JR Nara Line Local from Inari to Kyoto Train Review
After a short visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, I headed back to Kyoto Station to explore a bit around that area before heading back to Osaka to rest for the night. With my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass, I used the Nara Line Local again to head back to Kyoto.
Keihan Railway Fushimi-Inari Station
Before heading back, I walked over to Keihan Railway Fushimi-Inari Station first just to see where it is.
The Keihan Main Line goes direct to Osaka and can be conveniently accessed using Yodoyabashi Station near Osaka City Hall, or Kyōbashi Station which connects to the JR Osaka Loop Line.
The Keihan Main Line does NOT serve Kyoto Station.
Level crossings are situated along the main road linking Keihan Railway Fushimi-Inari Station and Fushimi Inari Shrine, making it an attraction for tourists too.
JR Nara Line
Don’t panic when the level crossing shuts and wait for the train to pass. For me, this Miyakoji Rapid service train won’t even be stopping at JR Inari Station, so there was nothing to chase down.
JR Inari Station is mainly served by Local trains.
JR Inari Station
The façade of JR Inari Station. Ensure that you get the right station.
The concourse and gate line at Inari Station.
A reminder on the sign says that this is JR Inari Station.
Trains to Kyoto depart from Platform 1, which is across the tracks via the overhead bridge.
Boarding the train to Kyoto is easy. Simply wait for a train to stop, with no need to look out for train types. As long as the train on Platform 1 stops, it will go to Kyoto.
The JR Nara Line Local train, formed of a 205-1000 series EMU.
Boarding the JR West 205-1000 series EMU.
The interior of the JR West 205-1000 series EMU.
The train journey from Inari to Kyoto takes 5 minutes with 1 intermediate stop at Tofukuji.
The JR Nara Line platforms at Kyoto Station, at Platforms 8, 9, and 10, are just beside and below the Shinkansen tracks.
If going to Nara from Kyoto, use the Rapid or Miyakoji Rapid service for a faster journey.
The JR Nara Line Rapid or Miyakoji Rapid service will also usually use the 221 series EMU which provides better seats in a 2+2 configuration with most seats facing the direction of travel.
As for me, I headed out of Kyoto Station for dinner and a bit of window shopping before heading back to Osaka later.