Nara is located in center part of Japan, which was the glorious capital of Japan from 710 to 794 (see http://narashikanko.jp/en/index.html). In the past, as the first capital, it remains a number of historic temples, including world's oldest wooden building (see http://www.horyuji.or.jp/horyuji_e.html) and Japan's largest Buddha statue. The UNESCO listed the eight places as Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara of World Heritage in 1998.

The year 2010 marks the 1300th Anniversary of the founding of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital. To celebrate this special occasion, Nara has been begun planning and organizing amount of projects. (see http://www.1300.jp/foreign/english/index.html)

Travelling to Nara

Nara can be reached from Narita Airport via Osaka Itami Airport. Kansai International Airport is also connected to Nara. However, transfer from Narita airport is more convenient than Kansai International airport due to few access flights to Kansai International airport.
(see http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_menuid-1181.htm)

As for the travel from Narita and Kansai International Airport to Nara, see the following diagram.

Osaka has two airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), from both of which direct limousine bus service to JR Nara Station (via Kintetsu Nara Station) is available. The limousine buses from Kansai International airport bring you to Nara Hotel.


Kansai (It takes 60-90 minutes and costs 2000 yen): http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/bus/index.html
For timetable, see:
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_time.html


Osaka Itami (It takes 65-75 minutes and costs 1440 yen): http://www.okkbus.co.jp/map_e/o_nara.html
For timetable, see:
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/timetable/unchin.cgi?rosen=itm_nra&mode=en

If you miss the buses, take a train or limousine bus to Kintetsu Namba or Uehonmachi to take a direct train to Nara. Please see below for detail.

From Kansai Airport via Namba

Kansai Airport to Namba

"Rapi:t" limited express trains (Airport Express) take 30 minutes and cost 1390 yen (all seats reserved) from Kansai Airport to Namba Station.
(see http://www.nankai.co.jp/global/english/traffic/station/kansaiairport/index.html)

Namba to Nara

From Kintetsu Namba Station by limited express (Kintetsu Line), the trip to Kintetsu Nara takes about 30 minutes. It costs 1040 yen.

From Osaka Itami Airport via Uehonmachi

Itami Airport to Uehonmachi

It takes about 30 minutes from Osaka Itami airport to Kintetsu Uehonmachi station by taking limousine bus. The bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes and leaves from bus stop Number 7.

From Uehonmachi to Nara

From Uehonmachi station, using the Kintetsu Nara Line, rapid train ("kyuko") to Kintetsu Nara station takes about 35 minutes. This train runs about every 15 minutes.

There are a few domestic JAL and ANA flights from Narita to Osaka Itami (around 17:00 and 18:00). If you miss it, you can reach Nara from Narita airport via Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkansen. It takes approximately 5 hours. See below.

From Narita Airport via Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkan-sen

Narita to Tokyo

The fastest option to get to JR Tokyo Station is the JR Narita Express (NEX, http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html), requiring roughly one hour. All seats are reserved. The fare between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station is about 2740 yen. There are departures every 30 to 60 minutes.

Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo and Kyoto are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi superexpress requires approximately 140 minutes to reach Kyoto. The regular fare on a Nozomi train from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 Yen for a reserved seat.
(see http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html)

Kyoto to Nara

There are two lines operated by "Kintetsu railways (orange line)" and "JR West (white and black line)" railway companies. The limited express trains of Kintetsu railway ( http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/index.html) take about 35 minutes and cost 1,110 yen from Kyoto station to Kintetsu Nara station. JR Nara line arrives at JR Nara station. Miyakoji rapid trains ("kaisoku") operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto station and JR Nara station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes and costs 690 yen.

Access Information to the Symposium Venue

The symposium venue is Nara Prefectural New Public Hall, which is located at the heart of Nara Park and served by city buses from two major railway stations, JR Nara station and Kintetsu Nara station. (see: http://www.shinkokaido.jp/english/index.html)

Check the following PDF to get information of the access to the venue from JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations.

Local Transportation (PDF)

Hotel Accommodation

The recommended hotels are announced on the registration page, where the hotel reservation is open.