Osaka, the largest city in the Kansai region, is brimming with a variety of tourist attractions and culinary delights. With numerous railway companies and lines, getting around by train is hassle-free. However, the railway network is complex enough that in order to have a smooth sightseeing experience, knowing which lines are most convenient for your travel needs is a must.
In this article, we introduce train routes that are handy for touring Osaka, as well as cost-effective and convenient train tickets and cards. Tips for when you’re riding the trains will surely come in handy during your exploration.
1.Osaka Train and Station Guide
Osaka is served by various train lines, including JR West, Osaka Metro, and several private railways.
JR West’s lines include the Osaka Loop Line and the Shinkansen. Osaka Metro, privatized on April 1, 2018, from the former Osaka Municipal Subway, is convenient for traveling between Osaka’s bustling districts, Kita (Umeda area) and Minami (Namba area).
The Kansai region, where Osaka is located, is famously known as a “private railway kingdom” for its abundance of private rail lines. The following private railways operate in Osaka:
- Hankyu Railway
- Hanshin Electric Railway
- Hankai Tramway
- Kintetsu Railway
- Keihan Electric Railway
- Nankai Electric Railway
Hanshin Electric Railway provides access to Kobe and the home stadium of the Hanshin Tigers professional baseball team, Koshien Stadium. Kintetsu Railway, with its extensive network covering Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie, and Aichi prefectures, is convenient for inter-prefectural travel. Keihan Electric Railway connects Osaka with Kyoto, and Nankai Electric Railway can take you to Mount Koya, making them indispensable for exploring neighboring prefectures.
Utilizing the various trains throughout Osaka with their express, rapid, and local services depending on your destination can make your sightseeing much more convenient and smooth.
2.Convenient Train Routes for Sightseeing in Osaka
Osaka boasts numerous tourist attractions, with most famous spots being conveniently accesible by train, making it efficient to move around using the rail system.
Furthermore, within the subway system, as long as you have a ticket, you can transfer between lines without the need to purchase a separate ticket for each line.
Here, we will explain the train lines that are handy for touring Osaka.
2-1.Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
The Osaka Metro Midosuji Line runs through major areas in Osaka, making it a convenient route for sightseeing in popular areas.
Stations on the Midosuji Line include Shin-Osaka Station, where the Shinkansen stops; the Kita area around Umeda Station, which is great for shopping; and Tennoji Station, where you can visit Abeno Harukas and Tsutenkaku.
In the Minami area around Shinsaibashi and Namba stations, you can see the famous Glico sign in Dotonbori and enjoy Osaka’s gourmet cuisine. For those looking to experience the quintessential atmosphere of Osaka, the Minami area is highly recommended.
Fares on the Midosuji Line range from 190 to 390 yen, with child fares (for ages 6 to 11) available at 100 to 200 yen.
2-2.JR Osaka Loop Line
The JR Osaka Loop Line, which circles the urban areas of Osaka, is another useful route for sightseeing.
Stations on the Osaka Loop Line include Osaka Station, surrounded by commercial facilities; Tennoji Station, located in a bustling district; and Temma Station, known for the lively Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. From Osaka Station, it’s just about a 10-minute journey to Osakajokoen and Morinomiya stations, the closest stops to Osaka Castle.
Additionally, the Osaka Loop Line offers convenient access to Universal Studios Japan. By transferring to the JR Yumesaki Line at Nishikujo Station, you can reach Universal City Station, the nearest station to the theme park, in about 3 minutes.
The Loop Line runs in a circle around Osaka, completing a full loop in approximately 40 minutes. However, be cautious of some trains that extend onto other lines, which could lead to confusion.
Fares on the Osaka Loop Line range from 140 to 270 yen, with children aged 6 to 11 paying about half the adult fare.
3.Cost-effective and Convenient Cards for Osaka Trains
In Osaka, there are numerous cost-effective tickets and convenient cards available for those planning to travel by rail. If you’re considering using the train for your travels in Osaka, be sure not to miss taking advantage of these options.
Below, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of services that make train travel even more economical and convenient.
3-1.Enjoy Eco Card
The Enjoy Eco Card is a card you can use which offers discounts at certain facilities when presented on the day of use. It’s particularly cost-effective when visiting multiple tourist spots in a day.
The Enjoy Eco Card can be purchased at ticket vending machines inside subway stations. The prices are as follows:
- Adults: 820 yen on weekdays, 620 yen on weekends and holidays
- Children: 310 yen
Please note that the Enjoy Eco Card is not valid on certain routes, such as buses to IKEA Tsuruhama, Universal Studios Japan, and airport buses. Also, it cannot be used on private railways that have through services with Osaka Metro, so please be mindful of this.
3-2.Various Prepaid Cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO)
In Japan, various train IC cards are available depending on the region, such as ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO. In Osaka, the ICOCA card is readily available and recommended for train travel.
The ICOCA card allows for fare payment by simply touching it to the ticket gate scanner after pre-loading it with money. It can be used on JR, Osaka Metro, private railways, buses, and more, making your travel smoother and more efficient.
You can purchase an ICOCA card at JR’s Midori no Madoguchi (ticket offices) and ticket vending machines for 2,000 yen each. This amount includes a refundable 500 yen deposit for the card issuance and the remainder as usable fare. Remember to return your ICOCA card when you’re finished using it to get your deposit back.
3-3.Osaka Amazing Pass
The Osaka Amazing Pass allows unlimited rides on designated trains and buses for one day, plus free entry to about 40 tourist facilities, and discounts at various stores and venues.
By presenting the pass, you can enjoy significant savings, including discounts of over 1,000 yen at many facilities, allowing you to fully enjoy Osaka in a day at an affordable price.
The pass is valid on all Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus lines, as well as private railways within Osaka city. For specific routes, please check the official website.
The price of the Osaka Amazing Pass is 3,300 yen, and there is no child fare available. It is on sale until June 16, 2024, and can be used on any single day until June 30, 2024.
You can purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass online or at the Kansai Tourist Information Center at Kansai International Airport. If you buy it online, a voucher will be issued, which you must exchange for the pass at designated locations, such as Kansai Airport, Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda, before use.
Please be aware that some facilities may have restrictions on the day of the week and time when the pass can be used, so pay attention to these details.
3-4.Osaka e-Pass
The Osaka e-Pass is a great choice for those who want to tour Osaka’s tourist spots affordably. By presenting the QR code, you can access over 25 attractions for free, including the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory and the Osaka Castle Gozabune (Royal Boat).
The Osaka e-Pass can be purchased from various websites. The price for a 1-day pass is 2,000 yen, and a 2-day pass is 2,500 yen, with no child fare available. Passes that include transportation tickets and share cycle options are also available for sale.
While the Osaka e-Pass offers access to fewer facilities than the Osaka Amazing Pass and does not include unlimited rides on trains or buses, it may still be more cost-effective depending on how often you plan to use public transport.
When deciding which pass to use, consider the cost of transport and whether the attractions you wish to visit are included with the pass.
4.Tips for Riding Trains in Osaka
When riding trains in Osaka, please pay attention to the following two points:
| Many Stations are Clustered in a Single Area |
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In Osaka, especially in the Umeda and Namba areas, there are many stations located close to each other which may have similar names. Multiple stations exist within the same area, and neighboring stations are often within walking distance. For instance, in the Umeda area, Osaka Station, Umeda Station (Osaka Metro), Higashi-Umeda Station, Nishi-Umeda Station, and Kitashinchi Station are all closely situated. Similarly, in the Namba area, there are several stations and ticket gates for Namba Station across different lines, which might be confusing due to the similar station names. Therefore,when asking for directions or searching for transfer information, it’s essential to understand and convey which station of which lines you are looking for. |
| Be Aware of Train Splitting |
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The Kansai Airport Express and Kishuji Rapid services are examples of trains that are connected but split at a certain station to head in different directions. Although announcements and information panels indicate when and where the train will split, tourists often board the wrong part of the train by mistake. If you board the wrong car, you may end up heading towards Wakayama instead of the airport, so please be vigilant. |
Conclusion
In Osaka, with its extensive rail network, the “Osaka Metro Midosuji Line” and the “JR Osaka Loop Line” are particularly convenient for tourists. Both lines provide easy access to the key sightseeing areas of Kita and Minami. Additionally, by using the JR Osaka Loop Line, you can even make your way to Universal Studios Japan.
If you’re looking to cut down on travel costs, Osaka offers a variety of discount tickets and cards, such as the Enjoy Eco Card and the Osaka Amazing Pass. In addition to helping you save on travel expenses,these options can also provide discounts at various tourist attractions, making them a great choice for visitors eager to explore Osaka affordably.
*This article is based on information available as of April 2024.
