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
- For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards
- For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card
- 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
- Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass
- How to access to major spots in Osaka by train
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:
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:
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:
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
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 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
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)
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.
Otherwise you have to take Universal City station – Nishikujo station – Bentencho station – Osakako station route. It is a big detour.
Osakajo (Osaka castle)
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
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
Hi Takeshi,
If i would like to purchase Osaka Enjoy Eco Card one day pass, is already cover all subway (including JR) and bus?
If i arrive in shin osaka station, is this enjoy eco card available?
Thank you
Hi Miranti,
Yes, it covers all subway and city bus in Osaka. You may purchase it at subway Shin-Osaka station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
1) I would like to ask how much is the fee from kansai Airport to Namba using Nankai Railways?
2) If I missed my last train, what other transport I can use to go Namba cheaply?
Thanks
Hi Veronica,
You may find the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Regarding midnight transfer, please see the following links:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
If im travelling from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, intending to get the SUICA card in TOkyo for my train ride there. But when I arrive in Osaka, can i use suica card for all the subway line?
Or i should get ICOCA in osaka? Thanks!
Hi Shyanne,
You can use Suica in Osaka. All IC card, such as ICOCA, Suica, Pasmo can be used in other coverage area. You can use Suica in ICOCA area and use ICOCA in Suica area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day Mr Takeshi,
I read your posts and others’. We are planning a trip to Japan for 7 days this june. we will be arriving at kansai airport early morning and then go to hiroshima for day tour then go back to osaka ands stay near Shin-Imamiya for 2 days then travel to kyoto and stay there near gion for 2 days. and then travel to fuji for side trip then lastly tokyo before heading back to manila. Can I ask if you would recommend for us to avail a 7 day JR Pass ?would it be cheaper and more useful?or if you have recommendations on what passes to use that would be convenient for our trip..weve been reading about this but its still very confusing for us because its our first time.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Hi Joshua,
JR Pass 7 days is the best choice and cheaper than single fare. But JR pass does not cover local transportation such as subway as you read the post above. Especially in Kyoto and Fuji, you need to add some fares. Please see the link below:
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/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks a lot Takeshi..
will read the links you gave..and i hope we wont get lost in japan hehe
No problem, Joshua.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day, we are staying in Shinshaibasi area for 4 nights. What mixed/multi-day pass ticket would you recommend if the key places we need to go to would be: Umeda, Universal Studios Japan and Kyoto? Finally, can Kyoto be a day-tour (go there early in the morning and then leave at night to go back to Shinshaibasi?) Are there tour operators that do tours for Kyoto for an entire day? Thank you in advance!
Hi Hanica,
Please see the link below about how to make an itinerary in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
I show only trip by own in this site. I have no idea about tour operators.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We wanted to go to the aquarium Kaiyukan, and wanted free train ride with the pass?
Which pass should we buy? we be touring osaka only for a day.
Is “Osaka Kaiyu Ticket” a good deal for us or other pass is better?
-Isaac
Hi Issac,
Kaiyu ticket is highly recommended. Please see the link below:
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,
Just a quick question cos I am confused reading here n there, whether Suica can be use in any Osaka Subway Lines ((Midosuji, Tanimachi,Yotsubashi,sennichimae,Sakaisuji,Chuo,Imazatosuji, Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi, Nanka Port Town, JR,Transfer Station))? Or Just ICOCA can be use in the lines mentioned above if I am not getting any Unlimited Pass. Thank you!
Hi Nickk,
You can take any trains in Osaka by ICOCA. Of course all subway lines are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can you please help us on what is the best way we can arrive at Universal Studios Japan if we are staying at Chisun Inn Umeda?
And lastly, if we are to arrive in Kansai International Airport, how can we arrive at Chisun Inn Umeda?
I did a research but I was overwhelmed with the train stations.
Please help us. Thanks
Regards,
Tin
Hi Tin,
You can get JR Osaka by subway from Higobashi. Subway station is Nishi-Umeda is same location as JR Osaka station. You can take JR train to get USJ.
You also to use same way to get KIX from JR Osaka station. If you want to save your cost, take subway to get Namba and transfer to Nankai railway to KIX. If you take subway and JR, you need to pay single fare ticket. But if you take subway and Nankai via Namba, you can use the following deal:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI Takashi,
Would appreciate your input on how to travel by rail for our visit to Kyoto and Osaka. We will stay near the Kujo station at Kyoto. Plan to visit Lake Biwa and Botanic gardens @ Kyoto. The proceed to Osaka by train. staying near Kitahama station. PLan to visit Hemiji castle, Akashi bridge (if possible), Kobe and possibly Mount Yoshino apart from traveling within Osaka. Then proceed to Kansai airport. I read your post by was confused by the number of operators. Considering our plan, which rail pass would you recommend
Hi Soo,
First of all, please see the link below. You can follow the sample itinerary in this link.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Single ticket is only choice to get lake Biwa. But you can use ICOCA e-moeny of ICOCA and Haruka. I think you will use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day.
You may use Kansai thru pass instead of Kansai area pass for Himeji and Kobe. And also you can use it for access to Yoshino.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takashi-san. I just figured out (slow) the local subway in Osaka and Kyoto will have to be separate from the intercity rides. Thanks again, Soo
No problem, Soo san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good Day Takeshi!
Would like to ask your assistance on which transport to use for internal move in the city. I’m planning to arrive to Kansai Airport on Feb 22nd at 16:55 and stay near to Shin Imamiya station for 4 days: on 23rd Feb – visit to USJ; on 24th Feb – visit to Tempozan & Kaiyukan; on 25th- Osaka Castle, Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi; 26th Feb – visit to Hiroshima then move to Kyoto. In Kyoto will spend 2 days then will move to Tokyo and spend there 2-3 days after fly to Seoul. Still reading your articles about Railways and can’t decide to buy JR pass or not for 8-9 days trip. What ticket/pass/railway could you suggest as a best choice in terms of prices and conveniency for my trip? Thank you for your advise in advance.
Hi Peri,
You may use JR Pass 7 days for the last 7 days of your trip.
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
JR pass covers trip to Hiroshima from Osaka and then to Kyoto, Kyoto to Tokyo, and then trip to either Haneda or Narita.
You can use single fare for Nankai Railway to get Shin-Imamiya from KIX around 900 yen. Kaiyu ticket is recommended for kaiyukan and Tenpozan.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
Single ticket is okay for USJ and other points in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com