How to Get to Nara, Japan (From Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo)

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, and want to see the iconic bowing deer, then you’re probably wondering how to get to Nara. This historic city is one of the country’s most popular destinations, famous for its friendly deer, ancient temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Getting to Nara is actually pretty simple, thanks to its location between Osaka and Kyoto, and its excellent connections. Whether you’re coming from Osaka, Kyoto, or even all the way from Tokyo, there are several options that make visiting easy and convenient.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to get to Nara, including the nearest airports, the best train routes, and the most practical ways to reach the city from Japan’s biggest hubs.

How to Get to Nara, Japan: The Nearest Airport

There are a variety of ways of how to get to Nara, Japan. But first, let’s check out where exactly you should be flying into to visit.

Does Nara, Japan Have an Airport?

Nara does not have its own airport. The closest airports are in Osaka, with Kansai International Airport (KIX) being the main hub that serves the region. This is the airport most international travelers will fly into, and it has direct connections with cities all over the world.

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How Far is Nara, Japan from the Airport?

Kansai International Airport is located about 75 km (~47 miles) from Nara, and the trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or just under 90 minutes by train.

The next closest airport is Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), which mostly serves domestic flights within Japan. It is just 45 km (~28 miles) from Nara, and takes about an hour by car or train.

Another option is Kobe Airport (UKB), a smaller airport that also focuses on domestic routes. From Kobe, Nara is about 80 km (~50 miles) away, and takes roughly an hour and a half to reach.

If you're heading back to the airport, you can also get a bus with Willer from Nara station to KIX for 2,400 yen. 

How to Get to Nara (from Osaka, Kyoto, & Tokyo)

Now that you know the nearest airport, and how to get to Nara, let's looking at how to get to Nara from other Japanese cities.

How to Get from Osaka to Nara

If you’re looking for how to get to Nara from Osaka, there are a few options you can choose from:

• Take the Kintetsu Line

• Take the JR Yamatoji Line

• Rent a car and drive

How Long is the Train from Osaka to Nara?

The train from Osaka to Nara is one of the quickest and easiest routes. If you take the Kintetsu Limited Express, the journey takes just 35–40 minutes and costs around 1,070 yen (~$7 USD). The JR Yamatoji Rapid Line is another popular choice, taking about 45 minutes and costing 820 yen (~$6 USD).

Renting a Car in Osaka

Renting a car in Osaka is an option if you want the flexibility to explore the countryside around Nara, but it isn’t necessary for just visiting the city. The drive takes about an hour, and while the roads are smooth and well-marked, parking in Nara can be pricey and limited near major attractions.

How Much is a Taxi from Osaka to Nara?

A taxi from Osaka to Nara will set you back around 11,000–20,000 yen (~$75–$135 USD). While it’s the most expensive option, it can be convenient if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

How to Get from Kyoto to Nara

Kyoto is another major jumping-off point for getting to Nara, and the trip is super popular for day-trippers.

The Train from Kyoto to Nara

The fastest and easiest way to get from Kyoto to Nara is to take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service, which gets you to Nara in just 45 minutes for 720 yen (~$5 USD). Another option is the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, which takes around 35 minutes if you take the Limited Express, costing about 1,230 yen (~$8 USD).

Renting a Car in Kyoto

Driving from Kyoto to Nara takes about 60–70 minutes, and the roads are easy to navigate. Just like from Osaka, though, parking in Nara can be a hassle, so only consider this if you plan on exploring the surrounding countryside as well.

Taxis and Private Cars from Kyoto to Nara

A taxi or private car from Kyoto to Nara costs between 13,000–18,000 yen (~$90–125 USD). This is definitely the most expensive way to get there, but can be a stress-free option if you want door-to-door service.

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How to Get from Tokyo to Nara

Tokyo is much farther from Nara, but it’s still very possible to make the journey thanks to Japan’s excellent Shinkansen (bullet train) network, and the overnight buses that do the trip.

The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nara

The fastest way to get to Nara from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, which takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes if you take the Nozomi train. From Kyoto, you can transfer to the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Line, reaching Nara in another 35–45 minutes. In total, the trip takes about 3 hours and costs around 14,500 yen (~$100 USD).

 Taking the Bus from Tokyo to Nara

For a slightly cheaper price (8,800-12,000 yen) you can opt to take the overnight bus from Tokyo to Nara, leaving from from the first station at 8:55 pm and leaving from the last station in Tokyo at 12:10 am, getting into Nara 7:00 am. 

The bus has seats that recline, but don't go all the way down, so they're not super comfortable, but if you're able to sleep on buses then you'll be able to also save a bit of money on a hotel that night.

Renting a Car in Tokyo

While you could technically drive from Tokyo to Nara, we really don’t recommend it unless you are planning a longer road trip around Japan. The drive is about 6–7 hours without traffic, and tolls alone will set you back nearly 10,000 yen (~$70 USD), not including rental fees and gas.

Flying from Tokyo to Osaka, Then Continuing to Nara

Another option is to fly from Tokyo to Osaka Itami or Kansai International Airport, then take the train to Nara. Flights between Tokyo and Osaka are only about an hour, but once you factor in airport transfers and waiting times, the Shinkansen is usually the faster and easier choice.

How to Get to Nara: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Now that you know how to get to Nara, Japan, let's provide you with some more practical info.

 Getting Around: Walking is the most ideal way to explore the city, but you can also use buses, get taxis, or use ride-share apps.

 Where to Stay: We recommend staying between the bus station and Nara Park. We stayed at Nara Deer Park hostel which is an excellent budget-friendly option.

 Language: Japanese is the language in Nara, Japan.

 Currency: Nara uses the Japanese Yen, just like the rest of Japan.

 Safety: Nara is a very safe city, and the locals are very welcoming.

 Weather: Nara experiences 4 seasons, with extremely hot and humid summers, and cold, snowy winters.

What's Next?

Now that you how to get to Nara, Japan, you might want to know more about visiting! Currently, we have a guide about the Nara Lantern Festival, and what to do in Nara in one day, along with more new Japan articles coming each week!

So are you ready to book your trip to Nara, Japan? We hope our transportation guide has helped you, whether you're coming from Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo.

Want to learn more about traveling in Japan? We have a ton of other Japan Travel Guides coming up for you. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our most recent articles, and to receive special discounts on our shop.

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