Following the existing grid-like street pattern from the 8th century, ease of exploring by foot and its close proximity to major cities in the Kansai region, Nara is one of the best day trips from Osaka or Kyoto.
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It depends on how much you want to see in Nara. A day trip will be just fine for major sites in central Nara such as Todaiji, Nara Park, Tofukuji and Kasha Shrine, but if you want to see sites not in central Nara such as Horyuji, Toshodaiji and Yakushiji, then you should spend a night.
The JR Nara line takes 45 minutes by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train from Kyoto Station. It's covered by the JR Pass but the price is 690 yen if you don't have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.
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.
Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo, was the first capital of Japan (710-794). It's home to 3 of Japan's World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins.
The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 720 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the same fare, the trip could also be made by twice-hourly local trains in 75 minutes. Twice-hourly limited express trains take about 35 minutes and cost 1280 yen for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.
Kyoto to NaraThe Kintetsu line is the fastest way as it only takes 35 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 1,110 yen and it isn't covered by the JR Pass. The JR Nara line takes 45 minutes by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train from Kyoto Station.
If you've only got one full day in Kyoto, you'll have to work fast and efficiently. This itinerary allows you to get a good sampling of what the city has to offer in just one day.
With a medium stay of 4-5 days in Kyoto, you'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into the city's rich history and culture. This extended duration allows you to venture beyond the most famous attractions and explore some of Kyoto's lesser-known gems.
Nara's sights include Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Heijo Palace, Nara National Museum, the Neiraku Museum and the Isuien Garden Complex.
Admission is free, but you will most likely wish to purchase deer crackers during your visit. A pack of ten crackers costs 150 yen. The Todaiji Temple is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the months of April through October, and 8 am to 4:30 pm from November through March. Admission is 500 yen.
Access to Major Areas. Served by the Kintetsu Railway and West Japan Railway (JR West), most of Nara's regions can be accessed with ease by train. An extensive bus network operated by Nara Kotsu is also in place for access to more rural areas, and as an alternative to rail travel.
Nara National Museum is also located in the park. Staying overnight gives you extra time to see Nara by night, and explore some of the dinner options available. You can try some of Nara's specialities, such as somen noodles (a string-thin flour noodle), or bitter persimmon leaf sushi, kaki no ha zushi.
If that is the case, don't despair: A half-day (four hours) is enough to see a lot of Nara's major sights. The itinerary described here is basically an abbreviated version of the one-day itinerary above. Start from Kintetsu Nara Station and walk up Nobori-oji Street.
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.