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-san
I need some advice on how to proceed with my travelling plans. Do i buy the 7 day JR pass or other passes?
Is the suica card only usable in tokyo only? Are there other prepaid cards as well?
I have already booked for a trip to japan from 27 may – 03 June.
I would be entering and exiting from KIX but will i hope to cover Nara, Mt Fuji, Kyoto while only lodging in nagoya, tokyo and osaka.
27 may – ETA at KIX take shinkansen to Nagoya(my 1st & 2nd night is spent there)
29 may – check out and take shinkansen to tokyo.( any way to drop by and visit Nara / Kyoto / Mt Fuji for some short sightseeing?) staying for 3 nights
1 June – leave tokyo and head for Osaka. Will stay for 2 nights and depart on the 3rd June.
Will spend a day in USJ.
This is just a rough outline of my itinerary.
Hope to hear from you soon and thank you for taking time to look through my comment.
Sincerely
Rain W.
Hi Rain san,
I recommend you to visit Kyoto and Nara when you stay in Nagoya. Those are located between Nagoya and Osaka. It’s not a good idea to visit those places from Tokyo. You will spend 5 hours at least just for transfer.
Mt. Fuji can be visited as day trip from Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
You can use JR Pass 7 days. You will get a big savings anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to ask your opinion. I will visit Osaka/Tokyo in June 2015. Could you give me some advice if I worth to buy 7 days JR Pass or any other ticket like Kansai Pass 3 days or something else.
My itinerary as below :
Day 1 : Arrive Kansai in the morning – stay at Shinsaibashi – going to Osaka Castle / Umeda
Day 2 : Travel to Nara – Kyoto – stay at Ibis Kyoto Station
Day 3 : Back to Osaka / Shinsaibashi – going to Universal Studio
Day 4 : Before noon, going to Tokyo by Shinkansen – stay at Ginza / Shimbashi Station
Day 5 : Going to Mt. Fuji / Gotemba
Day 6 : Going to Yokohama
Day 7 : Travel in Tokyo – Shinjuku/Shibuya/Asakusa – around 5 pm going to Narita
Day 8 : catch morning flight from Narita airport
Please advise me, i need your help. because i am still confuse about transportation in Japan.
Thank you in advance for your attention..
regards
Regina
Hi Regina,
JR Pass does not work.
First of all, I would like to make sure why you go back to Osaka after Kyoto. You cannot book a hotel in Osaka for day 2? Kyoto is closer to Tokyo than Osaka. You will lose time and money. If you can stay in Osaka for day 1 and 2, and stay in Kyoto for day 3, it’s much easier and cheaper.
Regarding ticket, I recommend the following:
Day 1
Kanku Chikatoku ticket and single fare for subway
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
Day 2 and 3
Maybe single ticket. But Kansai thru pass may work. It depends on your plan in Kyoto on day 2 and Kyoto/Osaka on day 3.
Day 4
Single ticket for subway and Shinkansen
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
Day 5
You can get Gotemba by bus directly.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Day 6
Single ticket
Day 7
subway pass
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
Day 8
Single ticket
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick reply..
Regarding Kyoto/Osaka. That’s my plan. Therefore I just your thought. But, if you said from Kyoto is closer to Tokyo, thats good idea..
But, if day 1 and 2 i am in Osaka and day 3 osaka to kyoto, does kansai ticket pass is worth for that trip?
Osaka : universal studio/ osaka castle/ namba / shinsaibashi / umeda building
Kyoto : some of temple..
Thank you in advance for your attention. This is really help me in arranging my trip.. really appreciate.
Thanks and regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Kansai Thru Pass is considerable for day 1 and 3. This pass covers subway and bus in Osaka and Kyoto. So if you make a lot of trips in both cities by subway and bus. it works.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is okay for day 2 (USJ) anyway.
You can use this pass if you do for day 1 and 2 of your original plan. Bus Shinkansen fare for Kyoto-Tokyo is 500 yen cheaper than Shinosaka-Tokyo. And also you will save 30 minutes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your complete explanation. Your explanation really help me.
Sorry to bother you again. I am still confuse about route train in Japan. Too many type.
I decide that I will not buy JR Pass due to your explanation. I will use single ticket.
But I read your another page, that we can not book online for Shinkansen ticket. Is it true?
I am little bit scare because I need train ticket from Osaka to Kyoto on Saturday (Jun 27) and Shinkansen ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo on Sunday (Jun 28). It means on the weekend (holiday time). Could you give me some advice?
And could you advise me, type of train I have to use : Osaka-Kyoto and Kyoto-Tokyo? Such as Nozomi or other.
Thanks and really appreciate your help.
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
First of all, online reservation is not available. But I have never had any problem to book Shinkansen. There are lots of trains. You can get it easily anyway.
You don’t need to take Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto. Commute train, such as Special Rapid is okay. Please find more info at the link below:
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
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 there … I really like Your website… its so detailed!
I’m planning a trip to Japan in march.
I will stay in osaka and plan to visit Tokyo Disney land and yokohama aquarium. I will be in Japan for 7 days. Is it advisable to buy the JRP?
Hi jaeprincess,
If you have round trip between Osaka and Tokyo, JR Pass 7 days works. Otherwise single fare is cheaper. One way fare with Shinkansen surcharge from Osaka to Tokyo is almost half of 7 days pass price. Please learn about single fare 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 Takeshi,
i will be in Osaka on 18th March (arriving late at night) till 22nd March (departing after lunch). I plan to have day trips to Kobe & Osaka as well. Would you suggest the JR West Rail Pass or Kansai Thru pass? i’d like to be able to take the JR Haruka to our guesthouse near ShinOsaka / Mikuni Station. Thank yOU!
Hi Ee ling,
Please see the post below. You can find all solutions there:
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,
How would I know what trains will be covered by the JR Pass? I’m trying to book a hotel that is close to a train that I can is the JR pass.
Day
1 – arrival
2 – Universal
3 – Osaka – Kyoto
4 – Kyoto
5 – Nara – Tokyo
6 – 12 – Tokyo
Should I get the 14 day pass?
Also can I maximize the train pass in Tokyo?
Thank you so much!
Hi Axel,
Are you arriving in Kansai airport and depart from Narita or Haneda?
If so, JR pass, even 7 days does not work. The price of 7 days pass is almost same as round trip fare between Kansai airport and Tokyo. But if you have one way trip to Tokyo from Osaka, it does not work.
If you intend to travel outside Tokyo, like Nikko, Mt.Fuji, a few times, 7 days pass may work. Before you decide to purchase pass, you have to make sure what you will do in Tokyo.
JR Pass does not cover any subway, private railway trains. I wrote a list at the link below. Please refer it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to get your advise if it’s worth to purchase 7 days JR pass.
Knowing that JR pass can’t used at subway and trying to minimize on transportation cost.
Day 1 – Arrival Haneda Airport and overnight near airport
Day 2-3 – Hakone via train from Haneda Airport (buy 2 days Hakone free pass)
Day 4 – Kamakura via JR pass travel from Hakone (buy 1 day Kamakura Enoshima pass)
Day 5-6 – Kyoto via JR pass (buy 2 days Kyoto City Sightseeing Bus)
Day 7-8 – Osaka via JR pass (buy 2 days Osaka unlimited pass)
Day 9 – Nikko via JR pass (buy 2 days unlimited bus ride)
Day 10 – Tokyo via JR pass
Day 11-16 – Tokyo (buy 2 or 3 days Tokyo Subway Pass (Toei Subway +Tokyo Metro Subway)
Thanks.
Hi Lydia,
Your plan is very organized. Yes, JR Pass will work for your trip.
The only think I want to mention is Hakone Free Pass. I think you may know but I tell you just in case. You can take bus from Haneda to Hakone-Yumoto. It’s only direct transfer from Haneda to Hakone.
http://hnd-bus.com/route/hakoneyumoto.html
Hakone Free Pass can be purchased at Hakone-Yumoto station. You can use this pass to Odawara staon on day 4. After Odawara, you can take JR trains by JR Pass.
I recommend you to exchange JR pass at Haneda. But it opens 7:45-18:30 only. You may not have a time to exchange. But you can exchange it at Odawara too.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en009.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello! I just thought I’d shoot you a message because I find all your comments really useful about Japan.
I was wondering if you could help me what pass to get: JR Pass 7 days or 14 days or something else.
*Note that the hotel/area we are staying have already been pre booked as this is a gift.
Day 1 Arriving OSAKA Kix Airport at 9pm. – staying in Osaka near JR Namba station.
Day 2 Osaka – sight seeing within the area
Day 3 Osaka – day trip to Nara
Day 4 Osaka – free day or if you can recommend a day trip place.
Day 5 Osaka – transfer to Kyoto. Staying in APA Hotel.
Day 6 Kyoto – Apa Hotel Horiwadori. Sight seeing.
Day 7 Kyoto – sight seeing
Day 8 Kyoto – looking for a place to daytrip. if you can suggest something
Day 9 Kyoto – transfer to Tokyo. Our house is in Shinjuku, Kabukichoo 160-0021 near Higashi statiion A 1 exit.
Day 10 – Tokyo sight seeing
Day 11 – Tokyo Disneyland
Day 12 – Mount Fuji and 5 lakes. Should i get a tour or better on your own. If on your own, will JR Pass okay?
Day 13 – Tokyo
Day 14 – Tokyo to Narita Airport 1145am flight back home.
Please let me know what you think and if it is something we can achieve 🙂 any advice, changes please feel free to let me know! Thank you so much!
Best regards!
Hi Jho,
At this point, JR Pass does not work, even 7 days pass. If you want to use JR Pass, you have to have one more long trip, like day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
If you are okay with it, 7 days pass will work. 14 days is still too much even if you use JR Pass to get Mt. Fuji.
If you use 7 days pass, you can make a day trip to Hiroshima on day 4 and put Nara on day 7. And also Mt Fuji move to day 10. And then all major trips will be covered by JR Pass 7 days.
You may use Nankai Railway’s deal on arrival day.
http://www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com/top/ticket/railway/
In Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, you may add subway or other local deals.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/index.html
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/ticket/convenient.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
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
Single ticket is okay for other part of your trip.
If you don’t want to go to Hiroshima (or other long trip), your choice is single ticket (Kyoto-Tokyo) and local deals that are recommended above.
In this case, Mt Fuji is not covered by JR Pass. You may take tour. But I’m not familiar with the tour so that I cannot compare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I will be heading to Japan from 31 mar to 12 apr.
I would like to double confirm with you that my choice of 7days JR pass is worth buying for the first part of my journey?
Rough itinerary:
31 mar : narita airport to Osaka
31-5th apr: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe
5th apr evening travel back to Tokyo.
6th -12 apr: Yokohama, hakone, Tokyo.
Thank you.
Regards,
Aiwei
Hi Aiwei,
Yes. 7 days pass is right choice. Try to use JR Pass when you will be in Kansai area as much as you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi. I will reach narita airport on 16th. And i wana goes to osaka straightaway. I thought of staying at osaka side for a total of 10 days which I will also travel to kobe and kyoto. On the 10th day I will wana take bullet train bk to narita. Is there any idea I should I pan my trip as I realise the pass is only for 7 days. Thanks alot
Hi elektra,
It’s tough. As you guess, if you have round trip between Tokyo and Osaka in 7 days, 7 days pass will work for your trip. But 14 days pass is too much for your trip. Even if you will make some trips when you stay in Kansai area, it’s not enough. If you make a trip to outside Kansai, like Hiroshima, Kanazawa, 14 days pass will be suitable. But at this point, single fare is your choice for Tokyo-Osaka round trip
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, I would like to ask for your advise about my coming family trip on feb. I will arrive in Osaka kansai airport and stay for 3 nights then plan to use Shinkansen to Tokyo, in Tokyo we will go through the cities about 4 days and most probably will go to mt Fuji. So is it suitable for us to use the japan rail pass ? Tq
Hi Ellen,
No, it’s not. You can use local deals and single fare between Osaka and Tokyo.
First of all, you can find some info about staying in 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
And then use single fare for Osaka to Tokyo. Please refer the following links:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
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
In Tokyo, you can use subway pass or Tokunai pass.
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 may fix your schedule before choosing deals. Otherwise you can’t compare single fare and deals exactly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail