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 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.
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
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
Hi Karen,
First, when you go to Nara from Kobe, you have to get Osaka anyway. From Osaka, you can catch Yamatoji Rapid train to get Nara. Please see the link belwo to get more detail:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
From Nara to Lake Kawaguchi, you have to go to Tokyo first. So get Kyoto from Nara and then transfer to Shinkansen to Tokyo. After arrival in Tokyo, move to Shinjuku to get a train to Otsuki. Please see the link below to get the details about getting Lake Kawaguchi from Shinjuku:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
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
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
Hi Winston,
Unfortunately Japan Rail Pass is not suitable for your trip. If you complete Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo in 7 days, 7 days pass will work. 14 days pass is way more expensive than single ticket as long as you stay in Osaka and Tokyo. If you intend to go to outside Tokyo and Osaka when you stay in these ciites, 14 days pass will work. But you need to use the pass for long distance transfer, such as Tohoku or Hokkaido area from Tokyo and Hiroshima, Kyushu, Kanazwa or Takayama from Osaka. If you use 14 days pass for transfer among the cities around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it won’t be clearly enough.
I suggest you to use single ticket for Tokyo-Osaka and Kyoto-Tokyo. And you may use some local deals in Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto. These following links will help you:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hi wan,
How about Yoshino and Arima onsen. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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.
Hi Shubham,
As long as you complete round trip between Tokyo and Osaka in 7 days, 7 days pass is the best choice.
It is only 200 yen to Higobashi from Nishi-Umeda by subway. You can even walk.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/subway/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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.
Hi Aki,
JR pass do not cover any subway lines. So you have to pay whenever you move between Namba and Shinsaibashi.
Apart from that, how many days are you going to stay in Japan. Are you going to stay in only Kansai area? If so, JR Pass is too much. You may find other deals at the following post:
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 can find the comparison between single fare and pass price at the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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,
Hi K N Low,
If you save your cost, JR pass is the best choice. But it takes a long time to get Hokkaido from Tokyo. I put several links below. I hope those posts help you to think about your itinerary.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-tohoku-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kyoto-and-hokkaido-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-get-sapporo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail