🦌 Best Way to Travel from Mount Kōyasan to Nara – 2025 Research-Based Guide

If you’re planning a trip from sacred Mount Kōyasan to the historic city of Nara, this guide compares three main train routes based on cost, travel time, frequency, and ease of transfer.

✅ Quick Route Comparison Summary

Route	Time	Cost	Transfers	Frequency & Ease	Arrival Station
🟠 Shin-Imamiya via JR	2h 16m – 2h 26m	¥2,010	2	✅ Very smooth transfers (under 3 min) ✅ JR Yamatoji Line has high frequency	JR Nara (10–15 min walk)
🔵 Namba via Kintetsu	2h 42m – 2h 45m	¥2,110–2,630	3	⚠️ 11-min underground walk ✅ Trains every 15 min	Kintetsu Nara (next to Nara Park)
🟢 Hashimoto via JR	~3h 02m	~¥2,160	3	❌ Slower JR lines ❌ Low frequency (2/hour)	JR Nara (10–15 min walk)

🟠 Shin-Imamiya via JR – Recommended Route

Note: Transferring from the Nankai Kōya Line to the JR Yamatoji Line at Shin-Imamiya Station involves a simple platform change within the same station complex. It is relatively easy and takes only a few minutes.

Why it’s the best:

• Fastest total time (~2h 16m)
• Lowest cost (from ¥2,010)
• Very smooth transfer at Shin-Imamiya (same building)
• Frequent service on JR Yamatoji Line
• Covered by Japan Rail Pass (JR section)

Transfers:

1. Kōyasan (Cable Car)
2. Gokurakubashi → Shin-Imamiya (Nankai Line)
3. Shin-Imamiya → JR Nara (JR Yamatoji Line)

Note: JR Nara Station is a 10–15 minute walk to Nara Park and Tōdaiji Temple.

🔵 Namba via Kintetsu – Great for Sightseeing Access

Note: Namba Station is a massive and complex transportation hub with multiple train companies and underground passages. Transferring from the Nankai Kōya Line to Kintetsu requires navigating across different ticket gates, floors, and signage.

Pros:

• Kintetsu Nara Station is closest to main attractions
• Very frequent service (every 15 minutes)

Cons:

• Complex transfer at Namba (15minute underground walk)
• 3 total transfers and slightly more expensive

🟢 Hashimoto via JR – Scenic but Slow

Note: At JR Hashimoto Station, travelers may encounter train cars that are disconnected or split by direction. Careful attention is needed to board the correct section, especially when transferring to the JR Wakayama Line.

Pros:

• Partially covered by Japan Rail Pass
• Scenic rural journey through Wakayama

Cons:

• Longest duration (~3h 02m)
• Low train frequency (2 per hour)
• Difficult transfer at Hashimoto (stairs, footbridge)

📍 JR Nara vs Kintetsu Nara Station

Feature	JR Nara	Kintetsu Nara
Distance to Nara Park	10–15 min walk	3–5 min walk
Japan Rail Pass	✅ Covered	❌ Not Covered
Surrounding Area	Business hotels, buses	Tourist shops, restaurants

🔍 Check Timetables & Train Routes Online

For up-to-date train schedules, travel times, and fares between Kōyasan and Nara, we recommend:

🌐 Jorudan Route Finder – English Version
✅ Multilingual interface
🚉 Search by station (Use “Koyasan” as the departure station)
💸 Shows multiple routes, fares, and transfers
📱 Mobile-friendly and great for travelers in Japan

✅ Final Recommendation

This guide is meant as a reference. Ultimately, the best route depends on personal preference—such as whether your accommodation is closer to JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station, or whether you prefer to avoid crowded urban stations like Namba.

© 2025 Koyasan Guesthouse KOKUU