Travel Guidance for DrupalCon 2025 in Nara, Japan

Click here for the Japanese translation / 日本語訳はこちらをクリックしてください

To help you plan your journey to DrupalCon 2025, we've compiled essential travel tips and logistical details to ensure a smooth, enjoyable arrival and stay in Nara, Japan.

Getting to Japan

By Air
 The nearest international gateway is Kansai International Airport (KIX), located approximately 90 minutes from Nara by train. This airport is well connected to major global cities including Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, San Francisco, and London.

Alternative Airports

• Itami Airport (ITM): Primarily for domestic flights; about 90 minutes by train to Nara.
• Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda (HND) in Tokyo: Ideal for those planning to explore Tokyo first. Bullet trains (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Nara take about 3.5 hours.

Reaching Nara from the Airport

From Kansai International Airport (KIX):

• Take the JR Airport Rapid Service to Tennoji, then transfer to the Yamatoji Line to JR Nara Station.
• Total travel time: ~75–90 minutes.

From Osaka International Airport (ITM):

• Take the Itami-Airport Limousine Bus (Hankyu Kanko Bus / Nara Kotsu Bus) bound for JR Nara Station
• Take the Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike, then transfer to the Hankyuu Railway Takarazuka Line to Umeda (Osaka) Station. From Osaka transfer to the Yamatoji Line to JR Nara Station.
• Total travel time: ~75–90 minutes.

From Osaka or Kyoto:

• From Kyoto Station: Take the JR Nara Line (45 min) or the Kintetsu Limited Express (35 min).
• From Osaka (Namba): Take the Kintetsu Nara Line (40 min).

Note: The DrupalCon venue, Hotel Nikko Nara, is directly connected to JR Nara Station

Traveling from Tokyo to Nara

If you’re flying into Tokyo or planning to explore Japan’s capital before the conference, getting to Nara is straightforward and offers a chance to experience Japan’s famed high-speed rail.

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Option 1: Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara

1. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
   • Choose either the Nozomi (fastest), Hikari, or Kodama train
   • Travel time: ~2 hours 20 minutes (Nozomi)
2. Transfer at Kyoto Station to the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Kyoto Line
   • Travel time to Nara: ~45 minutes 

Total journey time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on transfer and train type.

By Air

You can also fly from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT) to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).

Japan Rail Pass Tip

If you’re planning to use the Japan Rail Pass, it covers the Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen trains. You’ll still arrive in excellent time and can enjoy unlimited travel during your stay.

Nozomi trains can be booked on the JR Rail Pass at an additional fee.

Rail Travel in Japan

If you plan to explore more of Japan before or after the conference, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains). These must be purchased before arriving in Japan for foreign visitors.

Note: Japan Rail Pass is not available to Japanese nationals or permanent residents, it can only be redeemed by passengers arriving on short term tourist visas

Accommodation

Hotel Nikko Nara is the official conference venue, and rooms can be booked at special rates for DrupalCon attendees (details to follow in your registration confirmation). Additional hotel options are available within walking distance of JR Nara Station.

Visa Requirements

Japan offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries, including the United States, Australia, EU nations, and much of Southeast Asia.
Please check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most up-to-date information based on your nationality.
If you require a visa support letter, the DrupalCon registration team will be able to assist after your ticket is confirmed.

Currency & Payment

• The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
• Credit cards are increasingly accepted, but cash is still widely used, especially in smaller restaurants, shops, and transport.
• ATMs that accept foreign cards are available at airports, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson), and banks.

Language Tips

While English is understood at major transport hubs and hotels, it’s helpful to learn a few Japanese phrases or carry a translation app. Signage in train stations and public areas is bilingual (Japanese and English).