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Getting Around Osaka, Japan

Globetrotter

26 Apr 2023 - 5 min read

Many people dream of traveling to foreign countries to discover new places and have exciting experiences. However, if you're unfamiliar with the area, feeling confused and lost can quickly ruin your vacation.

To ensure a joyful and stress-free holiday experience, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the transportation options available in the country you plan to visit. Below are the public transportation options that you can rely on while vacationing in Osaka, Japan.

The Best Transportation Options in Osaka

Japan is famous for its super-fast society and highly disciplined culture. This condition is in line with most of its modes of transportation, which use trains, trams, and subways. You can also use other kinds of transportation while in Osaka. To find out, see the following guide.

1. Trains and Subways

Routes: You can use eight subway lines, two of which go through the city's heart. The Chuo Line runs from west to east (green line), while Midosuji runs from south to north (red line). The other paths also have their own colors, so you can easily tell them apart.

Pros: You can pay using many cards, such as Icoca, Osaka Amazing Pass, Japan Rail Pass, Suica, and Pasmo. Another option is to purchase a one-day pass that gives you access to all eight lines. Don’t worry about understanding the route, as most of the signs at stations and trains are in English.

Fare: Subway fares vary depending on distance, ranging from ¥180 to ¥370 for adults and free for toddlers. There is a special fare for children, ranging from ¥90-¥190 for 6 to 11 years old. Or take the train using the Osaka Amazing Card; you can buy one day (¥ 2,400) or two days (¥ 3,200).

Operational hours: Osaka trains operate from 05:00-24:00 every day, so you can ride them to get around all day.

Tips: Avoid taking the train during peak hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–20:00), especially if you bring children. Be careful when choosing a route and compare ticket prices to get the lowest price.

2. Tram

Information and routes: Another popular mode of transportation is the tram. In fact, it has been used for a century. You can also travel and see some historical sites. The most popular tram in Osaka is the Hankai Tram, with two lines, Hankai and Uemachi.

Pros: You can use an IC or Icoca/Suica card to go up, but you must use it twice to pay.

Cons: You can't use a JR pass because the Hankai Tram is under the auspices of a private company.

Fares: The price is the same per mile, ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children.

Tips: Use a “Take Take” card if you want to ride multiple times. This card provides unlimited access for the whole day and costs ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children.

3. Buses

General information: Apart from having high-speed trains, Osaka also has tourist buses that are comfortable and easy to find. You can enjoy the beauty of Osaka on one of the bright green UMEGLE tour buses, which operates from 5 in the morning until just before midnight. But if you want to ride it from Umeda, you can wait between 08.00 and 20.00.

Pros: You can get unlimited access to Osaka buses for one day using the Enjoy Eco Card. You can buy this card at the bus (limited number), major metro stations, and bus stops. Interestingly, you can use this card to get discounts at 30 tourist attractions in Osaka. Apart from that, you can also get off anywhere by pressing the stop button near the seat.

Disadvantages: If you go with children, only 2 children get free, while the rest need to pay an additional fee.

Fares: To go around using this sightseeing bus, you need to pay ¥210 to ¥350, depending on the distance traveled. The Enjoy Eco Card costs ¥800 for adults and ¥300 for children, with special prices on weekends.

Tips: Pay attention to bus schedules and routes, which are usually updated once every three months.

Also read: 10 Most Popular Places for a Day Trip from Osaka

4. Taxi

Pros: You can find taxis in Osaka anywhere and anytime because they operate 24 hours daily. You can see a red light to find out if a taxi is transporting other passengers. Thus, you must find another taxi and pay with cash or a credit card.

Disadvantages: Convenience and availability around the clock mean taxis have a higher price than other forms of transportation. In addition, most taxi drivers can only speak Japanese.

Fare: For the first 2 kilometers, you need to pay ¥660. For every additional 296 meters, the fee will increase by ¥80.

Tips: Although you can pay by credit card, not all drivers are willing, so you must prepare cash.

5. Bicycle

General information: To get around relaxed and enjoy the air, you can use a bicycle for short distances. You don't need to worry about getting tired because Osaka has flat road contours, so it's great for cycling.

Pros: You can navigate through smaller streets located in the city center and along the Yodo River. The rental place is easy to find, even on the sides of the road, or you can ask residents.

Fare: For half a day, you need to pay ¥7,000, while a full day costs ¥12,000.

Operations: Bike rental is open 24 hours a day, so you can borrow and return it anytime.

6. River Boat

General information: Apart from the land route, you can take a boat tour along the Osaka River. You will be invited to see several exciting places by boat, also called the "river bus".

Pros: The 'AquaBus Osaka' is typically the mode of transportation for the boat, which is able to both travel on water and dock on land. While onboard, you can indulge in a variety of delectable dishes while enjoying the accompaniment of music.

Fares: The fare for adults and children aged 13 and over is ¥1,700, and children aged 1-13 pay ¥850. One baby is allowed to ride free of charge, but a fee will be applied for more than one. There is a special price for March 28 and April 15 (¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for children).

Operational hours: Enjoy this tour with the Osaka river cruise from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Tips: Osaka is still beautiful no matter where you come from, but it's even more beautiful during the cherry blossom season. To fully appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossom season, visiting from the end of March to the beginning of April is recommended.

After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of which mode of transportation will best suit your needs while in Osaka. Immediately plan a vacation to Osaka and prepare your needs in detail. That way, you can comfortably enjoy your vacation and manage your budget.

Don't forget to download the Traveloka app to make your trip more practical and enjoyable. Don’t worry, Traveloka will do the best to meet your needs during your trip!

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