Osaka's Public Transport Explained: A Guide for First-Time Travellers

Osaka's a vibrant city. Today, I'm here to answer all your questions about how to get around quickly and on the cheap. Your were afraid, but not any more. #japan #travel
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:31 The options
03:40 Your IC card is important
06:21 Step-by-step how-to
07:52 Pass recommendation #1
09:54 Pass recommendation #2
11:36 Outro

[@AnnoyingSonic789]

Just a heads up, once the world expo begins, this video is 100% going to blow up. Excellent quality

[@KaratedudeYT]

The Kansai Travel Guide Cinematic Universe is all coming together. Super great!

[@zippy839]

Just wanted to say your videos have been the most helpful about transportation and getting around Japan. I look forward to seeing more from you!

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you, I will try not to disappoint!

[@luxoflax]

Awesome again! Thanks!

[@user-sm2cw2xp4r]

Thank you for this video! Looking forward to next series!

[@leobobby2666]

Thank you for your guidance!

[@luna028]

Thank you so much for a really informative video. Your videos are a great help as always! Keep up the great job!

[@sleep6242]

legend awesome straightforward video

[@user-ie9co7ex6s]

Great work. Very informative, well researched, and great looking video :)

[@haideegiron]

Finally, an explanation why I didn't need to tap in when I got on the bus. It's flat fare after all! ありがとうございます。

[@JyuzouNT]

I'm about to go to Osaka tomorrow and seeing your upload yesterday, it was just perfect timing!

[@maverickgt4757]

Suscribed, just one minute and you made my day. Great job.

[@darkdiamond573]

Dude the most informative video I have found and funny.... thanks

[@darkdiamond573]

Could you please add the links to search for all the tickets i beleive the amazing pass if from Klook, right?

[@EB_SOTN]

Came for info, didn't disappoint, but liked for all the editing and memes

[@gonzalezfreak]

hell ya going Saturday can't wait to watch this over and over again while I'm dropped off from the airport

[@annieng5566]

Thank you for the video, first time in Japan we (5 of us) will be in Osaka for 3 days in June from Tokyo for the 1st 3 days) and I've been nervous of the transportation. Your video is very helpful.

[@IAM369IAM]

😂😂😂👍🏻 so informative. And I laughed so hard 😂😂😂

[@IzzeSmiles]

😂 you're the best ... Again I wish I had seen these before we went, traveling around with so arduous and time consuming

[@wallc3243]

Unfortunately Osaka Amazing Pass have fare adjustment after 1st April 2024 which is 3300 yen for one day and no more 2 day pass. But overall if you use for river cruise and some observation deck the pass still worth your money.

[@RaineyJAUS]

Thank you. I got brought to Osaka on short notice and nothing I found explained things as well as you. I'll try and buy a card tomorrow!

[@newbies3939]

Ahh I just came back from Osaka, welp this video will be useful for next trip!

[@gonzalezfreak]

also this footage is so crispy 🔥

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you!

[@valk1521]

Your comedy is gold

[@ryouxgaming2088]

Same thing happen to me ( needed to recharge it ) before going to Osaka castle with the fare adjustment machine , nice job Osaka brother 🫡

[@tonyloo2235]

Like first watch later❤

[@Takoyak_]

the editing is pure gold kekw

[@kzarina29]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 youre an angel

[@Will_Zhao]

👼

[@tonysommers4229]

You have explained the easy part. Buy a pass or icocoa card ( buy this if you are going to be using for more than 2 days and going to other places in Japan). The hard part in navigating Osaka is the 2 train company station system that is all underground that all blends into each other. There is no coloured line s to guide you between station systems. And if you cross over at the double stations and need to travel in the other direction you need to sometimes leave the station and go to another station with the same name that is not attached. Easy if you grow up with this system (sigh).

[@futurecanadian]

visited Japan this past March and flew into Osaka (ITM) so I got my very cute ICOCA IC and took the airport limo bus to Tennoji Station (which was dirt cheap to this US Tourist) then my hotel was one stop on the metro (Dobutsuen-Mae Station) so I used the IC. Next morning, got the 2 day transit pass. The ICOCA saved me in Hakone because I dropped my paper ticket on the train and did not have any Japanese money on me and they didn't take credit cards. The ticket agent didn't speak English but I showed him my IC card and all was saved (other than paying 770 JPY twice; no biggie). I personally found all the city subways easy to used and visited Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nayoga, Yokohama and Tokyo (where you will definitely use their JR loop line). Great video! I definitely recommend folks to vacation in Japan. Also, the IC cards works on vending machines!!

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you! And yup, that's why I always tell people to get an IC card regardless of what pass they got.

[@DanielJodin]

Amazing video as always! Is it possible to buy multiple 1-day passes at once and then activate them as you go? I'll stay 5 days in osaka and would prefer to buy all passes for my group at the same time.

[@Will_Zhao]

Actually very good point, I should have included this in the video. Both the Osaka 1-day Pass and the Kyoto bus & subway 1-day pass can be bought in advance and get activated as you go. When you first use the pass, the ticket machine will stamp a date onto it, and that's the day your pass is activated for. If you are staying for several days, this is a very good strategy to adopt. I've done that many times and I would recommend people doing it.

[@AoDk673]

Hey will! Do you have any video about best hotel navigation in osaka?

[@Will_Zhao]

I think as long as you stay near the popular spots/major tranport terminals like Osaka station or Namba you should be fine.

[@nateshf9303]

Enjoyed your video. One suggestion is to add a clip showing how a passenger can just tap his/her iPhone at the ticket gate without even launching the ic card app.

[@Will_Zhao]

ICOCA is now indeed on mobile but I think it's not made available for phones from outside Japan (yet, at least for android). So I really didn't have first-hand experience and therefore didn't try to talk about it.

[@nateshf9303]

@@Will_Zhao Totally understandable.

[@trainsandmore2319]

@@Will_Zhao Actually, I now have the ability to add ICOCA to either my Apple Watch or on iOS outside of Japan.

[@samuelyovant7987]

Can the Osaka Metro one day card be used by children under 10yo? where to buy? Thankyou very much

[@nleesh]

If I have a Suica card, are there any machines or counters where I can reload at Kansai Airport?

[@Will_Zhao]

If you pause at 04:57, the white machines in the middle with blue leds are the ones you should go to.

[@jackyisking]

Looking forward for Hokkaido guild

[@Dabeii]

Will the osaka amazing pass be available for tourist coming a Apr and onwards as i know you cant buy the current pass if you cannot redeem it before 31 Mar. I love your guides btw, big fan!!!

[@Will_Zhao]

Hey, thanks! This I'm not entirely sure, but I know that the same company now offers a Osaka e-pass at ￥2,000, which gives free entry to over 20 tourist attractions (instead of 40+) and no transport capabilities. If you buy both the e-pass and the Osaka 1-Day Pass, then it's essentially the Osaka Amazing Pass for roughly the same price. But it's indeed a little more complicated. Guess can only wait and see.

[@Dabeii]

Damn, ok shall wait for Apr to roll up to make a move, thanks for the advise! Keep up the great editing and video making.

[@elitan1634]

🐐

[@Will_Zhao]

😘

[@gowsidogpoo]

I'm using my friends old suica card and landing in Kansai. Will I be able to load money on the card anywhere in the airport?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yup, when you are at the arrivals, go to the second floor and cross the bridge to Kansai Airport Station, the white machines in the middle from 04:57 are the ones you wanna use.

[@jaymeez]

I’m coming to Japan next month for my first time. Where should I stay?! I am told to stay on the Yamanote Line but which station is ideal? Shibuya & Shinjuku are ridiculously expensive. Asakusa is not on the Yamanote Line. Otsuka seems to be a good choice but it’s way on the top of the Yamanote Line

[@SwissTanuki]

Endless opportunities but when I'm in Tokyo I always stay at the prince hotel in Shinjuku. It's near to the station and also kabukicho. Maybe not the cheapest but worth it

[@chimelputeri5745]

can i use an eco card from Kansai airport to osaka city?

[@Will_Zhao]

No, you can't. I have a video on that, you should check it out.

[@vtecspec2]

I search on the web is stated icoca can use even on the jr line Osaka. Im confuse You can ride JR trains in Osaka using individual tickets, a Japan Rail Pass, or a prepaid card like Icoca, Suica, or Pasmo. The Japan Rail Pass is valid for the entire Osaka Loop line and all JR lines branching off of it

[@Will_Zhao]

The ICOCA can be used for almost anything except for the Shinkansen trains and a few limited express trains. But if you want discounts you need passes for the mode of transport of your choosing. I hope you are no longer confuse.

[@afrizaldwiputranto6724]

So the osaka enjoy eco card cannot used for jr loop line right ?

[@Will_Zhao]

Correct.

[@1226CT]

Does Osaka's have 2 or 3 major stations?- Shin Osaka, JR Osaka Station and Namba Osaka Station. Is JR Osaka Station same as Namba Station?

[@WeeeklyBoom]

Would you recommend any bike rentals as another means of transportation? or would Buses and Trains be sufficient.

[@nateshf9303]

Just walk. It's Osaka!

[@Will_Zhao]

If you just want to get around I'd say the subway is usually more than enough. I don't think there would ever be a need for cycling. Unless you are going out of town and you cannot drive.

[@sharonckd]

The Osaka amazing pass will be discontinued on 30/4/2024. Any new ideas of the passes?

[@Cbethanie96822]

I got the electronic pass. Not as good as the amazing pass but good from KLOOK.

[@faridevan6315]

can you do it for tokyo please

[@Will_Zhao]

Working on it

[@LuKoskinaSS51]

So what happens if I insert an Osaka 1 day pass into the ticket gates, but I ride a JR operated train? Or is this scenario not possible? As I understand, the 1day pass should not apply for JR or any other private operated metro, but how do I know when I should use an ICOCA card or the 1day pass when going through ticket gates?

[@Will_Zhao]

It just won't accept the pass and will spit it back out so even if you get mixed up it's fine. Having said that, it's usually pretty clear which company the train belongs to, there will be clear indications at the stations. Only exception is the JR Loop Line which I've pointed in the video. The rest should be really easy to tell apart.

[@nateshf9303]

If you have a mobile ICOCA card (on your iPhone) like I do, just use that.

[@Will_Zhao]

@@nateshf9303 Yeah, I don't have an iphone so...😝

[@nateshf9303]

@@Will_Zhao It’s all good. Enjoy your trip!

[@endibrata]

So where do I need to go at Osaka Castle to skip the line and get the ticket to enter the Castle with this Enjoy Eco Card?

[@Will_Zhao]

You still go to the ticket office at the foot of the castle. Most people will line up on the right side, but on the left side there will be memebers of staff holding a sign saying holders of these passes will get priority access. Approach the staff, show them your card and they will lead you directly to the priority ticket window.

[@endibrata]

@@Will_Zhao Thanks a lot man! Your videos are the most detailed and complete. Keep up the good work.

[@chansonjoy]

can I recharge the IC card with credit card? or it's cash only?

[@Will_Zhao]

Most of the time it's going to be cash only.

[@AcckiySuperman]

Great video! Thank you. Why don't you mention that IC cards can be virtual and be used from iPhones? It can save a lot of time for some people.

[@Will_Zhao]

I did though 🥺

[@Will_Zhao]

Sorry I thought I was replying to another video. I didn't mention it since I never owned an iphone and had zero experience with it. I did mention it in my latest Tokyo video though!

[@pratiti_mathur]

I heard the Osaka amazing pass isn’t valid post June. Would you have any idea on the Osaka e-pass ?

[@Will_Zhao]

The e-pass is the amazing pass minus the public transport access. It's worse than the original, but if you want to dedicate a day or two just for the tourist spots, it's still a decent choice.

[@pratiti_mathur]

@@Will_Zhao thank you for replying! Is there any other alternative you suggest? Or something I can do about the transport?

[@Will_Zhao]

@@pratiti_mathur Osaka one day pass for the transport, Osaka e-pass for the tourist spots.

[@pratiti_mathur]

@@Will_Zhao thank you! Would it be better for me to purchase a Kansai pass as I am travelling one day to Kyoto?

[@rougehawk]

Is there an amazing pass for Tokyo?

[@Will_Zhao]

Not that i know of unfortunately.

[@PatientC]

Man... i jumped to the timestamps in glee but there was no miso chapter waiting for me :(

[@PatientC]

Very informative for my trip to Osaka in June!

[@muhammadkhairulfardeenfadz9878]

serious one, what camera did you used for recording this video? is it iPhone?

[@Will_Zhao]

All footage in the video is shot with the Sony A7Cii.

[@muhammadkhairulfardeenfadz9878]

@@Will_Zhao no wonder the video quality looks different. It looks more lively. The price tho 🥲

[@Will_Zhao]

@@muhammadkhairulfardeenfadz9878 Glad it showed 😁

[@Brownie.-]

Do people not use Google Maps? I’ve been living in Japan for 8 years and that’s all I’ve been using to get around with on buses, trains even with taxis.

[@Will_Zhao]

Google maps is surprisingly helpful in Japan. But it can be confusing when there are naming differences on the app and in stations, Google sometimes make questionable choices when they translate names of train lines or services.

[@sonicver2255]

Unfortunately Osaka Amazing Pass is already discontinued, and they changed it to Osaka e-pass, which gives you free admission to certain attractions (50 or more places) but not the transportation.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yeah it's sad, I'm not sure if it's a cost related issue or due to their over-tourism problem, several really good travel options I know are now dead.

[@sonicver2255]

So i just got back from Japan and got to use my e-pass at Legoland. Legoland system wasn't really updated with this new pass. First, at entry, their machine didn't detect my QR, they ended up manually photographing my QR and let me in. Second, at the shop, they have discount for amazing pass holder, since i got e-pass, they didn't give me discount, i said the amazing pass has been discontinued, but they insisted that my pass wasn't supported and there's still digital amazing pass.

[@richobrayen1892]

@@sonicver2255 OAP is still continued, but now it is in an electronic format (digital ticket), discontinued is for physical card pass format. 1day 3300 Yen and 2day 5500 Yen. But I still prefer physical card pass format, because it is much more simpler, no need mobile phone and internet connection (for generating pass code before you use transportation or entering the facility).

[@george.carlin]

lol, Obama opening the One Day pass was epic