Osaka boasts a well-connected and efficient transportation network, including trains, subways, buses, and ferries. If you’re not used to trains, it can be confusing to navigate at first, so here’s an overview of the main modes to help you on your trip.
1. Trains and Subways
- JR Lines: Operated by JR West, these connect Osaka with nearby cities like Kyoto and Kobe. Key routes include the Osaka Loop Line for city travel.
- Subway: Osaka Metro is the fastest way to get around the city, with 9 lines covering major districts like Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji.
Use the prepaid ICOCA or SUICA IC cards for seamless travel on trains, subways, and buses. Cards can be purchased or recharged at stations, they can also be brought online and added to your apple wallet for ease! Learn more: ICOCA Card Info.
The Osaka Subway map is easy to understand once you’ve used it a few times! My favourite line is the Osaka Loop Line which is one big circular loop around the city. You can pretty much get onto most lines from here. The most popular sightseeing spots and their closest stations are listed below and more information on each of the stops on the line is here: https://www.osakastation.com/the-osaka-loop-line/
・Shitennoji Temple – JR Osaka Loop Line Shitenno Station
・Osaka Castle – Morinomiya Station, Osakajo Koen Station
・Hep Five (Shopping mall) – Osaka Station
・Tsutenkaku Tower – Shinimamiya Station
2. Buses
- City Buses: Operated by Osaka City Bus, these are ideal for areas not served by trains or subways. Main routes include access to Osaka Castle and the Bay Area.
- Tourist Buses: Try the Osaka Wonder Loop Bus for a convenient hop-on-hop-off service.
Remember, for local buses, you pay when you get off the bus! Many tourists forget to pay – do not be one of those tourists!
3. Boats / ferries
For a scenic route, take the Aqua-Liner around Nakanoshima or the Santa Maria cruise at Osaka Bay. I mention the Duck Bus/Boat tour in one of my blogs too, a very fun way to explore Osaka!
4. Taxis
- Taxis in Japan are readily available but notably expensive.
- Apps like Uber and DiDi are convenient alternatives.
5. Bicycles
Osaka is bicycle-friendly with dedicated lanes in some areas. Rent bikes through services like Hankyu Cycle or Hello Cycling.
More Info: Osaka Bicycle Sharing.
6. Walking
If you’re like me and love exploring everywhere on foot, compact districts like Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Namba are best explored on foot. Osaka is flat, making it a very walkable city.
Enjoy your travels in Osaka!
Visit Osaka 