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. Maricel Tejada says:

    Hello Mr. Takeshi,

    Good day!
    I will be travelling to Osaka on Oct 21-25 with my husband and daughter. I would like to seek your advice regarding transportation.

    Our Itinerary would be:
    Day 1: Universal Studios, Osaka Castle

    Day 2: Kyoto

    Day 3: Umeda, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

    Day 4: Rinku Town

    Would it be advisable for us to purchase 2-day Kansai Thru Pass for Day 2 and Day3?

    Thank you so much!

    Maricel

    • Hi Maricel,

      If you use Kansai thru pass, day 2 and day 4 is better. You can use subway pass on day 3.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Maricel Tejada says:

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thank you for your reply.

        I’m planning to do the following:
        Day 1: Arrive at Osaka – take airport limousine to hotel in Namba
        Day 2: Universal Studios, Osaka Castle – single fare

        Day 3: Kyoto
        Day 4: Umeda, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
        For Days 3 and 4, I was planning to get 2-day Kansai Thru Pass. If I use the subway pass on Day 4, what should I use for Day 3-Kyoto? And also, what would you suggest for subway pass in Osaka – Eco Card, Osaka Visitors’ Ticket or ICOCA?

        Day 5: back to airport and Rinku Town – I plan to take the airport limousine to the airport, leave our luggage and take the airport shuttle to Rinku Town while waiting for our flight

        Thanks again!

        Maricel

  2. […] Click here for a complete guide on Osaka Metro. […]

  3. Shirlynn says:

    Dear Mr Takeshi,

    Good day to you.

    I have been doing lots of research but am still unsure of whether it makes sense to get the JR 14-day pass for my itinerary. I am travelling with my husband and 2 kids of 15 years and 11 years from 14 Dec to 30 Dec.

    I am considering the short winter days and would like a more leisurely pace of travelling with some time to appreciate the beauty of Japan, rather than a mere touch and go.

    Would appreciate your kind advice. My draft itinerary is as follows:

    Day 1 – Arrive at Narita airport at about 3pm. (2 nights in Ginza – I believe it is walkable to Tokyo Station for the shinkansen to Osaka?)
    Day 2 – Leisurely day exploring Tokyo using subway
    Day 3 – Travel to Osaka. Explore Osaka bay – Kaiyukan etc. (3 nights in Hotel Keihan Universal Tower)
    Days 4 to 5 – USJ
    Day 6 – Dontonburi, Namba and Shinsaibashi (1 night in hotel near Shin-Osaka)
    Day 7 – 8 – Travel to Kyoto (2 nights in hotel near Kyoto station)
    Day 9 – Travel to Takayama (2 nights in hotel near JR Takayama station)
    Day 10 – Day trip to Shirakawago
    Days 11 – 13 – Travel to Karuizawa (3 nights in Karuizawa Prince Hotel)
    Day 14 – 16 – Travel back to Tokyo (hotel in Ikebukuro) – may include a day-trip to Yokohama on 1 of the days
    Day 17 – fly out from Narita

    We will be in Japan for 17 days -would the 14 day JR pass make economical sense for my itinerary?
    And if so, should I activate it upon reaching Narita, when travelling to Tokyo using NEX? Or should I activate it when travelling to Osaka on day 3?

    Thank you so much.

    Shirlynn

  4. Tin-Tin says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    Good day!
    Me and my husband are travelling in Osaka.
    But I am not familiar with the city’s transportation.

    Our Itinerary would be:
    Day 1: Universal Studios

    Day 2: Osaka Bay Area, then Dotonbori & Shinsekai Area

    Day 3: Umeda City

    Do we need to avail the JR Pass?
    we are only travelling within osaka.
    How can we go to Univarsal Studios Japan from Umeda? thanks!

  5. Stephanie says:

    Hi Takeshi

    My friend & I will be travelling to Japan in Oct. Which travel pass is best to get given our below itinerary?

    18/10 night arrival to Kansai airport at 6pm. Check in at hotel near JR Namba Station (we thinking single pass to take bus towards OCAT from airport)

    19/10 Universal studios, Takoyaki Musuem & explore Dotonburi

    20/10-23/10 Kyoto (4night)
    – ARASHIYAMA, KINKAYUJI, FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, HIROSHIMA, GION & NARA
    (Kansai Thru Pass? )

    24/10-26/10 Kanazawa-Shirikawago-Takayama
    (Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass (5 days)

    27-31th Tokyo & travel back to Aussie
    -ASAKUSA, AKIHABARA,E TSUKIJI MARKET, DISNEYSEA
    (Tokyo subway pass ?)

    Can you please advise which is the best passes for my trip ? Also can I buy some of them in Aussie before I depart ? or have to be in Japan?

    Thanks very much

  6. Lon says:

    Hi Takeshi

    I really like your website. It’s very informative.

    May I please ask for your suggestions regarding our planned trip for 2-4 November in Osaka? My family( elderly parent and auntie and uncle plus a teenager nephew), will be coming from Tokyo (5days stay in Tokyo )via train but I am hesitating in purchasing a JR Pass, would you recommend this and if not which other train passes should I get? Which station should we get off to in Osaka? We are thinking of staying at the dotonburi area and visit Osaka castle. Would it be feasible to visit Kyoto for one day too?
    Thanks very much. Regards.

    We would like to visit the Osaka

  7. Ruby says:

    Hi!

    My friend and I are going to Japan in October arriving at Kansai Airport on Oct. 6 and direct to Amagasaki Central Hotel where we will be staying. Would really appreciate your assistance on how to go about our planned itinerary (starting from arrival to hotel).
    day 1 arrival (8:00 pm)
    day 2 universal studios
    day 3 Shinsaibashi, Dontonburi
    day 4 Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle
    day 5 Kyoto or Nara

    Thanks so much.

  8. Rosemarie Pioc says:

    Hi,

    We will be in osaka and Nagoya this coming october. Which travel pass is best to get given our below itinerary? I have read many times but I’m still confused.

    Day 1 night arrival to Kansai airport. Check in at osaka teikoku hotel

    Day 2 Universal studios

    Day 3 Osaka aquarium kaiyukan, osaka castle, umeda building

    Day 4 explore dotonburi, shinsaibashi

    Day 5 travel to nagoya. Nagoya city science museum

    Day 6 explore one castle in nagoya (can you suggest?) and explore downtown nagoya. Late flight back via chubu airport.

    Thank you!

  9. Ivy says:

    Hi all,

    i will be in Osaka in early Sept, together with my hubby and 2 children aged 3 and aged 1.

    Our itinerary as follows:
    Day 1, reach Kansai airport at 6.25AM
    Go to hotel leave luggage and visit the Osaka Castle
    Check into Fraser Namba residence
    the rest of the day explore Shinsaibashi, Dontonburi

    Day 2
    To USJ and also Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    And to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Day 3
    Harvest Hill then Big Bang

    Day 4 Nara Park and explore the area
    Day 5 Continue to shop in Shinsaibashi, Dontonburi
    Day 6 Back to SG

    Which travel pass is the best to get? I read many times but i am still confused. 🙁

    And from Namba which is the best way to Harvest Hill?

    Thanks for the guidance in advance.

  10. […] Guide to take trains in Osaka. How to choose the best route … https://jprail.com/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 … […]

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