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
Hihi, we are a family of 5 (3adult/2children). We are travelling to Osaka on 20-27Nov 15 and staying around Umeda, Osaka.
Day 1 Umeda, Hep Five
Day 2 Nara, Namba Parks (JR West Pass)
Day 3 Osaka Castle/Shitennoji Temple
Day 4 Universal Studio
Day 5 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan/Floating Garden
Day 6 Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi
Do you think we need to purchase a 3day JR West Pass or a 5day JR West Pass?
Hi Cecilia,
There are many deals available and many ways to enjoy Osaka. Basically JR West Pass is not very recommended.
I wrote about choosing the deals and building the itinerary at the link above. You will find many info there. Please find the following link to get more detail.
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
Dear Takeshita,
i have planned a tentative itinerary for my family for 13-25/12, based in Osaka and Tokyo. Would appreciate if you can advise on the type of pass to buy during our stay and when to activate the pass. Can the JR East 7 day pass cover Tokyo to Nagano on the Hokoriku Shinkansen?
13/12 Sun: Osaka
14/12 Mon: Dotonbori umeda
15/12 Tue: USJ
16/12 Wed: Osaka
17/12 Thu: Hiroshima D1
18/12 Fri: Kyoto/ Nara/ Kobe D2
19/12 Sat: Osaka castle/ Nagoya
20/12 Sun: Osaka to Tokyo D4 Ueno
21/12: Mon D6: Nagano day trip
22/12: Tue: D7: jiyugaoka, Shibuya & Harajuku
23/12: Wed: Ueno & Nippori
24/12 Thu: Tokyo dome
25/12 Fri: Tokyo last day
Thank you very much.
Regards
Bee Ting
Hi Bee,
You may start using JR pass 7 days (not JR “East” pass, it’s different) on 17th when you go to Hiroshima. You may start using one day earlier because “D5” is missing. You put only 6 days.
Nagano can be accessed by Hokuriku Shinkansen by JR pass.
I think day 4 is too much. You cannot complete Kyoto, Kobe and Nara in one day. You may spend one full day for just Kyoto. Nara and Kobe can be done in one day. I recommend you to visit Kyoto on 16th and start using pass on this day.
For Osaka, Tokyo, access to/from airport, you may find some info at the links 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/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/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
(not Takeshita)
hello Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
I have updated the itinerary based on your advice:
13/12 Sun: Osaka
14/12 Mon: Dotonbori umeda
15/12 Tue: USJ
16/12 Wed: Kobe/Nara (D1 of JR pass)
17/12 Thu: Hiroshima (D2)
18/12 Fri: Kyoto (D3)
19/12 Sat: Osaka castle/ Nagoya (D4)
20/12 Sun: Osaka to Tokyo (D5) Ueno
21/12: Mon D6: Nagano day trip (D6)
22/12: Tue: D7: jiyugaoka, Shibuya & Harajuku (D7)
23/12: Wed: Ueno & Nippori
24/12 Thu: Tokyo dome
25/12 Fri: Tokyo last day
may I know how to go to Shinsaibashi from Itami airport? Our apartment is near Shinsaibashi station. Thank you!
Hi Bee,
It looks fine.
You can take limousine bus to get Namba and take subway to Shinsaibashi.
http://osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thank you for your patient help and the useful links! For the JR pass that I buy in Singapore, do I exchange it when we land in narita airport though I plan to start using it only on day 4 when we go from Osaka to Hiroshima?
Hi Bee,
‘
It’s up to you. You can exchange it at Narita or any other exchange location. In these days, it’s very busy in Narita because number of travellers getting increasing. In Tokyo, you may exchange it at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno and many other locations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If I buy the JR pass, can I use it to take the Kintetsu train? When I travel between Osaka to Nagoya, Kobe n Kyoto, is taking the Shinkansen train (with JR pass) the best way as I stay at Shinsaibashi? Or should I use the JR pass to travel by other means? Thank you!
Hi Bee,
Kintetsu is not covered by JR pass. You can take Shinkansen to get Nagoya. But there is no JR station in Shinsaibashi as you see the map in the post above. The easiest way to get Shinkansen is taking subway to Shin-Osaka. But subway is not covered by subway either.
For the trip to Kobe and Kyoto, you don’t need to take Shinkansen. Local trains are fine. But it’s same situation above. You need to get the nearest JR station. JR Namba is the nearest station but you need to get subway or walk to JR-Namba. It’s walkable. Please find more info about train network in Kansai area 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Appreciate your very quick reply to my queries. All local trains to Kobe n Kyoto covered by JR Pass? I’m trying to make good use of the JR pass. Thank you!
Hi Bee,
Yes, you can.
Please read the link that I gave you again. You can find all info that you need there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be in based in Osaka for the trip. All plans made are day trips.
My Kansai travel itinerary is as such
Day 1 – train from Kansai airport to hostel, explore Osaka’s area
Day 2- Kyoto
Day 3- Nara (activate 5 day Kansai- Hiroshima Pass)
Day 4 – Hiroshima, miyajima
Day 5 – Wakayama
Day 6- Kobe , himeiji
Day 7- Either Okayama or Kyoto (End of use of 5-day Kansai Hiroshima area pass)
Day 8 – Kyoto
Day 9- Osaka
Did I utilize my Kansai Hiroshima area pass correctly?
For day 1, 2, 8 and 9, do I buy the Kansai Area pass for 4 days or should I purchase the ICOCA card?
Thank you.
Hi Peggy,
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is the right choice for day 3 to 7. But I recommend Kansai thru pass for day 2 and 8.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai area pass must be used for consecutive days and it does not cover subway/bus in Kyoto, but Kansai thru pass does.
You may use one of the deals for Kansai airport to/from Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you so much for the prompt reply.
As you have mentioned Kansai Thru pass is a better way to get around for Day 2 and 8, I would shift day 8 to day 3.
My Kansai travel itinerary is as such
Day 1 – train from Kansai airport to hostel, explore Osaka’s area
Day 2- Kyoto (Kansai thru pass)
Day 3- Kyoto (Kansai thru pass)
Day 4 -Nara (activate 5 day Kansai- Hiroshima Pass)
Day 5- Hiroshima, miyajima
Day 6- Wakayama (Mt Koya)
Day 7- Kobe , himeiji
Day 8- Either Okayama or Kyoto (End of use of 5-day Kansai Hiroshima area pass)
Day 9- Osaka
Can I seek your advice if I should get the Kansai Thru pass for 3 days for Day 1 to Day 3 instead (as my day 1 plans include trip from KIX airport to Osaka JR Fukushima station and then to sightseeing in Namba area) ?
For day 6, I am actually heading to Mt Koya, however from what I have read from your post, JR trains does not head there. Thus does it mean my Kansai Hiroshima pass might not be applicable for trip to Mt Koya?
I thank you for your patience and assistance in answering my queries.
Hi Peggy,
For the arrival day, ICOCA and Haruka is the best choice. You cannot get Fukushima by Kansai thru pass because it does not cover JR trains.
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
You may take limited express Haruka to Tennoji and transfer to local train to Fukushima. And you can use ICOCA e-money to take subway or JR trains in Osaka. ICOCA can be used for any trains.
You can use Kansai thru pass 3 days but use for day 2 to 4. And switch day 4 (Nara) and day 6 (Mt. Koya). Nara can be accessed by JR trains so you may visit there on day 6 in coverage period of Kansai Hiroshima Pass. Kansai thru pass covers Mt. Koya. So you can visit there on day 4. You can use Kansai Hiroshima Pass to get KIX from Fukushima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
It means i should purchase
Haruka + ICOCA (single trip) for day 1
Kansai Thru pass for day 2-4 and
kansai Hiroshima pass for day 5-9?
For the ICOCA, can i be refunded if i dont use it?
Thank you.
Hi Peggy,
That’s right.
ICOCA includes 500 yen deposit and it can be refund. But e-money itself cannot be refunded. You may spend to purchase some snacks or drink at convenience store in the station too. Try to make it empty. Please see the link below to fine more info:
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#How_to_use_ICOCA
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Once again thank you, Takeshi!
No problem, Peggy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I plan to use the osaka kaiyu ticket. As I stay in Shimo-shinjo area, I would like to take the sakaisuji line from namba to shimo-shinjo station, but it shows they(sakaisuji train) also use the hankyu line to get there. Hankyu line is not covered by the osaka kaiyu ticket. Do I have to top up fare once I arrive at shimoshinjo station?
Hi York,
When you exit Shimo-Shinjo station, show your Kaiyu ticket to the station staff. He/She will tell you how much you need to pay on top of the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
My family and I are arriving on Nov 14 2015 night time. We will stay at Hanazono kita nishi nariku oasaka-shi osaka. We will leave on the 18th of Nov late night. We plan to explore Kyoto for two days, a day at USJ and last day explore The City of Osaka. What is the best and affordable transport ticket to use during our stay there and the rail way near our accomodation?
Thanks a lot. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Ruth,
If you arrive after 22:00, please read the link below:
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
Otherwise you can take Nankai railway by single fare.
Kansai thru pass 3 days is the best for trip to Kyoto and explore in Osaka and trip to KIX on the departure day
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
[…] from NAMBA Station! Train: Get a 600Y day pass if you’ll be departing and alighting along the Midosuji Line. As 1-3 stop differences can easily amount up to […]
hi there…so glad to finally find this discussion. I am planning to reach Osaka on this Oct 19. I will arrive in the midnight so will stay at airport and go to hotel on Oct 20.
My hotel will be at Osaka Teikoku Hotel – 2-8-17, nishishinsaibashi, chuo-ku,namba. Kindly please advise :
* I will buy Nankai Kansai airport edition ( nankai electric railway from KIX – Namba + Osaka amazing pass ). I actually already find how to go to hotel from namba station but i think what they mean by namba station is mideosuji line station. So actually, how to get to Teikoku hotel from Nankai Namba station ? is it just same or different ?
* After putting my luggage in hotel, I plan to go to :
– Osaka castle : i already find how to go there
– Umeda sky building : how to go from Osaka castle to Umeda sky building ? Which line best to take ?
– from Umeda – Hep 5 ferris wheel : how to reach it
– Hep 5 ferris wheel – back to Namba/Dotomburi/Shinsaibashi : how to get there
Thank you in advance for your attention and information
Hi Sari,
Nankai Namba and Midousuji line Namba are almost same place. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
All places in Umeda are located around subway Umeda station. You can take Midousuji line to get Umeda and all places can be accessed by walk from Umeda station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi…
Thank you very much for your very fast respond, i really appreciate it. One more question, how to go from osaka castle to umeda sky building ? I will use osaka amazing pass.
Cheers
Hi Sari,
There are many stations surrounding Osaka castle. But in my opinion, Tanimachi-Yonchome station is the best because it’s close to main gate. You can find “C14” in the map below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
This station is connected by Chuo line (Green line) to Honmachi and you can transfer to Midousuji line (red line). I think you know Midousuji line that connect Honmachi, Namba and Umeda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot Takeshi
No problem, Sari.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, my group of 4 will be arriving in osaka on the 30 Nov, and will check in a hostek at kitakagaya the next day, we are planning to go to USJ on the third day, kaiyukan the next day and basically doing some sightseeing and also touring the namba,dotonbori,shinsaibashi and umeda the rest of the trip.Is it better to buy ticket on the go or buy a rail pass?thanks in advance
Hi Azlan,
Kanku Chikatoku Ticket is the best choice for airport – Kitakagaya station. It covers Nankai railway between airport and Namba, and subway to Kitakagaya.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html#Kanku_Chikatoku_Ticket
Subway pass is a good choice for exploring except when you visit Kaiyukan aquarium.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is the best choice for trip to Kaiyukan.
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, which type of subway pass for one day is the best choice for us?
Hi Azlan,
There is only one type of subway pass available that is Eco card.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi There! We are a family of 25 pax (19 adults and 6 kids) travelling to Osaka this christmas Dec24-31. We are staying at Shakudo, Habikino-Shi (near Kintetsu Kishi station). What is the besy way to travel around Osaka? We will also spend one day each to Universal, Kyoto and Nara. Will the Kintetsu 5-day rail pass save us money? Thanks!
Hi Melissa,
Kansai thru pass is better choice than Kintetsu rail pass to visit Nara and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is okay to access to Osaka and USJ. You may add subway pass as you need to explore Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We (5 people) will be arriving Kansai Airport on Nov 11, 2015, 08.15 am. As we will have JR pass, we plan to take Haruka Line, store luggages in Tennnoji. Get off at Tennoji for Shitennoji Temple. From here, we will take JR Loop Line and getting off in Morinomija for Osaka Castle. Then back to Morinomija and take the JR Loop Line to go back toTennoji. Then getting our luggage and take the JR train to JR Namba Station. From here, we transfer to Yotsubashi Line, get off at Yotsubhasi station to go to the place we stay. From the the place we stay we will walk to shinsaibashi-suji and Dotonbori. Kindly please advise if this route is good for us or please suggest other alternatives if there is any. Your advice is highly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Hi Indra,
Your plan is very organized. I have nothing to day about it.
The other alternative is the following:
KIX-Tennoji-JR Namba-Yotsubashi
Drop off your luggage at your hotel. Even though you will not able to check in because it will be morning, but hotel can receive your luggage.
After that, walk to Shinsaibashi station and catch subway Nagahori-Tsurumiryokuchi line. It goes to Morinomiya. Please check the route at the link below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
*Light green color line is Nagahori-Tusurmiryokuchi line.
In this route, you have to take subway more and spend more money. But you don’t need to look for the storage at Tennoji and save your cost for luggage because you can drop off your luggage at hotel before going to Osaka castle. You can go back to your hotel after Osaka castle.
How about it?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir,
Can i use ICOCA card for whole Osaka, Kyoto, Nara trip? How about the cost ICOCA compare Kansai tru pass or other pass?
Thank you very much
Hi LF,
ICOCA can be used for any trains in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. But it gives you same value as cash. It’s not a discount ticket.
If you have day trip to Kyoto or Nara from Osaka, Kansai thru pass is cheaper. But you have to make the detailed plan before choosing the pass. You cannot compare pass and single fare by rough plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com