Nara trip Day 1
Nara is one of Japan’s most ancient and culturally rich cities. While Kyoto is often considered the most famous historical destination, I personally prefer visiting Nara. Kyoto has become overwhelmingly crowded in recent years—what should be a serene and peaceful experience is often disrupted by the sheer number of tourists. If you’re seeking a quieter alternative that still offers deep historical significance, Nara is a destination worth considering.
Traveling from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train) takes just around three hours, making it an easy and rewarding getaway. In Nara, you’ll find true peace—calm streets, sacred temples, and a slower rhythm.
This travel plan centers around the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival, held annually in February. We’ve designed a 3-day, 2-night itinerary to make the most of this unique event.
Train from Tokyo station to Kintetsu Nara station
Nara is located approximately 40 kilometers from Kyoto, making it easily accessible from Japan’s major cities.
To reach Nara from Tokyo station, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto station. If you choose a seat on the right-hand side of the train heading Kyoto, you might catch a stunning view of Mt. Fuji through the window—especially on a clear morning. The best chance to spot Fuji is during sunny weather, typically before noon, when visibility is highest.
Once you arrive in Kyoto, transfer to the Kintetsu Line for a direct ride to Kintetsu Nara Station. The Limited Express service offers reserved seating and requires no transfers—perfect for travelers with large luggage. The journey takes about 35 minutes, as of February 2024, the reserved seat fee is additional ¥520. We opted for the standard reserved seats, and they were surprisingly comfortable—making the trip smooth and relaxing.
Kintetsu Nara Limited Express: https://www.ticket.kintetsu.co.jp/vs/en/e-ticket/
Staying at Kasuga Hotel: Comfort and Convenience in the heart of Nara
We stayed at Kasuga Hotel, and its location was excellent—just a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, making it incredibly convenient for travelers. One of the highlights was the hotel’s public bath: spacious, quiet, and beautifully maintained. Although our room had a bathtub and shower, we found ourselves using the public bath every evening—it was that relaxing.
We booked the Superior Twin Room (Non-Smoking), which offered 46 square meters of space and featured low-level beds, along with breakfast included. In Japan, some hotel rooms still allow smoking, so choosing a non-smoking room is essential for a comfortable stay. Our room was perfect for two adults—quiet at night, with extremely comfortable beds and plenty of space to unwind.
If you’re planning a trip to Nara, we highly recommend Kasuga Hotel for its location, amenities, and peaceful atmosphere.
Kasuga Hotel: https://www.kasuga-hotel.co.jp
Dinner at Uouosaisai: Fresh seafood izakaya with generous price
We had dinner at Uouosaisai, a cozy seafood restaurant conveniently located 4 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Although we were able to get a seat without a reservation, it’s definitely better to book in advance—especially during peak hours.
The fish was incredibly fresh, and every dish we ordered—sashimi, tempura, rice—was bursting with flavor. We only had a glass of beer, but we ordered a generous variety of dishes. The total cost was just ¥3,000 per person, which is remarkable given the quality and freshness.
The restaurant is highly recommended for anyone visiting Nara. Just a heads-up: the menu is entirely in Japanese, so it helps if you can speak or read Japanese to navigate the options smoothly.
Uouosaisai Ichijo – Nara Sanjo-dori Branch: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000830148/
To be continued…