A Whirlwind Trip: Kyoto to Nara in a Day
Discovering Kyoto and Nara
Discover the best of Kyoto to Nara in a day! Explore cultural gems, savor local eats, and travel with ease!
Kyoto and Nara are two of Japan's most charming cities, each bursting with history and culture. Let's take a stroll through their pasts and check out the must-see spots.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, was established in 710 at Heijo, now called Nara. This city played a big role in shaping Japan's early days. The capital later moved to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto, thanks to the growing clout of powerful Buddhist monasteries. Nara's time as the capital saw a boom in Japanese culture, art, and architecture, all heavily influenced by China.
Kyoto, with its timeless charm, served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years after Nara. The city is famous for its well-preserved temples, shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Kyoto was the heart of culture, politics, and religion for centuries. If you're thinking of traveling beyond Nara, you might want to check out the route from Hakone to Kyoto.
Must-See Spots
Both Kyoto and Nara are packed with cultural gems that give you a peek into Japan's rich heritage.
Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): This breathtaking Zen Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: Known for its thousands of red torii gates, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and agriculture.
Gion District: Famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture, Gion is a must-visit for a taste of old-world Kyoto.
Nara
Todai-ji Temple: Home to the Great Buddha statue, this temple is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples.
Nara Park: Spanning 660 hectares, Nara Park is known for its beautiful scenery, historical importance, and free-roaming deer.
Kasuga Taisha: This Shinto shrine is famous for its lantern festival and lush surroundings.
Both Kyoto and Nara offer a unique mix of history and culture that will leave any visitor spellbound. If you're planning to explore more of Japan, check out how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto or the route from Kyoto to Osaka.
Dining in Nara
Traveling from Kyoto to Nara? Don't miss out on the local eats. Here are some top spots in Nara to get your fill of traditional Japanese flavors.
Washoku to Osake Yamatoan
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from JR Nara Station (3 minutes) and Kintetsu Nara Station (10 minutes), Washoku to Osake Yamatoan is your go-to for classic Japanese dishes. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this place is a must-visit.
Tori Tamura
Craving yakitori? Tori Tamura's got you covered. This cozy spot, just 3 minutes from JR Nara Station and 10 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station, serves up delicious grilled chicken skewers. It's the perfect casual meal.
Café Cojica
Need a break? Café Cojica offers a chill, family-friendly vibe. Located 4 minutes from JR Nara Station and 9 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station, it's the ideal spot to relax during your day trip.
Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka
For a taste of Nara's unique sushi, head to Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka. Right outside Kintetsu Nara Station and a 14-minute walk from JR Nara Station, this place is a sushi lover's dream.
Kamameshi Shizuka
Kamameshi Shizuka is the spot for traditional kamameshi rice dishes. With options like prawn, crab, chicken, and oyster, it's a hit. Just a 6-minute walk from Todaiji Temple, it's a great place to refuel after sightseeing.
When planning your trip from Kyoto to Nara, make sure to hit up these dining spots to savor the best of the region. For more travel tips, check out our guides on hakone to kyoto and how to get from tokyo to kyoto.
Getting from Kyoto to Nara
Traveling from Kyoto to Nara is a breeze with several transportation options to fit your style and schedule. Here's how you can make the trip.
Train Options
Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to get from Kyoto to Nara. Here are your choices:
1. JR Nara Line:
Time: 45-60 minutes.
Cost: 710 yen.
Frequency: Frequent trains throughout the day.
Pass Coverage: Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
2. Kintetsu Railway:
Route: From Kintetsu Nara Station to Yamato-Saidaiji Station, transfer to a train to Kashiharajingu-mae Station, and then transfer once more to reach Asuka Station.
Time: Around one hour.
Cost: 700 yen (plus 520 yen for a limited express train).
Pass Coverage: Covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kansai Railway Pass (except for the limited express fee), but not by the Japan Rail Pass.
For more details on train travel in Japan, visit our guide on how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Rental Bicycles
Exploring Nara by bike is a fun option, especially on sunny days. There are several rental shops near major stations like Asuka Station, Kashiharajingu-mae Station, and Okadera Station.
Cost: 900 yen per day on weekdays, 1000 yen per day on weekends and holidays.
Availability: Available at key stations in Nara.
Biking lets you explore at your own pace and enjoy the scenic routes around Nara. For tips on cycling routes and more, check out our article on Kyoto to Osaka.
Kame Loop Bus
The Kame Loop Bus is a tourist-friendly option that hits most of the key sights around Nara. It runs once per hour (or twice per hour during busy travel seasons) between Asuka Station and Kashiharajingu-mae Station.
Single Ride Cost: Starts at 190 yen.
Day Pass: 650 yen for unlimited use on one calendar day.
Frequency: Once per hour, twice per hour during busy seasons.
Mix and match these transportation options to fit your itinerary. Whether you prefer the convenience of trains, the freedom of bicycles, or the ease of the Kame Loop Bus, you’ll find the perfect way to travel from Kyoto to Nara. For more travel tips, explore our guide on Hakone to Kyoto.
Discovering West Nara
Your trip from Kyoto to Nara can lead you to some of the coolest historical and cultural gems in West Nara. Here are some must-see spots that'll make your adventure unforgettable.
Horyuji Temple
Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga Town is a big deal. Built in 607, it's one of Japan's oldest temples and has the world's oldest wooden structure still standing. In 1993, it got the UNESCO World Heritage nod.
Chogosonshi-ji Temple
Sitting on Mount Shigi's southern slopes in Heguri Town, Chogosonshi-ji Temple dates back to the 6th century. Known as the "tiger temple" because of its tiger connections, it offers stunning views and a peaceful vibe.
Koriyama Castle
Check out the ruins of Koriyama Castle in Yamatokoriyama City. Built by Lord Toyotomi Hidenaga in the 16th century, it played a key role in the region's history before being destroyed after the Edo Shogunate ended.
Goshuin-cho Book
Collecting Goshuin stamps is a fun way to remember your visits to Nara's temples and shrines. The Goshuin-cho book is like your travel diary, filled with beautiful calligraphy and unique stamps from each sacred spot. Don't forget to bring it along to collect these cool mementos.
Shaved Ice Options
No trip to Nara is complete without trying some local treats. Shaved ice, or "kakigori," is a popular dessert that'll cool you down on a hot day. Several shops in West Nara offer unique flavors and toppings. Try the matcha-flavored shaved ice or other seasonal favorites.
West Nara offers a mix of historical and cultural experiences that will make your journey from Kyoto to Nara special. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, collecting Goshuin stamps, or enjoying delicious, shaved ice, there's something for everyone.
