JR Nara Line for Tofukuji, Inari, Uji & Nara

The JR Nara Line runs between Kyoto and Nara with stops at important sightseeing locations, Tofukuji, Inari and Uji along the way.

Trains depart from platforms 8, 9 and 10.

Kyoto Station – Platforms 8 and 9

Key Destinations:

JR Tofukuji Station

Tofukuji Temple is an expansive Buddhist temple complex 10 minutes walk from JR Tofukuji Station. It is famous for its gardens, in particular its moss garden, and for maple leaf viewing in the autumn.

JR Inari Station

JR Inari Station opens directly before Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This Shinto shrine is Kyoto’s most popular tourist destination. It is famous for its fox statues and for the trail up Inari Mountain which is lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates.

JR Uji Station

Uji is a small city on the outskirts of Kyoto, which is popular for its tea shops and temples, and most notably for its two World Heritage Sites, the Byodoin Temple and Ujigami-jinja Shrine. Other attractions include the Tale of Genji Museum, dedicated to the world’s first novel and, in the summer months, cormorant fishing in the Uji River.

JR Nara Station

The city of Nara is famous for its many shrines and temples, many of which date back to the 8th century when Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Eight locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read our Nara Station guide for more information.

The Miyakoji Rapid train for Nara

Traveling to Nara

Two train lines connect Kyoto Station with Nara: the JR Nara Line and the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. On the JR Line the Miyakoji Rapid train is the fastest connection between Kyoto and Nara as it takes only 45 minutes. If you are carrying a Japan Rail Pass this is certainly the best service to use. However, if Nara is your destination, be careful not to take a Local train unless you are happy with a slower trip, because Local services stop at every station and usually take around 25 minutes longer than the Miyakoji Rapid.

If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass you might choose to use the private Kintetsu Kyoto Line for a number of reasons. Express trains on the Kintetsu Line between Kyoto Station and Kintetsu Nara Station usually take around 45-50 minutes and cost 760 yen. This compares with the JR Line fare to Nara of 720 yen. If you use the Kintetsu Limited Express, you need a reserved-seat Limited Express ticket in addition to the 760 yen basic fare. The Limited Express charge is 520 yen, so the total fare is 1,280 yen, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. Another factor to consider is that Kintetsu Nara Station is more centrally located in Nara City, and more convenient than JR Nara Station for the major tourist sites. For more detailed information on the Kintetsu Line service see the Kintetsu Kyoto Line article.

When deciding which service to take, English language online route finders like Jorudan and Navitime are easy to use and will help you find the best train for your journey.

A local train on the JR Nara Line

Traveling to Tofukuji, Inari and Uji

All regular trains on the JR Nara Line stop at Tofukuji and Uji; however, only Local trains stop at Inari. If your destination is Inari, you will have to take a Local train. Please note that the Keihan Line also has stations at Tofukuji, Fushimi-Inari and Uji. Whether you take the JR or Keihan lines will depend on where you are in the city. If you are in a more central location, and closer to Keihan stations such as Sanjo or Shijo, the Keihan Line may be a better option.

JR Nara Line Stations:

The JR Nara Line is served by Local, Regional Rapid, Rapid and Miyakoji Rapid services.

You can use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder to find trains on this line.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 13-Jun-2026.