Nara is Japan’s ancient capital, home to sacred deer, a giant Buddha, and some of the country’s oldest temples. From Tokyo, the fastest route to Kyoto takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes by Shinkansen, then Kintetsu to Nara. Here is the complete guide.
Nara served as Japan’s capital from 710 to 784 AD and remains one of the finest historical destinations in the country. The approximately 1,200 sacred deer that freely roam Nara Park, the Todai-ji Temple housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha (Daibutsu), and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns are the core attractions. Nara is most commonly visited as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, but is also reachable directly from Tokyo via the Shinkansen.
Option 1: Hikari Shinkansen to Kyoto, then Kintetsu to Nara (Recommended)
The fastest practical route from Tokyo to Nara combines the Shinkansen to Kyoto with the Kintetsu private railway to Nara.
Step-by-step
- Step 1: From Tokyo Station, take the Hikari Shinkansen to Kyoto Station. Journey time: about 2 hours 15 minutes cost: 13,870 yen or free with JR Pass. Reserve a seat at the green window.
- Step 2: At Kyoto Station, follow signs to the Kintetsu Kyoto Station (below JR Kyoto). Buy a Kintetsu ticket to Kintetsu Nara Station cost: 1,160 yen. The Kintetsu Limited Express (特急) is the fastest at 35 minutes; the Kintetsu Rapid Express takes about 45 minutes. JR Pass does NOT cover Kintetsu.
- Step 3: From Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park and the main sights are a 5-minute walk east.
Total time: About 2 hours 55 minutes from Tokyo Station.
Total cost: 13,870 yen Shinkansen + 1,160 yen Kintetsu = approximately 15,030 yen (or 1,160 yen if using JR Pass for Shinkansen).
Option 2: JR Shinkansen to Nara via Osaka (JR Pass)
JR Pass holders can take the Hikari Shinkansen to Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station), then the JR Yamatoji Line (also called the JR Osaka Loop Line, which connects to Yamatoji) to Nara Station. Both legs are JR Pass valid.
- Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka: About 2 hours 30 minutes, JR Pass valid
- JR Yamatoji Line Shin-Osaka to Nara: About 50 minutes, JR Pass valid
- Total: About 3 hours 25 minutes, free with JR Pass
This route takes longer than Option 1 but is entirely free for JR Pass holders. JR Nara Station is slightly farther from the main sights than Kintetsu Nara Station (about a 10-minute walk rather than 5), but both are very walkable.
What to See in Nara
Todai-ji Temple (entry 1,000 yen): Houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, in the world’s largest wooden building. The Buddha stands 15 metres tall. The temple grounds and the Nandaimon Great South Gate, with its massive Nio guardian statues, are free to walk through.
Nara Park and the sacred deer: About 1,200 free-roaming sika deer live throughout the park area. Deer crackers (shika senbei, 200 yen per bundle) are sold at park stalls, and the deer will bow to you before taking them. The deer are genuinely wild and can be assertive, especially with food visible. Keep food out of reach when not actively feeding.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine (entry 500 yen for inner sanctuary): Founded in 768 AD, it is lined with over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns donated over the centuries. The forested path from Nara Park to the shrine is one of the finest walks in the Kansai region.
Kofuku-ji Temple (entry 800 yen for the national treasure hall): Nara’s dominant temple on a hilltop above the park. The five-storied pagoda, rebuilt multiple times since the 7th century, is a Nara landmark.
Practical Notes
Suica card: Load at any IC card machine before boarding. Covers all JR, Metro, and private rail fares. See the Suica guide.
Google Maps: Works accurately for Tokyo and Japan-wide transit routing. Download offline maps before landing.
JR Pass: Covers all JR services noted in this guide. Calculate whether the pass saves money on your specific routing before buying. See the JR Pass guide.
Shinkansen booking: See the “How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets ” guide for each booking method.
Day trip vs. overnight: Nara’s major sights can be comfortably covered in 4 to 5 hours. A day trip from Kyoto, Osaka, or even Tokyo works well. Staying overnight reveals a different character: the park empties of tourists in the evening, and the deer are most active at dawn. Limited but atmospheric accommodation is available in the Naramachi merchant house district.
