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. Ratna says:
    September 26, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Hi,

    We are a family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 children (aged 5 yrs and 7 yrs) and we will be travelling to Japan from 30th March 2017 to 22nd April 2017. Currently, I have booked only my flights while we are still finalising our itinerary. Below is the draft itinerary and would appreciate if you can recommend what JR pass should we get and when should we get it.

    Thursday 30th March – Arrive Osaka
    Stay/visit Osaka – 30th March to 3rd April (4 nights)
    Stay/visit Hiroshima / Miyamaji – 4 April to 6th april (2 nights)
    6th April Travel Leave Hiroshima for Kyoto
    Kyoto 6th April to 11th april (6 nights ) – Explore Kyoto including Arashiyama for a day, Higashiyama for a day, Nara for day or two and rest of the places at leisure.
    12th April Leave Kyoto for TAKAYAMA and SHIRAKAWAGO
    Takayama and Shirakawago (12th April to 15th April ) – 4 nights
    16th April Leave Takayama for Tokyo – (6 nights)
    17th/18th/19th April Explore Tokyo
    20th April Day trip to Hakone : Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo
    21st April – Relax
    22nd April – Depart Tokyo

    For the above draft itinerary, what train passes would you recommend and for what duration and how many train passes will we need for the full family and for the various journeys. I would appreciate if you can give us a best possible price.

    Thanks
    Ratna

  2. Kang says:
    September 18, 2016 at 4:46 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    May I know what is the discount rate to stay at JR hotels if I have a Jr pass?

    Does the Jr rail pass cover the Tokyo – Mount Fuji sector?

    Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Kang

  3. Ooi Wei Khang says:
    September 18, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Hello Takeshi,
    We will be in Japan for 10 days.
    Landing in Tokyo Haneda, head to Osaka/Kyoto straight away
    Osaka / Kyoto – 5 days
    We will spend around 2 days each in Osaka and Kyoto, therefore hoping to travel to only the worth going attractions there. Is the JR pass usable in this case?
    Before heading back to Tokyo, will stay in Mt Fuji for 2 days 1 night.
    Will the 7 day JR pass be the most cost effective?
    Thank you.

    Warm regards,
    Ooi

  4. Luciana says:
    September 9, 2016 at 5:43 am

    Olá Takeshi

    Estava lendo seu Blog, muito bom. Estou indo de Tokyo a Osaka usando meu Jr Pass, ficarei 6 dias em Osaka. Onde vou fazer bate e volta para Kioto, Hiroshima. Em Osaka estou pesquisando apartamento no site Airbnb, queria uma dica de perto de que tipo de estação é melhor ficar. qual bairro. Pois os perto de estaçao Jr nem sempre são bem localizados. Estou chegando em Osaka dia 5 de outubro. Obrigada

  5. Meg says:
    September 8, 2016 at 12:35 am

    Hi, we are planning to travel from kyoto to Osaka through the shinkansen. Then, stay in Osaka for 2days (3rd day we will be leaving for airport). Is JR pass useful or any other passes? What about ICOCA or amazing osaka pass? Thx

  6. Philip Young says:
    September 4, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    Hello Takeshi,
    We will be in Japan for 15 days.
    Landing in Tokyo – 2 days
    Heading through Nagoya, Takayama & Kanazawa – 3 days
    Osaka / Kyoto – 6 days
    Back to Tokyo/Nagano/Tokyo – 4 days.
    Will the 14 day JR pass be the most cost effective?
    Thanking you in advance.
    Phil Young

  7. Adam says:
    August 21, 2016 at 3:05 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I still can’t decide which one is the best even after read so many article regarding the operation of trains in Tokyo & Osaka. But i think I don’t need the 7 days JR pass for my itenarary below:

    Day 1 -> Narita to Shinjuku (will stay in Shijuku)
    Day 2 – Day 5 – > Will be around Tokyo (maybe day trip to Mount Fuji)
    Day 6 -> Tokyo to Osaka
    Day 7 – Day 8 -> Around Osaka (Universal Studio & Other places)
    Day 9 – Fly Out From Kansai Airport.

    My plan is just to get Metro& Subway 5 days pass (3 days+2days) in Tokyo. Other than that, just pay on every ride. Is this the most cost effective. THANKS!

  8. VALERY says:
    August 10, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Hi, Takeshi!
    We hope you are doing fine, we are plannning to visit japan for 24 days aproxemetly, and we want to know, which kind of jr pass is more convenient for us, we would like to save money as much as we can.. this is our itinerary

    TOKYO 6 DAYS.
    KYOTO 4 DAYS.
    *OSAKA 3 DAYS
    *NARA 3 DAYS
    *HIROSHIMA 2 DAYS
    *Kanazaw 3 DAYS ,
    *TOKYO 3 DAYS.

    SO TAKING THIS INTO CONSIDERATION , WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT IS BETTER TO BUY THE 7 DAYS PASS , 14 DAYS PASS OR TO BUY THE 21 DAYS PASS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE 🙂 CHEERS

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      August 10, 2016 at 9:14 pm

      Hi Valery,

      At this point, only 21 days pass is your choice. But if you use 21 days pass, it does not give you a big saving. If you can complete all places other than Tokyo in 14 days, you may use 14 days pass. In downtown Tokyo, you can use subway pass. JR Pass is not required.

      If you have a day trip to outside Tokyo, such as Nikko, when you are in Tokyo, 21 days pass gives you a saving and flexibility.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. Christine says:
    June 3, 2016 at 10:35 am

    Hi, if I need to take the subway regular due to the location of my accomodation, which pass do you recommend?

  10. Paula says:
    March 8, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    Hi Takeshi,
    I want to confirm, if I have the JR pass and I travel from Tokyo to Osaka and go back to Tokyo. Then in Osaka I want to visit Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, Namba and Dotonbori, all areas are covered by JR pass right? Thanks

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