yellow tourist bus in Nara

How to Use Buses in Nara

Nara is a pretty small city, so you might not need to use the buses when you visit – but, if you arrive at JR Nara Station, or want to visit some of the sights a little further away, it can be handy to know how to use Nara’s efficient bus service – and our guide will help.

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blue and brown train at Nagano Station

5 Shinkansen Trains in Japan That Need a Seat Reservation

Catching a bullet train in Japan can be as simple as turning up at the station, buying your ticket and jumping on the next service – but not always. Some popular trains become reservation-only at some times of the year, and a few others operate reservation-only seating year-round. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t get caught out.

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The Aoniyoshi train on the platform in Nara. It is painted maroom with gold details on the front. Flowers are drawn on the side

Is the Aoniyoshi Train Worth It?

You’ve probably seen it on social media—a train with luxurious green seats facing beautiful windows, pretty purple cakes, and an equally pretty purple livery. This is the Aoniyoshi train that runs between Kyoto and Osaka, but the pretty train also comes with a pretty price tag. So is it worth paying the extra money?

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