The Yamatoji Line is the name given to that part of the Kansai Main Line that runs between Kamo Station in Kyoto Prefecture and JR Namba Station in Osaka. Because the line passes through JR Nara Station it is a very useful rail link connecting Nara with Osaka. This line can also be used to visit some local sites of interest such as Horyuji Temple.
The Yamatoji Rapid Service at JR Nara Station
Although the Yamatoji Line does not extend to Osaka Station, there is a through service called the Yamatoji Rapid Service which runs on both the Yamatoji Line and the Osaka Loop Line. This service can be used to travel directly between JR Nara Station and Osaka Station. At JR Nara Station, trains bound for Oji, Tennoji, JR Namba, and Osaka depart from platforms 2 and 3. Trains bound for Kizu, Kamo, and Kameyama on the northern part of the Yamatoji Line depart from platforms 3, 4, and 5. Both the Yamatoji Line and the Yamatoji Rapid Service are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
JR Yamatoji Line Stations
There are 22 stations on the Yamatoji Line. The key destinations have been highlighted in the following list:
Kamo > Kizu > Narayama > Nara > Koriyama > Yamato-Koizumi > Horyuji > Oji > Sango > Kawachi-Katakami > Takaida > Kashiwara > Shiki > Yao > Kyuhoji > Kami > Hirano > Tobu-shijo-mae > Tennoji > Shin-Imamiya > Imamiya > JR Namba
Yamatoji Rapid Service trains running from JR Nara Station are diverted onto the Osaka Loop Line at Shin-Imamiya Station and do not continue to JR Namba Station. Therefore, if you wish to continue to JR Namba Station you will need to transfer to a Local Train at Shin-Imamiya Station. For more detailed information on these destinations please see our article on the Yamatoji Line at OsakaStation.com.
Platform departure information is given in Japanese and English
Fares and Train Times
| Nara – > Tennoji | 510 yen | about 33-34 minutes |
| Nara -> JR Namba | 580 yen | about 50-58 minutes |
| Nara – > Osaka | 840 yen | about 52-59 minutes |
Traveling to Horyuji
UNESCO World Heritage Site Horyuji Temple
This line can also be used to travel to Horyuji Station which is the nearest station to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Horyuji Temple. Traveling from JR Nara Station to Horyuji Station takes about 11 minutes and costs 240 yen. From Horyuji Station you can walk for about 20 minutes, or take Nara Kotsu bus 72 from the south exit to the Horyuji-sando stop. The bus ride takes about 8 minutes and costs 220 yen, and Horyuji’s South Great Gate is about a 3-minute walk from the stop. By contrast, if you took a direct Nara Kotsu bus from JR Nara Station to the Horyuji-mae bus stop, it would take about 60-70 minutes and cost 880 yen.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 16-May-2026.
