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ACCESS to NARA
--- Orientation ---
Nara is served by two railway companies, Kintetsu Railways and JR West. The Kintetsu Station is an underground station just a few minutes from Kofukuji Temple and Nara Park, while the JR Station is a 15-20 minute walk west of Kofukuji and the park.
Many of Nara's top attractions are found in the centrally located Nara Park and can be visited on foot.
--- How to travel between Nara and Kyoto ---
* By Japan Railways (JR):
Miyakoji rapid trains ("Miyatoji Kaisoku" in Japanese) operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes and costs 710 Yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these trains.
* By Kintetsu Railways:
Twice hourly departing limited express trains ("tokkyu" in Japanese) take about 35 minutes and cost 620 Yen + extra 510 Yen (limited express fee) for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. By hourly departing direct express trains ("kyuko"), the one way journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 620 Yen without the limited express fee. There are more frequent connections by express trains, if you do not mind transferring once at Yamato-Saidaiji Station. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains.
--- How to travel between Nara and Osaka ---
* By Japan Railways (JR):
Yamatoji rapid trains ("Miyatoji Kaisoku" in Japanese) operate every 20 minutes between Osaka's Tennoji Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 30 minutes and costs 470 Yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these trains. Many trains operate from/to Osaka Station through Tennoji Station (1 hour, 800 Yen).
* By Kintetsu Railways:
By limited express ("tokkyu"), the one way trip from Osaka's Kintetsu Namba Station to Nara takes about 30 minutes and costs 560 Yen + extra 510 Yen (express fee). By rapid express ("kaisoku kyuko"), it takes just a few minutes longer, but costs only 560 Yen without the limited express fee. Trains also stop at Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line.
The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains. Above fees and schedules are subject to change.