APSEC 2018 – Access

Access

Nara is the most historic and spiritual center of Japan, where Buddhism first flourished and the first capital city was built over 1300 years ago. Moreover, Nara is a living history book, full of World Heritage sites and well-preserved temples and shrines. Therefore, Nara is a popular sightseeing spot among Japanese people and also foreign visitors.

The conference venue is within Nara City, the capital city of Nara Prefecture, in the Kansai region of Japan. Access is very convenience for both people who come from abroad and live in Japan, close to Kyoto and Osaka and quickly accessible (less than one hour) by train.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the most convenient entrance for foreign participants (international flights to Kansai area arrive at this airport). They can easily fly directly to Kansai International Airport (KIX) from many major cities in Asia-Pacific region and some major cities worldwide. Itami airport is another candidate where some of the flights from Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo arrive. It takes one and half hour by Limousine bus or train from Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Access to Nara:

Transportation to Nara from abroad is shown in the following diagram. The most convenient means of transportation is to take a direct flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, the simplest route to Nara is by the Airport Limousine Bus, which takes approximately 90 minutes to arrive at Nara Hotel and Nara Station (Kintetsu and JR lines). This costs JPY 2,000 one way, per person. Buses are scheduled to depart approximately once every 60 minutes. Should there be any inquiries regarding access to Nara, please ask at the Information Desk at the airport on the first floor in front of the arrivals area.

From Nara Station, city bus numbers 2 is taken to bus stop, “Daibutsu-den Kasugataisha Mae” (approximately a 4 min. ride). From there it is only a three-minute walk to Nara Kasugano International Forum IRAKA. Buses run every ten minutes.

It is recommended that participants planning to travel in Japan purchase a Japan Rail Pass. This pass encompasses all JR trains including the Bullet train (Shinkansen) and the Narita Express. Please note that this pass must be purchased prior to arrival since it can not be purchased in Japan. The price for a 7-day pass is about JPY 30,000.

Airport Limousine Bus

Train Route Finder

You can find transit route, fare, and travel time by the system.
Input “Nara” when the destination is “JR Nara sta.,” and “Kintetsu Nara” when it is “Kintetsu Nara sta.”

From Airports to Nara Stations

Railways to Nara Stations

Nara Kasugano International Forum IRAKA

Nara Kasugano International Forum IRAKA was constructed in 1987 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Nara Prefecture. It is located in the center of Nara National Park, which is famous for its beauty and 1,200 tame deer. Further information: http://www.i-ra-ka.jp/en/.

Bus

From Kintetsu Nara Sta.: Exit out of "Exit 5," ride bus No.2 departs from bus stop No.1., and get off at “Daibutsu-den Kasuga-taisha Mae” stop. (4min.; Fare: JPY 210)
From JR Nara Sta.: Exit out of "East Gate," ride bus No.2 departs from bus stop No.2., and get off at “Daibutsu-den Kasuga-taisha Mae” stop. (8min.; Fare: JPY 210)

Taxi

6min. from Kintetsu Nara Sta.
9min. from JR Nara Sta.

On foot

1.4km 18mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Sta.