Osaka Subways And Trains

The best way to explore Osaka is by subway and the Osaka Loop Line. Here are the details on the Osaka subway and train system and special ticket deals.

[Osaka subway: Blanscape/Shutterstock.com]

The Takeaway:

• Subways and the Osaka Loop Line are the best way to get around Osaka.
• Two subway lines will get you almost everywhere you need to go: the red Midosuji Line and the green Chuo Line.
• The most useful train line is the Osaka Loop Line (frequently called just the “Loop Line”). You can use a Japan Rail Pass on this line.
• The best way to pay for all trains and subways in Osaka is with a prepaid Icoca card.

The Details:

The Osaka Subway System

• The Osaka subway system is extensive, fast, regular and efficient. There are a total of nine subway lines, but you can explore most of the city with just two of them, the Midosuji Line and the Chuo Line, which form a cross in Osaka.
• The Midosuji Line is north/south and connects all the major urban hubs of Osaka: Shin-Osaka, Umeda (Kita), Honmachi (Central Osaka), Shinsaibashi (Minami), Namba (Minami) and Tennoji. This line is indicated with red on maps and trains.
• The Chuo Line is east/west and connects the Osaka Castle Area (at Tanimachi 4-Chome Station) with the Osaka Bay Area (at Osakako Station). En route, it crosses the Midosuji Line at Honmachi Station, making it easy to transfer between these two important lines.
• Tickets are valid on all the subway lines (ie, you do not have to buy separate tickets for the different lines). Transfers are easy and well marked, but some walks can be long within stations.
• Subway fares range from ¥180 to ¥370 for adults and ¥90 and ¥190 for children between 6 and 11 years of age (younger children are free). You buy a ticket for your destination before you enter the subway system. Destination boards are labeled in Japanese and English.

Osaka Subway Map

• Here is an English-language Osaka Subway Map PDF from the official Osaka Metro website.

Osaka Subway Passes and Special Tickets

There are several useful passes to consider for exploring Osaka:

Amazing Osaka Pass (Surutto Kansai Trip-Around Osaka Pass Osaka Area Edition)

• Validity: Unlimited use for 1 day on all subways and buses in Osaka, as well as on all private rails lines in and around Osaka (but cannot be used on JR trains like the Loop Line).
• Also includes: FREE admission to 20 attractions in Osaka including Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building (but not Osaka Aquarium).
• Cost: ¥2,300 for adults (there is no discounted ticket for children, but they can use adult passes)
• Where to buy: At all ticket offices of subway stations and private rail lines in Osaka.
• Best for: Travelers who want to explore widely in Osaka for 1 day.
• For more information, see the official Amazing Osaka Pass site.

Osaka Kaiyu Ticket

• Validity: Unlimited use for 1 day on all subways and buses in Osaka (but cannot be used on JR trains like the Loop Line).
• Also includes: FREE admission to Osaka Aquarium and discounted admission to 30 attractions in Osaka.
• Cost: ¥2,550 for adults and children high school age or older, ¥1,300 for children junior high school age and younger.
• Where to buy: At all ticket offices of subway stations and private rail lines in Osaka.
• Best for: Travelers who want to explore Osaka for one day AND go to Osaka Aquarium.
• For more information, see the official Osaka Kaiyu Ticket site.

Osaka 1-Day Unlimited Subway/Bus Ticket (Osaka Enjoy Card)

• Validity: Unlimited use of all subways and buses in Osaka.
• Cost: ¥800 for adults on weekdays, ¥600 on weekends and holidays, ¥300 everyday for children ages 6 to 11 (below that they are free, above that they pay adult prices)
• Where to buy: Osaka subway vending machines and ticket offices.
• Best for: Travelers who want to explore Osaka widely for 1 day but don’t intend to enter many attractions.
• For more information: Osaka 1-Day Pass site

Using Subways and Trains with a Prepaid Card (Icoca, Suica or Pasmo)

• By far the easiest and best way to use Osaka’s subways and trains is with a prepaid card like Icoca, Pasmo or Suica. You merely swipe the card over the reader on the turnstiles when you pass through when entering and leaving the system. The fare will automatically be deducted from your card and the machine will show the remaining balance. For details on where and how to buy one of these cards, see our Prepaid Cards — Icoca, Suica or Pasmo.

JR and Private Trains in Osaka

• In addition to the subway system described above, several JR and private train lines criss-cross Osaka. The private lines are not really useful for exploring Osaka (they’re mostly for traveling between Osaka and surrounding cities like Kyoto, Kobe or Nara). But, the JR Osaka Loop Line (commonly called just the Osaka Loop line or just Loop Line) can be useful for sightseeing in Osaka.
• The loop line is most useful for making the trip from JR Osaka Station and Osakajokoen, which is the closest train/subway station to Osaka Castle. You might also take it from JR Osaka Station to Tenma Station, which is close to Kids Plaza Osaka. Otherwise, you’ll probably find the subway to the best means of getting around Osaka.
• To ride JR trains in Osaka, you can buy individual tickets, use a Japan Rail Pass, or use a prepaid card like Icoca, Suica or Pasmo.

Osaka Train and Subway Maps

• Osaka Combined Subway and Train map

Tips for Riding the Subways and Trains in Osaka

• Avoid riding subways and trains during rush hours (7.30am-9.30am and 5pm-8pm).
• Use the Midosuji Line to travel north/south in the city (between hubs like Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Honmachi, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji).
• Use the Loop Line between Osaka Station and Osaka Castle.
• If you are buying single tickets and can’t figure out the fare for your destination, simply buy the cheapest ticket. When you get to your destination, put the ticket in the fare adjustment machine, insert the proper additional fare and use the ticket it spits out to pass through the turnstiles.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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