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,
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
Hi Ratna,
Actually JR pass does not suit your plan. Roughly, total fare for Osaka – Hiroshima – Kyoto – Takayama – Tokyo is a bit more expensive than 7 days JR pass price. You will spend way more days. So please forget JR pass.
You will use several deals. The following links shows which pass you need to use.
KIX to Osaka
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Sightseeing in Kyoto and Osaka
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area
*Single ticket is okay to visit Nara.
Trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Kyoto – Takayama/Shirakawago – Nagoya
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Need single ticket from Nagoya to Tokyo
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
Sightseeing in Tokyo
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Day trip to Hakone
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
*You cannot take bullet train by this pass. But you will take bullet train from Nagoya to Tokyo, and trip to Hiroshima.
to airport
Haneda https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Narita https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Child under 5 years old is free of charge but one of you have to share the seat. If you want to have a seat for your 5 years old child, you should buy child rate pass. When you are in cities, like, Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, you will take a commute trains. You don’t need to pay for 5 years old child. Only when you have a long trip, like trip to Hiroshima, you may consider the seat for your child.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Kang,
Actually I don’t know the discount rate for JR pass user. I think it’s not fixed and changed by hotels and by season.
Please see the link below to find the coverage of Fuji area by JR pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Ooi,
You may use 7 days JR pass. Most part of your trip is covered by JR Pass. But you may need to add single fare or pass in Kyoto, Osaka and Fuji. Please see the links below to find the coverage of JR Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/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-kyoto-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-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Luciana,
Sorry but please write in English. I understand only English and Japanese.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Meg,
Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka
Single ticket is only choice. Please use hyperdia to find the schedule and fare.
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 Osaka
There are several deals available, Eco card, Kaiyu ticket and Amazing pass. If you intend to visit many attractions, amazing pass is your choice. If you will visit Kaiyukan aquarium, Kaiyu ticket is recommended. Otherwise eco card (subway pass) is most recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
ICOCA is okay if you take subway and other Non subway trains. But it does not give you any discount and unlimited ride.
At last, please see the link below to find the deal to get KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Phillip,
In my rough calculation, your total fares will be almost same as 14 days pass. You can go for it but it does not give you a big saving. You don’t have any other better deals. JR Pass is only choice for your trip anyway.
If you have another big trip, such as day trip to Himeji, or Hiroshima from Osaka or Kyoto, JR pass may give you more saving.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-himeji-and-kobe-from-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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!
Hi Adam,
You are right. JR pass does not suit your plan. Local deals at both Osaka and Tokyo, and single ticket are your choice. Please see the link below to find some more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
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
Hi, if I need to take the subway regular due to the location of my accomodation, which pass do you recommend?
Hi Christine,
You may use subway pass or Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
http://kansaionepass.com/en/
If you make subway trips more than 4-5 times a day, subway pass is cheaper. Otherwise use Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Paula,
All places can be accessed by JR Pass. But subway is better to access to Namba and Dotonbori.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
But subway is not covered by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com