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,
Here are my itinerary in Mar-Apr 16.Could you please advise what type of tickets/pass that would be suitable/convenience for me?
30/03/16- Arrive KIX &staying near Minamorimachi station
31/03/16- sightseeing in Osaka
for the first two days about I’m thinking to buy Yokoso ticket ,does it sound a good one ?
01/04/16- leave Osaka to Mt Yoshino in Nara
02/04/16- Leave Nara to Kyoto
03/04/16- sightseeing in Kyoto & nearby
4/04/16- Leave Kyoto to Kobe , staying at Sannomiya area
5/04/16- Leave Kobe to Osaka
06/04/16- afternoon to KIX
Would like to know your advice. I have read all information Q&A you have answered others but still confusing & overwhelmed.
Thank you in advance.
Nok
Hi Nok,
Yokoso ticket is a good choice. And you can find other deals to get back to KIX 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
In Kyoto, you can find city deal at the link below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
Actually single ticket is the best choice for the rest of your trip. There are many deals available, like Kansai area pass or Kansai thru pass. But these deals are more expensive than single fare. If you stay in just Osaka and make a round trip, it will be paid off. But one way trip is not enough to use these deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a plan to travel from KIX to Shirakawago and Takayama by using Takatama Hokuriku Tourist Pass.
But before going to Shirakawago, I would like to visit some places in Osaka (Dontonburi, Shinsaibashi and Tennoji).
Here is my question:
Is Takayama Hokuriku pass covers all the JR stations in Osaka OR covers only the JR stations that shown in the above picture in your post?
Thank you!
Hi Suttiwan,
As long as you travel in this coverage map, all stations are covered. I just put the major stations only because there are too many stations to show.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can I use JR pass in KYOBASHI(OSAKA) station?
And, what pass can we use to Universal Studios and Osaka Aquarium?
Thanks!
Hi Jess,
You can use JR pass to get Kyobashi and also to get USJ.
But only subway can take you to kaiyukan. Please see the post above at the chapter “Tenpozan, Kaiyukan”. And also please see the coverage map in the post again. All info are shown there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I found your site very helpful, i hope you can also help me with our itinerary.
Feb. 10 Arrival at KIX 7:55pm will have a reservation at Shiminouchi
Feb. 11 biwako snow park (still dont know how to go there, i hope you can give me suggestions on how to get there)
Feb. 12 Shopping / Bargain Hunting
Feb. 13 Universal Studio and other nearby tourist spots
Feb. 14 Final shopping at Namba and back to the KIX
what do you think about my itinerary? What would be the best train or bus to take.
Thank you.
Hi Jane,
I think you will stay in Shimanouchi because I have never heard “Shiminouchi”. If Shimanouchi is right, the nearest station is Nihonbashi or Nagahoribashi. I’m not sure which one is the nearest. Please ask your accommodation to get there.
You will take Nankai railway to Namba and take subway from Namba anyway. All info can be found at the link below other than Biwako Valley:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
You may use JR train from Osaka station (same as Umeda) and get Shiga station. And then take a bus to get there. But I don’t have a timetable of this bus. I think it will run very frequently.
http://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0254enm.htm
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi..i ll be staying at hostel zoo. How fo i get to usj from shin imamiya station.
Hi Teh,
Shin-Imamiya (Osaka Kanjo line) Nishikujo (Hanasaki line) Universal city
You can find the route in the map in the post above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Can I use the JR pass in Imamiya station? Thanks!
Hi Jessica san,
Yes. You can use JR pass to get Imamiya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
I will be travelling from osaka to ueno using my JR pass. Which station should I stop in Tokyo? Tokyo station or can I take Shinkansen to ueno station since I have the pass? Thank you!
Hi Leighanne san,
Technically you can take Shinkansen to Ueno. But Shin-Osaka to Tokyo and Tokyo to Ueno are different Shinkansen. You have to transfer at Tokyo station anyway.
Tokyo-Ueno is very closed. Local train is okay to move this segment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Really appreciate your quick reply. You have been a great help in my planning for our trip.
Blessed day!
Thank you!
No problem, Leighanne san,
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’ll be staying at Kamagawanakano and will travel around Osaka for 4 days , 1 day to Kobe, 1 day to Nara, 1 day to USJ, 1 day to Kyoto. Which train pass would you recommend?
Hi Cindy,
Please see the link below:
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 Takeshi,
The information on late arrival into KIX is excellent.
We are a group of 6 adults (2 are seniors over age 60yrs). Our arrival is on Sat, 6 Feb 2016 at 2225hrs. (10.25pm) from Kuala Lumpur. We hope to catch the 2400hrs (12midnight) Airport bus at Terminal 1 to Herbis Osaka bus stop. Arrive at 12.58am. Then a taxi ride to the apartment which is about 5mins walk to JR Bentencho. This accomodation is not confirmed yet as we need to see if this is feasible with the transportation.
Sun, 7 Feb 2016 – Osaka Aquarium. (25th Anniversary). Osaka Kaiyu Ticket -Osaka City version which will cover entry to Kaiyukan & unlimited ride within Osaka City. Visit Osaka Castle & other sightseeing spots with this ticket.
Hopefully this option give us more flexibility if there is a delay in the late flight. I think the Haruka package is not workable since we have to take the midnight bus from KIX to the city.
Mon, 8 Feb 2016 – Fri, 12 Feb 2016 – Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji Castle & other recommended areas. Would Kansai Thru Pass be suitable since we have a choice of 3 unconsecutive days?
Sat, 13 Feb – USJ for 2 youths. The Hollywood Dream Ride is open after maintenance from 1 – 12 Feb 2016.
Sun, 14 Feb – Shopping at Umeda, Namba & Shinsaibashi
Mon, 15 Feb – KIX to KL at 11.35pm.
What other passes would you recommend?
It would be helpful if there is a sample itinerary with night arrivals & the options available.
Thanks again & appreciate your reply.
Hi Lynn,
The arrival day plan is feasible. But you will spend about 1000 to 2000 yen per taxi. If you have many luggage, you may need to take three taxis. So you might spend some extra cost.
The following post shows you how to choose the deal for the trip surrounding area of 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 think single ticket is the best to get KIX. Because JR train is most convenient to KIX from Bentencho.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Appreciate your reply. If there are 3 people with 2 small backpacks of 5kg each and 1 luggage of 20kg would this fix into a small taxi? I could not find any information whether Osaka Taxi charge extra after midnight rate but found Osaka MK is the cheapest on taxiautofare website.
It is cheaper to book the apartment near JR Bentencho. Namba seems to be the most convenient location but it cost much more.
Thank you for the useful link. It takes a while to digest the information. 🙂
We decide to travel to Kyoto, Kobe, Nara & Himeji from Osaka as our base. I read that ICOCA can be purchased on its own to travel to Kyoto & Kobe. However, we cannot use it for Nara & Himeji. Would Kansai Thru Pass serve this purpose?
Thanks & best regards
Hi Lynn,
I think taxi can accommodate 3 pax and 2 backpacks and 1x20kg baggage.
Kansai thru pass is better choice for Kyoto and maybe Kobe and Nara. Please see the link below:
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 Takeshi
A group of us (8 persons with teenagers) will be traveling to Osaka on February next year. It will be a 6 days 5 nights visits inclusive of traveling days. We plan to visit Universal Studio Japan, Tokyo (using bullet train) on day trip, Osaka city and some of the nearby city like Kyoto or Hiroshima (day trip). Do you think it is easier and cheaper to buy the Japan Rail Pass for us to move between cities or within cities?
Thank you.
Hi Calista,
If you are sure to go to Tokyo, JR pass is the most economical choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thank you for the information. Can the JR Rail pass access within Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima? I read that not all trains can be used using JR Rail Pass.
Hi Calista,
You can find the coverage of JR Pass in Osaka in the post above. And also you can find same information in Kyoto at 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
In Hiroshima, street car in the cities are not covered. But bus service that is called “Meipuru-pu” is covered.
https://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/teikan/meipurupu/en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thank you so much for the tips.
Following one of the previous inquiry about arriving late in Kansai Airport. My group is facing the same problem too. We are due to arrive at Kansai airport 10.25 pm. By the time we collect our luggage and go through immigration, we will probably miss the last train to Senri-chuo station Osaka monorail. The hotel we are staying is Shin Osaka Sunny Stone Hotel, Yodogawa Ward, Yodogawa-ku Nishinakajima. Another option is using airport Limousine bus, transfer at Shin Osaka. The hotel website said get off at Nishinakajima-Minamigata, 2 minutes walk from Exit-1. I don’t understand it because when I look at the map, it is quite a distance from Shin Osaka. Does it mean we need to take taxi? How much will the taxi charge since it will be past midnight?
Based on the estimation, if the limousine bus from airport is 1500 yen per person, it will be 12,000 yen (for 8 persons). If we use the airport shuttle van service, it will be 22,500 yen onwards.
Can you kindly advice which way is better and cheaper?
Thank you.
Hi Calista,
Nishinkajima Minamikata is one station away from Shin-Osaka by subway. Please find the map at the link below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
You may get the bus to Umeda (JR Osaka station).
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/UM
I don’t know an exact fare to Nshinakajima Minamikata from Umeda. But I guess it costs around 2000 yen per taxi. You may need to take three taxis for 8 passengers.
I have no idea about van service. If you can charter it at 22500 yen for 8 passengers, it’s cheaper. You should check it can accommodate 8 passengers and how much space van has for luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
We have finally confirmed the itinerary for our trip to Osaka in February 2016. Wish to seek for your advice in purchasing tickets for transportation.
Day 1 : arriving in Kansai International airport, check in hotel in Juso
Day 2 : day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima (we already purchased the Kansai Hiroshima Area pass
Day 3 : Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle and Tenjimbashisuji
Day 4 : Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Kuromon market, Nipponbashi
Day 5 : free and easy in Osaka
Day 6 : going home
Based on the itinerary, what pass do you recommend? Will ICOCA adequate for day 3 onwards? Or any other pass you would recommend?
Thank you.
Hi Calista,
You will have Kansai Hiroshima Area pass and it covers all JR trains in Osaka too. But some of places are not accessed by JR, such as Kaiyukan. So you may use ICOCA to get these places where JR cannot take you.
You may use ICOCA and Haruka deal on arrival day. Even if you take rapid train to JR Osaka (Umeda) from KIX, this deal is still better than single ticket. You can use ICOCA to get Juso by Hankyu railway.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com