The city of Nara is famous for its many shrines and temples, many of which date back to the 8th century when Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. The UNESCO World Heritage property Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara has eight component parts.
Todai-ji – one of The Seven Great Temples of Nara
Two train lines connect the cities of Osaka and Nara: the JR Yamatoji Line, and the Kintetsu Nara Line.
The JR line is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the Kintetsu Line is not. However, within Nara city, Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara Park and the main temple area than JR Nara Station.
Nara Park is about 8 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station and about 20 minutes on foot from JR Nara Station. Kintetsu Railway also has its own discount passes which can be useful for some itineraries between Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto.
Deer roam free in Nara Park
The JR Yamatoji Line
The Yamatoji Rapid Service to Nara at Osaka Station
Traveling from Osaka Station, the Yamatoji Rapid Service will get you to JR Nara Station in about 50 minutes for 840 yen.
Traveling from JR Namba Station, some services run direct to JR Nara Station and others require a transfer, commonly at Kyuhoji Station. Typical trips take about 50 to 55 minutes and cost 580 yen.
To find the best train times for the JR Yamatoji Line use the JR West Route Maps and Timetables page.
The Kintetsu Nara Line
A train bound for Kintetsu Nara Station
Traveling from Osaka Namba Station, a Rapid Express train on the Kintetsu Nara Line will get you to Kintetsu Nara Station in about 39 to 40 minutes for 680 yen.
Limited Express services also run between Osaka Namba Station and Kintetsu Nara Station and take about 34 minutes. Standard limited express trips start around 1,200 yen, while some trains or seat products cost more. A Limited Express ticket is required in addition to the base fare or pass.
For travelers making additional Kintetsu trips, compare the KINTETSU RAIL PASS options. The KINTETSU RAIL PASS 1day costs 1,900 yen for adults and 950 yen for children, and the KINTETSU RAIL PASS 2day costs 3,700 yen for adults and 1,850 yen for children. Kintetsu also sells wider 5-day passes for travel across a larger network. Limited Express trains still require a separate Limited Express ticket when using a pass.
To find the best train times for journeys on the Kintetsu Nara Line use an English language route finder like Jorudan or Navitime.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 10-Aug-2026.
