JR Nara Line Local from Kyoto to Inari for Fushimi Inari Shrine Train Review

The JR Nara Line is a trunk railway line running between Kyoto and Nara. Aside from being quite an essential trunk, Inari Station is also the nearest station to get to the popular Fushimi Inari Shrine, which makes it used quite a lot by tourists too. Aside from going to the touristy Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Nara Line Local also uses the 205 series EMU, which I want to try, so I get to kill 2 birds with 1 stone on this short hop to Inari.

Kyoto Station

The façade of Kyoto Station.

Nara Line trains depart from Platforms 8, 9, or 10 at Kyoto Station. Check the departure board for the next train’s departure.

Do note that Inari Station is mainly served by Local trains, with very few to no Miyakoji Rapid trains stopping. Ensure that you get on a Local train to stop at Inari Station.

If using the full route between Kyoto and Nara, use the Miyakoji Rapid train for a faster journey.

My Nara Line Local train is formed by a 4-car 205-1000 series EMU. This can be easily identified with the taller cab windscreen extending downwards to the stripe, and also the longer 4-digit number on the windscreen.

The interior of the JR West 205-1000 series EMU. The end sections nearest to the driver’s cab are a priority seating area.

2 route maps are found on board the JR West 205-1000 series EMU with a Tennoji cluster and a Nara cluster, showing that trains may be interchangeable on the relevant lines if the need arises.

There are 4 service patterns on the Nara Line. This train is the Local stopping at all stations.

My Nara Line Local train departed from Kyoto station on time at 4.19pm.

Turning away from the Tokaido Main Line.

Passing under the Shinkansen tracks.

Passing by another 205-1000 series EMU.

Tōfukuji Station

Making a brief stop at Tōfukuji Station.

Passing under the Keihan Line.

The cab blinds were open so I had a nice view out the front of the 205 series train. Can’t do this in Indonesia.

Inari Station

Entering Inari Station.

My Nara Line Local train arrived at Inari Station at 4.22pm, making this a journey of only 5 minutes.

The station sign of Inari Station.

The exit out is just beside Platform 2.

As Inari Station is rather small, in contrast to passenger demand, a sign in the concourse encourages passengers to keep moving.

Access to Fushimi Inari Shrine is literally just a couple of steps away, with a zebra crossing in front of the station leading to the premises.

The façade of Inari Station.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Heading into Fushimi Inari Shrine.

If coming from the Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station, you will be using this path filled with shops.

The map of Fushimi Inari Shrine and surroundings.

The famous Senbon Torii rows of torii gates are just ahead.