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,
Below is my itinerary, would you advise us to buy a 7-day JR Pass.
Day 1 – Kansai Airport to Daikokucho
Day 2 – Osaka (Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Osaka Tenmagu Shrine, Kuromon Market, etc.)
Day 3 – Morning – Osaka to Gotemba and Afternoon – Gotemba to Tokyo
Day 4 and 5 – Tokyo (Tsukijii, Shinjuku, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Roponggi, Shibuya Crossing and many more)
Day 6 – Tokyo Station to Haneda/Narita Airport
Best regards,
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
No. JR Pass is way more expensive than single fare. I have similar sample itinerary. You can get some idea about your trip from this sample:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san,
i will be visiting kyoto for 2 days and will be staying at koyoto tower hotel, would be visiting the following places. i believe that my Jr pass does not allow me to visit this places. can you advise me what is the best/cheapest option to reach this places.
– Kinkakuji
– Kiyomizudera
– Kyoto Shopping District
– Downtown Kyoto
Hi KuN san,
Kyoto all day bus pass is the best choice.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Amd also please refer these following links:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
It seems you are very helpful here. My family and I will be travelling to Japan and will be there for 11 days starting from 21st January to 1st February. Following are the schedule we plan:
21/1-23/1: Kansai airport- Osaka- Himeji ( we are planning to go to Himeji just for half day through Shinkansen)
23/1-24/1: Nara
24/1-27/1: Kyoto
27/1-1/2: Tokyo and Yokohama
We are planning to book hotels near train station like Osaka and Kyoto station. Is it a good plan for travelling?
Another question is should I get a 7 days or 14 days pass? Or a local pass will do?
Hi Fabian,
First of all, JR Pass even 7 days is not a good choice for your trip. Single ticket is cheaper. 7 days price is almost same as round trip fare from Osaka to Tokyo.
If you want to use Shinkansen to Himeji, you have to purchase singlet ticket. But if you are okay with rapid train, you can use Kansai Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Basically single ticket is your choice. But you can use some deals in Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
In Tokyo, there are some deals available too.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
You can get some more info about single ticket at the link below:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi
i will reach kansai airport on 19th Nov morning and back on 25th Nov. Would like seek your advise which trasport package i shoud buy.
1) 19/11/2014 – kansai airport to kyoto (accomodation near kyoto station)
2) 21/11/2014 – from kyoto to osaka (accomodation nea shin fukea station)
3) 22/11/2014 – from shin kukea station to Nara.
4) 23/11/2014 – from shin fukea station to Kobe half day. from kobe to kita umeda
5) 24/11/2014 – from shin fukea station to universal studio japan
6) 25/11/2014 – from shin kukea station to rinku town and kansai airport.
i am very confuse about what transport package to buy. hope to get your advise.
thank you.
Hi Lee,
Please refer these following links. You will find the solution for your trip:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
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 / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will visit Japan on November 8 until November 15. I already have an itinerary and a place to stay. I’m confuse whether I should buy a JR Pass or just make a single ticket purchase every time I use the train.
My plan is just to tour Kansai District. That includes, the 7 major prefectures in Kansai District:
Day 0 – Arrival Kansai Airport at night
Day 1 – Wakayama
Day 2 – Hyogo (including Awaji)
Day 3 – Shige (Otsu City) – Mie (Iga) – Nara
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 until Day 7 – Osaka (until departure)
By the way, I’m planning to stay in just 1 hotel in the Tennouji area (for the whole trip) so I’ll always go back to the hotel every evening. For example, Day 4 to Kyoto then go back to the hotel in Osaka by night. Please let me know if it’s wise to buy JR pass or just purchase single ticket every time I will use the train. Thank you.
Hi Rei,
Don’t purchase JR Pass. It’s way more expensive than other deals. Kansai Thru Pass is most recommended for your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Even though it does not cover Awaji island, you can use this pass for the part of this trip. All other areas, Kyoto, Nara, Iga, Otsu are covered by this pass. Please find more info about planning for staying Osaka at 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 / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
My two adult children and I are visiting Japan for the first time from Nov. 12-27, 2014. We want to make the most of our time in visiting the best places to go within this time period, at the least cost by being smart in planning on hotels and fares (JR PASS?). We will arrive in Osaka and plan to stay there for 1 or days; then visit Hiroshima for 1 or 2 days, then Nara and stay 2 or 3 nights in Kyoto. From Kyoto, we visit Tokyo and stay there for the remaining days until we depart on the 27th from Narita,Tokyo airport. During our Tokyo visit, we will go nearby places like Yokohama, Nagoya– actually, we are still searching for the best places to go from here that’s worth our time and travel (we would really appreciate advise from a pro-Japan traveler or local… HELP!!!) Anyway, would you recommend to buy a JR pass for 7? or 14? days and would the JR pass cover our WHOLE trip from one place to another? Our total whole travel days around Japan is only 10days, since the first/arrival and last/departure days wouldn’t count. I feel so blessed to come across your site, thank you so much for your help!
Hi Sandy,
First of all, purchase 7 days pass and try to complete from Osaka to Tokyo in 7 days. If you go outside of Tokyo during staying in Tokyo very often, it may pay off. Otherwise 14 days pass is too much. Once you get Tokyo, you will not have many chances to use JR pass for exploring in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
All part of your long distance trips (Osaka-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Kyoto/Nara, Kyoto-Tokyo) are covered by JR Pass. If you intend to visit Nagoya, try to drop by on the way to Tokyo. It takes 2 hours to get Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Spending 4 hours for just transfer is not a good idea. Nagoya is located between Kyoto and Tokyo. If you want to go to Nagoya as day trip, Kyoto is closer to Nagoya than Tokyo.
JR Pass does not cover local transportation, like subway and bus. Please see the links 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
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
When you stay in Tokyo, there are many places to visit as day trip, like Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
There are many more places to visit from Tokyo. You can find more info at Japan-Guide.com.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Takeshi / JP Rail
Am visiting Osaka in Feb 2015 for 6 Days 5 Nights with my family.
Wondered what travel pass to buy due I wish to visit Kyoto too.
Thank you
Hi YMChong,
There are several options. But it’s hard to say which one is the best for your trip. Before you decide the pass, please make sure these following things:
1. The place to stay
2. Which area you go. For example, in Kyoto, which part of Kyoto you want to go?
When we choose the deals, we have to make sure how many times we take the trains/buses. Otherwise we cannot compare deals and single fares. Sometime single fare is cheaper.
I show you the deal at the below. After you complete to make your plan, these following links will help you to find the deals:
1. Airport to/from Osaka
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
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
2. For exploring in Kyoto and Osaka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We are in Kyoto now and we need to travel from Kyoto station to Tennoji station in Osaka, where our hotel ( Marriot Miyako Osaka) is located at Abeno Harukas. What will be the best way and would you be able to help ?
Thank you very much.
Hi Ricky,
Takes JR Special Rapid to Osaka. And transfer to JR Osaka Kanjo line to Tennoji. Tennoji is a step away from Abeno Harukas.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We will be travelling from Kyoto to Osaka using JR Pass. What train can we use for this matter to reach Shin-Osaka station?
From Shin-Osaka we will have to stay close to Namba station. What is the convenient train tha we can take by using JR pass too? If I have a ICCOCA card which I purchased with my Haruka Express ticket, will that be okay to use in which train in Osaka (like Midosuji Line)?
Let me know as I am confused with all the train in Japan.
Thank you.
Hi Rissa,
From Kyoto to Osaka/Shin-Osaka, special rapid service is most convenient for JR Pass user. Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
Any subway trains cannot be covered by JR Pass. You can get JR-Namba station by Osaka Kanjo line to Shin-Imamiya and transfer the train to JR-Namba. Please see the following post to make sure coverage of most of deals in Osaka.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will travel with my wife to Tokyo on March 31, 2014. I am planning to start my tour on April 2 visiting Hiroshima first and stay two nights. Then visiting Osaka and stay one night, visiting Nara and stay 2 or 3 nights in Kyoto. I was planning to go to Kanazawa,Takayama,Nagoya and back to Tokyo. Do you recommend to buy a JR pass for 7 or 14 days and this pass cover my trip in trains? Also can I reserve hotels for Hiroshima,Kyoto,Osaka here in Los Angeles or can I reserve in Japan I return to America on April 14.
Hi Victor,
If you visit all places on your wish list, 14 days pass will meet your trip.
You can book your hotel online. You will be able to find your hotel after you arrive in Japan. But it may be stressful. I recommend you to book it in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail