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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Nara
Orientation and Transportation

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How to travel between Nara and Kyoto

By Japan Railways (JR)

Miyakoji rapid trains (kaisoku) operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes and costs 690 yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these trains.

By Kintetsu Railways

Twice hourly departing limited express trains (tokkyu) take about 35 minutes and cost 1,110 yen for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.

By hourly departing direct express trains (kyuko), the one way journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 610 yen. There are more frequent connections by express trains, if you do not mind transferring once at Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
 

Orientation

Nara is served by two railway companies, Kintetsu Railways and JR West. The Kintetsu station is an underground station just a few steps from Kofukuji and Nara Park, while the JR station is a 15-20 minute walk west of Kofukuji and the park. A network of city buses connects the two stations with all sites of interest.

Many of Nara's main attractions are found in the centrally located Nara Park and can be visited on foot. The great temples Toshodaiji, Yakushiji and Horyuji, however, stand several kilometers outside of central Nara and are best accessed by bus or train.

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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Hotels and Ryokan
Nara is commonly visited on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and only a few tourists overnight there. Indeed, the range of accommodation in Nara is rather limited, but there are a few options for those aiming to visit the city in more than a day trip. A location close to Nara Park is generally preferred.
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Asukaso
A fine ryokan with hot spring bath offering views of the famous five-story pagoda. Located in the heart of Nara town.
Recommended Hotels around Nara - with lowest rates by selected hotel reservation websites
Asukaso
Centrally located ryokan with outdoor baths that view onto the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple.
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Hotel Fujita Nara
Regular business hotel located halfway between JR Nara Station and Nara Park.
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Agoda or Japanican
Nara Hotel
One of the oldest Western style hotels in Japan, located next to Nara Park.
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Agoda or Japanican

Tours and Packages
Nara Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Nara and surroundings.

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English Links
JR West
Official English website.
Kintetsu
Official English website.

Japanese Links
JR West
Official website.
Kintetsu
Official website.
Nara Kotsu
Official website.

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Related Pages
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Sightseeing
Transportation
Kansai Region
Nara

Todaiji Temple
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Kasuga Taisha
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Nara Park
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