Osaka Station is a major station in Kita district Osaka. Every day hundreds of local and interregional trains arrive in this station carrying thousands of passengers. The Osaka Train Station was opened in 1874 it is operated by JR West including – Tokaido, Kobe, Kyotto, Takarazuka, Osaka, Yamatoji and Yumesaki lines, additionally Osaka station houses Osaka metro and overnight buses.
After undergoing an extensive renovation in 2011 the steel and glass giant offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options as well.
What is the main station in Osaka?
The Osaka and Umeda station complex shared 4 different railway companies and it consists of 2 above grounds – Osaka and Osaka Umeda station and the Underground – Osaka Umeda, Umeda, Nishi, and Higashi stations. These stations are so busy that Osaka and Umeda carry around 2 million people every day.
If you are waiting for your train to depart and have some time to kill you can go shopping at the Lucua shopping complex at the North Gate Building. You can find hundreds of stores and restaurants to pass your time. On the 10th and 11th floor of the Osaka Stations North Gate Building, you can relax at the sunny terraces while enjoying a beautiful view of Northern Osaka. South Gate Building houses the Daimaru department store, Pokemon center, Hotel Granvia Osaka, and restaurants. On the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors you can visit the sunny terraces and a few outside restaurants, these terraces have a view of the Umeda district.
You can travel with your JR pass, although bear in mind that the Shinkansen bullet train will not go directly to the Osaka Station and you will need to go to the Shin Osaka Station.
What are the main train lines?
Officially Osaka Train Station is served by the JR Kobe, JR Kyoto, and the Osaka Loop Line. Osaka Train Station also serves as a starting point for the Takarazuka line, Osaka metro, Yotsubashi line, Midosuji rapid line, Tanimachi rapid line, and few other private rail lines. The JR Osaka Loop line is favorite amongst the tourists as it goes to most of the points of interest in the city.
On the second floor of the station, you can find the ticket gates, transfers to the subway, city buses, hotel shuttles, and taxis as the tracks and platforms are on the second floor as well.
You can also find the limited express lines such as – Thunderbird- which will take you around western Japan, Sunrise-overnight train, and twilight express –luxury trains.
We recommend avoiding the rush hours which are normally between 7.30-9.30 AM and 5-9 PM, downloading the city map and planning your trip on your phone and purchasing your JR Pass to enjoy discounts and comfortable travel.
Bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo
The Shinkansen or also known as the “bullet train” is the fastest and most comfortable way to get around Japan. If you wish to travel from Osaka to Tokyo the process will be very simple, you will need to get on the Shinkansen Hikari or Shinkansen Kodama trains. The Shinkansen Hikari trains leave twice in an hour and the travel time is approximately 3 hours. If you want to travel with your JR Pass you must take the Shinkansen Hikari line otherwise you can travel by Kodama line and pay around 120 Euros. If you are lucky and book your ticket in advance you might get a discount on the Kodama line. The Shinkansen line is the fastest way to travel around Japan and the travel between Osaka and Tokyo can take only 2,5 hours while the flight is 3,5. If you are traveling from Osaka to Tokyo there are no transfers required.
If you are traveling with extra luggage, the Shinkansen line offers a service where you can send your luggage ahead of your trip. If you are taking your luggage with you it will take a special reservation for bigger items.
What safety measures have been implemented due to the coronavirus?
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, many public establishments have closed their doors, cultural events postponed or canceled and the local, as well as international travel, has slowed down dramatically. Japan’s Ministry of Health is working tirelessly in order to stop the spread of the virus and restricting travel around the city and abroad, those who absolutely need to use public transportation must undergo temperature screening and wear surgical masks.
As of April many of the Shinkansen trains have started operating, but most of them are 90% empty. Tourism facilities remain closed and the public events and celebrations are either postponed or they are run with a minimum capacity in order to practice social distancing. For the tourists who are unable to return home or for those who plan on visiting Japan in the future, the Foundation of international exchange is providing consultation services in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Thai, Indonesian, Nepali and Japanese. Consultations can be done over the phone or email. Many of the overseas visitors have been provided with shelter as well as transportation in this difficult time.
