A Kyoto day trip from Osaka
Osaka and Kyoto are close enough for a day trip, and Fushimi Inari is a practical first stop. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours and free to visit, so you can arrive early and still have the rest of the day for other Kyoto sights.
Two railways serve the trip. The Keihan Main Line runs from Osaka stations such as Yodoyabashi and Kyobashi to Fushimi-Inari station. JR runs from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, where you change to the Nara Line for JR Inari. JR Inari is right at the shrine entrance. Fushimi-Inari station on the Keihan line is about 5 minutes on foot from the shrine, so do not mix the two stations up.
Keihan or JR: the two routes compared
Times are typical, not tied to a specific departure. Check the timetable for your day.
| Route | Start in Osaka | Time | Fare | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keihan Main Line | Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi | About 50 minutes | JPY 480 from Yodoyabashi | Fushimi-Inari station, about 5 minutes east to the shrine |
| JR Special Rapid, then Nara Line | Osaka Station | About 30 minutes to Kyoto Station, then 5 minutes | About JPY 150 for the Kyoto to Inari leg | JR Inari, directly at the shrine entrance |
Fares are regular one-way fares for 2026 and do not include the Premium Car surcharge on Keihan. Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka are different starting points, and the 30-minute JR time is for Osaka Station. Allow extra time for the change at Kyoto Station.
Our picks: day trips from Osaka
Two bus day trips that combine Fushimi Inari with Nara and Arashiyama.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Bus day trip to Nara, Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama
An English- and Chinese-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle and road and parking fees are included. Meals and drinks cost extra.
Check availability →
Day trip to Nara, Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari
A guide speaking English and Chinese, an air-conditioned vehicle and transport to and from the meeting point are included. Meals and drinks cost extra.
Check availability →Fushimi Inari and Kyoto tours from Osaka
Guided shrine visits, hikes and Kyoto day tours, with live prices and availability.
Which route to choose
Pick by where you start and how many stops you want.
Keihan if you start near the river
Yodoyabashi and Kyobashi are Keihan stations in Osaka, with connections to the Osaka subway. A Limited Express does not stop at Fushimi-Inari, so you change in Tambabashi to a Local or Semi-Express.
JR if you start at Osaka Station
The Special Rapid to Kyoto is the fast leg, about 30 minutes. From Kyoto Station the Nara Line reaches JR Inari in 2 stops, about 5 minutes. The Local train stops at Inari. Some Rapid services are also listed to stop there, so check the train before you get on. JR Inari lies right in front of the shrine entrance.
Going back
Check the last train before a late evening, especially if you plan to walk the mountain after dark. The shrine is accessible at night, but that does not mean later trains. See Shibuya Crossing if your trip continues to Tokyo.
Visiting at night →A day plan around Fushimi Inari
One shrine, one temple and one district, all linked by the Keihan line.
Morning: the shrine
Start early. The grounds are open around the clock and entry is free. Plan the lower shrine and the mountain loop separately. The loop is roughly 4 km and takes about 2 to 3 hours with breaks.
The hike →Midday: Tofukuji
From Fushimi-Inari, Tofukuji is a short Keihan ride, JPY 180 one way. The temple is known for the Tsutenkyo bridge and its autumn leaves, and it has its own entry fee.
Tofukuji guide →Afternoon: Gion and the east side
Fushimi-Inari to Gion-Shijo costs JPY 240 one way on the Keihan line. Kyoto's other major sights lie in different parts of the city and are not walking distance from the shrine, so pick one or two.
Things to do in Kyoto →A guided option exists if you prefer a guide. An English-language shrine tour supported by the shrine runs about 1 hour, starts at 10:00 or 11:30 and costs JPY 4,000 per paying participant in 2026, including a kagura performance. Getting there is not included, one child aged 0 to 12 per paying person is free, and festival days are excluded. That price is for the tour, not for shrine admission, which is free.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that fit a day trip.
Kyoto from Osaka: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Osaka to Fushimi Inari?
By Keihan from Yodoyabashi it takes about 50 minutes, with a change at Tambabashi if you take a Limited Express. By JR it is about 30 minutes to Kyoto Station on the Special Rapid, then 2 stops on the Nara Line, about 5 minutes. Add time for the change.
How much does the train cost?
The regular Keihan fare from Yodoyabashi to Fushimi-Inari is JPY 480 one way in 2026. The Kyoto Station to JR Inari leg costs about JPY 150. A Premium Car seat costs extra on Keihan.
Is Fushimi Inari free?
Yes. The grounds are open 24 hours and entry is free. A guided tour or a prayer service has its own price.
Can I combine Fushimi Inari with other Kyoto sights in one day?
Yes. Tofukuji and Gion-Shijo are both on the Keihan line from Fushimi-Inari. Other sights are in different districts, so one or two extra stops is a realistic day.
Does the Limited Express stop at Fushimi-Inari?
No. Limited Express trains do not stop there, so change to a Local or Semi-Express, for example at Tambabashi.
Which station is closer, JR Inari or Keihan Fushimi-Inari?
JR Inari is directly at the shrine entrance. Fushimi-Inari on the Keihan line is about 5 minutes on foot. Choose by the railway that suits your start.