If you use JR Pass and visit Osaka, you should know how much you can use JR Pass in Osaka. I forcus on using JR Pass in downtown Osaka. If you use the following passes, you have same coverage.
- Kansai Area Pass
- Kansai Wide Area Pass
- Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass
- Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
- Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass
- Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Takayama Hokuriku Area Touirst Pass
- Northern Kyushu Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
I will show you JR train network in downtown Osaka in this post.
JR lines in downtown Osaka
Please see the map below:
The above map shows you all JR lines in downtown Osaka. I will explain you the line of JR one by one.
In this post, I explain you only JR trains. If you want to know whole part of train system in downtown Osaka, please see the link below:
I also explain this topic in YouTube movie too. Please watch it instead of reading the post:
Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line)
This line encircles downtown Osaka. You will use this line often when you stay in Osaka. This line is started from Osaka station which is the biggest station in Osaka. It is located in Umeda area and JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda stations are same location.
This line go through Kyobashi, Tsuruhashi, Tennoji, Shin-Imamiya, Bentencho, Nishikujo and come back to Osaka again. All these stations are transfer points to other lines and railways.
- Osaka (Umeda)
- Hankyu Railway (to Arashiyama, Gion, Kobe-Sannomiya, Takarazuka, Ikeda, Minoo),
- Hanshin Railway (to Kobe-Sannomiya)
- Osaka Metro (to almost everywhere in Osaka)
- Kyobashi – Keihan Railway (to Gion, Kyoto)
- Tsuruhashi – Kintetsu Railway (to Osaka-Namba, TennojiNara, Nagoya)
- Tennoji
- JR Kansai Airport line (to Kansai airport)
- JR Yamatoji line (to Nara)
- JR Hanwa line (to Wakayama)
- Kintetsu Railway (to Yoshino)
- Osaka Metro (to Namba, Tanimachi)
- Shin-Imamiya – Nankai Railway (to Namba, Kansai airport)
- Bentencho – Osaka Metro Chuo line (to Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium)
- Nishikujo
- Hanshin Railway (to Osaka-Namba, to Kobe-Sannomiya)
- JR Yumesaki line (to Universal city)
Tennoji is the biggest JR terminal station in south side of Osaka. All trains that go to Wakayama, Kansai airport and Nara stop at this station. But many train run on Osaka Kanjo line and then go through the line to Nara, Kansai airport and Wakayama.
Yamatoji line
This line connects JR Namba and Nara. Many rapid train go through Osaka Kanjo line and it connects Kyobashi, Osaka, Nishikujo, Bentencho, Tennoji and Nara. This rapoid train is called Yamatoji Rapid. Please see the link below to find more information about Yamatoji Rapid:
Many local train of Yamatoji line train depart from JR-Namba station. JR-Namba is only JR station in Namba. But this is a bit away from the center of Namba. Please see the link below to find the information about Namba stations:
You can access Namba by JR line. And also you can access from another huge downtown core, Umeda by JR only. But You need to take Osaka Kanjo line to Imamiya and transfer the train to JR Namba. It is not shortest way. Osaka subway Midosuji line (大阪地下鉄御堂筋線) is much faster and more convenient. I tell you about Osaka subway later.
Kansai airport line and Hanwa line
Many trains go through from Osaka Kanjo line to Kansai Airport and Wakayama. These trains are called Kansai Airport Rapid and Kishuji Rapid.
You can get Kansai airport and Wakayama from Osaka without a transfer.
The limited express Haruka connects Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport. The limited express Kuroshio connects Shin-Osaka and Wakayama, Shirahama, Shingu. You may take these trains between Shin-Osaka and Tennoji if you like.
Yumesaki line
This line starts from Nishikujo station on Osaka Kanjo line and goes to Sakurajima. Universal City station is located on this line and it is the gateway to Universal Studio Japan.
JR Tozai line
This line connects Amagasaki and Kyobashi. Kitashinchi station is 10 minutes away from Osaka station on foot.
Kobe/Kyoto line
If you go to Kobe or Kyoto, you take this line from Osaka station. Special Rapid run on this line and stop at major stations only. It is very fast train service. Please find more information about Special Rapid in the link below:
And also when you take the Shinkansen, you have to go to Shin-Osaka station by Kyoto line. It is 4 minutes away from Osaka by any trains.
The places where you can go by JR Pass
You may get these following places by JR Pass and other JR train passes without any extra charge:
- Umeda, Umeda Sky Building (at JR Osaka station)
- Osaka Castle (at Osakajokoen station)
- Abeno Harukas (at Tennoji station)
- Tennoji Zoo (at Tennoji station)
- Shitenno-ji temple (at Tennoji station)
- Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku (at Shin-Imamiya station)
- Namba, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori (at JR-Namba station)
- USJ (at Universal City station)
The places where you can NOT go by JR Pass
You have to pay a regular fare to take subway or non JR trains to visit the following places:
Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and Tenpozan Market Place
You have to take Osaka Metro Chuo line to get Osakako station. You may take subway from Namba or Umeda.
Cup Noodle Museum and Minoo Falls
These are located outside downtown Osaka. You must take Hankyu Railway.
Osaka Metro
As you have been reading this post, JR Pass covers many places. But you still may need to take subway. Please see the link below to find all train system in Osaka.
I hope you have got an idea to build your trip by this post.
Comments
Hi, Takeshi!
I will be travelling to Japan this March for 8 days and will be arriving to KIX and plans to stay in Osaka Area first for 3 days.
My initial itinerary is this:
(while staying in Osaka waill travel to:)
Day 1 – Osaka
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Nara
(will travel and stay to Tokyo at this point)
Day 4 – Yokohama
Day 5 – Hakone
Days 6-7 – Tokyo Area
Day 8 – Return to Osaka and depart from KIX
I plan to buy 7-days JR Pass but will activate it after a day (or two) to make up to the 7-day validity (since my trip is for 8 days and I’ll be coming from Tokyo to KIX to catch my plane)
My question is, what should I get to be able to commute to my hostel near Shin-Imamiya Station on my first day? And then after I have checked in, I plan to sight-see near the area.
Should I still buy a Kansai Thru Pass?
Please do give more suggestions.
Thank you so much for the help!
Hi Tsukki,
You may start using JR Pass on 2nd day as you think. The best deal for day 1 is Yokoso Osaka ticket.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/yokoso.html
You can get Nara and Kyoto by JR pass. But in Kyoto, you need to take city bus to get major spots. You may add city deal. Please see the below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
In Tokyo, you will have same issues as Kyoto. Some places cannot be accessed by JR pass. You may add subway pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
In Hakone, you may add Hakone Free Pass because you can get Odawara by JR pass but after that, you need to add something.
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
Hi again Takeshi-san!
Thank you very much for the helpful reply. Since I’m a bit confused, may I know the difference between Yokoso Osaka Ticket and Osaka Amazing Pass? Do both of them have access to Shin-Imamiya Station and Dobutsuen-mae Station (which are close to my hostel in Osaka)?
I will very much take note of your suggestions in Kyoto and Hakone trips. Speaking of Hakone Free Pass, can you explain to me the meaning of “surcharge” in Romancecars to Hakone?
Thank you again for all the help and sorry for all the trouble!
-Tsukki
Hi Tsukki san,
Both Amazing pass and Yokoso Osaka ticket can take you to Shin-Imyamiya/Dobutsuen-mae. Yokoso Osaka ticket includes one way fare by limited express Rapi:t from KIX to Namba and Osaka subway unlimited ride one way. Amazing pass includes unlimited subway ride (1 or 2 days) and admission for major attractions.
Regarding romancecar surcharge is seat fee. All seats is reserved on romancecar. You have to pay surcharge to book a seat. This surcharge is not covered by Hakone Free Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling to Japan for 23 days and was wanting your opinion of whether I should get the JR pass for the first 14 days where I will be doing most of the travelling.
Our plans are as follows:
Day 1- Tokyo
Day 2- Travel to Osaka
Day 3- 7- Visit Universal studios, Hiroshima, Nara Park
Day 8- 10 – Kyoto
Day 11- 15- Tokyo (Chiba)
Day 16- 23- Tokyo (Shibuya), wanting to visit Mt Fuji for a night in this period also
Hi Megan,
Yes. 14 days JR pass is recommended for the first 14 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My husband and I plan to visit Japan from 27 April to 10 May and wondering if it’s worth purchasing a 7 day JR pass?
We plan the following:
3-4 Day in Osaka then take train to Kyoto
5-6 Days in Kyoto then take train to Toyko
5-6 Days in Tokyo
We also plan to visit Hakone and Mt Fuji while we in Toyko.
Thank you.
Mary
Hi Mary,
JR pass does not work. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
For trip to Hakone and Fuji, you may add Hakone Free Pass for Hakone and single fare for express bus if you go to Lake Kawaguchi. Please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi,
I have the following itinerary:
Day 1 arrive in osaka
Day 2 Kyoto
Day 3 Nara
Day 4 Hakone
Day 5-9 Tokyo
I will be getting the 7 day national JR pass to travel between the different areas but I have some doubts I am looking to clarify..
1. Should I use it for Day 1 to Day 7?
2. Or is it better if I get the Kansai pass for the first 2 days in Osaka then use the remaining 7 day JR pass for the other days?
3. Can the Kansai pass be used for the airport express Haruka from kansai airport to Tennoji?
Thank you!
Hi Lynn,
If you leave Japan from Tokyo, JR Pass is not a right choice. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
This is not same as your plan. But you can use same way to manage your trip. You will use some local deals for day 1 to 3. Please see the link below:
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/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
You may purchase single fare ticket for Osaka to Tokyo with stopover at Odawara for trip to Hakone. You may add Hakone Free Pass.
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
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
And you can find the info about deal for Tokyo in the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We will arrive Tokyo on 4th, Jan and will be able to go to Osaka in 5th morning. We would like to have the following tour plan.
Day 1, 5th, Jan – go to Osaka by Shinkansen in the morning, and check in to hotel. We would like to do shopping at Shinsekai and Den Den.
Day 2, 6th, Jan – visit Osaka Castle, Osaka Museum of
History, Shitennoji, Umeda Sky Building.
Day 3, 7th, Jan – visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishijin Textile
Center, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Day 4, 8th, Jan – visit Earthquake museum, Nunobiki Herb
Garden, take Shin-Kobe Ropeway for sightseeing (round trip),
Harborland.
Day 5, 9th, Jan – back to Tokyo by Shinkansen in the morning, and visit Thunder Gate, near Sensoji Temple
Day 6, 10th, Jan – morning fly back to Kuala Lumpur.
Please advice:
1) JR pass is suitable?
2) With JR pass, I am able to go around Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe to the above destinations?
3) Back to Tokyo, can we use the JR pass to visit Thunder gate and also go to Narita airport? The hotel is better in city or near Narita?
Thanks.
Hi Lau Ah Leng,
1. Yes.
2. You need to add some fare for taking subway and local bus. These are not covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find the coverage of JR pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
3. No. It’s same thing as Osaka. You need to take subway to get Asakusa and it’s not covered. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
If you go back to Tokyo station, you can take Narita Express by JR pass to get Narita.
If you leave from Narita in early morning, you should stay near Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan for a total of 16 days:
8 Days – Tokyo
2 Days – Kyoto
1 Day – Nara or Kobe
5 Days – Osaka (travel back to Tokyo on 2nd last day)
I will be flying in and out from Tokyo (Haneda)
Is a 14 day pass worth it?
Hi Ben,
14 days is a bit more expensive. Even Tokyo-Osaka round trip fare + Shinkansen seat feee are slightly less than 7 days pass. You will use JR Pass when you are in Kyoto and Osaka. But these trips are not long transfers and it’s not enough to use 14 days pass. If you have another long day trip when you are in Tokyo, 14 days pass is worth using.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I also am unsure of getting the JR Rail Pass. My plan is to fly into Osaka, stay for 5-6 days. Then go to Tokyo for 1 week. From there, I was planning to go to Kumamoto from Tokyo, then ferry to Shimabara. I wanted to try Kumamoto, then Kagoshima, but I think the JR Rail Pass won’t work for the Shinkansen anywhere in Kyushu, right?
After Tokyo, I can optionally go back to Osaka, then from Osaka to Kumamoto. But I’d like to keep the original plan…
If you can recommend me what’s best, please let me know. Thank you!
Thank you for all your hard work Takeshi-san!
Hi Jack san,
JR pass covers Kyushu Shinkansen too. So you can get Kumamoto and Kagoshima by Shinkansen.
When you go to Kumamoto from Tokyo, you need to take two Shinkansen trains, Hikari from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka and Sakura from Shin-Osaka to Kumamoto. Please see the links below to find the timetable. Those are shown by “H” and “S”.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/pdf/2016.3.26_2017.2.28.pdf
As you probably know, Nozomi (N) and Mizuho (M) are not covered by JR pass. You have to take Hikari and Sakura.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh it covers Kyushu Shinkansen too? I was confused when I saw this:
“The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.”
??
Hi Jack,
You misunderstood the condition. There are several kinds of trains running on Shinkansen lines. Nozomi is the fastest train on Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. Mizuho is the fastest train on Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen. Other trains, Hikari, Sakura, Kodama and Tsubame also runs on Shinkansen lines and these are covered. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kyushu-area/kyushu-shinkansen.html
And then, please see once more the links, Shinkansen timetables that I gave you previous reply. You will see which one JR pass covers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My partner and I will be travelling to Japan on the 25th of Dec 2016. I will be staying in Tokyo for 9 days (25th till 2nd of Jan), and then to Osaka for 8 days (2nd till 9th of Jan). We will be staying at a homestay close to Otsuka station in Tokyo and Kitakagaya station in Osaka. I’m a little hesitant on whether I should get the jr pass since my partner and I will be staying in Japan for 16 days. I was thinking of taking the Narita express to Shinjuku station and then switch to Yamanote Line which will take me all the way to Otsuka station. After 9 days in Tokyo, I was planning on taking the bullet train down to Osaka on the 2nd of January, but I’m still kinda confuse on how to get to Kitakagaya station once we arrive in Osaka and also from Kitakagaya to Kansai Airport. I would love to hear about your recommendations regarding the passes that would best suit my plan. Thank you in advance.
Hi Dennis,
First of all, regarding JR Pass, one way fare from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train) is almost half amount of 7 days JR pass. So if you want to use JR pass, you have to make a long trip to outside Osaka or Tokyo.
e.g.
Tokyo – Osaka + day trip to Hiroshima is worth using JR pass 7 days.
So as long as you stay in city of Tokyo/Osaka, JR pass does not work. Please make sure where you visit before choosing the deals.
You can get Kitakagaya by subway Yotsubashi line. Please see the link below. It’s indicated as “Y20” on map.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/library/english/img/guide_english2.pdf
When you go there from Tokyo, your route is the following:
Tokyo (Shinkansen) Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka (subway Midousuji line) Namba
Namba (subway Yotsubashi line) Kitakagaya
When you go to Kansai airport, go to Namba and change Nankai railway to get KIX. The following links may help you.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shin-osaka-station-guide-how-to-change-shinkansen-haruka-thunderbird-and-local-train-access-to-osaka-umeda-and-namba.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Mr Takeshi,
I am travelling to Japan in Feb 17.
I would be staying in Tokyo for 5 days, from there I will be travelling to Osaka for another 5 days. I am quite confuse if I would need to purchase the JR pass?? As my itinerary will be going to Kyoto for a day and the rest of the day will be mainly be shopping at those tourists area and visiting Unversal World in Osaka.
Please do kindly advise…thank you
Hi Vivian,
One way trip from Tokyo to Osaka does not suit JR pass. Because one way fare and Shinkansen seat fee from Tokyo to Osaka is almost half of 7 days JR pass price. Even if you have several trips in Osaka and Kyoto, the cost is around a few thousand yen. It does not help much to use JR pass.
If you go back to Tokyo after staying in Osaka, you can use 7 days JR pass. Otherwise single fare for Tokyo to Osaka and local deals are your choice. If you use single fare and local deals, please see the links below to find more info:
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Mr Takeshi,
My situation almost same as Vivian.
I’ll traveling to Tokyo including mt Fuji and Disney sea and Osaka including USJ 5 days each . Could you recommend me which pass is my suitable and cheaper for me?
Thanks.
Hi Angela,
It’s same idea as the reply to Vivian. Single trip ticket is your choice for Tokyo to Osaka. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hai takeshi i will visit japan on 29 march 2017 till 9 aprril 2017, i will stay at tokyo for 4 days and to hakone kawaguchi mt fuji for 2 days,and then i’m going to kyoto for 3 days and last in osaka for 3 days. and go back to my country from osaka. i confuse whether i should buy the 7 days jr pass or not? thank you so much, hope you reply soon
Hi meitha,
JR pass does not work. Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
You may think about using Fuji Hakone Pass instead of Hakone Free Pass to visit both Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com