Can you use JR Pass from Tokyo to Nara?


Can you use JR Pass from Tokyo to Nara? It's possible to travel from Tokyo to Nara by using the JR pass only, so you won't have to pay anything extra! The one small downside of the JR pass is that you can't use the pass to take the fastest Nozomi shinkansen. So you'll have to be sure to get on the Hikari.


Can you touch the deer in Nara?

Do not carelessly touch or approach the deer! Do not let your child approach the deer alone! The deer in Nara Park are wild animals. Their behavior is unpredictable.


Is Nara closer to Osaka or Kyoto?

Nara is 35 kilometers south of Kyoto City and about 28 kilometers east of Osaka. Thus, it's within easy day trip distances of these cities. Of course, if you want to slow down and enjoy Nara a bit more, it makes sense to stay a night in Nara to really explore the area.


Can I buy JR Pass after entering Japan?

The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased outside of Japan in advance. It is necessary to purchase an Exchange Order before your departure. After entering Japan, you will have to obtain your JR Pass by submiting your Exchange Order at a JR office or designated Rail Station.


What time should I visit Nara?

The two best times to visit Nara are October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring). Nara has a temperate climate, so you can visit at any time of year. Summers (June/July/August) in Nara tend to be hot and humid. Winters (December/January/February) in Nara can be cold.


Can I use my JR Pass from Tokyo to Osaka?

With your Japan Rail Pass The Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and they can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 3 to 4 hours. In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.


Can you use JR Pass anywhere in Japan?

Validity. The pass is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways), including shinkansen, limited express, rapid and local trains. The map below shows the major train lines that are covered by the pass.


Is a day trip to Nara enough?

One day is sufficient to see most of the sights within Nara. You can do this itinerary starting and finishing in Kyoto or Osaka if you wish, but you might find it more relaxing to stay one night in Nara. (See my personal recommendations of where to stay on the Nara Ryokan and Nara Hotels pages).


Should I buy JR Pass before going to Japan?

If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.


Is it cheaper to buy JR Pass in Japan or online?

For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan. Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online.