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
2013.10.30
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:

How to use JR Pass in downtown Osaka. Find how much you can use Japan Rail Pass in Osaka.
If you use JR Pass or other JR deals, such as Kansai Area Pass, do you know how much you can use the pass? Do you know where you can go without any extra charge? This post tells you everything about JR pass coverage in downtown Osaka.
jprail.com
2011.10.29

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:

Nara access guide from Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai airport and Kobe by JR, Kintetsu Railway and Airport bus
Nara is one of popular places in Kansai area. This post explains you how to get Nara from several places in Kansai area.
jprail.com
2012.10.03

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:

Osaka and Umeda stations guide. How to change JR trains, subway trains and other private railways
Osaka station is same location as Umeda station. Only JR station is called "Osaka" but other railway and subway stations are called "Umeda". It is complicated for the travelers but these are same location. In this post, I will explain you about Osaka and Umeda stations.
jprail.com
2012.09.16

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. Marie says:
    March 20, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    Does the shinkansen have specific time tables? If so, can you share the link cause I’m utterly confused. Thank you!

  2. Jane says:
    March 20, 2015 at 4:14 am

    Can I buy shinkansen train tickets on the day I will leave? For example, if I’m leaving for Tokyo from Osaka, can I buy tickets directly from the station? Even if I’m buying like 3-4 tickets?

    Thank you!

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      March 20, 2015 at 11:36 am

      Hi Jane,

      Shinkansen ticket can be purchased in even last minutes. Some of business travellers purchase it in 5 minutes before departure time.
      But if you travel as group, you may not be able to find the seats together if you purchase it in last minutes.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  3. Norlinda says:
    March 19, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    Hi,
    I will be going to Tokyo from 14 May 2015, moving on to Kyoto on the 18 May and then onward to Osaka on 20 May and going back home through Kansai Int. Airport on the night of 23 May. I am wondering whether it is worthwhile to purchase the 7 day JR Pass because the whole stay in Japan is about 10 days. I will have to start the 7-day Pass later than the day of arrival in Narita Airport. If it is not activated then, will I still be able to enjoy the Narita Express to Tokyo free? Is it worthwhile to purchase the JR Pass as it is going to be used for the trip to Kyoto from Tokyo and from Kyoto to Osaka?

    Around Tokyo, what train travel card is suitable? I heard there is Tokyo Metro 1 day pass for 600 yen. Is this true? Or is it better to purchase the SUICA card? What subway cards are suitable for Kyoto and Osaka?

    Hope you can enlighten me on the above.
    Thank you

    Norlinda

    Even with the JR Pass, w

  4. anna says:
    March 18, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    Hi! I hope you can give me some assistance. My family and I will be travelling to Japan on April 4-9, 2015. We will be arriving in Osaka on April 4 but have to go to Tokyo on the same day and be back in Osaka on April 6. We will be spending a day in Kyoto & Nara before leaving Osaka on April 9. Do we need a JR pass or just buy round trip tickets for Osaka-Tokyo and look for other deals? Your advice is highly appreciated. Thank you.

  5. Karina says:
    March 15, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Hi,
    Hope you can help me. I am wondering if the 7 day JR Pass is a good option for me and my husband.
    We plan to use it:
    From Kansai to Tennoji Station Osaka
    From Tennoji to the station to connect to Universal Studios
    Within Osaka for a day
    From Shin Osaka to Tokyo
    Within Tokyo for 3 days
    Shinjuku to Narita

    Any advise you can give will be much appreciated.

  6. Rachel says:
    March 5, 2015 at 6:33 am

    I’ll be going to Tokyo for 5 days before going to Osaka. Will be getting the single ticket as recommended by you (thank you!). But can I purchase the ticket through my country’s agency? Or do I have to buy it personally at Japan?

    Is bringing of luggage is allowed?

  7. Nana says:
    March 1, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Thank you for the post! My family will be arriving at Haneda Airport at March 30 and we will be at Disneyland on the 31st. What is the most efficient way to get to Osaka from there, considering we all have Japan Rail Passes?
    Thank you very much!

  8. ECL says:
    January 28, 2015 at 5:22 am

    I will be arriving into NArita on June 29 with my 2 kids. I was hoping to get the 8:40 pm flight out of Narita to Kansai (Osaka). Arrive Kansai around 10:10pm. What would be best way to go to Osaka ryokan hotel from airport at that time? Am i better off staying overnight around Kanasi airport? We fly back to NArita on Jly 3 around 12 noon…I was hoping to see Kyoto in a day, Kobe for Wagyu/kobe meal, Osaka to see the castle? Please help me with train/transfers. Thanks in advance.

  9. Ced says:
    January 15, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    Hi Takeshi ,
    Just like to check , if i am flying into osaka ( itami ) then flying off from Tokyo. I will be based in shin-osaka and will visit osaka for 2 days then maybe 2 days kyoto and 1 day in nara b4 going over totkyo for 3-4 days.
    My question is should i still get 7 days JR pass or just buy 1 way from shin-osaka to tokyo ? cos previously i had JR pass during my last time so we will just hop on JR strain from shin-osaka to Kyoto. ( the last time i fully utlised the JR pass cos we did tokyo-osaka-tokyo). Was thinking is it more wroth if we get the kansai thru pass + just 1 way JR from Osaka to tokyo.
    since we are not staying in osaka , but in shin-osaka , should we take JR rapid ( think 560 yen ) to kyoto ? or should we get Kansai pass and go downtown and change to other train ?, also for Nara , the last time we took JR ( Shin-osaka to kyoto to JR nara ).
    Just thinking if JR 7 days pass worth it or should i just buy 1 way JR and + other pass OR pay single trip ? ( Cos the last time when in kyoto , i think most of the spot are well reach by buses and they got 1 days bus pass @ 500yen ? ) TQ

  10. Yu Ling says:
    January 1, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Hi,

    Thank you for all the notes and everything.

    Just a bit confuse, will like to clarify.

    Will be reaching Japan by plane at Narita Airport and heading to Osaka straight and to stay for 3days2nights and back to Tokyo for another 6nights. With that will you be advice it is ideal to buy JR 7-days pass? My trip will exceed the JR 7 days usage. Thanks.

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