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. Yay says:

    Hi Takashi,

    Thank you for your incredible advice here. 🙂
    Can I ask you which location is the best to stay 2 days in but also very accessible to universal studio and Namba/ Shinsekai? We are stopping by Osaka from Kyoto and going to Kawaguchiko. We will be using our Jr pass!
    Thank you!

  2. yip says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    hi, could you please guide me how to travel from kansai airport to SI The Best Location in Sakuragawa (2-6-26 Sakuragawa ) by train ?

    thanks
    yip

  3. Eve says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,

    Thanks for your all reply

    Do you know about free JR buss from kanazawa east station – kenrokuen park? Is it at platform 4 ? How long to go to kenrokuen park?
    I’m at kanazawa at 9.13 am, then have nohi busa at 11.10 go to shirakawa, and go back at 5.52 pm at kanazawa
    I want to explore kenrokuen, better at morning or evening?
    If walking is it far?

    Then, for reserve seat with JR, can I make 2 schedule,
    ex : kanazawa-shin-osaka at 19.47 and 20.47 ?
    And if i come early and can take non reserve, is it ok? Any charge because i reserved at first?

    Thank you for your reply

    • Hi Eve san,

      It departs from bus stop 4.

      If you want to visit Kenrokuen, morning is only choice. It’s too late to visit there after you come back from Shirakawago.

      It’s too far to get there from Kanazawa station by walk. You have to take a bus.

      There is no restriction to reserve two trains but I don’t want you to do it. Because if do so, you might take other’s passenger’s chance to book a seat. You can change your ticket to reserve your seat for earlier train later if you finish early. You can change your booking anytime without any extra by using JR Pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Eve says:

        Thanks for your advice Takeshi-san

        Can you tell me the time table of the JR buss? After 9.13 arrived, want to catch that bus
        Then time table before 11, so I can catch the nohi bus at 11.10

        Thank you

        • Hi Eve,

          Sorry but I don’t have timetable of the bus. Please check it at Kanazawa station. If you cannot make JR bus, there are many many bus running between Kanazawa station and Kenrokuen by Hokutetsu bus.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Lynn Chua says:

    Hi!

    Below is my itinerary, can please give me some suggestions and recommendations? I will bring along a 2 years old kid, so i hope that my trip won’t be so pack and please suggest the fastest and convenient way to reach each destinations. The websites for each pass are quite confusing as to what stops and lines they cover. Thank you very much for your sharing.

    Day 1 : Kansai International Airport – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Shinsaibashi – Shopping Arcade and Dotonbori – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 2: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) – Nishiki Market – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 3: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Arashiyama (Tenryuji Temple + Togetsukyo Bridge + Bamboo Groves) – Nishiki Market – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 4: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Nara – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 5: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Universal Studios Japan – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 6: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Osaka Castle – Tsutenkaku Tower – Shinsekai – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 7: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Kuromon Market – Osaka Aquarium – Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory – Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka

    Day 8: Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka – Kansai International Airport

  5. Rena says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    May I know if the osaka amazing pass can be purchased 2 times?

    Thank you

  6. Lei says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Please help me plan our one week Japan train-travel. We will be arriving in Osaka atound 5.00am. Our apartment’s check in time of 3pm (in Naniwa-Ku). We plan to leave our luggage in train lockers in Osaka station and explore osaka

    Please make comments and give recommendations for this iterinary:

    Day 1-Osaka
    Day 2-Universal Studios
    Day 3-Kyoto
    Day 4-Nara
    Day 5-Kobe
    Day 6-Shopping-Dotonburi etc..
    Day 7- leaving Japan

    Thank you very much!

  7. William says:

    Hi, I’ll be visiting for 4nights(from 13th-17th September 2017)staying in Osaka area(not confirm where precisely yet). We will be reaching kansai airport 10pm on 13th.
    14th will be whole day in usj. 15-16th will be visiting around Nara park and Kyoto. How would u advise us on the transportation on which pass/single ticket to get?
    P/s : what would u recommend on the 17th as our flight is 9pm

  8. Joshua W says:

    Hi!

    Just wanted your opinion. I’ll be flying into Osaka in June arriving at Kansai airport. I have 4.5 days in Osaka and also wanted to travel to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe (order and days of locations do not really matter). After the 4.5 days I’ll be travelling to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

    Just wanted to know what you would suggest would be the best pass for local transit around Osaka and for the other areas listed. (Does a particular pass cover local transit in the other cities listed as well?). The websites for each pass are quite confusing as to what stops and lines they cover.

    Our Hotel is within walking distance to all Namba stations.

    Thank you in advance!

  9. LIZYL DALIDA says:

    Hi! Can you please help me if my itinerary looks fine. I opt on using Osaka Amazing Pass and JR Pass as well.
    Hostel Jin (Nishikujo Station) -> Umeda Sky Building -> Hep 5 Ferries Wheel -> Tsukenkaku Tower -> Osaka Zoo -> Shitennoji Temple -> Spa World -> Osaka Castle.
    Is these route worth it of my 1 Day Pass?
    Thank you in advance 🙂

  10. Chris says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Reading through all your replies gives me hope that i can figure out japan’s complicated transpo system ;-).

    Can you please comment and give suggestions to my itinerary for osaka?
    Day 1 – arrive Kix at mid afternoon. Go to hotel near JR Namba. ( whats best way – bus or train?)
    Day 2 kyoto-nara day trip tour – should i go for the day tours offered on line? Or just by ourselves? In not wih an organized tour, how can i do this on our own ? Which train lines to take?
    Day 3 explore osaka – should i get a transportation pass or not?
    Day 4 USJ – what transpo?
    Day5 – leave osak for KIX – do we use same transpo pass as arrival or not?

    I hope for your reply. Arigatogozaimasu

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