Fushimi Inari Day Trip from Osaka: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Quick Answer: How Do I Get to Fushimi Inari from Osaka?

| Question | Answer |
|———-|——–|
| Best route | Osaka → JR Kyoto → JR Inari (50-55 min) |
| Cost | ¥760 one way / ¥1,520 round trip |
| First train | 5:30 AM from Osaka Station |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours at shrine |
| Shrine hours | 24 hours (always open) |

Step-by-Step: Osaka to Fushimi Inari

Route Overview

“`
Osaka Station (大阪駅)
↓ JR Special Rapid (新快速) – 29 min, ¥570
Kyoto Station (京都駅)
↓ JR Nara Line (奈良線) – 5 min, ¥150
Inari Station (稲荷駅)
↓ Walk – 0 min (shrine is directly outside)
Fushimi Inari Taisha
“`

Total: 50-55 minutes, ¥720 one way

Option A: From JR Osaka Station (Recommended)

Step 1: Find Platform 7 or 8

• Look for signs saying “JR Kyoto Line” or “新快速 (Special Rapid)”
• Trains depart every 15 minutes

Step 2: Take Special Rapid to Kyoto

• Duration: 29 minutes
• Cost: ¥570
• No reserved seats needed – just hop on
• Announcements in English

Step 3: Transfer at Kyoto Station

• Exit at Kyoto Station
• Follow signs for “JR Nara Line” (奈良線)
• Platform 8, 9, or 10
• Look for trains going to “Nara” (奈良) or “Uji” (宇治)

Step 4: Get off at Inari Station

• Just 2 stops from Kyoto (5 minutes)
• Cost: ¥150
• The shrine is directly in front of the station exit

Option B: From Namba/Shinsaibashi Area

If you’re staying in the Namba area:

“`
Namba Station (難波駅)
↓ Midosuji Line Subway – 10 min, ¥240
Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅)
↓ JR Tokaido Line – 25 min, ¥570
Kyoto Station (京都駅)
↓ JR Nara Line – 5 min, ¥150
Inari Station (稲荷駅)
“`

Total: ~55 minutes, ¥960 one way

Train Schedule: Key Times

Morning Departures from Osaka Station

| Depart Osaka | Arrive Inari | Notes |
|————–|————–|——-|
| 6:00 AM | 6:55 AM | Catch sunrise, almost empty |
| 7:00 AM | 7:55 AM | Light crowds |
| 8:00 AM | 8:55 AM | Moderate crowds |
| 9:00 AM | 9:55 AM | Getting busy |
| 10:00 AM | 10:55 AM | Peak crowds begin |

Recommendation: Leave Osaka by 7:00 AM to enjoy the shrine before crowds arrive.

Return Trains to Osaka

Last trains from Inari Station:

• Weekdays: 11:54 PM
• Weekends: 11:54 PM

You can’t miss the last train – trains run frequently until midnight.

Budget Breakdown

Minimum Budget (Half Day)

| Item | Cost |
|——|——|
| Train (round trip) | ¥1,520 |
| Shrine admission | Free |
| Light lunch | ¥800-1,200 |
| TOTAL | ¥2,300-2,700 (~$15-18 USD) |

Comfortable Budget (Full Day)

| Item | Cost |
|——|——|
| Train (round trip) | ¥1,520 |
| Shrine admission | Free |
| Lunch (inari sushi set) | ¥1,200 |
| Matcha/snacks | ¥500-800 |
| Goshuin (shrine stamp) | ¥300 |
| Souvenirs | ¥1,000-2,000 |
| TOTAL | ¥4,500-5,800 (~$30-40 USD) |

Payment Reality

| Where | Payment |
|——-|———|
| Train tickets | IC card (Suica/ICOCA) or cash |
| Shrine offerings | Cash (coins) |
| Food stalls | Cash only (most) |
| Restaurants | Cash preferred, some take cards |
| Souvenirs | Cash preferred |

Bring ¥5,000-8,000 in cash for a comfortable day.

Day Trip Itinerary: Minute by Minute

Quick Visit (3 hours)

| Time | Activity | Details |
|——|———-|———|
| 7:00 AM | Depart Osaka Station | JR Special Rapid |
| 7:55 AM | Arrive Inari Station | Walk to shrine entrance |
| 8:00 AM | Main hall worship | Bow, clap, pray |
| 8:15 AM | Senbon Torii (Thousand Gates) | Walk through the famous tunnel |
| 8:45 AM | Okusha worship hall | Try the Omokaru-ishi stones |
| 9:15 AM | Return via shopping street | Souvenirs, photos |
| 9:45 AM | Breakfast/snacks | Inari sushi, matcha |
| 10:15 AM | Depart Inari Station | |
| 11:10 AM | Back in Osaka | |

Full Experience (5-6 hours)

| Time | Activity | Details |
|——|———-|———|
| 6:30 AM | Depart Osaka Station | Beat the crowds |
| 7:25 AM | Arrive Inari Station | Almost empty shrine |
| 7:30 AM | Main hall worship | Peaceful atmosphere |
| 7:45 AM | Begin Senbon Torii | Stunning morning light |
| 8:15 AM | Okusha worship hall | Try Omokaru-ishi |
| 8:30 AM | Start mountain climb | Oyama-meguri pilgrimage |
| 9:30 AM | Yotsuji intersection | Rest, enjoy Kyoto views |
| 10:00 AM | Summit (Ichi-no-mine) | Highest point, 233m |
| 10:30 AM | Descend | Different route down |
| 11:30 AM | Return to base | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | Nezameya or Inariya |
| 1:00 PM | Shopping street | Souvenirs, fox goods |
| 1:30 PM | Depart Inari Station | |
| 2:25 PM | Back in Osaka | |

Combining with Other Kyoto Spots

Option 1: Fushimi Inari + Kiyomizu-dera (Most Popular)

“`
Morning: Fushimi Inari (7:00-10:00 AM)
↓ Bus 202/207 or walk (40 min)
Midday: Kiyomizu-dera (10:30-12:30 PM)
↓ Walk through Higashiyama
Afternoon: Gion district (1:00-3:00 PM)
↓ Train back to Osaka
“`

Option 2: Fushimi Inari + Nara

“`
Morning: Fushimi Inari (7:00-10:00 AM)
↓ JR Nara Line direct (45 min)
Afternoon: Nara (deer park, Todaiji) (11:00-4:00 PM)
↓ JR or Kintetsu to Osaka
“`

Pro tip: Fushimi Inari first (crowds build up), then other spots.

Option 3: Fushimi Inari + Fushimi Sake District

“`
Morning: Fushimi Inari (7:00-11:00 AM)
↓ Walk (20 min)
Afternoon: Sake brewery tours & tastings
– Gekkeikan Okura Museum
– Kizakura Kappa Country
“`

Practical Information for First-Timers

English Support

| Location | English Level |
|———-|—————|
| Train stations | Signs in English, announcements |
| Shrine grounds | Basic signage |
| Staff | Limited (use gestures, Google Translate) |
| Restaurants | Photo menus available |

Useful Apps to Download

1. Google Maps – Works perfectly for train navigation
2. Japan Transit or Navitime – Train schedules
3. Google Translate – Camera mode for menus
4. Offline map of Kyoto – In case of no signal on mountain

What to Wear

• Shoes: Sneakers or walking shoes (ESSENTIAL for mountain climb)
• Clothes: Comfortable, weather-appropriate
• Avoid: High heels, sandals, short skirts (many stairs)

What to Bring

• IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for trains
• Cash (¥5,000-8,000)
• Water bottle
• Small towel (summer)
• Flashlight (if staying until dark)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my JR Pass?
Yes! The JR Pass covers Osaka → Kyoto → Inari. Great value if you have one.

Q: Is there a luggage storage?
Yes, coin lockers at Inari Station (¥300-500). Also at Kyoto Station (larger selection).

Q: What time does it get crowded?
Crowds build from 9:30 AM and peak 11 AM – 3 PM. Early morning or evening is best.

Q: Is it worth going if I only have 2 hours?
Yes! You can see the main hall and famous Senbon Torii in 1-1.5 hours.

Q: Can I visit at night?
Yes, open 24 hours. See our [Night Visit Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-night-visit-en/) for details.

Related Guides

• [Fushimi Inari Complete Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-en/) – Full shrine information
• [Fushimi Inari Photography Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-photography-en/) – Best spots & times
• [Fushimi Inari Night Visit Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-night-visit-en/) – After-dark experience
• [Fushimi Inari Hiking Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-hiking-en/) – Mountain trail details

*Last updated: January 2026*

*Train fares and schedules based on JR West. Always confirm current times on [JR West website](https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/) or Google Maps.*