If you use JR Pass and visit Osaka, you should know how much you can use JR Pass in Osaka. I forcus on using JR Pass in downtown Osaka. If you use the following passes, you have same coverage.
- Kansai Area Pass
- Kansai Wide Area Pass
- Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass
- Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
- Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass
- Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Takayama Hokuriku Area Touirst Pass
- Northern Kyushu Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
I will show you JR train network in downtown Osaka in this post.
JR lines in downtown Osaka
Please see the map below:
The above map shows you all JR lines in downtown Osaka. I will explain you the line of JR one by one.
In this post, I explain you only JR trains. If you want to know whole part of train system in downtown Osaka, please see the link below:
I also explain this topic in YouTube movie too. Please watch it instead of reading the post:
Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line)
This line encircles downtown Osaka. You will use this line often when you stay in Osaka. This line is started from Osaka station which is the biggest station in Osaka. It is located in Umeda area and JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda stations are same location.
This line go through Kyobashi, Tsuruhashi, Tennoji, Shin-Imamiya, Bentencho, Nishikujo and come back to Osaka again. All these stations are transfer points to other lines and railways.
- Osaka (Umeda)
- Hankyu Railway (to Arashiyama, Gion, Kobe-Sannomiya, Takarazuka, Ikeda, Minoo),
- Hanshin Railway (to Kobe-Sannomiya)
- Osaka Metro (to almost everywhere in Osaka)
- Kyobashi – Keihan Railway (to Gion, Kyoto)
- Tsuruhashi – Kintetsu Railway (to Osaka-Namba, TennojiNara, Nagoya)
- Tennoji
- JR Kansai Airport line (to Kansai airport)
- JR Yamatoji line (to Nara)
- JR Hanwa line (to Wakayama)
- Kintetsu Railway (to Yoshino)
- Osaka Metro (to Namba, Tanimachi)
- Shin-Imamiya – Nankai Railway (to Namba, Kansai airport)
- Bentencho – Osaka Metro Chuo line (to Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium)
- Nishikujo
- Hanshin Railway (to Osaka-Namba, to Kobe-Sannomiya)
- JR Yumesaki line (to Universal city)
Tennoji is the biggest JR terminal station in south side of Osaka. All trains that go to Wakayama, Kansai airport and Nara stop at this station. But many train run on Osaka Kanjo line and then go through the line to Nara, Kansai airport and Wakayama.
Yamatoji line
This line connects JR Namba and Nara. Many rapid train go through Osaka Kanjo line and it connects Kyobashi, Osaka, Nishikujo, Bentencho, Tennoji and Nara. This rapoid train is called Yamatoji Rapid. Please see the link below to find more information about Yamatoji Rapid:
Many local train of Yamatoji line train depart from JR-Namba station. JR-Namba is only JR station in Namba. But this is a bit away from the center of Namba. Please see the link below to find the information about Namba stations:
You can access Namba by JR line. And also you can access from another huge downtown core, Umeda by JR only. But You need to take Osaka Kanjo line to Imamiya and transfer the train to JR Namba. It is not shortest way. Osaka subway Midosuji line (大阪地下鉄御堂筋線) is much faster and more convenient. I tell you about Osaka subway later.
Kansai airport line and Hanwa line
Many trains go through from Osaka Kanjo line to Kansai Airport and Wakayama. These trains are called Kansai Airport Rapid and Kishuji Rapid.
You can get Kansai airport and Wakayama from Osaka without a transfer.
The limited express Haruka connects Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport. The limited express Kuroshio connects Shin-Osaka and Wakayama, Shirahama, Shingu. You may take these trains between Shin-Osaka and Tennoji if you like.
Yumesaki line
This line starts from Nishikujo station on Osaka Kanjo line and goes to Sakurajima. Universal City station is located on this line and it is the gateway to Universal Studio Japan.
JR Tozai line
This line connects Amagasaki and Kyobashi. Kitashinchi station is 10 minutes away from Osaka station on foot.
Kobe/Kyoto line
If you go to Kobe or Kyoto, you take this line from Osaka station. Special Rapid run on this line and stop at major stations only. It is very fast train service. Please find more information about Special Rapid in the link below:
And also when you take the Shinkansen, you have to go to Shin-Osaka station by Kyoto line. It is 4 minutes away from Osaka by any trains.
The places where you can go by JR Pass
You may get these following places by JR Pass and other JR train passes without any extra charge:
- Umeda, Umeda Sky Building (at JR Osaka station)
- Osaka Castle (at Osakajokoen station)
- Abeno Harukas (at Tennoji station)
- Tennoji Zoo (at Tennoji station)
- Shitenno-ji temple (at Tennoji station)
- Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku (at Shin-Imamiya station)
- Namba, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori (at JR-Namba station)
- USJ (at Universal City station)
The places where you can NOT go by JR Pass
You have to pay a regular fare to take subway or non JR trains to visit the following places:
Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and Tenpozan Market Place
You have to take Osaka Metro Chuo line to get Osakako station. You may take subway from Namba or Umeda.
Cup Noodle Museum and Minoo Falls
These are located outside downtown Osaka. You must take Hankyu Railway.
Osaka Metro
As you have been reading this post, JR Pass covers many places. But you still may need to take subway. Please see the link below to find all train system in Osaka.
I hope you have got an idea to build your trip by this post.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I’ll be arriving at Osaka (3~4 days) before heading to Kyoto (3~4days), then flying out from Tokyo. Is it advisable to buy a JR rail pass or just a single trip from Kyoto to Tokyo will suffice?
Thanks in advance! ^^
Hi Geraldine,
JR pass does not work. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
May I seek your advice on below table is fully cover by JR pass right?
16:44
begin TAKAYAMA
through
LTD. EXP (WIDE VIEW) HIDA 18
transfer NAGOYA
through
SHINKANSEN HIKARI 481
transfer SHIN-OSAKA
[ Arrival track No.21 / Departure track No.11 ]
through
LTD. EXP HARUKA 45
Train timetable | Interval timetable
overtransfer TENNOJI
[ Arrival track No.15 / Departure track No.17 ]
through
JR Yamatoji Line Local for JR-NAMBA
transfer JR-NAMBA
through
Walk
20:51
end OSAKA-NAMBA
Thanks and Rdgs
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Yes. All trips are covered by JR Pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshisan
i’ll traveling to Japan very soon, my flight will arrive at Haneda n depart from Haneda back to my country. Is a 11 days trip. I’ll travel from Haneda to Osaka on the 1st day and stay 5 nights in Osaka then only back to Tokyo. Within the 5 nights in Osaka, i will travel the city downtown of Osaka, Kyoto and maybe Nara (optional). I understand that some places in Osaka cant travel by using JR pass alone, so i’m planning to have a prepaid card, either rainbow card or ICOCA cd, which one is better since i ard have the JR pass? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks in advance.
Your sincerely
Jessie
Hi Jessie,
First of all, you have to find how many times you need to take NON JR trains. As you guess, some of places cannot be accessed by JR trains. Especially in Kyoto, you have to rely on bus and subway. Please see the links below and find more info.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you intend to take subway more than 4 times a day in Osaka, purchase 1 day pass (Eco card). It gives you unlimited travel. In Kyoto, all day bus pass is sold at 500 yen. If you take bus more than 4 times a day, it’s paid off. Nara is okay. Most of places can be accessed by walk from JR Nara station.
If you don’t need day pass, ICOCA or Suica is recommended. Both card can be used at both end, Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto. Rainbow card is nor recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai,
i wanna go to kawaguchiko from Tokyo . May i use JR Pass?
can u let me know the step by step . or u can suggerst me any line that more cheaper .
Thank you.
Hi Scarlet,
Please see the links below. You will find the solution:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’ll be landing @ Haneda airport on 7am, going to Osaka straight and staying there for around 3d2n or 4d3n (Touring around in Osaka and Kyoto) then go to Tokyo for 6days. Should I buy the 7-days pass?
Or is it better for me to land straight in Osaka, then after that buy a single trip Shinkansen ticket to Tokyo from Osaka?
Is it very easy or troublesome to travel from Haneda airport to the station to catch the Shinkansen to Osaka?
Thanks. 🙂
Regards,
Jerry Too
Hi Jerry,
JR pass is recommended for round trip between Tokyo and Osaka.
If you want to start using JR pass right after arriving Haneda, you may take Tokyo Monorail to Hammatsucho. And transfer to Yamanote line to Tokyo or Shinagawa. And then take Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto. You can book all train booking when you exchange your JR pass at Haneda if you want. The window in Haneda is open at 7:45.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My whole trip will be 10 days. I already bought the 7 days JR pass to travel in between cities, but I was wondering what the best way to travel within cities would be. I will be at Tokyo for 6 days , Osaka for 3 days and 1 day around at Narita Airport. I am planing to buy a 3 days Tokyo subway ticket to use when traveling around Tokyo. I will buy a one way N’EX from Nirita airport to Shinjuku. What kind of pass should I buy to travel around in Osaka?
Thank you
Hi Anna,
It depends on where you go in Osaka. Many places can be accessed by JR trains, that means it’s covered by JR Pass. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You may add subway pass as you need.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a JR Pass and am currently in Osaka. I would like to go to the aquarium and a shop near Yotsubashi station (or is it subway?). Do I need to purchase separate ticket? Can you suggest the best way to go to both?
Thank you!
Hi Aldi,
You cannot use JR pass to get Kaiyukan aquarium. Only subway can take you there. You have to take subway to get Yotsubashi area too. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is very good deal for aquarium and subway ride even though you have JR pass. Because you will have lots of subway ride.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a very awkward schedule here. I leave from Nagoya to Osaka on 9th, so I’ll start to use my JP pass then, then stay in Osaka till 12th, then go to Kyoto for three days, and leave for Tokyo on 15th, also the last day for me to use my 7 day JR pass. Do you think it’s still a good deal to buy the 7 day JP Pass, or is it a waste of money? 28300yen is not cheap!
Many thanks!
Hi xiaoyu,
At this point, JR pass is more expensive than single fare. But if you use JR train from Nagoya to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo, total fare is about 8000 yen cheaper than JR pass. But you will take JR train when you are in Osaka and Kyoto. The difference may be much smaller.
If you have one more long trip when you are in Osaka and Kyoto, like day trip to Hiroshima, day trip to Kanazawa, JR pass will work.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
I understand you want to save your budget. But even if you use single fare, you will not get a big saving. And also you will purchase a single ticket one by one. It makes you headache. JR pass may be more expensive than single ticket. But it’s more flexible and much easier to handle than single fare ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I am going to Osaka next month, and so do i, this is my first time travel to Japan. I will arrive at Kansai Osaka Airport. I’m in Osaka only be 2 days. My itinerary schedule was to Osaka Castle, USJ, Namba Park and Tennoji Park. The next day I would go to Kyoto – Arashiyama. is there any advice regarding the purchase JR Pass? Thanks in advance.
Hi Dian,
You may find the deals and some idea the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPrail.com
Hi Takeshi, I am going to Osaka next month, and this is my first time travel to Japan. I will be going for 8 days and all in Osaka only plan for day trip to Kyoto, Nara & Tokyo. So can you give me advise that how many days JR pass should i purchase? i am very confused with the JR line and subway line. Thanks.
Hi Angie,
If you have round trip to Tokyo, JR Pass 7 days is your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
But you still need to add some local deal because JR Pass does not cover subway and bus.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
You may use one of the deal for access to/from KIX at the following link:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com