Shin-Osaka station is the place where you change to/from Shinkansen. If you travel in Osaka, you may use this station at least once. All Shikansen trains stop at this station and many limited express trains on conventional lines stop or depart from this station, Shin-Osaka.
In this post, I would like to show you some images and explain about this station. You will get the information about transfer among trains.
Overview
Shin-Osaka station is composed of four levels, Shinkansen tracks on 4th floor, fare gate and concourse on 3rd floor and conventional line’s tracks on ground floor. On 2nd floor, there are some shops and restaurants. But as long as you transfer the trains in this station, you don’t see 2nd floor.
Shin-Osaka station is one station and three minutes away from Osaka station (Umeda area). But the atmosphere in Shin-Osaka is totally different from Osaka station, Umeda area. Shin-Osaka station has lots of restaurants and shops but it is much fewer than Osaka and Umeda stations.
On the other hand, the average hotel rate is cheaper than Umeda area. It takes only 3 minutes by a local train. If your budget is tight, Shin-Osaka may suit your trip plan.
You can find everything you need about Shin-Osaka station in the movie below too:
Ticket gate/Exit
There are three ticket gates, East, South and Central on 3rd floor.
If you want to exit from conventional line’s platform, you can use East exit only. Other two exit, South and Central are located in Shinkansen concourse. You cannot access to these two exits without Shinkansen ticket. If you use Japan Rail Pass, you can go through Shinkansen concourse without any extra charge. You don’t need to exchange any Shinkansen ticket. All you have to do is showing your Japan Rail Pass at Shinkansen
There is Shinkansen ticket gate in the concourse. When you transfer to/from Shinkansen, you need to go through this gate. You must have Shinkansen ticket, Japan Rail Pass, JR West Sanyo Area Pass, JR West Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Pass or JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass to access to Shinkansen platform/concourse. JR West Kansai Area Pass do NOT cover Shinkansen trains.
Tracks and platforms
There are 10 tracks / 5 platforms for conventional lines on ground floor and 7 tracks / 4 platforms for Shinkansen on 4th floor.
Shinkansen on 4th floor
There are seven tracks, #20-#27.
Track# | Name of line / Destination |
20-22 | The Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen for Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto, Kagoshima-Chuo |
23-27 | The Tokaido Shinkansen for Kyoto, Nagoya, Tokyo |
Conventional lines on Ground floor
You can get on a local commute train, a rapid service train and a limited express train on the conventional lines at track #1-10.
Track# | Name of line / Destination |
1,2 | ■ Osaka Higashi line local train for Hanaten, Kuhoji ■ The limited express Haruka and The limited express Kuroshio for Kyoto |
3 | ■ The limited express Haruka for Kansai Airport ■ The limited express Kuroshio for Wakayama, Shirahama, Shingu |
4 | ■ The limited Express Thunderbird for Fukui, Kanazawa, Wakura-Onsen ■ The limited express Wide View Hida for Gero, Takayama ■ Special Rapid / Rapid train for Takatsuki, Kyoto (during peak hour only) |
5,6 | ■ Kyoto line local train, rapid and Special Rapid for Takatsuki, Kyoto, Maibara, Tsuruga |
7,8 | ■ Kobe line local train, rapid and Special Rapid for Sannomiya, Kobe, Himeji ■ Takarazuka line for Takarazuka, Shin-Sanda, Sasayamaguchi |
9,10 | ■ The limited express Konotori for Fukuchiyama, Kinosaki-Onsen ■ The limited express Super Hakuto for Himeji, Tottori, Kurayoshi ■ Special Rapid / Rapid train for Sannomiya, Kobe, Himeji (during peak hour only) |
Access to/from Osaka station and minimum connecting time at Shin-Osaka station
If you access to/from Osaka station (Umeda area), you can take any trains on conventional lines, the limited express, special rapid, rapid or local. All trains stop at Shin-Osaka and takes only 3 minutes to get Osaka station. Special rapid, rapid and local trains run very frequently. You can hop on the train to get Osaka.
In regards to transfer, the minimum transfer time is 10 minutes according to JR West. But if you will plan to purchase the Shinkansen ticket on the spot, you may spend another 10 minutes. If you really worry to miss the train, expect to spend another 5 minutes, total 15 minutes. However you can purchase the Shinkansen ticket at any major JR stations in advance.
Access to/from Namba station by Osaka Subway Midosuji line
If you go to another downtown core, Namba, Osaka Subway Midosuji line is the best way to get there. You can access to Namba by JR lines. But it is a detour and JR Namba station is not located at the center of Namba area. Midosuji line Shin-Osaka station is located at 2nd level. Shinkansen Central ticket gate is the closest to subway station. I show you how to transfer between Shinkansen and subway Midosuji line below.
If you transfer to subway from Shinkansen train, minimum transfer time is 10 minutes. But if you transfer from the conventional line trains, you might spend another 5 minutes to transfer. T
How to transfer to/from Subway Midosuji line
Use Central exit.
Once you get out from Central exit, you will find the sign of subway on your left hand.
Follow the signage and go down.
There are many signage and just follow.
You will find subway ticket gate soon.
It takes 5 minutes to transfer from ticket gate to ticket gate. It is quite easy.
Comments
hi. Im coming from Osaka station to Hiroshima. I need to make a transfer at Shinosaka station. I plan to have a bento breakfast at the shinkansen train. where would it be more convenient to buy, at Osaka or Shinosaka station?
Hi star、
Shin-Osaka is easier. There are lots of store in Shin-Osaka station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will be arriving at Shin Osaka station Shinkansen terminal mid-March and would like to know the best way to get to JR Namba Rail Station or Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT).
Thank you and best regards,
Oliver.
Hi Oliver,
You have two options:
1) Shin Osaka (local train) Osaka (Osaka Kajo line) Imamiya (local train) JR Namba.
2) Shin Osaka (Subway Midousuji line) Namba (walk 10-15 mins) JR Namba
If you don’t want to walk, take options 1.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for your quick response Takeshi. The information was exactly what I needed.
Best regards,
Oliver.
Hi, we will travel to Osaka on February. Please advise the best way to get to Consort Hotel by JR train. Where is the taxi stand and how many minutes is the travel time from Shin Osaka Station to the hotel. Thanks.
Hi Deity,
If you access to Shin-Osaka, you can get Haruka from Kansai airport directly.
You may use ICOCA and Haruka ticket:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Just get off the station, you will find taxi very easily. There are lots of signs in English. You can’t miss it.
I have no idea about travel time to your hotel because I don’t know anything about your hotel. As I mentioned above comment field, please ask your hotel about access information.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
What a good website!
You did a good job.
I also have a question here.
My friend and i will meet somewhere in Shin-osaka station. She will take train from kansai airport and i ask her to stop at shin osaka station. Because we booked a hotel around shin osaka. Where do you think the best spot for us to meet?
Im a newbie in Japan though..
Hi Deane,
Thanks for your comment about my website.
I think East ticket gate is the best place. This ticket gate is the nearest from the platform where Haruka (train from Kansai airport) arrive at.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
1. Where is the best place to meet friends arriving on the Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka?
2. As they exit the Shinkansen would the Tourist Information Centre be easy for them to find?
3. Where exactly is the Tourist Information Centre? What level?
4. Which floor is the Midosudji line on for transferring to Ikoma etc?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Susanna,
I think North ticket gate is the easiest. Please see the map below. You will find North gate at the left on top.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/_img/shin_osaka_L.jpg?untiCache=1348296146700
It’s located on second floor and is connected to Midousuji line. It’s well signed. You can’t miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Your site is currently my most used site in my favourites folder.
I will be going to Osaka and Tokyo this end November and pardon my questions but here goes.
I’m fine with Tokyo but, it’s my first time to Osaka so I’m a bit freaked out about travel plans and stuff.
My Itinerary as of right now is simple
22 – Reach Osaka
23 – Depart for Tokyo (AM)
24 – Tokyo
25 – Tokyo
26 – Get back to Osaka
27 – Osaka
28 – Osaka
29 – Osaka
30 – Leave Japan
I’m intending to take the Nozomi Shinkansen to depart for Tokyo on 23rd. Since I have time on 22nd, am I able to
– buy the Shinkansen ticket on 22nd?
– buy both the basic fare ticket and the shinkansen ticket?
– buy the Shinkansen ticket to come back on 26th as well?
– basic fare ticket will be from the point that I board the train or from Shin-Osaka station?
I will base my next question based on your answer for the above questions.
Sorry and please help me! =S
Hi Angel No. 2,
Thank you for your comment about my website. 🙂
You can purchase all of your ticket on Nov 22. And also if you take the train more than 601km for one way, you will get 10% off for both way. Actually Osaka-Tokyo is slightly less than 601km. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
If you purchase Kansai Airport – Osaka – Tokyo, it’s more than 601 km.
Even if you don’t use Osaka-Kansai Airport portion, it’s still much cheaper than regular fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your reply!
Slight change of plan for me to take the Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama to get to Hachioji.
But looking at the Hyperdia website, they are 2 segments to the fare part meaning
1) Hommachi -> Shin-Osaka (230 yen)
2) Shin-Osaka -> Hachioji (8720 yen)
Am I able to conclude that
1) Hommachi -> Shin-Osaka
— I can use the Icoca Card to travel to Shin-Osaka
2) To go to Hachioji
— I should be purchasing the base fare ticket for Shin-Osaka to Hachioji
— on top of the shinkansen ticket for Shin-Osaka to Shin-Yokohama
3) Or can I lump the whole Hommachi -> Hachioji in 1 base fare ticket?
Hi Angel No. 2,
1. You can use ICOCA for subway Midousuji line to get Shin-Osaka from Onmachi.
2. As I wrote about basic ticket at the following link, you can purchase just one ticket to Hachioji from Shin-Osaka and Shinkansen surcharge ticket.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I will be staying in Chinsun Shin Osaka Hotel and which line is best to take to travel to (1) Osaka City , (2) Kobe city. , (3) Kyoto city
Hi Soo,
As long as you stay in Shin Osaka, you can go anywhere by JR trains without any transfer. Osaka is just one station away. Kyoto is within 30 minutes by Rapid train. And Kobe is within 25 minutes ride by Rapid train as well.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, this is my first time to travel to Japan wiht my family. We will be using the Puratto Kodama Train becasue w eare trying to save as we are 5. I believe I need to take this train at Shin Osaka? Is it the Tokaido Shinkasen Line track no. 23-26. Many thanks for your help.
Hi Gigi,
If you go to Tokyo or Nagoya, you are right.
I don’t know where you are going. But if you travel from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, Puratto Kodama is 10000 yen. If you take round trip, total fare is 20000 yen. Japan Rail Pass 7 days is 28300 yen. 8300 yen difference will be able to cover your trip in Tokyo and Osaka maybe. And also you can take Hikari that is faster than Kodama. You can save your time too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
From Osaka Station by any conventional line to Shin-Osaka Station and change to Shinkansen line,
from 1F (East Gate) to 3F or is it to 4F?
Thanks
Hi Simon,
Technically conventional line is located at ground level (1F), Shinkansen gate at 3F and Shinkansen platform at 4F. But you will feel 1F, 2F and 3F. Because there is second floor outside of ticket gate. There are some stores. You can’t see it when you transfer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the info.So from Osaka Station to Shin-Osaka Station arrive at 1F goes up to 3F and move one up to 4F that is the Shinkansen platform level.
On the return if transfer to Midosuji subway line, then goes down to 2F and walk to the Midosuji Line, am I right?
Best regards
Simon
Hi Simon,
That’s right. Exit to Midousuji line is at other side of conventional line transfer gates.
There are lots of sign anyway. You can’t miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I actually really like staying at hotels around Shin-Osaka. Between it, Umeda and Kyoto, Shin-Osaka is my favourite because of the convenience of getting on the Shinkansen (or any of the limited express trains) and moving around within Osaka. Since it is still on the Midousuji Line, there are still good connections for people who want to go to Koyasan through Namba. There’s three Toyoko Inn chain hotels within walking distance of Shin-Osaka, and there is a surprisingly large amount of restaurants inside the station building to suit any taste.
The only limited express in the area I can think of that doesn’t stop at Shin-Osaka is Hamakaze. You still have to go to Osaka to get on. However, you can just catch up to that particular service at Himeji if you need to go to Wadayama or Kinosaki Onsen by that route.
Best regards,
Jonathan Ayre
Hi Jonathan,
Shin-Osaka is the best location to catch the trains. I agree with it.
I was afraid some readers mixed up Osaka (Umeda) with Shin-Osaka. Shin-Osaka is very popular for local business travellers because of transportation as you mentioned. Hotels are cheaper than Umeda. As long as travellers don’t expect huge downtown core, Shin-Osaka is a good location to stay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail