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. Cammy says:
    July 19, 2013 at 1:00 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am planning to arrived tokyo on 9/14/13 and come back either 9/21/13 or 9/23/13. On the last day I will be taking the shingansen back from osaka to Narita Airport. Do you think I should get 7 or 14 day JR pass? I will spend 3 or 4 days in Tokyo and then move toward Osaka. Will it be really crowded on Saturday to get to Narita Airport from Osaka? That is the reason why I can not make up my mind on which day to come back. Thanks for your help.

    • JPRail says:
      July 19, 2013 at 7:18 am

      Hi Cammy,

      7 days pass is the best choice. 14 days is more expensive than regular ticket. So you can start to use your 7 days pass when you stay in Tokyo and finish to use at Narita.
      It’s not much different between weekday and weekend. Especially Shinkansen and Narita Express are not hard to book.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. Karen says:
    July 18, 2013 at 12:09 am

    Hi Takeshi, I will be travelling to japan from 3rd to 13th august. I will be going to Kobe on the 6th from Tokyo. I’ve also got the 7 day JR pass as well. I am planning to visit Nara town on the 7th but would like to know how to get to Nara from Kobe. After visiting Nara, I will stop at Lake Kawaguchi area. I just wanna know if I shall travel direct to Lake kawaguchi from Nara and stay over until the 8th then head back to Tokyo or head back Tokyo on the 7th and join a local tour to lake kawaguchi? Just wanna know how I can make use of my 7 day JR pass for this trip

  3. sassy says:
    June 4, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’ll be in Japan for 9 days.
    I am planning to go Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Tokyo.
    4 days in Tokyo and 5 days for the rest.
    I was thinking to go from Narita airport to Osaka/Kyoto first (5 days) and spend the rest in Tokyo (4 days) before I leave Japan.
    The reverse trip can be done as well.
    What would you recommend for the best deal for JR pass and/or other combination?
    Thank you!

    Thanks,
    Sassy

    • JPRail says:
      June 4, 2013 at 10:26 pm

      Hi Sassy,

      I recommend you to use 7 days pass from Narita to Osaka/Kyoto/Nara and back to Tokyo. You still have some more days on your pass when you will arrive in Tokyo. If you want to go outside of Tokyo, like Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, try to get there until pass will be expired. Once pass will be expired, take JR train, subway and whatever you want.

      When you go back to Narita, you can take JR train, Keisei line or Limousine bus. You can pay on the spot.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  4. Winston says:
    May 30, 2013 at 4:23 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I will be travelling with a friend to Japan from June 11 to June 24.

    I would like to ask your opinion on whether it’s worth it for me to get JR Pass for my trip.

    It is as follows:

    From Singapore to Tokyo: Stay 1st night in Tokyo
    Subsequently: 6 days in Osaka, travelling to Kyoto on 2 days
    Lastly: 6 days in Tokyo

    Taking into consideration any available use of the JR Pass within the cities themselves (and not just BETWEEN the cities) such as railways/buses within the cities themselves, do you think it would be worth it for us to get the JR Pass? If so, should I get the 7-day or 14-day one?

    Thanks for all the info so far!

    Sincerely,
    Winston

  5. Sophie says:
    April 7, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    Dear Takeshi,

    Thank you so much for these helpful informations about the JR Pass and also all the tips to travel around Japan.

    I am planning on going to Japan for 10 days starting from Osaka / Kobe / Kyoto / Fuji / Tokyo / Osaka.

    I will stay for a day in Osaka and Kobe.
    Kyoto : 2 days
    Fuji : 2 days
    Tokyo : 2 days

    I wanted to know if the JR Pass is worth buying in this trip and which one should I take.
    I was checking the schedule and train tickets fee on Hyperdia and I was wondering if you could explain to me a little bit of it? When I do a research, the informations about the trip shows up then the train fee appear (don’t have to pay in case of JR Pass?) and then a seat reservation fee appears too. Are these fees for the seat reservation have to be paid in additional of the JR Pass?

    Thank you a lot for the helping.

    Sincerely,

    • JPRail says:
      April 7, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Sophie,

      JR Pass includes basic fare, express/limited express surcharge and seat reservation fee. As long as you take JR trains except Nozomi and Mizuho on Shinkansen, you don’t need to pay any more.

      Basically 7 days pass price is almost same value as Osaka-Tokyo round trip fare and Shinkansen surcharge. So if you use 7 days pass for last 7 days of your trip, it will work.

      When you stay in Kobe, Osaka or Kyoto, you don’t have to pay so much single fare. It’s very reasonable. Please see the following post:
      https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html

      If you arrive in KIX, you can use ICOCA and Haruka.
      http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
      ICOCA e-money 1500 yen value is included in this deal. This 1500 yen will cover your trip in Osaka and Kobe. You can use this e-money for not only JR trains but also Osaka subway, Kyoto subway and another private companies trains.

      My choice is ICOCA and Haruka + JR Pass 7 days.
      You may have to pay a bit more in Kyoto. But this combination will cover most part of your trip.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Sophie says:
        April 10, 2013 at 8:01 am

        Hello Takeshi San,

        Thank you for the quick answer.
        I wanted to know for the JR Pass when we buy a 7 days pass it is a date to date pass right ? For exemple if I am arriving on the 18th of April, it will work until the 24th of April ? What about getting a 2 weeks visa as I will have to buy my return ticket from Osaka to Tokyo on the 10th day in Japan?

        Thank you,

        Sincerely,

        Sophie

        • JPRail says:
          April 10, 2013 at 10:19 pm

          Hi Sophie,

          The validity of a pass starts from 12 O’clock at night. So as you said, if you start to use pass on Apr 18, Apr 24 is the last day to use.

          As long as you have only round trip between Osaka and Tokyo plus some local trip in Tokyo and Osaka, 7 days pass is the best. 14 days pass is too much and too expensive. If you have another long trip, 14 days pass may be okay. The price difference between 7 days and 14 days is about 17000 yen. Please see the following link to see the sample fares:
          https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html

          If you go somewhere from Osaka, you have to visit Hiroshima or farther.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Debbie Sugawara says:
    March 8, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    Dear Takeshi,

    We will be starting out in Saitama (4 days) and then going to Tokyo (2 days) and then going to Osaka (5 days) and then back to Tokyo (3 days). From Osaka we plan on taking day trips to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi. Our total stay in Japan will be 19 days. Our last 5 days will be spent in Hokkaido. Would it be worth it to purchase the 14 day JR pass?

    Thank you.

    Debbie Sugawara

    • JPRail says:
      March 9, 2013 at 5:59 am

      Hi Debbie,
      If you go to Hokkaido by train, 14 days pass gives you the best deal.
      If you take a flight to Hokkaido, use 7 days pass for Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo trip. Even if you have only Tokyo-Osaka round trip, 7 days pass is still fine. And you will go to Hiroshima when you stay in Osaka. 7 days pass is perfect fit.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. wan says:
    March 4, 2013 at 2:39 am

    hi ..
    i will visit japan osaka fron 2nd april to 9 apr.any suggestion for sakura hot spot during this period by using jr pass.thanks

  8. Shubham says:
    March 3, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    Hi i am travelling from Singapore to Tokyo Narita Airport between 11May2013 to 18May 2013.From Nartia i am planning to go to Osaka and i booked hotel Chisun Inn Umeda. In Osaka going to stay 4 days after that go back to Tokyo on 15th May and leave Tokyo on 18th May. Is it worth to buy a JR Pass ? And usually how much need to pay from OSAKA to higobashi station.

    Thanks in advance for help.

  9. Aki says:
    January 16, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    Dear Sir/Madam

    My friend and I will be visiting Japan in Mar 2013. We are going to buy the 7 days JR pass and planning to stay at Osaka for 5 days which serve as our transit point to go Nara and Kyoto. We are planning to stay at Hotel Nikko Osaka which is located at Shinsaibashi. From what I search through the internet, there is no JR station at Shinsaibashi and have to take the metro (Midōsuji Line) from JR Namba to Shinsaibaishi. I was wondering can we use the JR pass from JR Namba to Shinsaibaishi taking the metro? Because since we will need to get to the JR station quite often, if we have to pay for the metro to get to JR Namba, it will be not worth it. We are looking at Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka too which is just next to JR Namba station. Thanks.

  10. K N Low says:
    August 21, 2012 at 3:34 am

    Dear Sir/Madam
    My husband and I will be travelling fm Singapore to Haneda in early Nov. We are planning Hokkaido as our main area of visitation and if have time, Osaka.
    I cannot get in to Skyward? airline in English. to travel fm Haneda to Hakodate.
    Please advise how we travel from Haneda, which ones to travel first? is it straight to Hakodate/Sapporo and then Osaka and back Haneda?

    Would you recommend JRP all the way for us? Would you recommend taking the JRP from Haneda to Hakodate? Would you recommend that we return from Osaka to Haneda by JRP?

    This is my first time to Japan on our own which we would like to do on our own pace. We have only 12 days and would appreciate your advice on how many days in Hokkaido and Osaka and maybe just a day trip to Kyoto, if have time.

    Most appreciated.

    Sincerely,

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