How to Ride Subway & Trains in Osaka Japan - 10 Tips!

10 tips to help you ride the trains, subway, and Shinkansen in Osaka Japan. I cover everything you need to know to successfully navigate Osaka's public transportation system including how to buy tickets, how to plan your trip, and how to ride the train itself.
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[@YellowProductions]

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[@kuhndj67]

I've been all over the world and found Osaka to be by far the easiest city to get around by rail... and I don't speak Japanese, and this includes English speaking countries like Britain. You literally follow the line on the ground. The only tricky part was figuring out 'getting your ticket'... and it took about 5 minutes to work that out... after that it was so easy I'm a bit surprised you found 15 minutes worth of content! Osaka is a destination I'd highly recommend, very nice city.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

You don't even have to " get your ticket " if you have an ICOCA or other IC card.😊

[@robertmdeleon]

Chris thank you for informing viewers about the Shinkansen stopping at the Shin-Osaka station. That information was very important when me and my girlfriend traveled to Japan this spring. We appreciate the time , research, and detailed information that you put into your videos. Your information definitely saved us a lot of time and headache traveling to and through Tokyo and Osaka.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the kind words Robert!

[@filipinolifestyleincali9262]

I lived there in Tokyo for more than 3 decades . It’s one of the best country in the world . It’s my home. Everything is convenient, clean and safe.I highly recommend this country to include it in your bucket list.

[@scottman895]

This is a very informative video! I really like how Osaka does a great job with navigating the train stations including the exits.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Scotman895! Yes.. their exit signs are fantastic!

[@sheripeterson7788]

I used to live in Osaka. I watched this more for nostalgia. Great video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sheri!

[@1102Chix]

Sheri Peterson hi can you help me what train to ride from Namba to Universal Studios?

[@sheripeterson7788]

From Osaka Namba Station take the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo Station and then transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line. The journey time is 20 minutes and costs 360 yen. From JR Namba Station take the JR Yamatoji Line to Imamiya Station, then transfer to the Osaka Loop Line and go on to Nishikujo Station.

[@autumbreeze1129]

This will make things way easier for us when my dad and I go back to Japan in a few years than it was last time. Thanks, Chris

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Autum Breeze!

[@milkieaoyama1915]

ICOCA stands for IC Operating CArd, but it is also a play on the phrase "Iko ka" (行こか), an informal, Kansai dialect invitation meaning "Shall we go?" in Japanese (the standard, Tokyo dialect equivalent is "Ikō ka" (行こうか)).

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the background Milkie!

[@milkieaoyama1915]

You always make a very nice and accurate vlogs, and your english is very clear, love it,

[@agnesmaryfoong3094]

Omg thank god I watched this video. I’m coming in October. I probably should watch a couple more times 😂😂😂

[@HaibaraSecret]

I'm going to Osaka in like 3 days and wooooooow, this was so helpful!!!! Thank you for making this video, what an absolute blessing.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks HaibaraSecret! Enjoy Osaka!

[@steelhuman7195]

Awesome and helpful vid guide, thank you.

[@onokono1270]

Thank you so much! Your videos are so informative!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@charissachao1388]

great job! now I feel a lot more comfortable traveling in Osaka. Thanks!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Charissa!

[@annecorey607]

Very busy Osaka it very beautiful place in. Japan is very good for any one to go for their holiday thanks .

[@JustineCarissa]

This video was amazing. I needed this.

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was useful Justine!

[@PamelaThea]

This is the by far the most helpful and informative video I've seen, It'll be my 1st time in Japan in February, and researching about it is such a daunting task, especially the transportation system. This will definitely help me alot.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Pamela! I have over 100 videos on Japan. So dive in! :)

[@ginangan8892]

Excellent clear showing,thanks

[@janecordero4780]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@wongcoral7180]

Superb tips so helpful! Tq!

[@mbvillacorta]

Thank you for this useful video

[@pikachu86140]

Thankyou! Your video is so helpful. You gave a very clear guide with good presentation in this video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks pika chu!

[@oktiaradwindah]

Very informative thanks

[@uliimiyajima9094]

Your videos are very helpful. Love the details and tips. Thank you!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ulii!

[@lijie2511]

Wow, there’re lots of people on the subway/train!!! I am going there in March, a bit scared :)

[@YellowProductions]

It is quite busy!

[@kazoisdrawing1903]

So far this is the best informative video I've ever seen!!! Thx!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kazo!

[@gustavoasman6723]

Lots of great tips, and one of your best videos as far as humor goes, imo, and I have watched more than 25 or 30 of them. Nice stuff.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Gustavo!

[@nobulina]

Thank you for this very useful information!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks nobulina!

[@RPA1999]

Thank you! We've arrived in Japan. Your guides are super informative!!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome!

[@Flower-ck2bs]

I will be traveling to Japan soon and this is more than needed :-)It will be an experience I am longing after. Thank you Yellow Production! :-)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks! Enjoy Japan Magdalena!

[@ericparis8572]

Great vid!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Eric!

[@Livsvisjon]

Thank you so much for making this video! Super useful!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kari Ann!

[@yvonnechew4572]

It is very nice watching your cute way of sharing Osaka Train transport. Certainly of great help for those who travel first time in Osaka

[@YellowProductions]

Double thanks Yvonne

[@minimalisticjoy628]

Very informative! Thank you!!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure!

[@reginaldfernandez9657]

Thank you so much! This video is very useful!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Reginald!

[@terencereyes696]

Thanks for a very comprehensive guide!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Terence :)

[@kiickinballistics]

Brilliant Chris. I’m using your KZbins as a primer for our family trip to Osaka in Sept/Oct. This video was fantastic. Big fan, big respect ✊

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks James!

[@ArthursSimpleLife]

Wow thank you. Well made. Going soon.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Arthur!

[@ClairPlaysBass]

Great advice! I feel much more at ease when travelling to Osaka next month :)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Clair!

[@huzaimahabdulrani5079]

Wow ur vids are so comprehensive!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks! :)

[@mrpejo86]

Thank you so much. Very helpful.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Oh So Pejoe!

[@SOIV1000]

Great informative video! Regards from Sweden

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@Watfordfc2030]

What a great video and so helpful many thanks 👍🇬🇧

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Watford!

[@notknown42]

thanks - arrived today in osaka and will see how it goes tomorrow :)

[@RukiKenishiro]

i'm going to Osaka in September, and thank the internet god i found this!!!! hahahaha.. very informative and helpful!!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome kenshiro!

[@levyyang8650]

Thanks, super helpful!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Levy!

[@prechaparipunyukontorn7908]

Very very helpful for travel.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Precha!

[@Jason-sf8vx]

Vert useful for 1st time traveler to Japan, Good job

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks T CW!

[@im_anjel9610]

Your videos are always very helpful. I'm still very intimidated by the train stuff and etiquette/rules but I have a little more confidence now, Mahalo! Going to Japan in April with my Husband and a feisty two year old. It'll be out or first time. Terrible 2's in Japan, yay! Stress level is over 9000!

[@MegaTinni]

How did it go? I will be managing two teenagers there in July :D

[@pterodactylll]

Thanks for the info. I'm traveling to Osaka very soon and I remember how much I struggled navigating Tokyo years ago. This puts me at some ease.

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eunicaa]

Very helpful!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Eugenia!

[@mariko5378]

Thank you for the video. That's awesome. I think it's easier to understand how to take the train and know manners on the train in Japan. (exa.be quiet) Many people from foreign countries bring their culture... But, you explained it. I hope travelers make good memories. Thank you.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Mariko!

[@duncansantan]

thanx 4 info!!!!

[@osakameetup]

If you’re in Osaka, join a meetup event. Meet and speak to locals who enjoy speaking English and meeting foreigners.

[@fringehead]

I have been to Osaka three times and this is useful info, it is not as confusing as the video clips of crowds make it look

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. I'm sure you can navigate it!

[@zelmv3446]

this is really informative. We’ll be going to japan in march. and i’m studying the trains! 😂

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks zel mv!

[@lilong5202]

Good job on explaining this confusing thing

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kay!

[@jaysato]

osaka! i lived in osaka for ten years. i lived in shin osaka station. i always took the midosuji line or occasionally the jr line to osaka/ umeda station. what i remember about midosuji is the announcement of whats on each station. i remember taking the rapit train from namba to go to kansai airport. rapit looks like gigantor the robot.

[@YellowProductions]

You'll enjoy the rest of my Osaka series coming up! :)

[@rogeliopadilla1432]

Today my daughter coming to Osaka. Thank you for your information. 😃👍

[@YellowProductions]

Nice!

[@YellowProductions]

Want to know whether you should buy a Japan Railways JR Pass? Watch my video all about the JR Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX_KdY2Vi82KjsU

[@lois2906]

Thanks for the info!! It healped alot. But can i refund back the amount in my ICOCA card that are left?

[@harveycaiden8644]

I guess im randomly asking but does anyone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me

[@matteotrace2299]

@Harvey Caiden Instablaster :)

[@harveycaiden8644]

@Matteo Trace Thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@harveycaiden8644]

@Matteo Trace It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@wilsonc4974]

Thanks ！！！

[@audreyfitzr2786]

ICOCA = イコカ = meaning "Let's go" in Japanese. so it sounds "yi ko ka" not "ai ko ka".

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the pronunciation tip!

[@safari0317]

the IC card is also you can use any vending machines and any convenient stores or a mall supermarket (not the local supermarket)

[@YellowProductions]

Very convenient!

[@valleyfiveo]

Great video, very informative, although, I am wanting information for travelling with a disability,; are there exits with lifts, I noticed wider turnstiles near the areas you used your IC card, so that was awesome. Are there disability spaces on the trains? Do platform staff have ramps for access, yet the bottom of the doors are quite level with the platform.

[@jdmitaine]

YES, same here... looking to go Osaka and Tokyo eventually but mobility reduced... so stairs and walking difficult... looking forward to his answer here

[@storiedworlds6261]

My favorite part about Japan is taking the trains. Great, comprehensive video! The App I would use to find routes is the “Japan Transit Planner” by Jorudan. Their website is pretty good too.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Storied worlds! I'll have to check out that app!

[@seandavie3672]

Here's a little hint. The ticket machines are a great way to break large notes like the ten thousand yen. Put 1000 yen on your card, pay with the big note and the machine will return 9x1000. Much easier to present to smaller cash based shops etc.

[@YellowProductions]

Great tip!

[@seandavie3672]

@Yellow Productions Thanks, here's another two on the same topic. Some ticket machines will let you pour the amazing number of coins you accumulate in Japan into their auto count mechanism. It even spits out the one yen coins, and then you can top up your IC card and use it not only for trains, but vending machines and convenience stores. 7/11 and other combini stores will also offer to pour your coins into their automatic coin counting check outs and put them towards your purchase and include notes as change for you if you go way over your purchase price. Awesome.

[@margiemiguel8878]

Please do a video on Google Maps and other useful apps, if you haven't already. Thanks so much for all the helpful info, Chris.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the suggestion 😀

[@margiemiguel8878]

​@@YellowProductionsyw. Like what does Platform 1/2 mean? Saw it while planning my Osaka/Kyoto trip. Thanks so much!

[@sugaramy888]

We are planning have tour in osaka in 2 days and 1 day in kyoto what card is a best buy for our trip??? Thanks for the info 😊

[@kimreyes5331]

Hi. Great video, very informative. We're heading to Tokyo>Osaka>Kyoto this coming week. Is the Suica card not applicable to the Osaka area? or we can just use our Suica the same way as Icoca?

[@Lilikoi.Bliss808]

Wow, I didn't think it would be so much stuff to learn. Question: for the Icoca card, does that mean it's good for all the lines?

[@lenacheng137]

Hi, May I know what's the meaning circle and triangle on the electrical sign board? I wanted to get an Ic card but not sure which card to get and is there a card can be used for any regions in Japan? thank you.

[@Alex_Eicher]

Maybe i missed this info in video, but the line-letter will show you which Line-Name you are useing, correct? O for the "oska loop line" T for "Tokaido-Sanyo-Line" N for "Nankai-Line" S for "Sakaisuji-Line" a.s.o.

[@oldschoolvinylrips5644]

hey Chris! planning overnight stay in Osaka next month from Tokyo. what place/area in Osaka would you recommend that's close to the bullet train station? thank youuuu!!!

[@crazyanne]

If i buy a jr pass do I also need to get a ic card? And does it matter which if card you get?

[@zihanzhao8842]

Thanks Chris! I was wondering though whether I can get the remaining money in the IC card back when I return the IC card.

[@YellowProductions]

Yes you can get your money back when you return the card

[@ainjelizdelatorre4500]

Such a helpful video! 😍 I do have a question, is it better to get the IC card than all the other transport passes offered like Osaka Amazing pass or Kansai pass? I’m getting the Suica card when in Tokyo and from there we go to Kyoto for a day then Osaka for four days. I really hope you answer my query. Thanks heaps!

[@YellowProductions]

Really depends how much you'll be riding the subway train. You can visit hyperdia.com to see how much the fares are from where you want to go to... and calculate out if the transport passes make sense for you or not

[@suou7938]

i don’t know why, but i liked how you always used your IC card the backside up. is that to avoid some possible trademark issues?

[@saymsaym101]

question about the IC card. Do you have to get an individual one for each family member? Also, if you don't spend all of it, can you get money back or use it to buy snacks? Can you purchase the IC card w/ your credit card? Love your videos btw!

[@tanzilk1481]

I have a quick question. Do some buses stop right at the metro station?

[@MegaTinni]

Thnak you for the informative videos. I learn so much, invaluable preparation for our trip. What would be your advice for card when you are travelling Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima: Suica? IC-card? Or...? I understand Hakone has it's own pass that also gives access to boat rides and ropeway. But is there a type of card that will get you around in all the other cities? And are shinkansen tickets always outside of the card system? We are a family of four, and I would like to limit the number of cards I need to carry around.

[@YellowProductions]

Are you going roundtrip Tokyo to Osaka... then back to Tokyo, or are you just going one-way from Tokyo to Osaka?

[@MegaTinni]

@@YellowProductions Back to Tokyo after Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima.

[@omari2306]

I still don't get it, but thanks for the video sir. I get that i have to select a tiket price on the subway's tiket machines, but what does that mean, do i randomly just press a tiket price that i don't even know where does it bring me? I mean wich location is asigned to each price? And after that, where do i go, the subway is a literal laberinth...

[@Duriku]

you buy the ticket according to the price shown from the station you are currently in and where you want to go or just buy an IC card, much easier and can use it in almost every public transportation

[@Rainbow-nc2ys]

Thank you for sharing. May I ask? Does 'rush hours' include weekend? Is typical Sunday 9am and 5pm in Osaka station ok or still squashed? 😅

[@YellowProductions]

Saturdays and Sundays are fine.. generally not busy any time

[@LarrieFromCA]

Hi! I'm just curious at 6:28. How come there are no barricades before you enter on those entrances? If there are no barricades, meaning you can just walk freely without scanning your IC card? This ain't be right.

[@YellowProductions]

The barricades are generally "open" but if you try and walk thru without scanning then some barricades come out to block your way

[@DK-rm3dc]

Hi, thank you. This will help us on our trip to Osaka next week. Was transfer mentioned in the video? I need to take Nankai line from KIX, then transfer to Sakaisuji line then to Sennichimae line. I just need to buy 1 way ticket. How should I buy the tickets?. Thank you.

[@YellowProductions]

If it's really 2 lines operated by 2 different companies then you'll need to buy 2 tickets. One for the first line.. exit that station.. then buy another ticket at the next one. Or just get a IC card and tap and don't worry about it. That's what I'd do :)

[@DK-rm3dc]

@@YellowProductions thank you.

[@bradl2636]

You don't need to gaze at the map for 30 minutes to figure out what price ticket to buy..... just buy the minimum fare ticket and use the Fare Adjustment machine before the exit gate at the destination station you get off.

[@AznGlenny07]

Thank you for sharing the tips. Do the ticket vending machines accept credit cards? Thank you.

[@YellowProductions]

Nope.. only cash

[@TieDef]

Oh my god trying to find one specific bank of lockers in a big station you're not familiar with is so hard. Of course you can always admit defeat and ask a worker, lol. Should note that unlike a lot of other cities/countries pretty much all train stations in Japan have elevators. Obviously not at every exit, but certainly there is a way to access every level even if you can't do stairs. Also...I know it's really common among foreigners to call the Green cars "first-class" but now that there is an actual first class of Gran Class on some lines, seems more appropriate to call Green business-class instead. Just my two cents.

[@YellowProductions]

Good points! Especially green class at Gran Class. I have not ridden Gran yet.. have you?

[@MadCrocs]

Hi, Thank you for the very nice video! But what I don't get it is, that IC Card costs 1500 Yen and 500 Yen is the first deposit on the card? Or is it the other way around?

[@YellowProductions]

Yes.. 500 yen is the deposit.

[@mrpimpol]

can I use the SUICA card bought in tokyo trains in osaka and kyoto? thanks

[@YellowProductions]

Yup!

[@barbielisa7984]

hi may i know how cold osaka is during winter? i noticed that this video was filmed during winter so i wanted to know.. thanks in advance

[@fireballichiban]

depends which country youre coming from. Im a guy from UK and i feel i only need a coat in January Febuary but Japanese women will wear coats from November through March.They feel cold easily. That will give you some idea.

[@Einataharon]

yep super easy 😂 I think I need to watch this video several times or give up going to japan Lol

[@Angelique218]

Hello Chris, I will be travelling to Osaka in April with a big luggage. I was told to take the Nankai train to Namba Station and go out EXIT 25. How do I find out if there's an elevator or escalator there? Please advise. Thank you.

[@YellowProductions]

Inside Namba Station there are escalators and elevators from the train tracks to the main part of the station. I have no idea about exit 25 thougb.. that's going to be a tough one to figure out what is at the exit itself before you get there

[@dimitrisambient6237]

Another great video. Is there a 24 h or 48 h pass for osaka metro!!

[@YellowProductions]

Yes.. the 24hour card is Y800 for adults on weekdays, Y600 on weekends and holidays

[@mariko5378]

Unfortunately, in Osaka the pass is not valid for 24 hours. It means the pass valid for one day( From the first train to the last train on the day.)

[@Peizxcv]

Can the same IC card be used to pay JR shinkansen to Himeji, Kyoto, Nara and use in Tokyo's subway system?

[@YellowProductions]

No.. Shinkansen you need to buy an actual ticket.. can't use an IC Card for Shinkansen

[@TheLandofTofuCars]

Hi Chris, can't i just use the Suica card instead of that IC card? Oh and yes, I use Google maps and Japan Travel App to help find the best routes.

[@YellowProductions]

Yes.. Suica is compatible with Icoca.

[@LtSlapnutz]

Hi Chris loved this video. Related to this query, is Suica also compatible with the Osaka station lockers? I noticed you used/could use an IC/Icoca card to pay for the locker instead of cash? Cheers from New Zealand!

[@deejayerickbpm]

IC card can use for another city? example at tokyo

[@YellowProductions]

Yup.. most of the IC card systems in Japan are compatible

[@SannevOpstal]

I often see people in instruction videos pay for a icoca card or a ticket with cash. Can I also pay with card at one of the ticket machines?

[@YellowProductions]

No... You can only buy or load Icoca cards with cash

[@corasmithhk]

Is it worth buying the 7 day JR pass if I'm travelling to Osaka, Kyoto, kobe, nara, arishimaya, Tokyo and mt. Fuji. Thanks

[@YellowProductions]

You should watch my video about the JR Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX_KdY2Vi82KjsU

[@syntheotaku]

Question: Can you use a Suica card too or do you have to purchase a seperate IC card? Are they the same cards essentially?

[@YellowProductions]

They are essentially the same.. yes, you can use Suica in Osaka

[@apexiry]

Thanks Chris! This really informative since I am going to Osaka from Tokyo and then Osaka to Fukuoka and then back to Tokyo. Perhaps you can add to your video how to ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka and Osaka to Kyushu with the JR pass. :)

[@YellowProductions]

With the JR Pass you'll want to go in to a ticket office and book a seat on the Shinkansen. Once you've got your reserved seat ticket just show your JR Pass at the manned booth to get in to the station. Then when you're on the train show your seat ticket and JR Pass to the people who come by and ask for tickets

[@wilsviray1575]

can I use the Jr pass from Tokyo to Osaka using bullet train?

[@YellowProductions]

Yes.. you sure can. JR Pass is valid for the Shinkansen.. just not the "Nozomi" Shinkansen which is the fastest one. You have to take the slightly slower Shinkansen that makes more stops