Nara
Nara City, the capital of Nara Prefecture in Japan, is a historic treasure trove. As the first permanent capital of Japan, it is home to many ancient temples and shrines, including the renowned Todai-ji Temple with its colossal Great Buddha statue. Nara Park, known for its friendly free-roaming deer, is a city landmark. The city also boasts the Nara National Museum, which houses a vast collection of Buddhist art. With its rich history, traditional architecture, and natural beauty, Nara City offers a captivating exploration of Japan’s cultural heritage. It’s a must-visit destination for any traveler to Japan.
Access
Access by Train
- From Tokyo: The JR Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Kyoto in about 2.5 hours.
- From Osaka: The JR Yamatoji Line connects Osaka to Nara in around 50 minutes.
- From Kyoto: The JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Kyoto Line can be used to reach Nara in approximately 45 minutes.
Access by Bus
- From Kyoto: The JR Bus operates between Kyoto Station and Nara, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- From Osaka: The Kintetsu Bus connects Osaka (Abenobashi or Uehommachi) to Nara in approximately 1 hour.
Access by Car
- From Osaka: Nara is about a 1-hour drive from Osaka via the Keinawa Expressway.
- From Kyoto: It takes approximately 1 hour to reach Nara from Kyoto by car via the Keiji Bypass and the Nara Toll Road.