Nara is 35–45 minutes from Kyoto by train. The Great Buddha at Todai-ji, the deer of Nara Park, the lantern-lined approach to Kasuga Taisha and the old merchant houses of Naramachi are all inside one park, so an out-in-the-morning, back-by-dinner day trip works perfectly. This guide compares Kintetsu and JR, gives a timed route, and explains how to deal with the deer.
Kyoto to Nara: Kintetsu vs JR
| Option | Time | Fare | Arrives at | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kintetsu limited express | about 35 min | ¥1,280 incl. seat fee | Kintetsu-Nara | All reserved. 5 min walk to the park |
| Kintetsu express | about 45 min | ¥760 | Kintetsu-Nara | No change, no reservation. Good enough |
| JR Miyakoji Rapid | about 45 min | ¥720 | JR Nara | 20 min walk to the park. Skips Inari |
Verdict: the Kintetsu express is the practical choice. Kintetsu-Nara Station is at the park entrance, a 15-minute walk closer than JR Nara. Take JR if you are combining with Fushimi Inari on a local train, or if you hold a JR pass.
One-day route
- 8:30 Leave Kyoto Station (Kintetsu express) → 9:15 Kintetsu-Nara
- 9:30 Kofuku-ji — five-storey pagoda and the National Treasure Hall with the Ashura statue (¥700)
- 10:15 Nara Park — meet the deer. Deer crackers ¥200
- 10:45 Todai-ji — the Great Buddha Hall (¥800; opens 7:30, until 17:30 spring–autumn)
- 12:00 Lunch on the approach to the Nandaimon gate (kakinoha persimmon-leaf sushi, Miwa somen noodles)
- 13:15 Nigatsu-do — free; the balcony looks over the whole city
- 14:00 Kasuga Taisha — inner shrine ¥500; 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns line the approach
- 15:30 Naramachi — lattice-fronted townhouses and sweet shops
- 17:00 Leave Kintetsu-Nara → 17:45 Kyoto. Dinner at Nishiki Market or in Gion
Total walking: 6–7 km. Skipping Kofuku-ji saves an hour.
Dealing with the deer
- The deer are wild animals, about 1,200 of them, protected as a national natural monument.
- Deer crackers (shika senbei) cost ¥200 at park stalls. The moment they see the crackers you will be surrounded, so feed immediately.
- Bow and many deer bow back — it is a request for more crackers.
- They eat paper, maps and tickets. Keep them in your bag.
- Nipping, butting and the occasional kick are normal. Children always with an adult.
- In autumn (September–November) the males are aggressive. Antlers are cut, but watch for shoving.
Tips
- Lockers at Kintetsu-Nara fill up; leave luggage in Kyoto and travel light.
- In the Great Buddha Hall there is a pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril; crawling through is for children and there is a queue.
- Kasuga Taisha lights all its lanterns twice a year: early February (Setsubun) and 14–15 August.
- Rainy day alternative: Nara National Museum (Buddhist sculpture hall, ¥700).
- Kintetsu sells day tickets from Kyoto (e.g. Nara-Ikaruga 1day) worth it if you go on to Horyu-ji.
[Affiliate slot: Nara day tour from Kyoto, Kintetsu rail pass — Klook / KKday]
Related
15 things to do in Kyoto, the 3-day Kyoto itinerary (day 3 can be swapped for Nara), and Kansai Airport to Kyoto.
Official information: Nara City Tourism Association · Todai-ji · Kasuga Taisha · Kintetsu Railway · Google Maps
Comments