Which station to pick
Kintetsu Nara and JR Nara are two different stations. Kintetsu Nara lies close to Kofuku-ji and the western side of the park. JR Nara is farther west, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the park and to Kofuku-ji. Nara Park is a large area, so "to the park" does not mean "to every temple". Check where your first sight is before you choose.
Most visitors need no car. Many of the central sights can be linked on foot, and city buses connect both stations with the park. This is an independent guide. Fares and times are those of 2026 and can change.
Walking times from Kintetsu Nara
Approximate times on foot.
| Destination | From Kintetsu Nara | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kofuku-ji National Treasure Hall | About 5 minutes | Close to the western side of the park |
| Isuien Garden | About 15 minutes | No car park at the garden |
| Nara National Museum | About 15 minutes | Bus stop Himuro Jinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan at the museum |
| Koshi-no-Ie in Naramachi | About 20 minutes | Free entry |
| Kasuga Taisha | About 25 minutes | Or a bus to the stop Kasuga Taisha Honden |
| Park and Kofuku-ji from JR Nara | 15 to 20 minutes | JR Nara is the western station |
For the walk to the Great Buddha Hall and the temple's own opening times, see getting to Todai-ji.
Nara tours and day trips
Guided walks, e-bike rides and day trips from Kyoto and Osaka that include the park, with live prices and availability.
City buses
Nara Kotsu buses link both stations with the park.
Loop Bus
Nara Kotsu runs a Loop Bus every day. It is not the same as the Nara Park Gurutto Bus.
Nara Park Gurutto Bus
This bus runs only on weekends and holidays, with some extra weekday operation possible. One ride costs JPY 250 for adults and JPY 130 for children. You can pay in cash or with a national transport IC card.
Hilltop Bus
A separate seasonal bus goes to the summit of Mount Wakakusa. Prices and dates are on the page for Mount Wakakusa.
From Kyoto and Osaka by train
Station to station times and adult fares for one way, as of 2026. Add the walk or bus ride to the park.
| Route | Time | Adult fare, one way |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto to Kintetsu Nara, limited express | About 35 minutes | JPY 1,280 (JPY 760 base fare plus JPY 520 surcharge) |
| Kyoto to JR Nara, Miyakoji Rapid | About 45 minutes | JPY 720 |
| Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu Nara | About 40 minutes | JPY 680 base fare; the limited express surcharge is JPY 520 |
| Osaka to JR Nara, Yamatoji Rapid | 45 to 50 minutes | JPY 840 |
Kintetsu limited express trains have reserved seats only, so you need the base fare ticket and the matching surcharge. Osaka-Namba on the Kintetsu line is not the same as Nankai Namba or JR Namba. The full plans are on the pages Nara from Kyoto and Nara from Osaka.
By car
Since 1 October 2026, the state car parks at Noborioji, Takabatake and Daibutsuden-mae charge up to JPY 1,500 on ordinary weekdays and JPY 2,000 on weekends and holidays. Special days cost JPY 2,500 or JPY 3,000. The calendar decides, so there is no single daily price. The published calendar runs to 31 March 2027. After midnight a new daily amount is added. Noborioji keeps its first free hour on weekdays.
The Daibutsuden-mae car park is only for people with a disability. Switch off the engine while you are parked in a state car park. Kasuga Taisha has its own parking for JPY 1,500 per car and JPY 500 per motorbike.
In autumn 2026 a park-and-ride scheme runs on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. It uses four designated lots, with free parking and a free return bus ticket and no registration. Cars are accepted from 08:00 to 15:00, and the parking time is 08:00 to 21:00.
Rules for driving in the park
Deer walk on and across the roads.
Park only where allowed
Do not drive outside the designated roads and spaces, and keep out of closed areas.
No fire, no plants, no harm
Fire and fireworks are not allowed. Do not take plants, and do not harm animals.
Deer on the road
Frightened deer can run into traffic. Drive slowly and read the rules on the deer page.
Getting to Nara Park: frequently asked questions
Which station is closer to Nara Park?
Kintetsu Nara. It lies close to Kofuku-ji and the western side of the park. JR Nara is farther west, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the park and Kofuku-ji.
How long does it take from Kyoto?
About 35 minutes on the Kintetsu limited express to Kintetsu Nara, or about 45 minutes on the JR Miyakoji Rapid to JR Nara. Add the walk to your first sight.
How long does it take from Osaka?
About 40 minutes from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu Nara, or 45 to 50 minutes on the JR Yamatoji Rapid to JR Nara.
Can I walk between the main sights?
Yes. From Kintetsu Nara it is about 5 minutes to the Kofuku-ji National Treasure Hall, 15 minutes to Isuien Garden and the museum, 20 minutes to Naramachi and 25 minutes to Kasuga Taisha.
How much is parking?
From 1 October 2026 the state car parks charge up to JPY 1,500 on ordinary weekdays and JPY 2,000 on weekends and holidays, with higher rates on special days. Kasuga Taisha charges JPY 1,500 per car.
Is there a bus for the whole park?
The Loop Bus runs daily. The Nara Park Gurutto Bus runs on weekends and holidays and costs JPY 250 for adults per ride.