Meeting Point #2
The statue of Gyoki at Kintetsu Nara Station
Access From Major Cities:
From Osaka (Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Station)
Take the Kintetsu Train bound for Nara Station. Approx. 40–60 minutes.From Kyoto (Kintetsu Kyoto Station)
1. Take the Kintetsu train bound for Kintetsu Nara Station. Approx. 45–60 minutes.
2. Take the Kintetsu tran toward Yamato-Saidaiji or Kashiharajingu-mae Station. Change train at Saidaiji Station bound for Nara Station. Approx. 60 minutesFrom Kashiharajingu-mae (Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station)
Take the Kashihara train to Yamato-Saidaiji Station, transfer to the Nara Line, and arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station. Approx. 40–55 minutes.
Important Note (Meeting Point: Gyoki Statue / 行基像)
Our meeting point is the Gyoki Statue （行基像） located outside the station on the ground level, in front of the fountain plaza.
How to Reach the Gyoki Statue from the Ticket Gates
After passing through the Central Ticket Gate （中央改札口） of Kintetsu Nara Station
Follow the signs for “東出口” （East Exit） or “出口”（駅前広場）.
Go straight toward the station front plaza, and you will see a large bronze statue of Gyoki Bosatsu standing at the center of a circular fountain. This is the meeting point.
Shops & Landmarks to Pay Attention To
Just before exiting, you will pass the Kintetsu Nara Station shopping area on your right.
Upon exiting, you will see Starbucks and the Kintetsu Nara Building shops around the station plaza.
Near the statue, there is also the Gyoki-mae Police Box (行基前交番) — if you see this, you are in the correct place.
⚠️ Common Mistake:
Many visitors accidentally head toward the Underground Shopping Area （地下商店街） or remain inside the station complex and miss the exit to the plaza. Please be sure to go all the way outside to the station front fountain plaza, where the Gyoki Statue is located. This is where we will meet up and begin the tour.
Please read carefully and understand.
This is very important!
Kintetsu
Nara Station
OR
JR
Nara Station
Kintetsu Nara Station vs JR Nara Station
Which Station Should You Use?
Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that Nara has two main railway stations: Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. Because both stations include the name "Nara," they are often confused.
Understanding the difference before your trip can save time and help ensure a smooth start to your visit. This is especially important if you are joining a Discover Nara tour, as all of our tours begin at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Kintetsu Nara Station
Kintetsu Nara Station is operated by Kintetsu Railway and is the most convenient station for sightseeing in central Nara.
It is located just steps from Nara Park and within easy walking distance of many of the city's most famous attractions, including Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the famous Nara deer.
If you plan to explore Nara's historic center on foot, Kintetsu Nara Station is the best choice.
JR Nara Station
JR Nara Station is operated by Japan Railways (JR) and serves JR trains arriving from Osaka, Kyoto, and other parts of Japan.
Although it is an excellent transportation hub, it is located farther from the city's main sightseeing area. Visitors arriving here will usually need to walk, take a local bus, or use a taxi to reach Nara Park and the historic district.
Distance Between the Two Stations
The two stations are approximately 1.2 km (0.7 miles) apart.
Walking between them usually takes 15–20 minutes along Sanjo Street (Sanjo-dori), a pleasant shopping street connecting the two stations.
A taxi ride takes approximately 3–5 minutes, while local buses also operate regularly between the stations.
If You Arrive at the Wrong Station
If you accidentally arrive at JR Nara Station, don't worry. Reaching Kintetsu Nara Station is simple.
Walking
Walk east along Sanjo Street (Sanjo-dori / 三条通り). The walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside JR Nara Station. The journey to Kintetsu Nara Station usually takes 3–5 minutes.
Local Bus
Local buses depart from the East Exit Bus Terminal at JR Nara Station and stop at Kintetsu Nara Station in approximately 5 minutes.
Important for Discover Nara Guests
All Discover Nara tours begin at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Please make sure you travel to Kintetsu Nara Station, not JR Nara Station, on the day of your tour.
If you accidentally arrive at JR Nara Station, there is no need to worry. Simply walk, take a taxi, or use a local bus to reach Kintetsu Nara Station, where our staff will be happy to welcome you.
Most Discover Nara tours begin at Kintetsu Nara Station because it offers the most convenient access to Nara Park, the city's historic district, and many of Nara's most important cultural landmarks.