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
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
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
Hi Maricel,
It’s not a good idea to use the pass on day 4. Subway pass (eco card) is way enough and kansai thru pass is too much.
You can take Nankai Railway train to KIX from Namba by Kansai thru pass instead of limousine. This is only way to use Kansai thru pass. Otherwise you have to use single fare to Kyoto and purchase subway or bus pass in Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much! 🙂
No problem, Maricel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
[…] Click here for a complete guide on Osaka Metro. […]
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
Hi Shirlynn,
In my rough estimation, total cost of JR trains will be around 40,000 yen. That is about 6000 yen cheaper than 14 days pass. You will make some JR trains trip when you are in Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto. The gap may be smaller.
If you really want to save your cost, 14 days pass is not your choice. But JR pass gives you flexibility and much easier to handle. If you give up JR pass, you have to purchase two long distance single ticket, Tokyo-Osaka and Kyoto-Tokyo with stopover at Takayama and Karuizawa. Please see the details about single trip ticket at 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 want to make your trip be easier, go for 14 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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!
Hi Tin Tin,
You can use use subway pass for day 2.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Single fare is okay for USJ and Umeda. You can take JR train from JR Osaka (Umeda) to Nishikujo and transfer to JR Yumesaki line train. Some trains go to Universal city station from Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply.
What is the difference between Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass?
Osaka Unlimited Pass is the same as Osaka Amazing Pass, right?
Do you think its good to purchase an Osaka Amazing Pass for 2 days and use it for our Day 2 & 3 itinerary:
(Day 2: Osaka Bay Area, then Dotonbori & Shinsekai Area
Day 3: Umeda City).
and to just purchase single tickets going to USJ?
On the other hand, we are planning to take a day tour at Kyoto. Which part of Kyoto is nearest to Umeda, Osaka?
and the most convenient way (train/subway/railway) to get there?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Tin-Tin,
Yes. Unlimited pass is same as amazing pass. It was called unlimited pass before.
If you intend to visit more than 4 or 5 attractions that are covered by this pass, you can go for it. Otherwise Eco card is okay.
Regarding Kyoto, it depends on which part of Kyoto you go. Please find more info at the link below:
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
If you just want to go to Kyoto station, JR special rapid is the fastest. It takes 30 minutes sharp.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
So you mean we can access JR lines without buying the JR Pass? Because I thought that JR lines are only for JR Pass users which is too expensive.
Meaning JR single fare is okay and we can use JR Osaka / JR Yumesaki / JR Nishikujo?
Hi Tin-tin,
Yes. Single fare for these line is around 200 to 300 yen. It’s not a big issue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much Takeshi.
No problem, Tin-tin.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Stephanie,
If you are sure to get Hiroshima from Kyoto as day trip, you can use JR pass 7 days from 21 Oct to 27 Oct until you get Tokyo. Make a trip to Hiroshima after you start using JR Pass.
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
The trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto is a key. You have to make this trip if you use JR Pass. Otherwise JR Pass is more expensive than other deals + single ticket. JR Pass must be purchased before you leave.
Kansai thru pass is too much. Simply purchase single ticket to Kyoto and use subway/bus pass. In Tokyo, it’s same thing. You can use subway pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
If you leave from Narita, please refer the following post:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
If you leave from Haneda, single fare is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi Takeshi
Thanks for your reply.
The reason you suggested JR pass was mainly because Hiroshima ? After look up the link you provided, i was thinking will Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass works for me ? even though I will need to transfer in Shin-Osaka (is this the only downside?), Does this pass cover (kanazawa, takayama & shirawakago)? if it does then can I use from 22th-27th that covers Kyoto(Nara), Kyoto (Hiroshima), Kanazawa, Takayama & Shirawakago ?
The reason I concerned about JR pass was that it doesnt cover trip on (kanazawa, takayama & shirawakago), am I right ?
or you still think JR pass would be the best for me ?
Thanks again Takeshi
Hi Stephanie,
Kansai Hiroshima Pass does not cover Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. Only JR Pass covers throughout Japan. The reason why I mention trip to Hiroshima is cost. If you use JR pass, it’s not paid off without trip to Hiroshima. JR pass covers most part of your trip. You may add some local transportation, such as subway and local bus, such as bus to Shirakawago.
At this point, there is no better deal other than JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi
One more question, is there an 1 day pass cover my trip from Osaka-Namba Station to Kyoto Station and cover to Gion & Fushimi Inari Shrine ?
Or should I buy a single ticket from Osaka -Kyoto and One day Keihan Pass to cover Gion & Fushimi Inari ?
Thanks again
Hi Stephanie,
I think single fare is cheaper than any passes. Just take subway Midousuji line from Namba to Yodoyabashi. And then transfer to Keihan Railway to Fushimi and take Keihan railway again after Fushimi to get Gion.
Cheers
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Lon,
If you and your family have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka, go for JR Pass 7 days. Otherwise single fare is your choice for Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen trip.
There is only one station of Shinkansen in Osaka that is Shin-Osaka. You can take subway from Shin-Osaka to either Shinsaibashi or Namba. Doronbori is located between these two stations.
The following links shows you some idea about staying in Osaka. You may find some deals and day trips from Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Kyoto can be accessed as day trip. But if you want to see whole part of Kyoto, I recommend you to spend two days. If you want to spend just one day, pick up what you really want see.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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.
Hi Ruby,
Single ticket is the best choice for most part of your trip. Please see the following link:
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
On day 1, you can take Nankai railway to get Namaba and transfer to Hanshin. Kobe Access ticket is cheaper than single fare even though you get Amagasaki.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/kobe.html
Single ticket is okay for day 2 and 3.
On day 4, Osaka Amazing pass is recommended.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
But you have to pay single fare to get either Umeda or Osaka-Namba.
On day 5, it’s tough. If you have two day trips to Nara and Kyoto, Kansai thru pass is recommended. But this pass starts from minimum 2 days. At this point, single fare is the best and if you go to Kyoto, just add subway/bus deal.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
There is no good choice for one day trip to either Kyoto or Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks very much for the quick reply. This would be of great help to us.
Cheers!
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!
Hi Rosemarie,
You can use Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Osaka Amazing Pass for day 3 and subway pass for day 4 are recommneded.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Single fare is okay for other trips.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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.
Hi Ivy,
I recommend you to see the link below. It shows you how to choose the deal for staying 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 didn’t mention Yokoso Osaka Ticket in the link above. But I think this is the best for your trip on arrival day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
Visiting USJ and Kaiyukan in one day is not recommended. It’s not impossible but it’s too hard to see both in one day, especially with two small children. In my opinion, you will spend one full day for just USJ. It’s a huge theme park. Even one day is not enough to see everything. You can visit Kaiyukan on the other day, like morning in day 5.
Sorry but I have never heard Harvest Hill.
Thanks Takeshi-san, thanks for your advice.
The harvest hill website is http://farm.or.jp/
Apologies, i don’t know what is the name in Japanese.
I will re-discuss with my hubby on the USJ, thanks for your advice.
I will go and find out more on Yokoso Osaka Ticket
Thanks!
Hi Ivy,
You can take Nankai Railway Koya line to Izumigaoka. It takes 30 minutes. And then need to transfer to bus to Harvest hill. It takes another 20 minutes. Train runs very often, but bus does not. You can find bus timetable at the link below:
http://farm.or.jp/guide/acces.html
There are four tables in the link. Upper left is to Harvest hill on weekday. Upper right is to the station on weekday Lower two tables are same order for weekend.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your reply! May i ask again, which pass can i get for going to the Harvest Hill? Cos on that day, i planned to go to Big Bang too.
http://www.bigbang-osaka.or.jp/
And based on my itinerary above, which pass should i get for these 5 days?
Thanks.
Hi Ivy,
You can simply purchase single fare ticket at the station. Any deals are more expensive than single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
[…] 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 … […]