How to use JR Pass in downtown Osaka. Find how much you can use Japan Rail Pass in Osaka.

323series on Osaka Kanjo lineNetwork of JR trains
2011.10.29
Dotonbori is one of most popular spots.

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.

I will show you JR train network in downtown Osaka in this post.

JR lines in downtown Osaka

Please see the map below:

Click to view large

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:

Osaka train route guide. How much can we use JR Pass in Osaka? How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots in Osaka?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Osaka. This post shows you the train network in Osaka. You can learn how to get the major places in Osaka.
jprail.com
2013.10.30

I also explain this topic in YouTube movie too. Please watch it instead of reading the post:

Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line)

323series on Osaka Kanjo line
Osaka Kanjo line train

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)
    1. Hankyu Railway (to Arashiyama, Gion, Kobe-Sannomiya, Takarazuka, Ikeda, Minoo),
    2. Hanshin Railway (to Kobe-Sannomiya)
    3. Osaka Metro (to almost everywhere in Osaka)
  • Kyobashi – Keihan Railway (to Gion, Kyoto)
  • Tsuruhashi – Kintetsu Railway (to Osaka-Namba, TennojiNara, Nagoya)
  • Tennoji
    1. JR Kansai Airport line (to Kansai airport)
    2. JR Yamatoji line (to Nara)
    3. JR Hanwa line (to Wakayama)
    4. Kintetsu Railway (to Yoshino)
    5. Osaka Metro (to Namba, Tanimachi)
  • Shin-Imamiya – Nankai Railway (to Namba, Kansai airport)
  • Bentencho – Osaka Metro Chuo line (to Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium)
  • Nishikujo
    1. Hanshin Railway (to Osaka-Namba, to Kobe-Sannomiya)
    2. 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.

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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:

Rapid train service to Nara from Osaka by Japan Railway, Yamatoji Rapid Service
Yamatoji rapid which is JR commute train connects Osaka, Tennoji and Nara directly. This train is fully covered by all JR deals. You can find more information about this rapid train.
jprail.com
2011.04.26

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:

Namba stations guide. How to change the trains among Nankai, Kintetsu, Hanshin, subway and JR.
Namba is one of the downtown cores in Osaka. There are many railway lines and many Namba stations as will. It is very complicated. This post shows you all Namba stations with many photos. You can find how to change trains there.
jprail.com
2015.04.16

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.

Rapid train service to Kansai Airport and Wakayama from Osaka. Kansai Airport Rapid Service and Kishuji Rapid Service
This rapid train connects Kansai airport, Wakayama, Tennoji and Osaka. This is a sort of the commute train. You may find the information about this train in this post.
jprail.com
2011.04.25

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.

Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka route and timetable. Direct access to Shin Osaka, Tennoji and Kyoto from Kansai airport
The limited express Haruka takes you to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto from Kansai airport. This train is fully covered by JR pass and other JR deals. This post explains you the the details about Haruka.
jprail.com
2011.03.06
Rapid train service to Nara from Osaka by Japan Railway, Yamatoji Rapid Service
Yamatoji rapid which is JR commute train connects Osaka, Tennoji and Nara directly. This train is fully covered by all JR deals. You can find more information about this rapid train.
jprail.com
2011.04.26

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:

JR Special Rapid Service, most useful train among Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji.
JR Special Rapid runs between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji. Some trips runs to Banshu Ako, Kamigori and Tsuruga. This is most convenient and very fast train. This post shows you the information with some images of Special Rapid train.
jprail.com
2011.04.24

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

Click to view large.

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

Click to view large

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.

Osaka train route guide. How much can we use JR Pass in Osaka? How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots in Osaka?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Osaka. This post shows you the train network in Osaka. You can learn how to get the major places in Osaka.
jprail.com
2013.10.30

I hope you have got an idea to build your trip by this post.

Comments

  1. Karen Lim says:
    September 8, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    Hello!
    I’m planning to have my vacation in osaka this october. My itinerary is that i will be staying in osaka for 3days, kyoto for 3days (in going to visit arashiyama as well) and 1 day at nara, do you think it is worth it for me to buy the 5 days kansai wide thru pass or the 3 days pass?

    Is it possible for me to use the passes in the subways? Thank you very much for your help!

  2. Frans says:
    August 2, 2017 at 6:15 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Sorry to bother, but i would like to ask if it is worth it to get the 15 day JR pass for my below itinerary:

    02 Nov: Haneda Airport Tokyo —> Kyoto (JR)
    04 Nov: Kyoto —> Osaka (JR)
    05 Nov: Osaka
    06 Nov: Osaka
    07 Nov: Osaka
    08 Nov: Osaka —> Kobe (JR)
    09 Nov: Osaka —> Nara (JR)
    12 Nov: Osaka —> Tokyo (JR)
    13 Nov: Tokyo
    14 Nov: Tokyo —> Hakone/Mt Fuji (JR?)
    15 Nov: Tokyo —> Nagano (Snow monkeys) (JR)
    16 Nov-18 Nov: Tokyo

    Could you advise how many days JR should i get? is 15 days enough or too much?

    Thanks a million!

    Regards,
    Fran

  3. Tiffany says:
    August 1, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Hi!! This is such a great site! Lots of useful information.

    I’m still debating on where to get a JR Pass for my Japan trip. Also, what is the best method to travel for its convenient and efficient purposes. Here is my itinerary and I’m looking for some feedback from you:
    Oct 25: arrive to Narita around 1pm and headed to Osaka
    Oct 25 – Oct 27: Osaka, Kyoto and Nara (possibly)
    Oct 27: check out and head back to Tokyo
    Oct 27-Oct 31: Tokyo with 1 day trip to Hakone
    Oct 31: flight out to Seoul at 6pm

    I hope to hearing back from you. Thank!

  4. Angeline says:
    July 11, 2017 at 7:07 am

    Hi, I’m still quite confused how to make good use of the JR Pass.

    My itinerary:

    Nov 26: KanSai Airport to Osaka, Namba
    Nov 27: Osaka to Tokyo, One Piece Tower
    Nov 28: Tokyo Disney Sea
    Nov 29: Mt Fuji Pte Tour
    Nov 30: Asakusa, Fox village (?) or Snow Monkey (for kids)
    Dec 1: Tokyo to Osaka
    Dec 2: Osaka Day Trip to Kyoto
    Dec 3: Osaka Day Trip to Nara
    Dec 4: Osaka walk around tel late afternoon to Kansai Airport.

    May I have your opinion if I should start 7 day JR pass from 26 Nov? Or should land in Tokyo on 26 Nov and depart from Tokyo on 4 Dec to make better use of the pass? As the pass can be used from Narita to Tokyo.

    Many thanks!

  5. Beni says:
    June 25, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Dear Takeshi, i have been reading your tips on this JPRail.com which is really helps me to make decision or consider trips that we have tried to do. but i still have questions about tickets that we have to choose around Osaka etc.
    Do you think you can help to give some suggestion?

    so we are going to spend 6days around Osaka etc. we plan to buy JR Pass 7 days, which the 7th day we will use around Tokyo.

    Day 1 – Disney to Osaka. plan to activate the JR Pass. our accomodation is near Osaka Station. so we believe we do not have to buy any tickets. we plan to go to Namba/Dotonbury at night, but we probably still can use JR Pass to go to nearest JR station. unless you have different suggestion?

    Day 2 – Universal Studio – which again we can use JR Pass. night, probably can go to Dotonbury or Sinshaibasi, by same again like Day 1.

    Day 3 – Shikarawa-go. we plan to use JR pass to go to Kanazawa by using JR Pass, then we just buy bus ticket to go to Shikarawa-go (return bus ticket).

    Day 4 – Osaka – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
    Kyoto we plan to go to Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari. hence correct me if i am wrong, we can just buy bus ticket to go to Kinkakuji, return back to Kyoto Station, then go to Fushimi inari by using JR pass, and then to Nara. unless you have different suggestion?

    Day 5 – Osaka – Himeji – Kobe – Osaka
    to Himeji buy bullet train using JR Pass, then probably buy ticket bus to Himeji Castle, return back, go to Kobe using JR Pass by special rapid service train then back to Osaka.

    Day 6 – Osaka back to Tokyo

    appreciate the help if you can.

    thank you

    regards

    Beni

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      June 25, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Beni,

      You have done a great job! Your planning is right and I don’t have many things to tell you. I only have a few things to tell you.

      First, I recommend you to pay extra to take subway to get Namba from Osaka. Please see the link below:
      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

      As you think, you can get Namba by JR pass. But it’s a sort of detour. And also JR-Namba station is not located in the core of Namba.
      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

      Single fare is 230 yen to take subway from Umeda (JR Osaka) to Namba. I think it’s worth paying for.

      Second, the advanced reservation is required to take a bus to Shirakawago. Please see the link below to find the info.
      https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf

      That’s all!

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Beni says:
        June 26, 2017 at 4:31 pm

        Dear Takeshi,

        thank you for the quick response. appreciate it.

        thanks for the suggestion, will certainly keep that in mind and also for the advanced reservations, we probably have to do that.

        i just suddenly realise i plan to go to this ramen museum at Ikeda Station.
        i am trying to think or consider whether i should put the plan on the 2nd day, before we go to Universal Studio. or maybe after we from Universal.
        do you think with that plan, we then just by 1 day ticket for Osaka, so we can use the subway or local train, then we also can use it to go to Namba etc. or do you have any other suggestion?

        if time is not permit, then maybe we will go to ramen / noodle museum at Yokohama once we arrived back to Tokyo next few days.

        thanks

        regards

        Beni

        • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
          June 26, 2017 at 5:33 pm

          Hi Beni,

          If you go to ramen museum, you need to take Hankyu railway which is not covered by either JR pass and subway pass. You need to pay single fare.
          I don’t recommend you to visit both USJ and ramen museum in one day. USJ is quite big theme park. You can spend one full day easily. Visiting museum in Yokohama is better plan.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Beni says:
            June 28, 2017 at 12:51 am

            Dear Takeshi,

            Thanks. Will probably consider to go at Yokohama then.

            Hope you won’t mind I ask question about mt fuji.

            Been reading quite few articles but still cant find out which location is better to see mt fuji from distance.

            Do you think you can give some advice?
            Is it from lake kawaguchiko or from gotemba where we also can go to the premium outlet?

            Thanks

            Regards

            Beni

          • Beni says:
            August 28, 2017 at 6:41 pm

            Hi Takeshi,

            we have slightly change on our plan with kyoto.

            decide not to go to Nara and Kinkakuji,
            change plan to below:
            – Fushimi Inari
            – Kiyomuzidera
            – Gion
            probably also go to Higashiyama district and Nishiki Market.

            what i want to ask your advise:
            – i read comments where we can go to Kiyomizudera and Gion by using train (not bus). do you think better by bus or train? dont think we can use JR Pass for the train.
            – and also, from Kiyomizudera, we can just walk to higashiyama, then to Gion, am i right here?
            – is it better to go to Fushimi first, then Kiyomizu, or Fushimi probably last one after we finish with Kiyomizu, Gion etc, then Fushimi, before back to Kyoto station and to Osaka.

            if we do still have spare time, then we plan to go either Arashiyama or Kinkakuji.

            thanks.

            beni

  6. Aa says:
    June 20, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    hi i am travelling to tokyo with 5 other friends this august for 10 days and i am confused if buying a jr pass will be worth it?our draft schedule is:

    1 arrive at osaka
    2 USJ
    3 kyoto
    4 nara
    5 city tour/shop osaka
    6 to tokyo
    7 disney sea
    8 mt fuji
    9 odaiba
    10 city tour/shop tokyo

    thank a lot!

  7. Stella says:
    May 30, 2017 at 9:02 am

    Hello , Takeshi San ,
    I will come to Japan end of this year (12/25-18/1/1) .
    I am traveling as a family of 4 ( 3Adults and a 11yrs old boy ) .
    I will fly in and out from Kansas airport ,
    my itinerary as follow : Osaka , Kyoto perhaps Kanazawa , shirakawa and takayama ( shinotaka ropeway ) and lastly back to Osaka .
    Please advice .
    Thank you

  8. Sherly says:
    May 13, 2017 at 6:09 am

    Hi Takeshi San,

    We are a family of 6 ( 4 adults and 2 children (both 8 yrs old)) are going to Japan for the first time on July. Please help to recommend the best option of transportation pass for our itinerary as below :

    05 Jul ‘17 : Arrive KIX at 15.05 pm – Shin Osaka Station (rent apartment) – Dotonbori for dinner

    06 Jul’17 : Going around Osaka (Osaka Castle-Umeda Building-Momofuku Instant Ramen-Sumiyashi Taisha-Kuromon Market-Shin Osaka Station)

    07 Jul ‘17 : Universal Studio Japan-Shinsekai-Dotonburi-Shinsaibashi-Shin Osaka Station

    08 Jul ‘17 : Visit Nara as a day trip and back to Shin Osaka Station

    09 Jul ’17 : Visit Kobe as a day trip and back to Shin Osaka Station

    10 Jul ’17 : Visit Kyoto as a day trip and back to Osaka

    11 Jul ’17 : Visit Kyoto as a day trip and back to Osaka

    12 Jul’17 : Osaka half day tour then going back to KIX intl airport for departure

    Thanks a lot!
    Sherly

  9. Kathy fernandez says:
    April 30, 2017 at 12:47 am

    Hi im going to tokyo on may 1 and isaka on may 5…
    Upon arrival in narita airport can i already reserve a seat for tokyo osaka using my jr pass since i know its already a golden week…

    Can i already reserve also a seat goong to osaka to kyoto and nara using my jt pass at narita airport jr ticketing office?

    Can you teach me how to go to osaka from tokyo using my jr pass? Thank you

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      April 30, 2017 at 7:29 am

      Hi Kathy,

      You can book all trains’ seat upon arrival at Narita when you exchange JR Pass. I think all trains are very tight now but try to get it right after you arrive in Narita.
      Good luck!

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Moss says:
    April 29, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    Hi Takeshi,
    I will be travel in Japan around 10 days this coming Sep..I will arrive Tokyo Narita airport on 13 Sep and travel in Tokyo for around 5 days then to Osaka(as base) plus Kyoto / Nara , then back to Singapore straight from Osaka.
    I am confused if It is worth for me purchase the 7 days JR pass? Since I not returning to Tokyo ? Would I use up the value for the JR pass for trip within Osaka or between Osaka to Kyoto/Nara?

    I am really confused and really appreciate you advice !

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