Osaka train route guide. How much can we use JR Pass in Osaka? How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots in Osaka?

osaka shin imamiyaOsaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Dotonbori is "Must-See" place in Osaka.  	©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Dotonbori is “Must-See” place in Osaka. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

I wrote about train system in Kyoto before. But I have received many inquiries about Osaka too. I think it is very complicated for travellers from overseas. There are three types of railway, JR, Osaka Municipal Subway and Private company’s railways. Once you understand train system, you can find the best location to stay, the best deal for trains ride and the fastest way to visit that you want to see.

As probably you know, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Osaka Subway Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass. Each pass has different conditions. You must understand the coverage of your pass.

In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Osaka.

Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals

Many deals are available in Kansai area. But each pass have different coverage. I tell you about major passes and deals.

For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards

You can take all trains on the map above except Shinkansen. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer, like going to Kyoto or Kobe. Please see the post, How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines.

ICOCA does not cover Osaka city bus service too. But I don’t think you have many chances to take city bus in Osaka. You can go anywhere by train services. Train is much faster than bus.

For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Kansai Thru Pass is unlimited ride pass and Rainbow Card is pre-paid card for most of NON JR trains in Osaka.

The only place where you can’t go by these deals is USJ. But if you don’t care about riding city bus, you can catch the bus at Nishikujo station. Nishikujo can be accessed by Hanshin Railway that is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Even if you pay for JR train, the fare is 160 yen foe one way. It is not a big deal. I will explain about access to Universal Studion Japan later.

JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Many places can be accessed by JR Pass and other JR deals. I explained JR train network in the post below. Please refer it:

Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Enjoy Eco Card covers Osaka subway and city bus. Osaka Unlimited Pass includes unlimited ride of subway and bus, and free admission for major attractions in Osaka. There are one day and two day available. But coverage is a bit different. One day covers subway, bus and major private railways, like Hanshin, Nankai, Keihan and Kintetsu. It is very similar to Kansai Thru Pass. But two day pass covers subway and bus only. When you choose this deal, please make sure your itinerary and which train you need to get on.

As long as you can take subway, most of places can be reached by subway.

How to access to major spots in Osaka by train

Most of places in Osaka can be accessed by train. I would like to share the information of access to major spots with you.

Namba, Dotonbori, Houzenji and Shinsaibashi area

There are so many restaurants in Dotonbori area. ©JNTO
There are so many restaurants in Dotonbori area. ©JNTO

You can reach Namba by many ways.

  • Namba station (Nankai Railways) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and Wakayama
  • Namba station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line, Yotsubashi line and Sennichimae line) to/from Umeda, Nishi-Umeda, Tennoji
  • Osaka-Namba station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
  • Osaka-Namba station (Kintetsu Railways) to/from Nara, Ise and Nagoya
  • JR Namba station (JR) to/from Tennoji, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kansai Airport (KIX

As I mentioned above, JR Namba station is not located in the core of Namba. JR Namba is closed to Subway Yotsubashi line Namba station and Sennichimae line’s Sakuragawa station is actually closer than Namba station.


View Namba in a larger map

Nankai Railways is the best way to get Namba from Kansai Airport. And also train runs to Mt. Koya.

Hanshin Railways and Kintetsu Railways trains go through each other. And their station is “Osaka-Namba” station. When you search on Hyperdia, you can find Osaka-Namba. It’s not Namba for these train companies but Osaka-Namba. If you stay in Namba and want to go to Nara or Kobe, you can use these train companies. You can go there directly from Namba.

If you go to Nara, you can catch Kintetsu Railway’s train at Osaka-Namba station. Please see the post below to learn more about access to Nara:

Shinsaibashi is one station away from Namba by subway. But Namba and Shinsaibashi are connected by shopping arcade. Dotonbori is located between Namba and Shinsaibashi. And also Shinsaibashi is connected with Yotsubashi and Nihonbashi by underground. So most of places in Namba can be accessed by walk.

Umeda

Umeda Sky Building is one of popular spots in Umeda area. ©JNTO
Umeda Sky Building is one of popular spots in Umeda area. ©JNTO

Umeda and Namba are two biggest downtown core in Osaka. There are many department stores and shopping complex in Umeda area. In Umeda area, only JR station is called “Osaka”. JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda station are located in same area.

There are many stations in Umeda.

  • Osaka station (JR Kobe line, Kyoto line, Osaka Kanjo line) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, USJ, Tennoji
  • Umeda station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line) to/from Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji
  • Umeda station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
  • Umeda station (Hankyu Railways) to/from Kawaramachi, Arashiyama, Shijo, Sannomiya, Takarazuka
  • Higashi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Tanimachi line) to/from Uehonmachi/Tanimachi Kyuchome, Tennoji
  • Nishi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Yotsubashi line) to/from Namba
  • Kitashinchi station (JR Tozai line) to/from Namba

Please see the post below to get more detail about Osaka and Umeda station area:

Tenpozan, Kaiyukan

Kaiyukan is located in this Tenpozan waterfront area. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Kaiyukan is located in this Tenpozan waterfront area. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

Osaka Subway Chuo line’s Osakako station is the nearest station. You can catch Chuo line’s train at Honmachi, Bentencho and many other places. If you stay in Umeda or Namba, simple take Midousuji line or Yotsubashi line train and transfer to Chuo line’s train at Honmachi. If you are JR Pass user, you can get Bentencho by Osaka Kanjo line from Osaka or Tennoji. You have to pay extra on top of your pass for taking subway from Bentencho.

USJ is located just across the river. But there is no direct train or bus. Please see next chapter to get USJ from Tenpozan.

Universal Studion Japan (USJ)

USJ at the entrance

JR Yumesaki line’s Universal City station is the nearest station. There is no subway or private railway’s service available. If you are not JR train user, you can catch the pass to USJ at Nishikujo station.

If you want to access to Tenpozan/Kaiyukan from USJ, shuttle cruise service is the fastest and only direct way to connect both places.

Shuttle Cruise Capt. Line

Otherwise you have to take Universal City station – Nishikujo station – Bentencho station – Osakako station route. It is a big detour.

Osakajo (Osaka castle)

Osaka castle is one of popular spot to see cherry blossom in Osaka. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Osaka castle is one of popular spot to see cherry blossom in Osaka. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

There are several stations around Osaka castle. You can access there from Tenmabashi station (Keihan Railway), Tanimachi-Yonchome station (Subway Tanimachi line), Osakajo-Koen station (JR), Osaka Business Park station (Subway Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi line), and Morinomiya station (JR). The nearest stations to access to the castle are Tenmabashi and Tanimachi-Yonchome. Other stations are okay, but these stations are closed to Osaka Castle Park.

Shinsekai, Tennoji zoo

You can feel real tradition of Osaka in Shinsekai.   	©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
You can feel real tradition of Osaka in Shinsekai. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

Shinsekai is old town of Osaka. There is very traditional shopping arcade. Tsutenkaku tower is located in Shinsekai area. This area can be accessed from JR and Nankai Railway’s Shin-Imamiya station.

Tennoji Zoo is located between Tennoji station and Dobutsuenmae station. (Dobutsuenma means “in front of zoo”.)

Minoo falls

Minoo is located outside downtown Osaka. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover Minoo falls. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers this falls.

You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ishibashi. And then take another Hankyu Railway Minoo line train to Minoo. You can change trains at Ishibashi very easily. Trip time is around 35 minutes from Umeda to Minoo.

In the peak season, like fall foliage season, the direct train service runs between Umeda and Minoo.

Instant Ramen Museum

This museum is located outside downtown Osaka either. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover this attraction. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers the trip to Instant Ramen Museum.

You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ikeda. Trip time is around 20 minutes from Umeda to Ikeda.

Comments

  1. Eve says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I have several question about the pass, can you help me?

    Day 1 : Osaka, From Kansai Airport will buy ICOCA + Haruka for transport to Shin Osaka, then use Osaka Amazing Pass for 1 Day
    Day 2 : USJ with ICOCA
    Day 3 : Kyoto + Nara
    Day 4 : Shirakawa Go
    Day 5 : Kyoto half day – go to tokyo
    Day 6 : Odaiba-Tsukiji, Gala Yuzawa , shinjuku, all around Tokyo
    Day 7 : Disneyland
    Day 8 : Disney sea
    Day 9 : Mt Fuji, Shibazakura Festival, Gotemba , airport (Plane 11.45 pm from haneda)

    At Day 3 until 9 I want use JR Pass 7 days, but when I search about Gala Yuzawa, some articles tells about JR Tokyo Wide Pass can use for 3 days

    Is JR Pass with JR Tokyo Wide Pass have same benefit when use at Gala Yuzawa? bcoz with JR Tokyo Wide Pass have some discount

    Now Which one better? Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass mix with JR Tokyo wide Pass, or just JR Pass?

    And I have some option about change Shirakawa Go at day 5 then go to tokyo, which one better? Is any bus or train suitable?
    Already check the nohi bus, is that bus From Kanazawa-Shirakawa Go have stop at Takayama ?

    Shall I change the destination? About the weather, today I check and have some change for april, when the weather forecast can tell the fix weather?

    Thank you very much

    • Hi Eve,

      You can get Gala Yuzawa by JR pass but you cannot get any discount there. But both Takayama Hokuriku area pass and Tokyo wide pass does not cover Shinkansen between Kyoto and Tokyo. It costs about 14000 yen. JR Pass 7 day is 29100 yen. Tokyo Wide Pass (10000 yen), Takayama Hokuriku area pass (14000 yen) and single fare (14000 yen) will be 38,000 yen. Even though JR pass does not give you discount, I think JR pass is still cheaper.

      As long as you have a trip from Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen, JR pass is the best choice in my opinion.

      If you go to Shirakawago on day 5, you should not go back to Kyoto. You can get Kanazawa form Kyoto and then take bus to Shirakawago. And you go back to Kanazawa and take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Tokyo. You don’t need to go to Takayama.
      https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html

      In this case, your choice is still JR pass. If you want to change your schedule, you can do. You can do whichever you like.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Eve says:

        Hi Takeshi- san,

        Very pleasure you want to reply my post soon, thank you

        From your comment before, you said that kyoto-tokyo is 14.000 yen, I think Shinkansen between kyoto-tokyo one way is 8210 yen, and i’m not go back to osaka/kyoto, my plane back is from haneda

        Can you explain that takeshi-san ?

        Thanks

        • Hi Eve san,

          Unfortunately you misunderstood the fare. 8210 yen is only base fare. You have to pay seat fee on top of that. Seat fee is 5400 yen for Kyoto to Tokyo.
          If you use only base fare ticket, you cannot take Shinkansen. If you take only local trains, you will spend more than 8 hour with many transfers by commute trains. It’s not totally realistic for travelers.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Eve says:

            Hi Takeshi-san,

            I understand now, that for reserved seat,thanks for your explain Takeshi-san

            Is every single fare using jr pass i must make reserve ? One day before make the reserve is necessary? Bcoz some fare i don’t make the exact time, just if in there we like it, we will have more time

            For nohi bus, i want make reserve seat, but in there must be write the telp number, i dont know what number i will use when in japan, what should i do?
            Then i want make a trip kanazawa-shirakawa with nohi bus, then go to takayama, what bus should i used? Bcoz at nohi no fare from shirakawa-takayama, then for go back to kanazawa, which bus i must book?

            Then will more comfortable if i make shirakawa trip at day 4 or 5 ?

            And at mt fuji, i just make resever for jr, and for the bus go to kawaguchi or 5 th station, when i buy it? And for shibazakura festival is the same bus?

            Thank you for your help Takeshi-san

            • Hi Eve san,

              You don’t need to book your seat because most of train have non reserved seat. You can take any unoccupied seats in non reserved seat cars. But if you travel with someone, you may not get seats side by side. So I recommend you to book your seat. Actually you can book your seat even 10 minutes before departure time. If you can book it in advance, that’s easier. But if you want to have some flexibility, you can book it in the last minutes.

              If you want to take a bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and from Shirakawago to Takayama, you will pay the fare in the link below:
              https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf

              You can find the phone number and online address. You can book it online too.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Istee says:

    Hello, in what area should i stay in osaka where jr rail station is accessible? I will get a JR pass before going to japan and i will be coming from tokyo.

  3. Eve says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I want ask you about my plan, bcoz im little bit confuse :

    Day 1 : Osaka
    Day 2 : USJ ??? Bcoz its rainy day
    Day 3 : Kyoto + Nara, bcoz its last day for see hanami, at Kyoto is better going fushimi inari or arashimaya ? Bcoz half day
    Day 4 : Shirakawa Go
    Day 5 : Kyoto half day – tokyo
    Day 6 : Odaiba-Tsukiji, shinjuku, all around Tokyo
    Day 7 : Disneyland
    Day 8 : Disney sea
    Day 9 : Mt Fuji, Gotemba , airport

    I already check about the weather and will be rainy at osaka, kyoto n shirakawa-go at my day 2, so which one will be better for setting my plan at day 2 ? Is USJ or which one better?

    At day 7 sd 9, I change, bcoz browsing and people said will be so crowded at sat-sunday, so I change disneysea at monday and tuesday go to mount fuji and i want go to shibazakura festival which is will be crowded, so i want make it at my last day at day 9,bcoz its tuesday, is it better ? At what time i must come go to airport? Bcoz my plane at 11.45 pm, and from what station? Its to tied?

    For Nohi bus ( Shirakawa Go),when i must reserve? Is bus Shirakawa-Takayama right?Also for Mount fuji with JR pass is must reserved first? When? About go to shibazakura festival can reserve?

    Is my new itienary better ?
    How about using the pass? JR Pass at day 3 ? First day and second day using what is better ?

    at tokyo from this 3 place, which one the good deal for stay ?
    1. Ikebukuro
    2. Higashi-ginza
    3. Hamacho

    Thank you so much

    Eve

    • Hi Eve,

      Weather is important in any places, USJ, Shirakawgo, Kyoto. So which one is most important and which is not? Just avoid to visit most important place in day 2.

      I think Disney is much busier than Fuji. I think you should go Disney on day 8 and 9, and visit Fuji on day 7. You have to be airport 3 hours before your departure time which is 20:45. I don’t know which airport you go, Haneda or Narita. Please see the link below:
      http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/

      When you exchange JR pass, try to book all train ticket at same time.

      When you book Nohi bus, you have to book for Kanazawa-Shirakawago, not Takayama-Shirakawago. You should book as soon as possible.

      If you go to Shirakawago on day 2, you have to start using it on day 3. Trip to Shirakawago must be covered by JR pass.

      I think you mean Hamamatsucho, not Hamacho. If so, Hamamatsucho or Ikebukuro is better for JR pass user because these are JR station. Higashi-Ginza is subway station and subway is not covered by JR pass. It’s not convenient for JR pass user. I don’t know about average hotel rate. I cannot compare by price.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. eve says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Thanks for your reply

    Day 1: Osaka ( Osaka castle, umeda sky building, FERRIS) is useful make it with Osaka Amazing pass ? Or just ICOCA ?

    Day 2 : Shirakawa Go with Takayama Hokuriku Area pass, nori bus must be served? How to served it? on that day can’t make it? How about not with Takayama Hokuriku Pass, another pass more suitable bcoz we just go for 1 day and go back to osaka

    Day 3: USJ – Takayama Hokuriku Area pass

    Day 4: Kyoto (fushimi inari, kiyomizudera temple) + Nara ( Yoshino) with Takayama pass just at kyoto station ( has any suggestion if go to shirakawaga with other pass ? OR buy hankyu pass for 2 days in kyoto ? how about explore Kyoto + nara, what pass is suitable? Buss pass ¥500 for one day ? Can I explore all? Or any suggest?

    Day 5 :Kyoto ( Arashiyama, togetsuka bridge, tenryuji temple, bamboo grove, ryoanji temple, nijo castle) – what pass is suitable?
    Go back osaka ? Or i get my luggage and put in kyoto station? Bcoz after that going tokyo

    Day 6 : Mt Fuji,Gotemba, buy fuji buss pass, buy SUICA

    Day 7 : Disneyland, with SUICA

    Day 8 : Disneysea, with SUICA

    Day 9 : around tokyo,go to airport at 20:30 , for flight 23:00

    Is my ittenary OK ? Or shirakawa go must correction?

    Any suggestion in what area is comfortable for hotel in tokyo ?

    Thanks

  5. eve says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I will go to Osaka at april,
    Day 1 : At Osaka sightseeing, my plane is at around 10 am landing
    Day 2: Go to Shirakawa Go
    Day 3 : Go to USJ
    Day 4 : Go to Kyoto+ Nara
    Day 5 : Go to Kyoto and go back osaka to go tokyo
    I want to ask you, I make day 1-5 is OK like that? or any suggest? what Pass is suitable for me ?
    Hotel is good at Shin osaka or namba ?
    I want to make 5 days sleep at osaka and same place, so we no need for move the luggages

    Thanks

  6. Low YY says:

    Takeshi san,

    I will travel with my family , 4 adults and 2 kids (4 years old and 2 years old) to Osaka on 20th Oct-26th Oct.
    My flight arrive at 22:00, is quite late for me travel with kids, big luggage and stroller. My first plan is travel to Kyoto just after i have landed at Osaka, but i worry on the time of the last train from KIX to Kyoto.
    First plan:
    20th Oct — Travel from KIX to Kyoto (please advise is it too late to travel)
    21st-24th Oct — Travel around Kyoto
    24th-26th Oct– Travel around Osaka

    Second plan:
    20th Oct –Stay in Osaka (but i don’t know where is the best place to stay for food convenience place and easy access to Kyoto by train) Is Namba a good choice?
    21st-24th Oct – which is the best train travel from Osaka to Kyoto Station (my home stay is nearby Kyoto Station) Maybe Keihan Railway is a good choice?

    Thank you.

  7. MaryAnne says:

    Hi Takeshi! Our trip to Osaka is on Oct 8-14. I’m still searching for a place to stay as i want it to be accessible and very convenient to the places that we plan to visit. Cheaper fares too. Any suggestion please?
    Here are the places we want to visit.
    USJ 2 days
    Dotonbori
    Kyoto
    Namba
    Osaka Castle
    And other nearby tourist spots

  8. Michael says:

    Hi! We will visit osaka from feb 24 to 28 arriving at Kansai airport and we included kyoto, nara, kobe, USJ and a full day trip around osaka to see some must see tourist destination. And if lucky we also want to visit biwako valley ski resort if time permits.

    What train deal should we can? Something that is cost friendly thank you. Hope to hear from you

  9. Samuel says:

    Hi, please advise on which is the best way for us to get around. We are staying about 5 mins from Namba Station.
    Below is our itinerary.

    23 Feb : Universal Studios
    24 Feb : Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market & Central Kyoto)
    25 Feb : Kobe (Earthquake Museum, Harbourland & Shin-Kobe Ropeway)
    26 Feb : Around Osaka (Bay Area, Umeda…etc)

    For days we are visiting Kyoto and Kobe, we will returning to Osaka at night.

    This is our first time in Japan so apologies if the above looks messy. Do let us know the best way to maximise our time and money.

  10. Caleb says:

    Hi, I will be staying near Namba station. My rough itinerary for Osaka is as below

    21 Feb – Yamazaki Distillery, Osaka Castle in the afternoon
    22 Feb – Osaka Aquarium, sightseeing around town after that.
    23 Feb – Kobe, Arima Onsen
    24 Feb – Endo Sushi followed by trip to Nara

    Any advice on what passes to buy or how I can rearrange the itinerary to maximise value?

Copied title and URL