Nara to Nagoya Road Trip: Best Stops & Driving Tips

Start your journey in Nara, Japan's ancient capital, where the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji has stood since 752 AD. Driving east to Nagoya, you'll traverse the Kansai to Chūbu regions, crossing the Suzuka Mountains via the Higashi-Meihan Expressway (E23). This route is a favorite among travelers for its blend of history, nature, and modern industry.

Before you set off, decide if driving is worth it. The direct expressway covers about 135 kilometers (84 miles) and takes roughly 2 hours without traffic. The train is faster (about 1.5 hours via Kintetsu Limited Express), but driving unlocks remote spots like Iga-Ueno and the Nabana no Sato flower park. For those who crave flexibility, driving is absolutely worth it.

Here's a snapshot of the route essentials:

As you climb the Suzuka Mountains, the landscape shifts from rice paddies to cedar forests. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant red and gold, making the drive a scenic delight. The Iga Basin below is known for its misty mornings.

Hidden off-route spots: The Nabana no Sato illumination park (seasonal) is a masterful blend of flowers and light art, while the Iga-Ueno Castle (rebuilt in 1935) honors ninja history with a museum. Both are within 10 minutes of the Tsuge interchange.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Nara boasts several, including Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, and Kasuga Taisha. Nagoya's Atsuta Shrine is a major Shinto site (not UNESCO).

Culinary infrastructure: Try local specialties like Iga beef and Kiso-mikawa eel. Rest areas and exit towns offer ryokan (traditional inns) for full-course kaiseki meals. For a quick bite, grab a sakuramochi (cherry blossom rice cake) from a roadside stand.

The most efficient path is the Nara Route 24 north to the E23 expressway. Expect clear signage in Japanese and English. The E23 is well-maintained with multiple lanes and safety barriers.

Fuel and costs: Gas prices along the route average ¥160 per liter (as of 2025). You'll burn about 12 liters for the trip, so budget ¥2,000 for fuel. Tolls add another ¥2,500, totaling ¥4,500 one-way. ETC cards offer discounts; consider renting one.

Rest areas (PA/SA) are plentiful every 15-20 km, with free parking and clean restrooms. The Shiroko PA is a favorite for its local Mie beef sandwiches.

Child and pet safety: All rental cars come with child seats (book ahead). Pets can ride in carriers, but note that many rest areas don't allow pets inside buildings. Plan stops at pet-friendly parks like the Mie Prefectural Forest Park.

The E23 is a modern motorway with a 100 km/h speed limit. Watch for fog in the mountains and sudden rainstorms, especially in June (rainy season). Always use headlights on the mountain passes. For family suitability, plan stops at theme parks: Legoland Japan (opened 2017) is 30 minutes from central Nagoya, and the Nagoya City Science Museum has a planetarium.

Fatigue management: Take a rest every 2 hours. The Kameyama and Sakura PA offer quiet lounges and coffee. If you're traveling with kids, the Kiso Sansen Park has playgrounds and picnic areas.

Local commerce and culture: In Nagoya, don't miss the Ōsu Kannon shopping street for antiques and street food. For a cultural immersion, attend a ningyo-joruri puppet show (traditional theater) at the Nagoya Noh Theater.