
Miyakoji Rapid Service is operated by JR West 221 series.
Miyakoji Rapid Service is the fastest local train that is operated between Kyoto (=京都) and Nara (=奈良). Most of local tourists take Kintetsu (近鉄) line to Nara. Because they have many more trains and very frequent. If you travel in Japan without Japan Rail Pass, you may use Kintetsu line. But most of travellers from foreign countries use Japan Rail Pass. So this Rapid Service is your best choice, because you don’t need to pay any extra. This line used to be very local and inconvenient. But JR West upgrade the trains and timetable. Now JR West operate many Rapid trains. It is very convenient and frequent departure these days.
And there is no limited express train to Nara. So this Miyakoji Rapid Service is the fastest and best choice for accessing from Kyoto.
Route, schedule and trip time
View Miyakoji Rapid Service in a larger map
Route

The sign of Miyakoji Rapid Express
Miyakoji Rapid Service is operated between Kyoto and Nara. This train is operated every 15 minutes between Yasu-Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe-Himeji in daytime, and every 8 minutes in the peak hours. And this train is operated in every 30 minutes. This train departs from Kyoto at 09:19, and continue depart every 30 minutes until 16:49. From Nara, this departs at 09:09, and continue depart every 30 minutes until 16:38. Other than this schedule, you may take Rapid train or Regional Rapid train.
Stations
Miyakoji Rapid Service stop at these following stations:
Kyoto-Tofukuji-Rokujizo-Uji-Joyo-Tamamizu-Kizu-Nara
Time required
Miyakoji Rapid Service connects Kyoto with Nara in 45-50 minutes. If you take Rapid train, it connects in 50-60 minutes and stop at a few more stations. It is not much difference.
Accommodation
Special Rapid Service is operated by 221 series.
Images
Miyakoji Rapid Service sign image by w0746203-1 (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Interior image 1 By w0746203-1 (Own work (本人撮影)) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Interior image 2 and Washroom interior image by R3’s web site

Karasuma Hotel Kyoto Traditional tatami room
Nara Hotel Old charm and elegance
Comments
I wish to travel from Kyoto to Nara next month using the Miyakoji rapid train but I will not have a JR rail pass. Can I purchase tickets at the station or use a Suica card?
Hi Keith,
You can purchase a ticket at the vending machine before you take this train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Thank you for these information 🙂
I am a bit confused on the ICOCA/JR pass.
If I get an ICOCA card when I arrive at Kansai airport, can I use it on the Yamatoji Rapid Service (Osaka to Nara) and Miyakoji Rapid Service (Nara to Kyoto)?
For airport to Osaka and Kyoto to airport, I would use the Limited Express Haruka.
Thank you again
Hi Johnny,
YOu can use ICOCA to take both Yamatoji rapid and Miyakoji rapid.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I would like to travel to Nara tomorrow 8 th July 2018.
I need some information about the cancellation of the train connection between Kyoto and Nara.
Can you please let me know how I can travel to Nara from Kyoto.
Thank you.
Maria
Hi Maria,
Both JR and Kintetsu railway do not cancel any trains. JR trains may be a big behind the regular schedule but it runs. Kintetsu railway trains runs as usual. It’s no problem to get Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I have the JR pass and am trying to figure out how to use JR Miyakoji Rapid Service to Nara station but I cannot find the the stops and timetable of it. I will be visiting Nara on a Sunday afternoon, around 2pm. Is that too late to catch Miyakoji Rapid Service to Nara?
I could also depart either from Sanjo station or Gion-Shijo station. The most important is to be able to use my JR.
Many thanks!
Hi Phuong,
There are many rapid trains running between Kyoto and Nara in all day. Even if you cannot catch rapid train, there are many more local trains too. You can use Hyperdia to find it. Input Kyoto and Nara in departure and arrival stations and you may find it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Sanjo and Gion-Shijo station are not JR stations. If you want to use JR pass, you have to pay for bus or subway to get Kyoto station first. In Kyoto, JR Pass does not cover many places. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I notice the last train from Nara to Kyoto is 16:38. Is ther no other train going back to Kyoto after 16:38. If ther is what train should I take and what time is the last train? Oh yes I am using a JR pass, thank you.
Hi Tina,
Train runs every 10 to 30 minutes until around 23:00.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi..can you tell me how i can reach kyoto station from nara by using jr west pass (2200 yen pass). What train should i take & how long the journey?
Hi Annie,
You can find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
JR West Kansai Area Pass is same condition as Japan Rail Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com