Kintetsu Nara Station: Your Gateway to Nara's Historic Treasures

Station Location and Historical Background

Kintetsu Nara Station is officially located at 29 Higashimuki-Nakamachi in Nara City. Its prime position places it just minutes away from Nara Park, making it the preferred station for many tourists visiting the ancient capital. The station's coordinates are 34°41′3.97″N 135°49′38.71″E, situating it in the heart of Nara's historic district.

Originally opening in 1914 simply as "Nara Station," the facility has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It was renamed Daiki Nara Station (大軌奈良駅) in August 1928, then Kankyu Nara Station (関急奈良駅) in March 1941, followed by Kinki Nippon Nara (近畿日本奈良駅) in June 1944, before finally becoming Kintetsu Nara Station on March 1, 1970. These name changes reflect the evolving ownership and railway company restructuring over the decades.

The station was initially established by the Osaka Electric Railway Company (大阪電気軌道, Osaka Denki Kidō). What made this railway route revolutionary was its approach to connecting Osaka and Nara. While the JR West Yamatoji Line routes south of the Ikoma mountain range, the Kintetsu Nara Line features a 3.4 km tunnel through the mountains, creating a more direct route that has allowed municipalities along the line, such as Ikoma, to flourish as commuter hubs.

In 1969, the line's voltage was increased from 600 VDC to 1500 VDC, modernizing the railway system. Then in 1970, with the opening of the Namba Line, the operational starting station moved from Uehonmachi Station to Osaka Namba Station, further improving connectivity across the region.

Station Layout and Platform Guide

Kintetsu Nara Station features a unique layout spread across two basement levels within a larger multi-story building. While the station building itself is quite large, the actual railway facilities occupy only the underground sections:

• B1 Level (First Basement): Houses ticket offices, ticket machines, and ticket gates on both east and west sides. The area outside the East Gates is more spacious with both ticket machines and ticket offices where travelers can obtain travel information.
• B2 Level (Second Basement): Contains all platforms and tracks, with four platforms serving four tracks.

The station building can be accessed from east and west exits on the 1st floor level, with additional stairwells leading directly from the street to the basement level. The upper floors contain restaurants, shops, and offices, though most travelers only need to use the basement levels.

On the B1 level, a narrow passageway connects the east and west sides of the station, lined with souvenir shops on one side and luggage lockers on the other. Once through the ticket gates, travelers will find information screens displaying departures for the Kintetsu Nara Line (screen A) and the Kintetsu Kyoto Line (screen B).

The four platforms at Kintetsu Nara Station are arranged as follows:

• Platforms 1-3: Usually serve Kintetsu Nara Line trains bound for Yamato-Saidaiji Station and Osaka-Namba Station, with some through services to Amagasaki and Kobe-Sannomiya.
• Platforms 3-4: Typically handle through train Express and Limited Express services bound for Kyoto.

All platforms are equipped with clear signage in multiple languages and information displays showing upcoming departures. It's always advisable to check the departure screens before proceeding to your platform, as platform assignments can vary.

Train Lines and Connections

As a terminal station, Kintetsu Nara Station serves as a crucial junction for several important railway lines, offering extensive connectivity throughout the Kansai region and beyond:

Kintetsu Nara Line

This is the primary line serving the station, connecting Nara with Osaka. The 26.7 km line runs from Fuse Station in eastern Osaka to Kintetsu Nara Station, though operationally it begins at Namba Station. Key features include:

• Direct routes to Osaka: Trains run to Namba, Uehommachi, and Tsuruhashi in Osaka.
• Through services: Some trains continue beyond Osaka to Amagasaki, Koshien, and Kobe Sannomiya on the Hanshin Main Line.
• Train types: Various service levels including Local (各駅停車/Kakueki-teisha), Suburban Semi-Express, Semi-Express, Express, Rapid Express, and Limited Express.

Kintetsu Kyoto Line

While not directly beginning at Kintetsu Nara Station, through services operate to Kyoto Station via Yamato-Saidaiji and Tambabashi. The line continues on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway to Kokusaikaikan.

Connections to Other Regions

For passengers traveling to eastern destinations like Nagoya, Ise and Toba, Matsusaka, Tsu, and Kuwana, transfers are available at Yamato-Saidaiji and Yamatoyagi stations.

To access temples such as Toshodaiji and Yakushiji, travelers can change at Yamato-Saidaiji and take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyo Station. The Kashihara Line from Yamato-Saidaiji also connects to Kashiharajingu-mae.

The station's strategic location and extensive network of connections make it an ideal base for exploring not just Nara but the entire Kansai region and beyond. Whether heading to major cities like Osaka and Kyoto or to more remote historical sites, Kintetsu Nara Station offers convenient access.

Ticketing Information and Services

Kintetsu Nara Station offers comprehensive ticketing options to suit various travel needs and budgets. The station features ticket offices and machines on the B1 level, with more services available at the East Gates area.

Regular Tickets

Standard tickets can be purchased from automatic ticket machines located near both the east and west ticket gates. These machines have multilingual interfaces, including English, making them accessible to international travelers. For more complex routes or special tickets, the manned ticket counters at the East Gates provide personalized assistance.

IC Cards

Travelers can use prepaid IC cards in Japan such as ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, and other compatible cards for seamless travel. These cards allow passengers to simply tap in and out at ticket gates without purchasing individual tickets for each journey.

Kintetsu Rail Pass

For tourists, the Kintetsu Rail Pass offers excellent value for exploring the Kansai region. Several versions are available:

• 1-Day Pass (1,900 yen): Perfect for a day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto.
• 2-Day Pass (3,700 yen): Ideal for travelers exploring Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto over two days.
• 5-Day Pass (4,900 yen): Provides unlimited rides on all Kintetsu lines, including routes to Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya.
• 5-Day Plus Pass (6,700 yen): Includes all train travel from the 5-Day Pass plus designated buses in the Nara and Mie areas.

These passes are exclusively available to foreign tourists with temporary visitor status in Japan. They can be purchased as digital tickets through online platforms or as traditional paper tickets at select stations around Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.

Limited Express Tickets

For faster travel between major destinations, Limited Express trains require an additional ticket on top of the base fare. These tickets can be purchased at ticket offices or machines and are available from 10:30 am one month before the travel date. The Limited Express services offer comfortable seating and reduced travel times, making them a popular choice for longer journeys.

Service Hours

Ticketing services at Kintetsu Nara Station operate from 5:30 am to 11:45 pm daily. The station itself follows similar operating hours, with the first trains departing early morning and the last trains arriving before midnight.

Facilities and Amenities

Kintetsu Nara Station offers a comprehensive range of facilities to enhance the travel experience, from shopping and dining to practical services for travelers.

• A noodle shop on the 1st floor of the station building
• A Chinese restaurant on the 8th floor
• Nearby restaurants including:
  • Sakura Burger – Classic burgers on Higashimuki-kita machi
  • Gohan no Aida (Tel: 0742 24 1539) – Lunch-only spot serving tempura and rotating set menus
  • Momoyoduki (Tel: 0742 24 5158) – Hand-made soba noodles near Exit 5
  • Maguro Koya (Tel: 0742 23 3766) – Specializing in tuna dishes with multilingual menus
  • Cafe Fluke – Fusion food in an old Edo Period building
  • La Terrasse All Day Dining – Spanish and Italian cuisine that transforms into a wine bar in the evening
  • Osyaberinakame – Traditional Japanese cuisine with over 30 years of history

Luggage Storage

The station provides extensive luggage storage options with coin lockers available in the B1 basement level, both on the west side of the station building and in the passageway between the ticket gates. These lockers come in various sizes:

• Small (300 yen): 326 mm height × 355 mm width × 645 mm depth
• Medium (500 yen): 505 or 567 mm height × 355 mm width × 645 mm depth
• Large (600-700 yen): 868 mm height × 355 mm width × 645 mm depth

The lockers operate on a one-day basis, with a new day starting at 1:00 am. Most use keys, though some newer models accept payment via IC cards with touch-screen instructions in multiple languages.

For oversized luggage, the HIS Tourist Information Center (located outside the east exit above the Lawson convenience store) offers baggage storage for 540 yen per item per day.

ATMs and Financial Services

ATM cash machines are available in the B1 basement level just outside the West Ticket Gates, including JP Bank and Seven-Bank ATMs that accept most major international bank cards and offer English-language interfaces.

Restrooms and Accessibility Features

Clean restroom facilities are available throughout the station, including accessible toilets for passengers with mobility needs. The station is equipped with elevators connecting all levels, making it navigable for travelers with heavy luggage, strollers, or wheelchairs.

Tourist Information and Luggage Options

Kintetsu Nara Station features two competing Tourist Information Centers, offering comprehensive services for visitors to navigate Nara efficiently.

Kintetsu Nara Station Tourist Information Center

Located on the 1st floor of the Kintetsu Nara Station building, this official center is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Contact information: 28 Higashimukinaka; Tel: 0742 24 4858.

Services include:

• Multilingual staff assistance
• Free maps and pamphlets
• Free Wi-Fi access
• Currency exchange machine
• Umbrella lending service on rainy days

HIS Tourist Information Center

Located outside the east exit of the station above the Lawson convenience store, this center is operated by the HIS travel agency and offers additional services:

• Hotel and tour reservations
• Bus and rail pass sales
• SIM cards for smartphones
• Rental pocket Wi-Fi (700 yen per day)
• Currency exchange
• Baggage storage (540 yen per item)

Bus Information Center

For information about city buses and tourist buses, the Kintetsu Nara Bus Information Center is located on the 1st floor of Nara Line House directly across the street from the station. Operating hours are 8:30 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Luggage Storage Options

Beyond the station's coin lockers, travelers have additional options for storing luggage:

• HIS Tourist Information Center: Offers baggage storage for one day at 540 yen per item.
• Coin Lockers: Available in various sizes (300-700 yen) with the new day starting at 1:00 am. Lost key replacement costs 2,000 yen.

Most lockers use keys, but some newer automated lockers accept payment via prepaid IC cards and feature touch-screen instructions in multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean.

Access to Nara's Major Attractions

One of Kintetsu Nara Station's greatest advantages is its proximity to Nara's most significant historical and cultural sites. Most major attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride from the station.

Walking Distances

• Kofukuji Temple: 5 minutes east of the station
• Nara Park: 6 minutes east of the station
• Sarusawa Pond: Just southeast of the station, a delightful spot to relax
• Naramachi: 10-15 minutes on foot, Nara's former merchant district with preserved traditional buildings
• Gangoji Temple: 10-15 minutes on foot

Bus Connections

For attractions further afield, Nara Kotsu local buses and tourist buses depart from stops on both the north and south sides of Omiya Street:

North Side Bus Stops:

• Bus Stop #1: Nara City Loop Line Bus #2, Inner Loop Bus #6, #70, #72, #97, and #160 to Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Bus Stop #3: Buses #50, #51, #53, #82, and #92 to Gangoji Temple and Naramachi
• Bus Stop #13: Buses #12 and #13 west to Heijo Palace Site and Daigokuden Hall

South Side Bus Stops:

• Bus Stop #8: Buses #70, #72, and #97 to Yakushiji, Toshodaiji, and Horyuji Temple
• Bus Stop #9: Nara City Loop Line Bus #1 to JR Nara Station
• Bus Stop #11: Bus #160 to Heijo Palace Site and Suzakumon Gate

The station is also a hub for long-distance highway buses connecting to destinations including Nagoya.

Guided Tours

For a deeper exploration of Nara's treasures, consider joining the Nara Discovery guided tour, which departs from central locations and covers major highlights with expert commentary.

Transportation Tips

• The Nara City Loop Line Buses (#1 and #2) are particularly useful for tourists, with flat fares of 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for children.
• Consider purchasing a one-day bus pass for unlimited travel within Nara City if planning to visit multiple sites.
• When traveling between Nara and other major cities like Kyoto, check out guides such as How to go from Kyoto to Nara?
• Learn more about Private Railways in Japan to better understand the Kintetsu network and its advantages.

Kintetsu Nara Station's central location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring Nara's UNESCO World Heritage sites and experiencing the ancient capital's 1,300 years of history. Whether you're visiting for a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto or staying longer to fully immerse yourself in Nara's cultural treasures, this well-connected station provides convenient access to all the city has to offer.