Nara
Nara Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a fascinating destination steeped in history and culture. As the country’s first permanent capital, Nara boasts an array of ancient temples, shrines, and historic sites. Its most famous attraction, Nara Park, is home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. The park also houses the impressive Todai-ji temple, which contains the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. Nara is known for its traditional crafts, including Nara calligraphy brushes and Nara lacquerware, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage.
Sites in Nara
Access
From Tokyo:
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and JR Line: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the JR Nara Line. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The cost varies depending on the type of Shinkansen (reserved or non-reserved seats).
From Osaka:
- JR Yamatoji Line: From Osaka Station, take the JR Yamatoji Line directly to Nara Station. The journey takes around 45-50 minutes, and the fare is around 800 yen.
- Kintetsu Nara Line: From Osaka-Namba Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line Rapid Express to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The trip takes around 35-40 minutes, and the fare is around 570 yen.
From Kyoto:
- JR Nara Line: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line directly to Nara Station. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and the fare is around 720 yen.
- Kintetsu Kyoto Line: From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line Limited Express to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The trip takes around 35-40 minutes, and the fare is around 1,130 yen for a non-reserved seat.
Locations
