Riding the “Aoniyoshi” Sightseeing Train to Nara Deer Park
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Hey there! Here's another fun Japan adventure that's not just for the kids, but for the parents too! We'll be sharing some photos and our experience from a quick trip to Nara.
First off, we kicked things off in Tokyo and hopped on the Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. Booking Shinkansen tickets is super easy and straightforward, especially with options like KLOOK and the smartEx app. You can link your IC card, print tickets, or display QR codes – whatever works best for you. Depending on where you're coming from or when you're traveling to Japan, ticket machines can sometimes have long lines. So, to keep things hassle-free, it's a good call to use the first two options. But honestly, any of the three will do just fine!
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Oh, and here's a pro tip: grab some bentos before boarding the Shinkansen. And if you want a chance to catch sight of Mount Fuji on the way to Kyoto, make sure to book a seat on the right side of the train and aim for seats D or E. We got lucky and saw the breathtaking view of it that day!
Kyoto to Nara: Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Limited Express Train
Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we made our way to find the Kintetsu Line, where we caught the “Aoniyoshi” Sightseeing Limited train. This train is something special, connecting Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. The train’s interior is very elegant, featuring four cars designed to reflect the rich cultural history of Nara. Passengers have the options to choose - cozy twin seats or comfortable salon seats for groups, both offering fantastic views through large windows for sightseeing. And to top it off, there's a convenient onboard refreshment and snack counter.
Just like at regular train stations, you need an IC card to pass through the gate, but to board the train, reservation tickets are necessary. I made our reservations two weeks prior to our Japan trip, anticipating the high demand for seats. I made sure to keep both the English and Japanese versions of our reservation tickets handy. Interestingly, despite no one coming to check them, there was an announcement stating that the train was fully booked for the day, emphasizing the importance of sitting in our reserved seats.
I ended up taking more videos than photos because I was just so caught up in enjoying the train's beauty! Surprisingly, even though the ride from Kyoto to Kintetsu-Nara was only about 30 minutes long, it felt like a luxurious experience. I definitely suggest giving it a go if you ever find yourself in Japan.
Check their website for schedules and fares. Remember, use your IC card to enter the gate but make sure to get a reservation ticket to secure your seat!
Official website: Sightseeing Limited Express “Aoniyoshi”
Getting Up Close with the Deer.
When we got to Nara, it was raining. We weren’t sure whether to proceed or not. Eventually, we decided to purchase raincoats and an umbrella. Just outside the Kintetsu-Nara station, after a short walk, we were greeted by countless deer roaming around. It was quite a sight to see them up close, especially since it was our first time encountering deer. Although the rain made us leave early, the visit was unforgettable.
Right before entering the park, there are vendors selling crackers for feeding the deer. It’s usual to see visitors interact with the deer by offering them these snack some deer can be quite aggressive, and you might spot a few with sharp horns. Be careful…
Overall, we had a short but fun meeting with the deer. We hope to return to Japan and visit again, maybe with nicer weather.
