Train to Nara

 

After visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine , continue with the JR  Nara Line to Nara city.

Train to Nara

It wasn't actually on my main itinerary because I couldn't estimate the time spent in  Kyoto and Inari. But it seemed like there was still enough time so I continued by taking the JR train from Inari back to Kyoto station to connect to the Rapid train to Nara.

If you come directly from Kyoto, there is actually a rapid train option, travel time 45 minutes ¥750. While if coming from JR Osaka station, you can use the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service 50 minutes, ¥800 one way.

Remember, if you have a JR Rail Pass, all routes on JR trains are fully covered.

If you have a Kintetsu Pass or want to take the Kintetsu train from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is served by the Kintetsu Nara Line, and has its own station, Kintetsu Nara Station.

Arriving at Nara station at 4 pm, without doing any research, I went to the Tourist Office at the station. The friendly and English-speaking officer (woman) immediately looked at her watch when I asked about transportation to Todaiji Temple . According to her, it closes at 5 pm, so I might not make it in time. But she said to try it while giving me a map and the bus number I should take.

Nara city

The city of Nara was the capital of Japan from 710-784, making this city have historical traces and hundreds of years old buildings that are still well-maintained.

I didn't have time to explore the city because of limited time, so I only came directly to Todaiji Temple. If you have time, you should also visit Heijo Palace Site (the remains of a palace from the year 700) and Yakushiji Temple .

Loop line bus routes number 1 (counter clockwise) and number 2 (clockwise) are our capital to get around Nara and visit Todaiji Temple from the stop in front of JR Nara station.

Todaiji Temple

Before arriving at the Todaiji complex, adjacent to Nara Park, we will walk through a large park filled with deer roaming freely. If possible, feed snacks (Shika Senbei, sold specially) to these deer.

This temple is one of the most famous in Japan, a World Heritage Site, and an icon of Nara city. Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is old since it was built in 795 but was destroyed by fire in 1180 and 1567. The current building is from the 17th century and is 33% smaller than the original. Entrance fee is ¥500.

Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) looks ordinary in photos, but if you come directly you will be a little surprised to see the size of the building. The height of the building reaches 50 meters. If you want to take a photo, you have to take a distance of tens of meters to get the whole building.

Inside there is a statue of Buddha made of gold-plated bronze, sitting position 20 meters high. Just imagine the Buddha's ears are 2.5 meters.

In addition, there are also other god statues that are no less beautiful. It seems to be made of wood carvings. There is also a 1/50 model of the Buddha Hall which is made according to the form of the 700s, 1100s, and the present.

I was only in the main hall for a short time because at 5 o'clock I was thrown out by the officers. After crossing the park and seeing the deer, I took the bus back to JR  Nara station to return to Kyoto . Overall, I highly recommend including Nara in your itinerary.