rapid) Nara
The travel time is around 1 hour 15 minutes. All trips are covered by any JR deals.
Nankai railway and Kintetsu railway
This route is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. And Nara Access Ticket is the deal to cover this route. This is most affordable way to get Nara from Kansai airport.
Nara Access Ticket (Nankai railway official site)
The travel time is not much different from JR Haruka and Yamatoji Rapid combination.
Comments
Hi
I wonder if you could advise the best travel and ticket options for my trip as per below:
I will be staying in kobe for five nights and intend making day trips to:
Kyoto
Osaka
Nara
Mount Yoshino
Please advise best ticket to purchase and routes of transport, I would be most grateful.
Thank you
Hi Ayesha,
Kansai thru pass is the best choice and covers most part of your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you Takeshi.
May I pick your brains for more detailed information?
What would be best way to get from Kansai airport to downtown Kobe?
Then a day trip from Kobe to Mount Yoshino
Day trip Kobe to Nara
Day trip Kobe to Kyoto
Day trip to Osaka
Please advise in terms of which lines / trains to take especially with the trip to Yoshino.
I have been researching options online but overwhelmed and a bit confused at all the options!
I will be in Kobe for 5 days in total.
Will the Kansai Thru Pass that you suggest, cover me to Yoshino or do do I need the JR Pass?
Just want to make sure I am able to get the cheapest and most viable travel ticket to cover all / most aspects of my journeys in the shortest times, given the limited time I will have overall.
With many thanks for your help,
Ayesha
Hi
My plan to travel kyoto-nara-himeji-universal studio-osaka are as follow:
Day 1-2: kyoto sightseeing (stay kyoto stat)
Day 3: kyoto to nara (move to osaka tenoji after nara)
Day 4: osaka to himeji and universal studio (stay osaka tenoji)
Day 5: osaka sightseeing (stay osaka tenoji)
Day 6: osaka to kansai airport
I can’t decide if Kansai Thru pass or Kansai area pass will be best for my itinerary. Could you advice.
Thx
Fei
Hi Fei,
I think your plan is very similar to my sample itinerary. Please see the following link. You will get more idea.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
thanks for the reply. Indeed the itineraries are very similar. The downside is that I’m arriving at 1030pm only. What is the best way to get to Kyoto stat? Would taking the same tickets combo still be feasible?
Thanks
Fei
Hi Fei,
Unfortunately you cannot make Kyoto on arrival day. The last train connection is departing at 23:09.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
I don’t think you can make custom and immigration in 39 minutes. As you see above, it’s very limited to get even Osaka. I recommend you to stay near airport on arrival day and take the earliest train from Kansai to Kyoto. In this case, you can use same deal, ICOCA and Haruka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I was hoping to get your advice on the best travel options for our 8 day stay covering Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Kansai Airport – Kyoto
Day 2: Kinkakuji, Arashimaya, Tenryuji
Day 3: Nishiki Market, Gion
Day 4: Kyoto – Osaka Tennoji and Tennoji – Dontonbori
Day 5: Tennoji to Kids Station and then to Osaka station city then back to Tennoji and then Nanba return
Day 6: Day trip to Nara from Tennoji and R/T Tennoji to Nanba
Day 7: Tennoji – Osaka Castle – Shinbaishi – Tennoji
Day 8: Tennoji – Kansai Airport
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Hi Arjun,
Please see the sample itinerary below.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi!
We will be staying in a hotel in Umeda and since this is our first time in Japan, we find the railway system of Japan quite overwhelming. We plan to go sightseeing in Nara for a day and I would like to ask what is the easiest way for us to Nara? How much?
Also, I would like to ask how to go from Osaka to Nagoya? We will stay there for 1 day and then the following day proceed from Nagoya to Tokyo.
Thanks in advance!
Mary
Hi Mary,
Yamatoji Rapid Service is the best and the easiest way. The fare is 800 yen.
Shinkansen is the best way to travel among Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
You can get the timetable and the fare at hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello! I am staying in Kobe for 4 nights in April and would like to know what the fastest and cheapest way to get to Nara, Osaka and Kyoto is. I will be doing day trips to the places I have stated. I am wondering whether it is easier to get the Kansai Pass, although I am unsure whether it will be taking the quick routes?! I don’t want to spend 5 hours on a train getting to these places just because it is maybe a little cheaper than another ticket.
I hope you understand my question, and can answer with any information you may have.
Thanks!
Hi Emma,
Regarding trip to Kyoto, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
JR Special Rapid is the fastest and only direct train to get Kyoto from Kobe (Sannomiya).
You can use Hankyu Railway to get Kawaramachi in Kyoto, but you have to transfer at Umeda or Juso.
On the other hand, when you go to Nara, Hanshin Railway may give you direct service to Nara form Sannomiya. Some of train goes through Kintetsu Railway line from Namba. You may not need to transfer. You can use JR train, but you have to transfer at Osaka.
There are two kinds of rail passes, Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If you take JR train, Kansai Area Pass is a right choice. If you take other JR, like Hankyu, Hanshin, Kansai Thru Pass is the best choice.
Kansai Thru Pass covers subway in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. And bus service in Kyoto is covered too. But JR Kansai Area Pass does not.
So even though you have to transfer at Umeda when you go to Kyoto, Kansai Thru Pass is better choice in my opinion. I don’t know your plan in Kyoto. But you cannot do it without bus in Kyoto. Kansai Thru Pass gives you a good deal.
You may not need the pass to Osaka. Single fare may be cheapest. But if you intend to travel by subway lots, you can use Kansai Thru Pass 3 days too.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi. Our itinerary is as follows. Pls advise best rail travel pass or tickets.
Day 1-Saturday – arrive in Osaka Kansai airport and go to Kyoto.
Day 2 – Sunday – day trip to Nara and inarifushi
Day 3 – Monday stay in Kyoto
Day 4 – Tuesday go to karuizawa in the afternoon
Day 5 – Wednesday stay in karuizawa
Day 6 – Thursday morning go from Karuizawa to Tokyo
Day 7 – Friday stay in Tokyo
Day 8 – Saturday early morning depart to narita airport
Thanks a lot for your help in advance
Hi Bunny,
Please see the link below.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Use same way for day 1 to 4.
After leaving Kyoto, single ticket is only choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
If you take Kyoto-Nagoya-Nagano-Karuizawa-Tokyo route, you can use one base fare ticket. But Karuizawa is more accessible from Tokyo. In this case, you will need to purchase Kyoto-Tokyo-Karuizawa and Karuizawa-Tokyo tickets. If you reserve seat, you can purchase all base fare tickets in advance when you stay in Kyoto.
In Tokyo, subway pass or Tokunai pass may be added as you need.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks a lot. So you don’t suggest buying a one week JR Pass for my trip but rather buy different tickets for different legs as outlined in your reply above?
I know I am asking too much of you but is it possible to get a rough estimate of the cost difference between the above suggestions of trains and the JRpass?
Really appreciate your help.
Hi Bunny,
If you take Kyoto-Nagano-Karuizawa-Tokyo route, it’s about 20000 yen. If you take Tokyo route, JR pass 7 days pass is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to check if it is worth to get a one day Osaka Pass worth 800 yens (weekday)?
In Osaka, I would need to travel from Shinimimaya to Nambo then go to Osaka Koen and back to Shinimimaya.
Where can I get the pass?
Does the pass cover all subway and buses?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
It’s not much different. Single fares will be slightly cheaper. But the pass is easier to handle.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply. My itineraries are as follow:
Day 1: Kansai Airport to shinimimaya
Shinimimaya to Nara
Nara to Tennoji
Tennoji to Shinimimaya
Day 2
Shinimimaya to Kyoto
In Kyoto , visit Fushimi Inaritaisya and Kiyomizu-dera
Return to Kyoto station
Day 3
嵐山 and Kyoto downtown
Day 4
Kyoto to Osaka
Visit Osaka koen
Nambo, Shinsaibash
Day 5,
Nambo to the airport
I have roughly calculated the fare. It seems that I don’t get much saving by purchasing JR Kansai West Pass. Do you have any suggestion for me?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
My recommendations are the following:
Day 1
JR Kansai west pass 1 day. You can get Haruka to get Tennoji and all part of your trips are covered by this pass.
Day 2
Single ticket is the best. You can take subway to get Yodoyabashi. And then, take Keihan railway. You can get both Fushimi-Inari and Kiyomizu-Gojo (nearest station to Kiyomizudera) by this railway. Please see the following:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Day 3
Kyoto all day bus pass
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Day 4
Single ticket
Day 5
kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t ticket
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/tokuwari.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am going to Osaka, Nara and Kyoto or maybe Kobe for 5 days 4 nights at the end of October. I am thinking of buying a Kansai West JR Pass. However, some people have suggested me to purchase a Icoca Haruka card instead to get a better saving.
I am not sure how the Haruka card works: For a return ticket, it costs about 4,060 yens. The value is HK$1,500.00 yens plus 500 yens deposit. Does it include a return fare from anywhere within the Kansai region to the Kansai Airport?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
ICOCA and Haruka includes return trip by Limited Express Haruka and 1500 yen ICOCA e-money. So you can use ICOCA 1500 yen (2000 yen includes 500 yen deposit) for other than airport access.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
There are several other deals. Please see the following post to learn more.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Kansai Thru Pass covers most in these deals. But you have to decide the place to stay and where you go. For example, in Kyoto, which temples, shrines or attractions are you going to visit? We have to find how many trips we have before pick up deals. Otherwise it’s hard to compare deals and single ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I need to consult you on the transportation from tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.
As I would like to use the Kintetsu Rail Pass (not the wide version) starting from Nagoya to Kyoto to Nara to Osaka but I won’t be able to get it from Singapore as they only sell the wide version. Do you have anyway that I can get the Kintetsu Rail Pass in Tokyo or other convenient place?
Please advise.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Lucan,
Unfortunately there is no way to get Kintetsu Rail Pass in Japan. Only “Wide” pass can be purchased at Kansai or Chubu airport.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-1.html#2
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail