{"id":2160,"date":"2017-09-19T17:49:32","date_gmt":"2017-09-19T15:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2160"},"modified":"2022-02-04T11:25:40","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T10:25:40","slug":"osaka-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Osaka travel guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is <strong>Japan\u2019s third-largest city<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Osaka was the country\u2019s first capital, and to this day it is considered a vital economic center in Japan. It is home to the largest seaport in Japan and many leading Japanese manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Osaka is deemed a<strong> culinary paradise<\/strong>: its nickname <em>Tenka no Daidokoro <\/em>means the nation\u2019s kitchen. Lose yourself in Umeda and Dotonbori areas, Osaka\u2019s <strong>main entertainment districts<\/strong>, to enjoy some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping the city has to offer.<\/p>\n<p>Our guides will help you get around Osaka and take you to the best attractions.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Top_attractions_in_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Top attractions in Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Getting_around_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Getting around Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Main_train_stations_in_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Main train stations in Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Suggested_itineraries_in_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Suggested itineraries in Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_trips_and_nearby_destinations\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Day trips and nearby destinations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Top_attractions_in_Osaka\">Top attractions in Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As one of Japan\u2019s largest cities, there are many great attractions for tourists. The whole family will enjoy<strong> Universal Studios Japan<\/strong>, the first Universal theme park built in Asia and still one of the best.<\/p>\n<p>Another family favorite is<strong> Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan<\/strong>, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Shinsekai district and Osaka castle are also well-worth visiting.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at our guides to the top attractions in Osaka for more information.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-11261\"\n            class=\"post-11261 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Osaka Castle                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Osaka castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>One of the most famous historical sites in all of Japan, Osaka castle is <strong>situated right in the heart of the city<\/strong> of the same name and distinctive for its unique roof shape and stately white walls with gold leaf accents.<\/p>\n<p>Surrounded by thick rock walls, moats and the stunning <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong>, the castle is particularly popular among tourists during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">Sakura cherry blossom<\/a> in the spring.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-6535\"\n            class=\"post-6535 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Dotonbori                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/dotonbori-area-osaka.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Dotonbori Area, Osaka\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/dotonbori-area-osaka.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/dotonbori-area-osaka-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/dotonbori-area-osaka-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Dotonbori has been called the heart of Osaka. It is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>\u2019s most famous tourist attraction<\/strong>, known for its bright and extravagant neon lights, which pierce the night and reflect off the surface of the Dotonbori Canal. This \u201cbright heart\u201d of Osaka is a colorful must-see anytime you travel through Japan\u2019s Kansai region.<\/p>\n<p>Dotonbori is also renowned for its variety of bars and restaurants. Is the Dotonbori <strong>nightlife<\/strong> calling to you? Check out this handy travel guide to learn all you need to know for your next trip to Dotonbori.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-12513\"\n            class=\"post-12513 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinsekai-osaka\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Shinsekai district                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinsekai-osaka\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/shinsekai-osaka.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Shinsekai, Osaka\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/shinsekai-osaka.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/shinsekai-osaka-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/shinsekai-osaka-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Shinsekai means \u201cNew World\u201d in Japanese. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> neighborhood is home to <strong>cheap foodie favorites, dive bars, and other colorful surprises<\/strong>. Check out our guide to safely enjoying this step back in time.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinsekai-osaka\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-7294\"\n            class=\"post-7294 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/umeda-sky-building-osaka\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Umeda Sky Building                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/umeda-sky-building-osaka\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/umeda-sky-building-osaka.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Umeda Sky Building, Osaka\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/umeda-sky-building-osaka.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/umeda-sky-building-osaka-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/umeda-sky-building-osaka-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>The Umeda Sky Building, also known as the \u201c<em>New Umeda City<\/em>,\u201d is <strong>one of the most unique high rise buildings in the world<\/strong>. How tall is this skyscraper? It is <strong>173 meters (over 567 feet) tall<\/strong> and is, in fact, not one building, but two. The Sky Building\u2019s <strong>two forty-story towers are connected at the thirty-ninth floor by the Floating Garden Observatory<\/strong>, where you can look out at Osaka through windows or an open-air deck.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/umeda-sky-building-osaka\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-13886\"\n            class=\"post-13886 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/universal-studios-japan-osaka\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Universal Studios Japan                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/universal-studios-japan-osaka\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Universal Studios Japan, Osaka\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Travel Guides                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Universal Studios Japan was the <strong>first Universal theme park built in Asia<\/strong>, and it remains one of the best. In fact, its popularity in Japan is second only to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-disneyland\">Tokyo Disney Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can enjoy many rides, from child-friendly attractions to <strong>thrilling roller coasters based on hit movie franchises.<\/strong> Your children can have their picture taken with all their favorite characters, and there are a number of theatrical spectacles to enjoy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/universal-studios-japan-osaka\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Getting_around_Osaka\">Getting around Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite being a vast city, <strong>getting around Osaka is easy<\/strong>. The subway offers a quick and convenient way to get from A to B in Osaka city center.<\/p>\n<p>You can use your Japan Rail Pass on the <strong>JR Osaka Loop Line<\/strong> to reach top attractions such as Osaka Castle.<\/p>\n<p>Your JR Pass will also get you to other areas of the Osaka Prefecture. Check out your options using our guides to transport in Osaka.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1106\"\n            class=\"post-1106 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Osaka JR Loop Line                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">\n                        <img width=\"900\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/dotonbori-glico-man-osaka-e1466611870848.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Dotonbori neon lights in Osaka\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/dotonbori-glico-man-osaka-e1466611870848.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/dotonbori-glico-man-osaka-e1466611870848-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Trains &amp; Transportation                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Osaka City is a bustling metropolitan area popular among international tourists. <strong>Osaka itself is home to many unique attractions<\/strong>, including vast parks and gardens, historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">Osaka Castle<\/a>, the Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka Aquarium, and the National Bunraku Theater.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors to Osaka also enjoy the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\"><strong>Dotonbori district<\/strong><\/a>, where travelers can experience the local nightlife with restaurants and shopping centers open twenty-four hours a day; the covered Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street; and the Kitashinchi entertainment district.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Main_train_stations_in_Osaka\">Main train stations in Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Osaka Station City is a large transportation hub. It houses Osaka Station and 5 other railway stations. Read our <strong>complete guide to Osaka Station City<\/strong> so everything is clear before your trip.<\/p>\n<p>Shinkansen bullet trains operate from nearby <strong>Shin Osaka station,<\/strong> which is just a 3-minute train ride away.<\/p>\n<p>You can use your JR Pass to tour the Namba area, find out about the 4 different train stations in our Namba guide.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2486\"\n            class=\"post-2486 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        JR Osaka Station                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">\n                        <img width=\"700\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-train-station-e1510926150449.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Osaka Station city\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Trains &amp; Transportation                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Second only to Tokyo, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> is one of the largest cities in Japan. It is divided into several distinct districts. The Umeda District, located in the Kita ward, is home to a recently renovated and <strong>beautiful train station called JR Osaka Station.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> stops at Osaka\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">other station<\/a>, the train station is an important hub and is also <strong>home to Osaka Station City<\/strong>, a shopping complex featuring an open floor plan and glass ceiling.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2502\"\n            class=\"post-2502 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Shin-Osaka Station                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/shin-osaka-station-shinkansen-tracks-e1513249858504.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Shinkansen tracks at Shin Osaka Station\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Trains &amp; Transportation                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>In Japanese, the word <em>shin<\/em> means \u201cnew,\u201d and this is fitting for Osaka\u2019s modern train station. You may arrive at Shin-Osaka Station on one of Japan\u2019s famous Shinkansen bullet trains. This station may be relatively small compared to the massive stations of Kyoto and Tokyo, but it is artfully designed for easy use by first-time travelers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> is Japan\u2019s second largest city, but Shin-Osaka Station represents the quiet side of the city. You are likely to pass through this station when traveling to Osaka, and it serves as an excellent springboard from which to begin your travels.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2494\"\n            class=\"post-2494 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        JR Namba Station                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-namba-station-e1510926185616.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"JR Namba Station\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-namba-station-e1510926185616.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-namba-station-e1510926185616-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Trains &amp; Transportation                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Namba is located in south central <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>, Namba and is <strong>one of the city\u2019s most famous neighborhoods<\/strong>. The area is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for visitors spending time in the city.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re visiting and planning how to get around, it\u2019s easy to get <strong>confused between stations<\/strong>, as many share the name <em>Namba<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-11364\"\n            class=\"post-11364 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        JR Tennoji Station                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tennoji-station-front-view.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Front view of Tennoji Station\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tennoji-station-front-view.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tennoji-station-front-view-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tennoji-station-front-view-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Trains &amp; Transportation                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Tennoji Station, called <strong>Tennoji-eki in Japanese<\/strong>, is located in the Tennoji-ku region of <strong>southern Osaka<\/strong>. It is an important transportation hub.<\/p>\n<p>In the past, the area around Tennoji Station has had a \u201cseedy\u201d reputation. It\u2019s the setting of many crime mangas and a historic \u201cpleasure district.\u201d However, <strong>renovations and tourism have elevated Tennoji<\/strong>, and there\u2019s something there for everyone - <strong>from zoos and museums to ancient temples and food stands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Suggested_itineraries_in_Osaka\">Suggested itineraries in Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To get the most out of your stay in Osaka, it\u2019s a good idea to have a travel itinerary prepared.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve created a <strong>selection of Osaka itineraries<\/strong> to make planning your stay easier. They include visits to the top attractions in Osaka and also explain how to get around the city.<\/p>\n<p>You can use our itineraries as they are, or adapt them to your needs. Have a look and choose the one that works for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-3144\"\n            class=\"post-3144 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-osaka\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Osaka 3 days: Best things to do                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-osaka\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Osaka Dotonbori\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/itineraries\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Itineraries                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>You\u2019ve got three days \u2013 three days to tour the second largest city in Japan. What should you see first? Can you taste the best that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> has to offer <strong>in just two or three days<\/strong>? With the help of this travel guide, yes you can. We\u2019ll help you hit the highlights and provide helpful information along the way.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-osaka\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Day_trips_and_nearby_destinations\">Day trips and nearby destinations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re staying a little longer in Osaka, you might want to visit nearby areas. Fortunately, there are <strong>many interesting places to visit <\/strong>close to Osaka, and most are easily accessible by train.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the best day trips from Osaka include <strong>Kobe, Kyoto, <\/strong>and <strong>Koyosan<\/strong>. For further information on how to get there and what to see, consult our Osaka guides to nearby destinations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1361\"\n            class=\"post-1361 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kobe                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kobe maritime museum\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374-768x482.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan\u2019s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful big cities.<\/p>\n<p>Kobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1457\"\n            class=\"post-1457 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Nara                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Nandaimon gate\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Nara is an ancient city located in the Kansai region of Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu. It was the <strong>first \u201creal\u201d capital of Japan<\/strong>, remaining such for less than a century. This historic location is home to a nearly unmatched eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>, including numerous Buddhist temples. The city was founded in the year 710 C.E. and originally known as Heijo.<\/p>\n<p>Among its attractions are the oldest and largest wooden buildings in the world, the Nara Deer Park whose tame deer delight in entertaining visitors, fantastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> viewing spots, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/koka-ninja-village\">ninjas<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-511\"\n            class=\"post-511 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Mount Koyasan                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Monjes budistas del Koyasan\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/itineraries\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Itineraries                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Located in the heavily forested Wakayama mountains<\/strong>, Mount Koyasan is an <strong>important religious destination<\/strong> in Kansai, as well as a popular tourist attraction.<\/p>\n<p>The cradle of Shingon Buddhism, it offers <strong>over 100 temples and pagodas<\/strong> to explore, as well as the mysterious Okunoin cemetery, where spirits are said to roam. Perfect for a day trip, visitors also have the option to stay overnight in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shukubo-in-japan\">temple lodging<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2152\"\n            class=\"post-2152 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kyoto                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"cherry blossoms in kyoto\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as <strong>Japan\u2019s most beautiful city<\/strong>. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.<\/p>\n<p>However, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of <strong>Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks<\/strong>, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1823\"\n            class=\"post-1823 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/naoshima-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Naoshima                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/naoshima-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"700\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/naoshima-island-pumpkin-e1492769998817.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"pumpkin is the symbol of Naoshima island\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/naoshima-island-pumpkin-e1492769998817.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/naoshima-island-pumpkin-e1492769998817-300x185.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Imagine walking in the sands of a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea. You approach a concrete pier jutting out into the water. Rather than your usual retinue of fishermen and tourists, you are greeted by an enormous black and golden pumpkin.<\/p>\n<p>The scene described is no fairytale or dream. It is part of the sculptures and modern art for which the island of Naoshima is known. The island enjoys sunny weather and rural living that rivals that of Europe\u2019s Mediterranean region.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/naoshima-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2189\"\n            class=\"post-2189 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Okayama                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/okayama-korakuen.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Okayama Korakuen Garden\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/okayama-korakuen.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/okayama-korakuen-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/okayama-korakuen-768x441.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Okayama is a city where history meets modern technology. It originated as a castle town during Japan\u2019s Edo Period, which spanned from the early 1600s to mid-1800s. Today, Okayama is the second largest city in the region, being somewhat smaller than Hiroshima. It is a railroad transportation hub, located at the junction of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Shikoku\u2019s only rail connection.<\/p>\n<p>What is there to see and do in Okayama and the surrounding cities? How do you get there from popular destinations such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>? Consider this helpful travel guide.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1093\"\n            class=\"post-1093 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Himeji                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Himeji Castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Travel Guides                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Built in 1609, <strong>Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.<\/p>\n<p>Construction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was <strong>built in 1609<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Also <strong>known as \u2018White Heron Castle\u2019 because of its distinctive pale facade<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is located close to the city of the same name.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is Japan\u2019s third-largest city. Osaka was the country\u2019s first capital, and to this day it is considered a vital economic center in Japan. It is home to the largest seaport in Japan and many leading Japanese manufacturers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3210,"parent":2011,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"osaka","shortcodes":[{"post_id":"attractions","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":11261,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-11-29 07:00:04","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-29 06:00:04","post_content":"One of the most famous historical sites in all of Japan, Osaka castle is <strong>situated right in the heart of the city<\/strong> of the same name and distinctive for its unique roof shape and stately white walls with gold leaf accents.\r\n\r\nSurrounded by thick rock walls, moats and the stunning <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong>, the castle is particularly popular among tourists during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">Sakura cherry blossom<\/a> in the spring.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Osaka Castle<\/h2>\r\nOsaka Castle is <strong>easily accessible from the JR Osakajokoen Station<\/strong>. Use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to access the station.\r\n\r\nFor example, you can travel <strong>from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">Namba<\/a> to Osakajokoen Station on the JR West <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a><\/strong>. Exit the station to the west and cross into the Osaka Castle Park. From there, you can meander lovely trails to reach the castle proper.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13122.829642376413!2d135.5259555!3d34.6873333!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xf01d07d5ca11e41!2sOsaka%20Castle!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1574929495258!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>[banner-en]\r\n<h2>History<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Osaka Castle stands on the former site of the Ishiyama Hoganji Temple<\/strong>. In 1583, during the Sengoku period, warrior and feudal lord <strong>Toyotomi Hideyoshi<\/strong> desired to build a castle that both mirrored and exceeded that of fellow lord Oda Nobunaga. It would <strong>serve as the ruling epicenter of a recently unified Japan<\/strong>. The castle, <strong>the largest of its time<\/strong>, was completed in 1597, and Toyotomi died the following year.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11267\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/hideyoshi-castle-ancient-osaka-castle-800x620.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"620\" \/> Reproduction of Hideyoshi's castle - Image by Kansai Odyssey[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the year 1600, a 200,000-man army came up against the castle. Though outnumbered two to one, the Toyotomi forces routed the army thanks to the castle\u2019s unique defenses. <strong>By 1620, however, the Tokugawa clan overtook the castle and its buildings burned<\/strong>. The castle and its walls were then rebuilt. Over the years, conflict, accident, and natural disasters inflicted damage to the castle buildings. Much of it burned during civil conflicts in 1868, and the grounds became an arsenal that manufactured guns and ammunition for the Japanese army.\r\n\r\n<strong>In 1931, the current castle structure was rebuilt<\/strong>. But, as the castle was a major military armory, it was <strong>bombed during World War II<\/strong>. Finally, in 1995, the government of Osaka embarked on a project to restore the castle to its former glory. Work was <strong>completed in 1997<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Castle grounds<\/h2>\r\nThe castle grounds are approximately <strong>15 acres<\/strong>, or two square kilometers, in size. <strong>Thirteen structures have been designated as \u201ccultural assets.\u201d<\/strong> These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Ote-mon Gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three sections of castle walls located around this gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sakura-mon Gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ichiban-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Inui-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Rokuban-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sengan Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tamon Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kinmeisui Well<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kinzo Storehouse<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe castle is <strong>surrounded by moats and steep rock walls<\/strong>. The <strong>main tower has five visible stories and eight total stories<\/strong>. The exterior of the building is a reproduction of the original. The interior functions as a <strong>museum on the history of Osaka castle and the surrounding city<\/strong>. At night, the castle grounds are illuminated by sodium lamps.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11272\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-castle-grounds-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka castle grounds\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> View of Osaka Castle grpunds - Phot by 663highland under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOsaka castle is <strong>especially popular during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom season<\/a><\/strong> when the sakura trees are in full bloom. The grounds are also home to the <strong>Osakajo Hall<\/strong> multi-purpose arena, sports facilities including a baseball diamond, and a shrine to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.\r\n<h2>Nishinomaru Garden - The Osaka Castle Park<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Nishinomaru Garden resides in the castle\u2019s former western citadel.<\/strong> The lawn garden features around <strong>600 cherry trees<\/strong> and a tea house. The garden offers <strong>stunning views of the castle<\/strong>. In the spring of each year, many families have hanami beneath the cherry trees. Many also visit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">koyo viewing in autumn<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11277\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11277\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-castle-park-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Nishinomaru garden - Osaka Castle Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Nishinomaru Garden with Osaka castle in the background.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Opening Hours and Admission Fees<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Most of the castle grounds do not require an entrance fee<\/strong>, with the exception of the castle tower and the garden.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>castle tower<\/strong> is open daily<strong> from 9 am to 5 pm<\/strong>. Hours may be extended during special events or on holidays. The tower is <strong>closed between December 28 and January 1<\/strong> each year. Admission is <strong>600 yen<\/strong> for adults, and free to youths aged 15 and under. Group discounts are available.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong> is open from <strong>9 am to 4:30 or 5 pm<\/strong>. Hours are extended to 9 pm during the cherry blossom season. The garden is <strong>closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays<\/strong>. Admission is <strong>200 yen<\/strong> most of the year and <strong>350 yen during the cherry blossom season<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Things to do near Osaka Castle<\/h2>\r\nThe city of Osaka affords no shortage of things to do. <strong>After spending a half day at the castle<\/strong>, you might consider a trip to<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a>, near Namba station<\/strong>. This popular entertainment, dining, and shopping district is lit by hundreds of glowing signs, including the famous <em>Kani Doraku crab<\/em> and the historic <em>Glico Running Man sign<\/em>.","post_title":"Visiting Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Garden","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-castle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=11261","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":6535,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-01-28 10:37:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-28 09:37:10","post_content":"Dotonbori has been called the heart of Osaka. It is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>\u2019s most famous tourist attraction<\/strong>, known for its bright and extravagant neon lights, which pierce the night and reflect off the surface of the Dotonbori Canal. This \u201cbright heart\u201d of Osaka is a colorful must-see anytime you travel through Japan\u2019s Kansai region.\r\n\r\nDotonbori is also renowned for its variety of bars and restaurants. Is the Dotonbori <strong>nightlife<\/strong> calling to you? Check out this handy travel guide to learn all you need to know for your next trip to Dotonbori.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe term \u201cDotonbori\u201d is twofold - <strong>it refers both to the Dotonbori Canal and to the Dotonbori Street<\/strong>, which runs parallel to the south bank of the canal. Dotonbori spans from the Dotonboribashi Bridge to the Nipponbashi Bridge. By day, Dotonbori is an entertainment and shopping street. As a night market, the neon lights will make you feel as if the city never sleeps.\r\n<h2>How to get to the Dotonbori area<\/h2>\r\nUsing your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>, travel to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">JR Namba Station<\/a><\/strong> (Yamatoji line). Dotonbori is about a <strong>five-minute walk<\/strong> from the station.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6477\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6477 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-namba-station-e1510926185616.jpg\" alt=\"JR Namba Station in Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The JR Namba Station in downtown Osaka[\/caption]\r\n\r\nUsing your <strong>JR Pass<\/strong> you can reach JR Namba Station from <strong>Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong> through Tokaido-Sanyo line to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\"><strong>Osaka Station<\/strong><\/a>. Once there, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop line<\/a> to <strong>Imamiya Station<\/strong>, and then just one stop to JR Namba by the <strong>Yamatoji Line<\/strong>. This trip wil take you <strong>about 35 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlso, you can reach Dotonbori from Shin-Osaka using the Osaka's Subway <strong>Midosuji line<\/strong> to Namba Station (Osaka's Subway) in <strong>about 20 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nIf you want to go <strong>from Dotonbori to the Kansai International Airport<\/strong>, you can take, from JR Namba Station the JR Yamatoji Line to <strong>Tennoji Station<\/strong>, and there take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Express<\/a> along the Hanwa Line direct to KIX. The full traject wil take you <strong>about 1h<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" title=\"Dotonbori area map\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d5518.7378659708465!2d135.5008180008895!3d34.66830857246181!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6000e71526dc6083%3A0xe43d6b861e80b709!2sDotonbori%2C+Chuo+Ward%2C+Osaka%2C+Prefectura+de+Osaka+542-0071%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1550583813323\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nIf you find you need a rest from your travels, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/capsule-hotels-japan#Capsule_Hotel_Astil_Dotonbori\">Capsule Hotel<\/a> Astil Dotonbori has you covered. Located right on Dotonbori Street, your capsule sleeping quarters come with amenities such as a snack, television, internet, pajamas, slippers, toiletries, and more.\r\n<h2>History of Dotonbori<\/h2>\r\nDotonbori enjoys a long and rich history. In 1612, the merchant Yasui Doton invested his life savings in a project to divert the Umezu River into a canal system that would link the Umezu to the Kizugawa River.\r\n\r\nDoton never got to complete his project, however. Work on the canal system was halted by war, and Doton was killed in the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Within a year, Doton\u2019s cousins completed the canal and named it in honor of their fallen relative - <strong><em>Dotonbori<\/em>, meaning \u201cDoton Canal\u201d<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAfter the canal was completed, this new means of transportation caused the area to flourish. Trade increased, and by 1626, Dotonbori had become known as an <strong>entertainment district<\/strong>, complete with theaters and playhouses on its southern bank.\r\n\r\nIn its prime, Dotonbori hosted six Kabuki theaters, five Bunraku theaters, and the Takeda Karakuri mechanical puppet theater. The canal\u2019s north side became home to <strong>restaurants and teahouses<\/strong>. The groundwork was thus laid for the Dotonbori we know today.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Dotonbori<\/h2>\r\nThe canal itself offers a host of activities. You can stroll along the pedestrian walkways that skirt its banks to enjoy the flash of the <strong>neon lights<\/strong>. Or, you can take a boat cruise on the canal itself.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6477\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6477 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/glico-running-man-billboard-osaka.jpg\" alt=\"Glico running man billboard famous sign in Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The Glico billboard is the most famous symbol of Dotonbori[\/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Look for <strong>iconic neon signs<\/strong>, such as the famous <strong>\u201crunning man\u201d sign of the Glico<\/strong> confectionary company. This famous sign has been a Dotonbori staple since 1935. Other landmarks include the Kuidaore Taro - a mechanical drum-playing clown - and the <strong>Kani Doraku mechanical crab<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>The Shochikuza is one of Dotonbori\u2019s few remaining theaters<\/strong> - bombing during World War II destroyed many of its competitors. The Shochikuza features <strong>classic kabuki plays<\/strong>, operas, and modern works, such as dramas and musicals. A number of small comedy clubs are also located in the area.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The <strong>Konamom Museum<\/strong> immortalizes one of Osaka\u2019s signature foods, the <strong><em>takoyaki<\/em> octopus ball<\/strong>. You can both eat takoyaki and create a souvenir wax replica.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Also check out <strong>Don Quijote Dotonbori<\/strong>, a store that sells a bit of everything at discount prices. The store is recognizable by its large yellow <strong>Ferris wheel<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ebisubashi bridge, located under the Glico running man billboard<\/strong>, is a popular meeting spot. It provides access to <strong>Ebisu Shrine<\/strong> as well as the <em>Shinsaibashi-suji<\/em> and <em>Ebisubashi-suji<\/em> <strong>shopping districts<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Dotonbori, the food district<\/h2>\r\nFoodies sum up Dotonbori\u2019s <strong>obsessive food culture<\/strong> in one word - <em>kuidaore<\/em>, which means \u201c<strong>eat till you drop<\/strong>\u201d or \u201cspend so much on food that you fall into financial ruin.\u201d Food lovers adore the rich variety that Dotonbori has to offer.\r\n\r\nSome kuidaore fan favorites include <strong>Hariju<\/strong>, a proprietor of Japanese beef since 1948; <strong>Zubora-ya<\/strong>, specializing in the risky <strong>pufferfish dish, <i>fugu<\/i><\/strong>; <strong>Kushikatsu Daruma<\/strong>, a favorite kebab shop since 1929; Kinryu Ramen, with three locations along the boardwalk; and <strong>Kukura, which features octopus dumplings<\/strong>. You\u2019ll also find ample street food of all types and flavors.\r\n\r\nThe Dotonbori food district is also known for its famous signage. <strong>The Kani Douraku crab restaurant is famously advertised by a giant crab on the building\u2019s storefront<\/strong>, complete with lifelike motion. Kani Douraku is so popular that wait times may be as long as three hours; <strong>advance reservations are recommended<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6486 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/octopus-sign-takoyaki-dotonbori.jpg\" alt=\"Octopus sign in Dotonbori area, Osaka - Takoyaki restaurant\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> \"Takoyaki\" octopus balls are also very popular in Dotonbori[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAre you hungry for a bit of adventure? Then Dotonbori is the place to go. Book your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>, and start planning your next trip today.","post_title":"Dotonbori: Access and things to do","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"dotonbori-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-20 12:04:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-20 10:04:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=6535","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":12513,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-05-08 09:39:53","post_date_gmt":"2020-05-08 07:39:53","post_content":"Shinsekai means \u201cNew World\u201d in Japanese. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> neighborhood is home to <strong>cheap foodie favorites, dive bars, and other colorful surprises<\/strong>. Check out our guide to safely enjoying this step back in time.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>The history of Shinsekai<\/h2>\r\nIn 1903, the National Industrial Exposition brought over five million people to the Shinsekai neighborhood over the course of five months. After the expo, work began on Shinsekai\u2019s current layout, which was completed in 1912. <strong>The northern end of the neighborhood was modeled after Paris, France and the southern half after New York City\u2019s Coney Island<\/strong>. Complete with an amusement park and an aerial tramway, Shinsekai was a flourishing tourist area and an example of modernity.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_12545\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"550\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-12545\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/old-shinsekai.jpg\" alt=\"Old Shinsekai\" width=\"550\" height=\"450\" \/> The Original T\u016btenkaku, Shinsekai Luna Park, and connecting aerial tramway (sometime in between 1912 and 1920) - Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Original_Tsutenkaku_and_Shinsekai_aerial_tramway_2.jpg\">Wikimedia Commons<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn time, though, the area faded into anonymity and stigma. Little redevelopment was accomplished after the rigors of World War II, and Shinsekai slipped into poverty. Walking the streets of Shinsekai remains a <strong>nostalgic trip into the past<\/strong>, as many of the storefronts have remained virtually unchanged since the 1950s.\r\n\r\nToday, the classic mystique of Shinsekai is threatened by gentrification. In time, older, unique restaurants may be overtaken by chic new establishments.\r\n<h2>How to get to Shinsekai<\/h2>\r\nShinsekai is located beside the downtown Minami area of Osaka City, to the west of Tennoji Park. Use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> to take the JR West <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a> to <strong>JR Shin-Imamiya Station<\/strong>. Locate the station\u2019s east exit. Shinsekai is a <strong>10-minute walk<\/strong> from the station.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m24!1m12!1m3!1d1641.079085219474!2d135.5029419082438!3d34.65070820158779!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m9!3e3!4m3!3m2!1d34.649757799999996!2d135.50323219999999!4m3!3m2!1d34.651598!2d135.50595239999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1588919478763!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nFrom Shinsekai, it is a <strong>half hour walk to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a><\/strong>. If visiting this area also, you can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">JR Namba Station<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>What to do in Shinsekai<\/h2>\r\nShinsekai is a <strong>budget traveler\u2019s dream and a foodie paradise<\/strong>, home to fascinating landmarks.\r\n<h3>Tsutenkaku Tower<\/h3>\r\nThe Tsutenkaku Tower was first built in 1912. Its design <strong>combined the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triumphe<\/strong>. At 64 meters in height, it was then the second tallest structure in Asia. Following fire damage, the tower was scrapped during World War II but rebuilt in 1956.\r\n\r\nTsutenkaku is aptly named the \u201csky route tower\u201d or the \u201ctower reaching to heaven.\u201d It is <strong>103 meters in height<\/strong>, with an <strong>observatory<\/strong> placed at a height of 91 meters. An open-air deck is positioned on top of the observatory. From its summit, you can gain an unobstructed, <strong>panoramic view of Osaka<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/tsutenkaku-tower-osaka.jpg\" alt=\"Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/>\r\n\r\nTsutenkaku Tower is <strong>open from 9 am to 9 pm daily. Admission is 700 yen<\/strong>, with an additional 500 yen for the open-air deck. The tower features multiple souvenir shops, a diorama of the original tower and amusement park, and the manga-themed <strong>Kinnikuman Museum<\/strong>. At night, it is lit by color changing LED lights.\r\n<h3>JanJan Yokocho<\/h3>\r\nJanJan Yokocho Alley runs along one side of Shinsekai. It is a<strong> covered dining and shopping street<\/strong> home to cafeteria-style restaurants with surprisingly unique menus as well as <strong>Japanese-style bars and pubs<\/strong>. Its name comes from the strumming sound of stringed instruments that waitresses once played to attract customers.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/jajan-yokocho.jpg\" alt=\"JanJan Yokocho\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/>\r\n\r\nJanJan Yokocho is an entertainment district frequented by locals and therefore offers more of an authentic look at <strong>Japanese culture<\/strong> than do many tourist areas.\r\n<h3>Billiken<\/h3>\r\nBilliken, \u201cthe god of things as they ought to be,\u201d was created by an American illustrator in the early 1900s. A Billiken statue was installed at Luna Park, but disappeared after the park closed in 1923. In 1979, a new Billiken statue arrived at Tsetenkaku Tower, and he has since <strong>become the \u201cmascot\u201d of the area<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/billiken-shinsekai.jpg\" alt=\"billiken\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/>\r\n\r\nBillikens of all sizes are now found throughout Shinsekai. <strong>Rubbing the feet of the statue, purchasing a Billiken, or receiving one as a gift is thought to ensure good luck<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Food<\/h2>\r\nShinsekai is well-known for <strong><em>kushi-katsu<\/em>, a dish of deep-fried, skewered vegetables and meats<\/strong>. <em>Kushi-katsu<\/em> isn\u2019t limited to staples like pork and chicken. Unique varieties include pumpkin, asparagus, banana, ice cream, mochi, and more. You\u2019ll find <em>kushi-katsu<\/em> restaurants and stands at regular intervals, and many are open 24 hours a day. Whether snacking or endeavoring to fill the void, <em>kushi-katsu<\/em> is also an <strong>affordable option<\/strong> at about 150 yen each. Ramen shops are also common.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_12519\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-12519 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/kushikatsu.jpg\" alt=\"kushikatsu\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Kushi-katsu is a dish of deep-fried, skewered vegetables and meats.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re feeling adventurous, Shinsekai is home to several <strong><em>fugu<\/em> restaurants<\/strong> - the notorious blowfish dish that is both delightful and dangerous to consume. The most famous is <strong>Zuboraya<\/strong>. You can\u2019t miss the restaurant\u2019s iconic blowfish-shaped giant lantern.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_12514\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-12514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/zuboraya-iconic-blowfish-lantern.jpg\" alt=\"Zuboraya's iconic Blowfish lantern\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Zuboraya's iconic Blowfish lantern, Shinsekai[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Shinsekai Nightlife<\/h2>\r\nSome travel bloggers have described Shinsekai as \u201cprecarious\u201d or even \u201cseedy.\u201d But, you may wonder,<strong> is it dangerous for tourists to visit?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLonely Planet once called Shinsekai the \u201cclosest thing in Japan to a dangerous neighborhood.\u201d Homelessness, prostitution, and public intoxication are common. Said one resident blogger, \u201cWhile relatively safe in the daytime, you really need to keep your wits about you at night.\u201d Use good judgment, and don\u2019t wander the streets alone. Females may feel uncomfortable in the red light district. According to some sources, <strong>Shinsekai\u2019s reputation is due more to its differing from the high standard of safety in Japan than to true danger<\/strong>.","post_title":"Osaka's Shinsekai district: Travel Guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"shinsekai-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-05-13 11:31:26","post_modified_gmt":"2020-05-13 09:31:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=12513","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7294,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-03-22 09:00:28","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-22 08:00:28","post_content":"The Umeda Sky Building, also known as the \u201c<em>New Umeda City<\/em>,\u201d is <strong>one of the most unique high rise buildings in the world<\/strong>. How tall is this skyscraper? It is <strong>173 meters (over 567 feet) tall<\/strong> and is, in fact, not one building, but two. The Sky Building\u2019s <strong>two forty-story towers are connected at the thirty-ninth floor by the Floating Garden Observatory<\/strong>, where you can look out at Osaka through windows or an open-air deck.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWhat else does the Umeda Sky Building have to offer? Beneath its many offices, the basement level hides a restaurant that replicates Japan\u2019s Showa Period, during the first half of the twentieth century. On the third and fourth floor, you will find the Cine Libre Umeda, a cinema showcasing independent films from around the globe.\r\n\r\nCheck out this handy travel guide to make the most of your trip to the Umeda Sky Building and its surrounding area.\r\n<h2>How to get to Umeda Sky Building<\/h2>\r\nThe Umeda Sky Building is <strong>located in the Kita district of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a><\/strong>, near both the Osaka Station City (JR) and Umeda Station (Osaka subway). In fact, it is a mere <strong>ten-minute walk from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station City<\/a><\/strong> through an <strong>underground passage<\/strong> under the train tracks.\r\n\r\nYou can <strong>use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to reach Osaka City Station<\/strong> from nearly anywhere in Japan. Since Osaka City Station is a train station on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\"><strong>JR Osaka Loop line<\/strong><\/a>, is easily accessible from anywhere in Osaka.\r\n\r\nThe transfer service<strong> from Kansai Airport<\/strong>, <strong>Kansai-Airport Rapid<\/strong>, also stops at Osaka City Station (1h and 10 minutes). If instead the Kansai-Airport Rapid you take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Express<\/a>, you should stop at <strong>Tennoji Station<\/strong> and transfer to the <strong>Yamatoji line<\/strong> to Osaka Station City (about 50 minutes the entire trip).\r\n<p class=\"note\">You can read our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-international-airport-to-osaka\">Travel between Kansai Airport and Osaka<\/a> for in depth information.<\/p>\r\n<strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka<\/a><\/strong>, you can use the Tokaido Main line to arrive at Osaka City Station (4 minutes).\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" title=\"How to get to the Umeda Sky Building - Map\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1640.0257116148393!2d135.49214770824403!3d34.703882900168026!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e68d95e3a70b%3A0x1baec822e859c84a!2sOsaka+Station%2C+3+Chome-1-1+Umeda%2C+Kita+Ward%2C+Osaka%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.7024854!2d135.4959506!4m5!1s0x6000e6889074276f%3A0x57c2e32670decafd!2zRWRpZmljaW8gVW1lZGEgU2t5LCAxIENob21lLTEt77yY77yXIOWkp-a3gOS4rSBLaXRhLWt1LCDFjHNha2Etc2hpLCDFjHNha2EtZnUgNTMxLTYwMjMsIEphcMOzbg!3m2!1d34.705252099999996!2d135.4905335!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1552918307504\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening Hours and Entrance Fee<\/h2>\r\nThe Umeda Sky Building is <strong>open daily from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm<\/strong>. However, <strong>admittance of new guests ceases at 10 pm<\/strong>. The building is open on weekends and holidays, but <strong>the opening time may vary on special occasions<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Adult admission is \u00a51500<\/strong>, or about $14.00 USD. Admission for children ages four to twelve is \u00a5700, or just over $6.00 usd. Children under four years of age are admitted free of charge.\r\n<h2>World\u2019s Highest Escalators<\/h2>\r\nThe Umeda Sky Building utilizes the <strong>highest escalators in the world<\/strong>. Two of the escalators even <strong>cross between the two buildings<\/strong>, spanning more than 550 feet of open air. The escalators themselves will make you feel as if you\u2019ve entered the realm of science fiction. Peer out the great glass windows, supported by rows of metallic arches.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7329\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7329\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/umeda-sky-building-escalators.jpg\" alt=\"Umeda Sky Building escalators to the Floating Garden Observatory\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/> Umeda Sky Building escalators to the Floating Garden Observatory - Photo by Jakub Ha\u0142un under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Floating Garden Observatory<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>Kuchu Teien, or Floating Garden Observatory<\/strong>, affords a <strong>360-degree view of Osaka from 170 meters in the air<\/strong>. You can feel the wind against your face, and on a clear day, you\u2019ll be able to see as far as the distant Awaji Island.\r\n\r\nEnjoy the view of Osaka by day, but <strong>don\u2019t forget to see it by night<\/strong> as well. From the Observatory, you can look out upon a city laid before you like a blanket of stars.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_409\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-409\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Umeda-floating-garden-observatory-by-Marting-Abegglen-flickr.jpg\" alt=\"Umeda floating garden observatory\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" \/> Umeda floating garden observatory[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Things to do near Umeda Sky Building<\/h2>\r\nYou may be wondering how long to spend at the Umeda Sky Building. You may spend less than half an hour enjoying the observation deck, but longer if you desire to explore the <strong>unique shops and restaurants<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOn your way down from the observatory, you\u2019ll find cafes and souvenir shops, such as the <strong>Umeda Skybldg Gallery Shop<\/strong>. The <strong>Sky Lounge Stardust<\/strong> offers a selection of around 300 cocktails. Or you can catch a movie at the <strong>Cine Libre Umeda<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe basement level of the building houses the <strong>Takimi Koji<\/strong>, a replica townscape of 1920s Japan. The underground \u201ctown\u201d includes a gourmet food alley. <strong><i>Okonomiyaki<\/i><\/strong>, meaning \u201cgrilled as you like it,\u201d is a savory pancake and one of <strong>Osaka\u2019s most popular foods<\/strong>. Pay a visit to <strong>Kiji, located in the Sky Building's basement level food alley<\/strong>, for a taste of this delicious treat. The shopping street also includes a retro-style hair salon.\r\n\r\nWhile in the area, you may want to visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a>, Osaka\u2019s most popular entertainment district. To get <strong>from the Umeda Sky Building to Dotonbori<\/strong>, return to <strong>Osaka Station<\/strong>. Take the <strong>Osaka Loop line to Imamiya station<\/strong> and then, take the <strong>Yamatoji line to Namba Station<\/strong>, a trip covered by your JR Pass. Dotonbori is a short walk from the station.","post_title":"Visiting Umeda Sky Building in Osaka","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"umeda-sky-building-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-06-21 11:28:55","post_modified_gmt":"2019-06-21 09:28:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=7294","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13886,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-10-02 11:53:04","post_date_gmt":"2020-10-02 09:53:04","post_content":"Universal Studios Japan was the <strong>first Universal theme park built in Asia<\/strong>, and it remains one of the best. In fact, its popularity in Japan is second only to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-disneyland\">Tokyo Disney Resort<\/a>.\r\n\r\nYou can enjoy many rides, from child-friendly attractions to <strong>thrilling roller coasters based on hit movie franchises.<\/strong> Your children can have their picture taken with all their favorite characters, and there are a number of theatrical spectacles to enjoy.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nUniversal Studios Japan is located <strong>7 kilometers from Osaka<\/strong>. You can easily reach Universal Studios by train using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>While in Osaka<\/strong>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station City<\/a>, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka loop line<\/a>, also known as Osaka Kanjo line, to Nishikujo Station.\r\n\r\nThen take the Sakurajima line (also known as Yumesaki line) to <strong>Universal-City Station<\/strong>. Once in there, Universal Studios Japan is under 5 minutes-walk.\r\n\r\nThe whole trip<strong> takes about 13 minutes.<\/strong> Several trains run per hour, departing about every 15 minutes.\r\n\r\nThe trip is <strong>fully covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>. If you don't have one, the train tickets will be about 180 yen.\r\n\r\nIf traveling <strong>from Tokyo to Universal Studios<\/strong>, you can first take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>. Once there, you can take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo line (not Shinkansen line) to Osaka Station City.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d26246.728523294867!2d135.44670901718055!3d34.68396053774685!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e6ed0d07eefb%3A0xb447966182eb948c!2sOSAKA+STATION+CITY%2C+3+Chome-1-3+Umeda%2C+Kita-ku%2C+Osaka%2C+Prefectura+de+Osaka%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.702411!2d135.495917!4m5!1s0x6000e0d083d5e25d%3A0x3605fe25303252aa!2sJap%C3%B3n%2C+Prefectura+de+OsakaOsakaKonohana-kuSakurajima%2C+2+Chome%E2%88%921%E2%88%9233+UNIVERSAL+STUDIOS+JAPAN!3m2!1d34.665442!2d135.4323382!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1565338740960!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Ticket types and prices<\/h2>\r\nUniversal Studios Japan offers the following<strong> ticket options:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>1-day adult pass, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8,600 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>2-day adult pass, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16,300 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>1-day child pass, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5,600 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>2-day child pass,\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10,600 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>1-day senior pass, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7,700 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>1.5-day pass for adult, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13,100 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>1.5-day pass for <strong>child,<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6,600 yen<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n(Prices correct as of March 2023)\r\n\r\nChildren\u2019s tickets are available up to 12 years of age, and senior offerings begin at 65 years of age. Tickets<strong> can be purchased in advance<\/strong> through a number of websites, saving you the time of standing in line after you arrive at the park.\r\n<h3>Universal Express Pass<\/h3>\r\nExpress Passes allow you to <strong>skip the line at some of your favorite rides<\/strong>. A number of different passes are available, each serving a different set of 4 to 7 rides.\r\n\r\nPrices vary by date, but express passes generally range from <strong>6,800 to 18,800 yen for 4 rides<\/strong>, and 10,800 to 23,800 for 7 days.\r\n\r\nThese passes often sell out quickly at the ticket gate, but you can<strong> purchase them online in advance<\/strong> of your trip.\r\n\r\nAs the number of people who can enter the Super Nintendo World at the park is limited, we recommended you buy an Express Pass if you plan to visit this area and want to guarantee your entry.\r\n<h3>VIP Wristband<\/h3>\r\nThe VIP wristband is another add-on that can save you time and frustration. The wristband allows you to<strong> enter the park ahead of other visitors<\/strong>, avoiding a wait in line.\r\n\r\nIt also offers <strong>admission to the Harukas 300 Building<\/strong> in Tennoji. The wristband costs about 38 USD.\r\n<h2>Opening hours<\/h2>\r\nHours vary by season, but normally include the hours of <strong>8.30 \/ 9:30 am to 7:00 \/ 9:00 pm<\/strong>. During weekends or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-holidays\">public holidays<\/a>, opening hours may be extended.\r\n\r\nIt is advisable to consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usj.co.jp\/svw\/cwc?method=displayParkScheduleList&amp;LanFlag=e\">official website<\/a> for the most up-to-date information on opening hours based on the day.\r\n\r\nThe park is open <strong>365 days a year<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>A tour of Universal Studios Japan<\/h2>\r\nUniversal Studios Japan is divided into <strong>10 themed zones<\/strong>. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>New York<\/strong>, where you can web sling with Spider-Man.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Minion Park<\/strong>, where you can cook up mischief with your favorite yellow minions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>San Francisco<\/strong>, where you can relive the movie Backdraft.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Jurassic Park<\/strong>, where you can tangle with ancient giants, including the Flying Dinosaur ride.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Waterworld<\/strong>, where you can enjoy an aquatic show based on the film.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Amity Village<\/strong>, home to the famous and frightening Jaws ride.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Universal Wonderland<\/strong>, a haven for the youngest children, with characters like Snoopy and Big Bird.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hollywood<\/strong>, a shopping and dining area with additional roller coasters.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTwo of the newest areas of the park are also among <strong>the most popular:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>The Wizarding World of Harry Potter<\/strong>, which brings locations from J.K Rowling\u2019s magical world to life. You can tour Hogwarts Castle and the Black Lake, and enjoy a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks in snowy Hogsmeade Village. You\u2019ll also see iconic props from the franchise wherever you look, from the Hogwarts Express train to Ron\u2019s flying car from The Chamber of Secrets.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Super Nintendo World,<\/strong> a colorful and interactive wonderland dedicated to the iconic characters and games from Nintendo's popular gaming universe. You can visit iconic locations such as Bowser\u2019s castle, take a ride on the \u2018Yoshi\u2019s Adventures\u2019 attraction and, and meet Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach in person.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nA <strong>Donkey Kong section<\/strong> is also expected to open in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/super-nintendo-world-japan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Super Nintendo World<\/a> in the near future.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s also a new temporary event section from July 19, 2024 - January 5, 2025:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Demon Slayer<\/strong> \u2014 based on the popular anime, 2 rides are coming to Universal Japan, using advanced technology. According to sources, the Demon Slayer attractions are a trial to see how popular anime-based rides are at Universal parks. There is the possibility that the rides will become fixtures and will open the door to more new attractions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9506\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan-osaka-map-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Universal Studios Japan map\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\" \/> Universal Studios Japan map - Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Best Rides and attractions<\/h2>\r\nSome of the most popular attractions at USJ include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>The Flying Dinosaur<\/strong>: Welcome to Jurassic Park, where a Pteranodon is waiting to pull you up into the sky. The sensation of flight is enhanced by the 90-degree rotation of the seats so that you are facing the ground below and the sky above.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Despicable Me Minion Mayhem<\/strong>:\u00a0One of the park\u2019s newest rides, immerse yourself in a 3D simulation of the Minion\u2019s world.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>The Hollywood Dream Roller Coaster<\/strong>:\u00a0Choose one of five songs for your personal \u201csoundtrack.\u201d The Hollywood Dream Backdrop ride follows the same course, only backward.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-9527 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/hollywood-dream-rollercoaster-univeral-studios-japan-800x530.jpg\" alt=\"The Hollywood Dream Roller Coaster in Universal Studios Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" \/>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man<\/strong>:\u00a0Feel the heat and moisture of villainous weapons in this ride that combines a moving vehicle with 3D elements.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Jurassic Park the Ride<\/strong>:\u00a0Tour the infamous park from the water, and watch out for the drop at the end!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9522\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/jurassic-park-ride-univeral-studios-japan-800x530.jpg\" alt=\"Jurassic Park The Ride at Universal Studios Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" \/> Jurassic Park The Ride at Universal Studios Japan - Photo by Jeremy Thompson under CC[\/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Jaws<\/strong>:\u00a0A leisurely boat ride becomes a fight for survival when a gigantic great white shark appears!<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Lupin the Third Car Chase XR<\/strong>:\u00a0Formerly known as Space Fantasy, this spinning roller coaster celebrates Japanese characters from Lupin the Third.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sing on Tour<\/strong>: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience the music and madness of the 2016 animated film in a charming stage attraction.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey<\/strong>: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Wizarding World\u2019s main attraction, this ride takes place inside Hogwarts Castle. It takes you on a wild ride through a Quidditch match, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chamber of Secrets, the Forbidden Forest, and more, all while avoiding villains like the Dementors and the Whomping Willow.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-9516\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/harry-potter-ride-univer-satudios-japan-800x530.jpg\" alt=\"Harry Potter ride in Universal Studios Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" \/>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Mario Kart<\/strong>: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A thrilling ride that brings the beloved video game to life. This augmented reality attraction allows you to board a real-life Mario Kart and race through the Mushroom Kingdom while collecting items and throwing shells at competitors, just like in the game!<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba XR Ride<\/strong> \u2014 Race to Swordsmith Village: A new XR ride, combining a roller coaster with cutting-edge VR technology. Experience the world of Demon Slayer and engage in battle!<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc x Hollywood Dream - The Ride<\/strong>: An immersive experience \u2014 join the Demon Slayer Corps and embark on a whitewater adventure. Things get exciting as your raft takes a tumble down a waterfall\u2026<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSome of the USJ coasters are quite wild. So you may want to take advantage of a unique feature offered by ride staff \u2013 <strong>rubber bands to put over your shoes<\/strong>, so they don\u2019t fall off!\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Avoiding the crowds: The best time to go<\/h2>\r\nUniversal Studios Japan is a busy attraction all year round. In order to beat the crowds, arrive early, and <strong>take advantage of the Express Pass<\/strong> and VIP wristband.\r\n\r\nWhen planning the order of your rides, consult the wait-time monitors. <strong>Use the single-rider lines for more popular rides<\/strong> \u2013 you may not be seated with other members of your party, but you\u2019ll all get to ride sooner!\r\n\r\nAdditionally,<strong> try to plan your trip on weekdays<\/strong> rather than on the weekend, and avoid any holidays. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to have the least crowds.","post_title":"Visiting Universal Studios Japan in Osaka","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"universal-studios-japan-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-21 11:58:16","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-21 10:58:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=13886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"getting-around","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1106,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-03-15 07:59:37","post_date_gmt":"2017-03-15 05:59:37","post_content":"Osaka City is a bustling metropolitan area popular among international tourists. <strong>Osaka itself is home to many unique attractions<\/strong>, including vast parks and gardens, historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">Osaka Castle<\/a>, the Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka Aquarium, and the National Bunraku Theater.\r\n\r\nVisitors to Osaka also enjoy the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\"><strong>Dotonbori district<\/strong><\/a>, where travelers can experience the local nightlife with restaurants and shopping centers open twenty-four hours a day; the covered Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street; and the Kitashinchi entertainment district.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nIts location in the central Kansai region also makes Osaka a stopping point when visiting other attractions. From Osaka, one can reach <strong>Universal Studios Japan<\/strong> as well as other popular destinations, such as Tokyo, Kobe, and Kyoto.\r\n\r\nGetting around Osaka may seem daunting, with its maze of Shinkansen, train, and subway lines. <strong>This travel guide is designed to ease your anxiety<\/strong> and make navigating this unfamiliar city a breeze.\r\n<h2><strong>From Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf you are flying in or out of Kansai Airport, <strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Limited Express Haruka<\/a> train connects Shin-Osaka and Tennoji Stations to Kansai Airport<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_17497\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"667\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-17497\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/haruka-express-map-2023-667x800.jpg\" alt=\"Kansai airport trains map\" width=\"667\" height=\"800\" \/> Map of the trains connecting Osaka and Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis train, <strong>included in your JR Pass<\/strong>, \u00a0makes 30 round trips daily, departing approximately every half hour. The trip between the airport and Shin-Osaka lasts about one hour.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>From Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Station<\/h2>\r\nIf you plan to use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a> system when traveling to or from Osaka City, you'll arrive at and depart from Shin-Osaka Station. <strong>From this station, you have access to<\/strong> <strong>Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya<\/strong>, and other destinations.\r\n\r\nWhile the Shinkansen trains do not travel to Osaka Station or on the Osaka Loop Line, you can<strong> reach downtown Osaka station by a<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Rapid Express JR train <\/strong>from Shin-Osaka. This is included in your Japan Rail Pass.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Note<\/strong>:You can exchange your Japan Rail Pass at Kansai Airport, Shin-Osaka Station and downtown Osaka station. Please check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/japan-rail-pass-exchange-offices\">exchange offices<\/a> list and opening times.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>The Osaka Loop Line<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAlso called the <strong>Osaka Kanjo Line<\/strong>, this rail line \u201cloops,\u201d or circles, through downtown Osaka. The Osaka Loop actually consists of an inner and an outer line, one running clockwise and the other counterclockwise.\r\n\r\nWhen riding the Osaka Loop Line, you\u2019ll notice <strong>connections to other lines not operated by the JR Group<\/strong>. For the 19 stations of the loop line, 12 connect with other lines.\r\n\r\nFor example, the JR Tozai Line intersects the Keihan Railway at Kyobashi, but transportation to Kyoto on this Keihan line is not covered by your JR Pass. The Keihan, as well as several other small lines, <strong>are operated by private companies<\/strong>.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Note<\/strong>: Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">how to get from Osaka to Tokyo and Kyoto<\/a>\u00a0in our specific article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Osaka Loop Line stations<\/h2>\r\nThe Osaka Loop Line originates at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a>, which was newly renovated in 2012 to add to the comfort of passengers. Osaka Station is in the same general location as Umeda Station for other metro lines, but <strong>only Osaka Station services the JR lines<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe other <strong>stations on the Osaka Loop Line<\/strong> are:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Fukushima (connection with the JR Tozai line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Noda<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nishi Kujo (connection with the JR Yumesaki Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Bentencho<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Taisho<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ashiharabashi<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Imamiya (connection with the Kansai Main Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shin-Imamiya (connection with the Kansai Main Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Tennoji<\/a> (connection with the JR Kansai Main Line and JR Hanwa line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Teradacho<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Momodani<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tsuruhashi<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tamatsukuri<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Morinomiya<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Osakajo-koen<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kyobashi (connection to the Katamachi Line and JR Tozai line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sakuranomiya<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Temma<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYou can <strong>see the location of these stations<\/strong> on the loop on the map of the line below.\r\n<h3>Map of the JR Osaka Loop Line<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1194\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"500\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1194 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/osaka-loop-line-1.png\" alt=\"Osaka loop line map\" width=\"500\" height=\"530\" \/> Osaka loop line map. Source: Japanvisitor.com[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Other JR lines in Osaka<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Kansai Main Line<\/h3>\r\nThe Kansai Main line (also known as the \"Kansai Line\") <strong>connects Nagoya Station with JR Namba Station in Osaka<\/strong>. It was built in the 1890s and is jointly run by JR West and JR Central. In total there are 18 stops on the line and most trains stop at all of them (there are no regular express services on this line).\r\n<h3>Yumesaki line<\/h3>\r\nThe JR Sakurajima line operates between Nishikujo Station and Sakurajima Station in the Osaka area. <strong>The most popular stop on the line is Universal City Station<\/strong> as it offers access to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/universal-studios-japan-osaka\">Universal Studios Japan (USJ).<\/a> There are only 4 stops on the line (Nishikuj\u014d, Ajikawaguchi, Universal City, and Sakurajima.\r\n<h3>JR Tozai Line<\/h3>\r\nThe JR Kobe line runs <strong>between Osaka Station and Himeji Station<\/strong>. It is part of the Tokaido Main line and is a continuation of the JR Kyoto Line. There are 38 stops on the JR Kobe line but passengers can catch regular \u201cRapid\u201d and \u201cSpecial Rapid\u201d services which make fewer stops to reduce the journey time.\r\n<h3>Kobe Line<\/h3>\r\nThe <strong>JR Kobe line runs between Osaka Station and Himeji Station<\/strong>. It is part of the <strong>Tokaido Main line<\/strong> and is a continuation of the <strong>JR Kyoto Line<\/strong>. There are 38 stops on the JR Kobe line but passengers can catch regular \u201cRapid\u201d and \u201cSpecial Rapid\u201d services which make fewer stops to reduce the journey time.\r\n<h3>Kyoto Line<\/h3>\r\nThe JR Kyoto line forms part of the Tokaido Main line and it<strong> operates between Osaka Station and Kyoto Station<\/strong>. There are 16 stations on the line but only the local trains make all the stops, \u201cRapid\u201d and \u201cSpecial Rapid\u201d services make fewer stops. Special Rapid trains only stop at only Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki, and Kyoto.\r\n<h3>Hanwa line<\/h3>\r\nThe JR Hanwa line<strong> runs between Tennoji Station (Osaka) and Wakayama Station<\/strong>. The Hagoromo Branch Line (between Otori Station and Higashi-Hagoromo Station) is officially a part of the Hanwa Line.\r\n\r\nThough the line does not run to Osaka Station, there is <strong>a direct link from Wakayama to Osaka<\/strong> as the Kishuji Rapid Service runs along the Osaka Loop Line before joining the Hanwa Line.\r\n<h3>Kansai Airport Line<\/h3>\r\nThe <strong>JR Kansai Airport line runs between Kansai International Airport to Hineno<\/strong>, connecting the airport to the JR West railway network in Osaka. The short line only makes 3 stops: Kansai Airport, Rinku Town, and Hineno. Passengers can also catch the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Limited Express Haruka<\/a> which connects Kansai Airport with important JR stations at Tennoji Station, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto.\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka subway stations<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Osaka Station<\/strong> <strong>is the biggest train station in Osaka City<\/strong>. From Osaka Station, you can easily access Shin-Osaka station, the nearby cities of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto<\/a>, Kobe, Akashi, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a>, Sakai, Nara and Takarazuka, and of course the local Namba and Tennoji districts. Osaka Station serves as the gateway to the entire Kansai region.\r\n\r\n<strong>Tennoji Station<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>is located on the south side of the Osaka Loop<\/strong>. From Tennoji Station, you can access the Kansai Airport, Nara, and Wakayama. The JR Yamatoji Line from Nara terminates at the downtown Namba Station, located at the city\u2019s center, near the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a> area.\r\n\r\nMany attractions are available within walking distance of stations on the Osaka Loop. For instance, the <strong>Osaka Aquarium<\/strong> can be reached from Bentencho Station. Osaka\u2019s baseball stadium, the <strong>Osaka Dome<\/strong>, is a 7-minute walk from Taisho Station.\r\n\r\nFrom the <strong>Shin-Imamiya Station<\/strong>, you can reach the historic district of Shinsekai, complete with the Tsutenkaku Tower, built in 1912, and specialty deep fried food called <em>kushikatsu.<\/em>\u00a0Also, <strong>Shitennoji Temple<\/strong> is only a 10-minute walk from Tennoji Station.\r\n\r\nFinally, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">Osaka Castle<\/a> and gardens<\/strong> are just 5 minutes away by foot from the JR <strong>Morinomiya Station<\/strong>. The JR Namba station is your best stop if you can to visit the famous Dotonbori area.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_402\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/osaka-castle-by-Osaka-Castle-flickr-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka Castle, Japan\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/> Osaka Castle, Japan[\/caption]\r\n<h2><strong>Umeda Subway and other services<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThere are three subway stations located within five minutes of Osaka Station: <strong>Umeda<\/strong>, <strong>Nishi-Umeda, and Higashi-Umeda<\/strong>. Using these municipal lines can be faster than taking the trains if traveling to the south side of the city \u2013 such as to Namba Station - as the route is more direct.\r\n\r\nThere are two additional private railway companies available from Umeda Station. The <strong>Hankyu and Hansin<\/strong><strong>\u00a0Railways<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>also connect to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe<\/strong>.\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka Station City<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe area around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a> has been called \u201cStation City\u201d due to the <strong>entertainment and shopping amenities<\/strong> that have developed around the station. Connected to the station is the seven-story LUCUA shopping mall and the Hanshin Department Store.\r\n\r\nNearby, you\u2019ll find the <strong>Grand Front Osaka<\/strong>, a luxurious curved-front building that features restaurants for fine dining, high fashion clothing lines, and famous tech companies. Yodobashi Camera is also located within walking distance.\r\n\r\nThis electronics store is a favorite of photographers, technophiles, and those in search of interesting, technologically advanced home goods. If you\u2019re waiting for your train or just spending an afternoon near the station, <strong>you\u2019ll find plenty to do around Station City<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1108\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1108\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/osaka-station-city-e1489147274342-800x512.jpg\" alt=\"The Osaka Station City's large glass roof\" width=\"700\" height=\"448\" \/> The large glass roof and open spaces are Osaka Station City's landmarks[\/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>","post_title":"Osaka Loop Line: Getting around Osaka with the JR Pass","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-city-loop-line","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-28 13:40:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-28 11:40:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1106","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"stations","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":2486,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-12-01 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2017-12-01 06:00:03","post_content":"Second only to Tokyo, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> is one of the largest cities in Japan. It is divided into several distinct districts. The Umeda District, located in the Kita ward, is home to a recently renovated and <strong>beautiful train station called JR Osaka Station.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhile the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> stops at Osaka\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">other station<\/a>, the train station is an important hub and is also <strong>home to Osaka Station City<\/strong>, a shopping complex featuring an open floor plan and glass ceiling.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nKeep reading to find out:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Train lines that stop at JR Osaka Station<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What Osaka Station City has to offer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Get all the information you need<\/strong> to plan your train trip to Osaka and the city\u2019s station.\r\n<h2>JR Osaka train lines<\/h2>\r\nIn JR Osaka Station, there are a number of regional lines and other major train lines that you can<strong> take with your JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nYour <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> makes traveling around Japan<strong> easy and affordable<\/strong>. The JR Pass is valid on most\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\">JR trains<\/a>, and you can use it to <strong>take the following lines from Osaka<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Osaka Higashi Line<\/strong>: Connects Shin-Osaka to Nara, providing convenient access to eastern Osaka and major transfer hubs like Ky\u016bh\u014dji.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>T\u014dkaid\u014d Main Line<\/strong>: Links Osaka with Kyoto and Kobe; this line is key for intercity travel across the Kansai region.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Kobe Line<\/strong>: Offers direct access to Kobe, Himeji, and other cities along the scenic coastal route.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Kyoto Line<\/strong>: Heads north to Kyoto, providing fast and frequent services for travelers heading to the historic city.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Takarazuka Line via Osaka Loop Line<\/strong>: Connects Osaka to Takarazuka, known for its hot springs and theater.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\"><strong>Osaka Loop Line<\/strong><\/a>: Encircles central Osaka, making it ideal for sightseeing and accessing key city attractions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Yumesaki Line<\/strong>: Serves the western area of Osaka which includes Universal Studios Japan and the port district.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Yamatoji Line<\/strong>: Unites Osaka with the historic cities of Nara and Tennoji.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hanwa Line<\/strong>: Provides access to Kansai International Airport and destinations along the scenic coastal areas of Wakayama.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>JR Osaka Station connections<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAs JR Osaka Station serves as a central hub, you can also find convenient connections to <strong>multiple train and metro lines along with bus transportation<\/strong>, such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Bus<\/strong> interchange and bus terminal for local and regional routes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Osaka Metro<\/strong> access via the Yotsubashi Line at Nishi-Umeda, the Mid\u014dsuji Line at Umeda, and the Tanimachi Line at Higashi-Umeda.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hankyu Railway<\/strong> lines, including the Kobe Main Line, Takarazuka Main Line, and Kyoto Main Line, accessible at Umeda Station.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hanshin Main Line at Umeda<\/strong>, connecting Osaka with Kobe and other nearby destinations.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>JR Tozai Line at Kitashinchi<\/strong>, linking JR Osaka Station to key locations across the region.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThese connections give JR Osaka Station <strong>easy access to Osaka\u2019s attractions<\/strong>, neighboring cities, and regional transport networks.\r\n<h2><strong>Limited express trains at JR Osaka Station<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1028\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1028\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/haruka-express-train-e1487756704632.jpg\" alt=\"Haruka Express train\" width=\"800\" height=\"492\" \/> Limited Express Haruka[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWith<strong> limited express trains<\/strong>, it is also easier to reach scenic regions, cultural landmarks, and other key transport points.\r\n\r\nYou can use the following services <strong>whether you are a commuter or a long-distance traveler:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/thunderbird-express-train\"><strong>Limited Express Thunderbird<\/strong><\/a>: Connects Osaka to Tsuruga, providing a fast route along the Hokuriku Line.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/night-trains-sunrise-express\"><strong>Sleeper Limited Express Sunrise Izumo\/Sunrise Seto<\/strong><\/a>: Operates from Takamatsu\/Izumoshi to Tokyo, available only for Tokyo-bound travel.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hida-limited-express\"><strong>Limited Express Hida<\/strong><\/a>: Travels between Osaka and Takayama via the Tokaido and Takayama Lines.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Commuter Limited Express Biwako Express<\/strong>: Links Osaka with Kusatsu and Maibara, which is perfect for commuters along the Sanyo Line.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Commuter Limited Express Rakuraku Harima<\/strong>: Connects Osaka with Himeji, a popular destination for its iconic castle.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Limited Express Super Hakuto<\/strong>: Runs from Kyoto to Tottori and Kurayoshi via the Chizu Express Chizu Line, serving the San\u2019in region.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Limited Express Hamakaze<\/strong>: Connects Osaka to Kasumi, Hamasaka, and Tottori through the scenic Bantan Line.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Limited Express Kounotori<\/strong>: Operates between Shin-Osaka and destinations like Fukuchiyama and Kinosaki-Onsen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\"><strong>Limited Express Haruka<\/strong><\/a>: Provides direct service from Yasu and Kyoto to Kansai Airport, passing through Osaka and Tennoji.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Limited Express Kuroshio<\/strong>: Links Kyoto, Wakayama, Shirahama, Kushimoto, and Shingu along the Kisei Main Line.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka Station City: Shopping, food, and facilities<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWithin Osaka Station City, you will find restaurants and shops such as Yodobashi Camera and the Hankyu and Hanshin department stores. <strong>On both the north and south sides buildings housing restaurants, shops, and entertainment opportunities.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_20396\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-20396\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/osaka-station-city-buildings.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka Station City buildings\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/> Osaka Station City buildings - Image by Dick Thomas Johnson - <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\">cc-by-2.0<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThese areas are connected by a bridge called Toki no Hiroba\u2014translated Time and Space Plaza\u2014spanning the railway tracks.\r\n\r\nIn both the north and south buildings, you can also <strong>find luxury hotels and coin lockers<\/strong>. Find out more about what you can find in these buildings below.\r\n<h3><strong>North Gate Building<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe North Gate Building contains a shopping complex as well as unique green spaces that are distinctive of modern Japan. <strong>The Lucua shopping complex houses hundreds of shops scattered across twelve floors.<\/strong> It is also home to restaurants, a multiple-screen movie cinema, and an athletic club.\r\n\r\nThe building\u2019s roof is occupied by the Tenku no Noen, or Sky Farm. By taking the stairs from the eleventh floor, visitors can enjoy a relaxing break among blooming fruit and vegetable plants.\r\n\r\nOr, you may <strong>enjoy the terraces on the tenth and eleventh floors<\/strong>\u2014the Kaze no Hiroba, or Wind Plaza, and the Yawaragi no Niwa, or Healing Garden.\r\n<h3><strong>South Gate Building<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThe South Gate Building contains the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hotel-discounts\">JR Hotel Granvia Osaka<\/a>, recreational areas, a medical clinic, and the Daimaru Department Store, seventeen floors of shops and restaurants.\r\n\r\nOne store of note to animation fans is<strong> the Pokemon Center<\/strong>. Three terraces spanning the fifteenth to seventeenth floors make up the Taiyo no Hiroba, or Sun Plaza, complete with a patio restaurant and spectacular views of the Umeda skyline.\r\n\r\nThe South Gate Building houses the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelgranviaosaka.jp\/en\/\">JR Hotel Granvia Osaka<\/a>, recreational areas, a medical clinic, and the Daimaru Department Store with <strong>seventeen floors of shops and restaurants<\/strong>.\r\n<h2><strong>Access to Osaka Station City<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMain article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka loop line and getting around Osaka<\/a>\r\n\r\nIf arriving in Osaka via Shinkansen at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>, <strong>transfer to a non-Shinkansen JR line to Osaka Station<\/strong>. The stations are located only three to four minutes apart. Namba Station can be accessed using either of the subway lines, with an arrival time of approximately eight minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d26235.857404934963!2d135.4777044333657!3d34.71823859159361!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e4396c12ce49%3A0x3bd7c4e0bf1076cf!2sShin-%C5%8Csaka%20Station%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7334658!2d135.5002547!4m5!1s0x6000e68d95e3a70b%3A0x1baec822e859c84a!2sOsaka%20Station%2C%203%20Chome-1%20Umeda%2C%20Kita%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7024854!2d135.4959506!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sie!4v1737540157492!5m2!1sen!2sie\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou may exit the station and <strong>enter Osaka Station City via the gates on the ground floor<\/strong>, and you can access any platform from the ticket gates. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/buses\">Bus<\/a> and taxi services are available.\r\n\r\nAlso, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transporting-luggage-forwarding\">coin lockers<\/a> on the 1st and 3rd floors of the main station building.\r\n\r\nIf you <strong>take advantage of all these attractions and luxuries<\/strong>, your time in Osaka is certain to be a vacation to remember.","post_title":"JR Osaka Station: Trains, transfers, and getting around","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-station-city","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-22 11:11:03","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-22 10:11:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2486","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2502,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-12-07 07:00:46","post_date_gmt":"2017-12-07 05:00:46","post_content":"In Japanese, the word <em>shin<\/em> means \u201cnew,\u201d and this is fitting for Osaka\u2019s modern train station. You may arrive at Shin-Osaka Station on one of Japan\u2019s famous Shinkansen bullet trains. This station may be relatively small compared to the massive stations of Kyoto and Tokyo, but it is artfully designed for easy use by first-time travelers.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> is Japan\u2019s second largest city, but Shin-Osaka Station represents the quiet side of the city. You are likely to pass through this station when traveling to Osaka, and it serves as an excellent springboard from which to begin your travels.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nYour <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> makes traveling around Japan easy and affordable. The JR Pass is valid on most Shinkansen and JR trains.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n<h2>Shinkansen lines<\/h2>\r\nThree <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen lines<\/a> connect with Shin-Osaka Station, the<strong> Tokaido, Kyushu, and the Sanyo lines.<\/strong> The Tokaido Line connects with Tokyo in the east, the Kyushu Line with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a>, and the Sanyo Line travels to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka<\/a> in the west.\r\n\r\nIf traveling to or through Osaka by Shinkansen, you will no doubt utilize Shin-Osaka Station.\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">Traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the JR Pass.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-to-kyoto\">How to go from Osaka to Kyoto<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Other JR lines<\/h2>\r\nOther Japan Railways trains include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Limited Express to Kansai Airport<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Kuroshio and Super Hakuto Limited Express trains to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/thunderbird-express-train\">Thunderbird Limited Express<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Various trains run on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\/\">Kobe<\/a>, Fukuchiyama, and Kyoto lines.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Getting to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\/\">Osaka Station<\/a> also allows entry onto the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">JR Osaka Loop Line.<\/a><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Non-JR Lines<\/h2>\r\nLocal commuter and rapid trains utilize this station but are <strong>not covered<\/strong> by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\nThe Midosuji Subway Line, part of the Osaka Municipal Subway system, is located on the station\u2019s second floor and provides direct access to the downtown area (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">Namba Station<\/a>).<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Access to Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Shin-Osaka Station is a mere three-minute train ride from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a><\/strong> via the JR Tokaido-Sanyo line, allowing access to the Umeda area. The subway trains provide the most direct access to the train station in Namba\u2019s downtown center.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nShin-Osaka Station is a four-story building. <strong>Most areas are labeled in both English and Japanese to help you find the correct gate and platform.<\/strong> Bilingual station maps are located on each floor. Icons are also used, such as a blue square with an image of a Shinkansen train to indicate that train\u2019s location. Color coded arrows and lines adorn the floor to help you find your way.\r\n\r\n<strong>To access the trains of Shin-Osaka, enter the gates on the third floor<\/strong> \u2013 South or Central gates for the Shinkansen, and the East Gate for other trains. JR Pass holders may use the Shinkansen gates without purchasing a Shinkansen ticket; simply show your pass.\r\n\r\n<strong>The ticket counters are also located on this floor.<\/strong> For access to the Shinkansen trains, you will travel up to the fourth floor, and for other JR trains, the second floor. Transfer gates allow you to pass between one train type and another.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do around Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>There are many shops and restaurants inside the station itself.<\/strong> These include a 7-Eleven on the first floor, as well as the Libro bookstore, Kyoto Craft Mart, and Starbucks coffee on the second floor.<strong> Other restaurants are located on the third-floor concourse.<\/strong> Shin-Osaka\u2019s largest restaurant is called <em>Aji no Kouji<\/em>, meaning \u201cFlavor Lane.\u201d\r\n\r\nYou may wish to stow your luggage before departing the station for a day on the town. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transporting-luggage-forwarding\">Coin lockers<\/a> are located on the first through third floors.<\/strong> The first-floor exit allows access to taxis, city buses, limousine buses, car rental, and bicycle rentals to aid in your exploration. Hotel prices are generally more affordable in this region of Osaka.\r\n\r\nWhile in Osaka, will you play at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/theme-parks-japan\">Universal Studios<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-aquariums-in-japan\">Osaka Aquarium<\/a>? View historic castles, temples, and shrines? Bask in the natural beauty of the forested Minoo Park or shop downtown? Whichever activities you choose, your JR Pass and Shin-Osaka Station are certain to make your travels a breeze.","post_title":"Shin-Osaka Station: Travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"shin-osaka-station","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-02-26 10:19:48","post_modified_gmt":"2021-02-26 09:19:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2502","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2494,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-12-14 07:21:27","post_date_gmt":"2017-12-14 05:21:27","post_content":"Namba is located in south central <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>, Namba and is <strong>one of the city\u2019s most famous neighborhoods<\/strong>. The area is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for visitors spending time in the city.\r\n\r\nWhen you\u2019re visiting and planning how to get around, it\u2019s easy to get <strong>confused between stations<\/strong>, as many share the name <em>Namba<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThis post focuses on <strong>JR Namba Station<\/strong> (formerly known as Minatomachi Station) and how it connects you to Osaka and the wider Kansai region with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ll also explain which other stations are located in the area, so you can easily tell them apart and <strong>make the right transfers during your trip<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>JR lines serving JR Namba<\/h2>\r\nJR Namba Station is the southern terminal station of the Kansai Main Line, also called the <strong>JR Yamatoji Line<\/strong>.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Major stops:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a>, Imamiya, Shin-Imamiya, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Tennoji<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Service frequency:<\/strong> Around 3 to 4 services per hour, with increased frequency in the morning rush hour<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe <strong>key points of interest <\/strong>along the route are:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Shin-Imamiya, for access to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tennoji, for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a> and popular shopping centers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nara, one of the most popular day trips from Osaka<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\/\">Haruka Express<\/a> does not depart from JR Namba. However, many people use the JR Yamatoji Line to first reach Tennoji, where they can then board the Haruka for <strong>Kansai International Airport<\/strong>. The onward journey takes around 35 minutes.\r\n\r\nJR Namba does not have a Shinkansen platform, so to <strong>catch a bullet train service<\/strong>, you need to first go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>. It only takes about 20 minutes, depending on your connection time.\r\n\r\nTo get there, take the JR Yamatoji Line to Tennoji, then transfer to a JR service to Shin-Osaka. This includes trains on the Osaka Loop Line, or the Hanwa Line Rapid service.\r\n<h2>Other lines serving JR Namba<\/h2>\r\nAlthough JR Namba is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-west-passes\">JR West<\/a> station, it connects underground to some other non-JR lines via the Namba Walk passages: the <strong>Osaka Metro Yotsubashi<\/strong>, <strong>Midosuji, and Sennichimae Lines<\/strong>. This helps you make a quick transfer without going above ground.\r\n<h2><strong>Other stations in the Namba area<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThere are <strong>2 other key stations<\/strong> in the Namba area that you can use to get around Osaka or reach other destinations outside the city. In addition to JR Namba Station, there is also:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nankai Namba Station<\/strong> \u2013 The closest station for Kansai Airport trains<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Osaka Namba Station<\/strong> \u2013 Useful for travel toward Nara and Kobe<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe <strong>Nankai Electric Railway<\/strong> operates from nearby Nankai Namba Station and includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nankai Airport Line<\/strong>: Runs a direct limited express rapid service to Kansai Airport.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nankai Main Line<\/strong>: Gives access to Sakai, Wakayama, and coastal towns like Kishiwada and Izumisano.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe <strong>Kintetsu Railway<\/strong> runs services from Osaka Namba Station, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kintetsu Nara Line<\/strong>: Runs services toward Nara, Ikoma and Higashi-Osaka.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kintetsu trains to Mie and Nagoya<\/strong>: Via intercity services from Osaka Namba.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe <strong>Hanshin Railway <\/strong>also serves Osaka Namba Station with:\r\n\r\n<strong>Hanshin Namba Line:<\/strong> Connects Namba with Amagasaki and the Hanshin Main Line toward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">Kobe<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Access to Namba Station<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe JR Namba Station is <strong>smaller than most JR stations<\/strong>, with just four tracks and two platforms. It's located in the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building. The main entrance at street level is quite discreet, but once you\u2019re inside, you can connect directly with all parts of the station via underground walkways.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" title=\"JR Namba station Google Maps\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1841.7044956500388!2d135.4950967216247!3d34.66622166506635!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6000e70da4db3f03%3A0x8d84c8f0f58422c9!2sJR%20Namba%20Station!5e0!3m2!1ses!2sus!4v1764336312569!5m2!1ses!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nFrom JR Namba Station, you will also have access to the <strong>OCAT bus terminal<\/strong> for long-distance buses across Japan. From the station, you can also take airport limousine buses bound for Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM).\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do around JR Namba Station<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-78\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/dotonbori-glico-man-osaka-e1466611870848.jpg\" alt=\"Dotonbori neon lights in Osaka\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/>\r\n\r\nJR Namba Station is <strong>located in the OCAT complex<\/strong>, which includes a shopping area and caf\u00e9s. It also sometimes hosts events and performances in its public spaces.\r\n\r\nOn leaving the station, a short walk north will take you to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a>, one of Osaka\u2019s best-known <strong>areas for food and entertainment<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nPopular shopping districts are also within easy reach, including the <strong>Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade<\/strong>, <strong>Amerikamura<\/strong>, <strong>Den Den Town<\/strong> and <strong>Namba Parks<\/strong>, a multi-level mall with landscaped rooftop terraces.\r\n\r\nOther<strong> points of interest close to JR Namba <\/strong>include the National Bunraku Theatre, Shochikuza Theatre, Hozenji Temple, Hozenji Yokocho Alley with its traditional restaurants, and the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum.","post_title":"Namba Station: Trains, transfers and getting around","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jr-namba-station","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-11-28 14:30:46","post_modified_gmt":"2025-11-28 13:30:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2494","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":11364,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-12-13 07:00:43","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-13 06:00:43","post_content":"Tennoji Station, called <strong>Tennoji-eki in Japanese<\/strong>, is located in the Tennoji-ku region of <strong>southern Osaka<\/strong>. It is an important transportation hub.\r\n\r\nIn the past, the area around Tennoji Station has had a \u201cseedy\u201d reputation. It\u2019s the setting of many crime mangas and a historic \u201cpleasure district.\u201d However, <strong>renovations and tourism have elevated Tennoji<\/strong>, and there\u2019s something there for everyone - <strong>from zoos and museums to ancient temples and food stands<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nCheck out this <strong>Tennoji Station travel guide<\/strong> to experience the best that Tennoji has to offer.\r\n<h2>Tennoji Station overview<\/h2>\r\nTennoji Station has been in operation <strong>since 1889<\/strong>. It is been renovated numerous times, including in 2013. Many lines converge in one location at Tennoji; <strong>if you\u2019re transferring trains in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>, it may very well happen at Tennoji<\/strong>. Direct connections are available to Wakayama, Nara, and the Kansai Airport.\r\n\r\n<strong>The ground floor level<\/strong> has five platforms serving five tracks, and the <strong>lower level<\/strong> four island platforms serving seven tracks.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11366\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tennoji-station-map-layout-640x800.jpg\" alt=\"Tennoji station map\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" \/> Tennoji Station Map - Credits by JR West.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLuggage store lockers can be rented inside the airport if you need a place to leave your belongings while you explore the city. Of course, like all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-train-stations\">JR train stations<\/a>, restaurants and shops are located inside the station. Transit, Expressway, and airport limousine buses also depart from the station.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Tennoji Station train lines<\/h2>\r\nTennoji and its connected stations serve both JR and non-JR rail lines. Services include local and rapid trains.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2320.9451789982068!2d135.51273429488649!3d34.64681893703509!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6000ddf0fdd44579%3A0x90b6c0d913ac9a7e!2sTenn%C5%8Dji%20Station!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1576140706877!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h3>JR lines<\/h3>\r\n<strong>You can use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> on any of Tennoji\u2019s JR West lines<\/strong>. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kansai Main Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Yamatoji Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kyoto Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hanwa Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nPlatforms also serve the <strong>Kansai Airport Line<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>Other lines<\/h3>\r\n<strong>The Osaka Metro operates two lines at Tennoji Station<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Midosuji Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tanimachi Line<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe platforms for these lines are connected by a long passage.\r\n\r\n<strong>Other stations are linked to Tennoji by bridges and underground walkways<\/strong>. These include the <strong>Abeno Kintetsu Station<\/strong> (across the street from JR Tennoji Station) and the <strong>Hankai Uemachi tram line<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Tennoji Station to Kansai International Airport<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3350\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"570\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/kansai-airport-trains-map.jpg\" alt=\"Kansai airport trains map\" width=\"570\" height=\"599\" \/> Map of the trains connecting Osaka and Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <strong>JR Kansai Airport Rapid Train<\/strong> is a popular option for travel <strong>from Tennoji Station to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-airports#Kansai_International_Airport\">Kansai Airport (KIX)<\/a><\/strong>. The <strong>Airport Line<\/strong> serves Tennoji, Osaka, and other stations of the Osaka Loop Line. The ticket is half the price of the Haruka express, but increases travel time by 15 minutes.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka limited express<\/a><\/strong> trains also connect Tennoji Station to Kansai International. Reserved and non-reserved seating is available and its <strong>full covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Tennoji Station to Universal Studios<\/h2>\r\nYour trip to Osaka might include a visit to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/universal-studios-japan-osaka\"><strong>Universal Studios Japan<\/strong><\/a>. Take a train from Tennoji Station to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a>. From there, you can take the <strong>JR Yumesaki Line<\/strong> (also called the JR Sakurajima Line) to <strong>Universal City Station<\/strong>. The park is a five-minute walk from the station.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-9511\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/universal-studios-japan-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Universal Studios Japan, Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/>\r\n\r\nIf heading to Universal directly from the airport, you can take the JR Airport Rapid to Nishikujo Station. From there, transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.\r\n<h2>Tennoji Station to Nara<\/h2>\r\n<strong>To travel from Tennoji Station to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a> JR Nara Station<\/strong>, a trip by JR Yamatoji line takes <strong>about 35 minutes<\/strong>. Alternately, you can take the Midosuji Subway Line to Nara Station.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1417\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-1417\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/nara-great-buddha-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara[\/caption]\r\n<h2>What to do near Tennoji Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>There\u2019s plenty to do near Tennoji Station<\/strong>. A popular attraction is the <strong>Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine<\/strong>. The Shrine is not the only historic site in the city. Others include <strong>Shitennoji Temple<\/strong> - the oldest in Japan - and <strong>Isshinji Temple<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11371\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/shitennoji-temple-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Shitennoji temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Shitennoji temple, Osaka[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOther outdoor activities include the <strong>Tennoji Zoo<\/strong>, in operation since 1915. Art lovers will enjoy the <strong>Osaka Municipal Museum of Art<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Interested in a bit of city shopping?<\/strong> At sixty stories in height, the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu department store is located inside Japan\u2019s largest building. Nearby, you\u2019ll find <strong>Hoop<\/strong>, <strong>Abeno Lucias<\/strong>, the <strong>Apollo Building<\/strong>, and <strong>Abeno Market Park Q\u2019s Town Mall<\/strong>, the largest shopping mall in the prefecture. Check out the Q\u2019s Kitchen food court, Q\u2019s Dining restaurant level, Tokyo Hands, Ito Yokado, Uniqlo, and Shibuya 109. <strong>Seven malls are located in the Station\u2019s immediate vicinity<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\nOsaka has been called \u201cthe kitchen of Japan,\u201d and Tennoji does not disappoint. For example, you can sample <strong>okonomiyaki<\/strong>, or <strong>savory pancakes<\/strong>, at Abeno Ichigen, located near the entrance of Shitennoji Temple.\r\n\r\n<strong>Shinsekai<\/strong>, located west of <strong>Tennoji Park<\/strong>, is a \u201cuniquely Osakan dining and entertainment district.\u201d An excursion to Shinsekai, translated \u201cNew World,\u201d will give you a taste of historic Osaka. A combination of Paris, France and Coney Island, New York, USA, the landscape is dominated by the <strong>Eiffel Tower-like Tsutenkaku Tower<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Hotel accommodation near Tennoji Station<\/h2>\r\nThe luxurious <strong>Marriott International Miyako Hotel<\/strong> is located inside the Abeno Harukas building. Other hotels near Tennoji Station include the <strong>APA Hotel Tennoji Ekimae<\/strong> and <strong>Hotel La Aroma Tennoji<\/strong>. The <strong>Business Hotel Taiyo<\/strong> is the place to go for budget accommodations.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover photo by \u305d\u3089\u307f\u307f under CC<\/em>","post_title":"Tennoji Station: Osaka travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"tennoji-station","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-12-13 10:20:19","post_modified_gmt":"2019-12-13 09:20:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=11364","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"itineraries","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":3144,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-03-23 07:17:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 05:17:08","post_content":"You\u2019ve got three days \u2013 three days to tour the second largest city in Japan. What should you see first? Can you taste the best that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> has to offer <strong>in just two or three days<\/strong>? With the help of this travel guide, yes you can. We\u2019ll help you hit the highlights and provide helpful information along the way.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nYou\u2019ll likely arrive in the city at either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>, especially if you are enjoying the ease and affordability of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\"><strong>Japan Rail Pass<\/strong><\/a>. Choose a hotel in a central location, with easy access to a train station \u2013 for example, one of the hotels in or around Osaka Station City. Once you are comfortably settled into your home away from home, your adventure is ready to begin.\r\n<h2><strong>Day 1: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2437\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/osaka-aquarium-e1510314918903.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka Aquarium\" width=\"700\" height=\"361\" \/>\r\n\r\nFifteen tanks occupy eight floors, some stretching across multiple floors. As you descend, you will spiral around the large central tank, which is home to a <strong>full-grown whale shark<\/strong> \u2013 an impressive animal the size of a city bus.\r\n\r\nThe aquarium opens at 10 a.m., so you can sleep in a little (if you want) and still get a relatively early start. Admission is \u00a52,300. Most visitors spend at least 3 hours in the aquarium.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\n<em>How to get there: <\/em>From Osaka Station, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a> to Bentencho Station. Then, take the Chuo line to Osakako Station. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is about a 10-minute walk from the station.\r\n\r\nAfter a few hours of appreciating the beauty of ocean life, you may be ready to appreciate their flavor. A number of <strong>restaurants<\/strong> are located just outside the aquarium, including those that specialize in squid and other <strong>seafood<\/strong>. Starbucks, Baskin Robins, and a ramen restaurant can also be found nearby.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Check out our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-aquariums-in-japan\">best aquariums in Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Day 1: <\/strong>Dotonbori Area<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka-dotonbori-e1521200671632.jpg\" alt=\"Dotonbori canal and Glico man\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore heading back to your hotel for the night, you may wish to stop by Osaka\u2019s famous entertainment district, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a>, where travelers can experience the local <strong>nightlife<\/strong> with <strong>restaurants<\/strong>, <strong>amusement facilities and shopping centers<\/strong> open 24 hours.\r\n\r\nHere's where you will be able to walk by the promenades on both sides of the <strong>Dotonbori-gawa\u00a0C<\/strong><strong>anal<\/strong> and see its amazing advertisements and neon signs, including the famous <strong>Glico Man<\/strong>. Last but not least, the <strong>Hozen-ji Temple<\/strong> on fhe first street to the south offers a gate out of the modern world and into the past of Osaka.\r\n\r\n<em>How to get there: <\/em>From Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line to Kujo Station. Then, take the Hanshin-Namba Line to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">Namba Station<\/a>. The Dotonbori is about a 5-minute walk from the station.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Check out our guide on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">how to get around Osaka<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Day 2: <\/strong><strong>Osaka Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-991\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/osaka-castle-e1487237455244.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka castle behind the cherry blossoms\" width=\"700\" height=\"469\" \/>\r\n\r\nOsaka Castle is one of the most striking castle structures in Japan. The enormous white edifice is a 1930s <strong>reconstruction of a historic castle<\/strong> from 1583. The building houses a modern museum, an elevator for ease of access, and the Nishinomaru Garden. It is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the city.\r\n\r\n<em>How to get there: <\/em>From Osaka Station, take the JR Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station. The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is \u00a5600. Admission to the garden is \u00a5200.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Check out our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">best castles in Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Day 2: <\/strong>Shitennoji Temple<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/shitennoji-osaka-e1510317788806.jpg\" alt=\"Shitennoji Osaka\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/>\r\n\r\nAfter a walk around the castle, consider a visit to Osaka\u2019s numerous shrines and temples. Nearest the station are the Isshin-ji, a classic twelfth-century Buddhist temple, and Shitennoji, a <strong>Buddhist temple<\/strong> dating to the year 593 A.D.\r\n\r\nA further walk will take you to the <strong>Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine<\/strong> is one of the oldest in Japan, built in the third century. You can view four main halls, as well as the picturesque Sorihashi Bridge.\r\n\r\n<em>How to get there:<\/em> From Osakajokoen Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station. The Shrines and temples are within walking distance of the station.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Check out our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-temples-in-japan\">best temples in Japan<\/a>!\r\n<h2>Day 3: Universal Studios Japan<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/universal-studios-japan-e1521200748296.jpg\" alt=\"Universal Studios Japan in Osaka\" width=\"700\" height=\"455\" \/>\r\n\r\nAfter the educational nature of castles and temples, the young and young at heart may desire to delve into the fictional world of Universal Studios Japan.\r\n\r\nThis amusement park, the second largest in Japan, features eight theatrically themed sections \u2013 <strong>the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,<\/strong> Universal Wonderland, Amity Village, Waterworld, <strong>Jurassic Park<\/strong>, San Francisco, New York, and Hollywood. If any in your travel group isn\u2019t into rollercoaster thrills, they may enjoy the Universal Citywalk Osaka, a movie-themed shopping mall located just outside the park.\r\n\r\nUniversal Studios Japan is typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admissions range in price from \u00a55,100 to \u00a57,600.\r\n\r\n<em>How to get there: <\/em>From Osaka Station, take the JR Sakurajima Line, also called the JR Yumesaki Line, to Universal City Station. The park is less than a five-minute walk from the station.\r\n\r\nIf you arrive at Osaka Station City a few hours in advance of your departure, you\u2019ll be able to squeeze in one last diversion \u2013 shopping in the station\u2019s plentiful stores, and relaxing at the rooftop gardens.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Check out our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/theme-parks-japan\">best theme parks in Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Day 3: HEP Five Ferris Wheel<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_235\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-235\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/hep-five-e1510923639513.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"455\" \/> The HEP shopping mall is also 5 minutes by foot on the Umeda area[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you have always wanted to ride a\u00a0massive red Ferris wheel\u00a0on the top of a skyscraper in Japan \u2013 this is the place for you.\r\n\r\nApart from an adventurous experience, Hep Five is a 10-story high\u00a0<strong>shopping mall<\/strong>\u00a0and entertainment center. You will find restaurants, European and Japanese fashion stores, including game centers (7th floor) where many of the local visitors love to gather and play.\r\n\r\nTo top it all after a long and tiring walk, go to the last floor and take a ride on the big red Ferris wheel \u2013 a romantic experience, preferred by many couples after sundown.\r\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong>: Don't miss either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/umeda-sky-building-osaka\"><strong>Umeda Sky Building<\/strong><\/a> and its \"Floating Garden Observatory\" on the 39th floor. Take its glass elevator and enjoy its modern architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka!<\/p>\r\nWill you get to see it all during your time in Osaka? If not, don\u2019t worry. Simply take note of what you\u2019d like to see and do on your next trip to Osaka.","post_title":"3 days in Osaka itinerary: Best things to do","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"things-to-do-in-osaka","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-03-22 09:59:53","post_modified_gmt":"2019-03-22 08:59:53","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=3144","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"day-trips","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1361,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-05-12 14:09:45","post_date_gmt":"2017-05-12 12:09:45","post_content":"Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan\u2019s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful big cities.\r\n\r\nKobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nKobe is also rich in culturally based activities \u2013 a famous Chinatown district, gourmet foods, sake breweries, traditional landscape gardens, and relaxing hot spring spas, to name just a few.\r\n\r\nIf you are considering a stop in Kobe during your next vacation in Japan, the first question you may ask is: <strong>How do you get there?<\/strong> Doing so is easy using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>! Kobe is but a short Shinkansen ride away from several of Japan\u2019s other major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Tokyo to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhen traveling from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo,<\/a>\u00a0use your Japan Rail Pass to board the Hikari trains on the <strong>JR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#TokaidoShinkansen\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> \/ Sanyo Shinkansen Line<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nTraveling <strong>from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Shin-Kobe Station<\/strong> by Hikari Shinkansen takes approximately <strong>3 hours and 15 minutes<\/strong>, with stops in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou have two options when traveling from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> to Kobe using the JR Pass<\/strong>. You may take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#SanyoShinkansen\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> <strong>from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong> This trip lasts approximately <strong>15 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station<\/strong> to the Kobe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sannomiya-station-kobe\">Sannomiya Station<\/a>, with a trip duration of around <strong>20 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n<h2><strong>Kyoto to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTwo options are also available from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-train-stations\">JR stations<\/a> involving train travel from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> to Kobe. You may take the <strong>direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station<\/strong> to Shin-Kobe Station. One Hikari train departs each hour, and the<strong> trip lasts approximately 30 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOr, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train<\/strong> on the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Sannomiya Station. To avoid confusion, <strong>keep in mind that this line is sometimes called the Kobe Line or Kyoto Line<\/strong>. This trip lasts around 5<strong>0 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSo you\u2019ve used your JR Pass to get to Kobe; you can use your pass to travel around the city as well. <strong>Kobe is home to three JR Stations \u2013 Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe Station, and Sannomiya Station.<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Shin-Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>If traveling to Kobe via Shinkansen bullet train, you will arrive at Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis station is located north of the city center, some distance from most attractions.\r\n\r\nThe station is served by:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kobe Municipal Subway (Seishin-Yamate Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hokushin Kyuko Electric Railway (Hokushin Line)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf you need to transfer to other stations from Shin-Kobe, you will need to take the Seishin-Yamate Line to Sannomiya Station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Sannomiya Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Sannomiya Station is the main railway terminal of Kobe, conveniently located in the heart of Kobe.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya, you can access not only JR lines such as the Tokaido Line to Osaka Station and Kyoto Station, but also local lines (Hankyu, Kobe Municipal Subway) to nearby attractions.\r\n\r\nTo connect to the Sanyo Shinkansen line, you must travel to Shin-Kobe station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\nThis one is the end of the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, being a smaller one and usually less convenient than Sannomiya station.\r\n\r\nFrom here, you can travel to Osaka and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a>\u00a0as well as other, smaller cities in the Kansai region.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAre you wondering <strong>what to do in Kobe<\/strong> during your next Japanese vacation? From Sannomiya Station, you can take the private Hanshin Line to <strong>Koshien Stadium to see the Hanshin Tigers play baseball<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAfter taking in a game, <strong>a taste of Kobe beef is an experience not to be missed<\/strong>. Kobe beef is a world-famous delicacy, delicately marbled steak that comes from specially bred <em>wagyu<\/em> cattle raised and prepared in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is often prepared in the style of <strong><em>shabu-shabu <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 thinly sliced and boiled in broth \u2013 or <strong><em>sukiyaki<\/em><\/strong>, simmered in a hot pot.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_399\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe-animal-kingdom-Merec0-wikimedia-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Animal Kingdom\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/> Kobe Animal Kingdom is a bird and flower park not to be missed.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter a long day of travels, perhaps you\u2019d like to unwind in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\"><em>onsen<\/em><\/a>, or natural therapeutic hot spring. The Arima Onsen at the base of Mount Rokko is within the Kobe city limits, making it an excellent day trip. From either Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station, take a subway to Tanigami Station. From there, travel to the Arima Onsen Station. The trip takes less than an hour.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kobe is at times overlooked by international travelers,<\/strong> veiled by the shadows of larger cities and better-known tourist attractions. Your days in Kobe, however, will not be regretted. <strong>This unique city will be a memorable part of your next vacation.<\/strong>","post_title":"Kobe travel guide: Access and attractions","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kobe-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-09-15 15:44:42","post_modified_gmt":"2020-09-15 13:44:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1361","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1457,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-02 10:00:41","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-02 08:00:41","post_content":"Nara is an ancient city located in the Kansai region of Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu. It was the <strong>first \u201creal\u201d capital of Japan<\/strong>, remaining such for less than a century. This historic location is home to a nearly unmatched eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>, including numerous Buddhist temples. The city was founded in the year 710 C.E. and originally known as Heijo.\r\n\r\nAmong its attractions are the oldest and largest wooden buildings in the world, the Nara Deer Park whose tame deer delight in entertaining visitors, fantastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> viewing spots, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/koka-ninja-village\">ninjas<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nYou can <strong>easily reach Nara<\/strong> from most of Japan\u2019s primary tourist destinations. Read on to discover how to arrive at this fascinating city from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.\r\n<h2>Nara\u2019s train\u00a0lines and stations<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The JR Nara Station is serviced by the JR Nara line and Kansai Lines<\/strong>, as well as non-JR local lines. The non-JR lines of Kintetsu Railways utilize the <strong>Kintetsu Nara Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, the Kintetsu lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The two stations are located at a distance of about 1 kilometer from one another and within walking distance of many city attractions.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThere are two rail lines which connect <strong>Kyoto to Nara<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>JR Nara line<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kintetsu Nara line<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209593.88396042594!2d135.62511609832413!3d34.833492746719344!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094051063!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe Kintetsu line offers a limited express line that takes just <strong>35 minutes<\/strong>. A one-way ticket costs 1,280 yen and it isn\u2019t covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, the Kintetsu also offers a 45-min express service that costs 760 yen.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>JR Nara line takes 45 minutes<\/strong> by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">from Kyoto Station<\/a>. It\u2019s <strong>covered by the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\"><strong>JR Pass<\/strong><\/a> but the price is 720 yen if you don\u2019t have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n<h2>Osaka to Nara<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Yamatoji rapid trains run every hour between Osaka and Nara from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">JR Osaka Station<\/a><\/strong>. The one-way trip takes <strong>50 minutes<\/strong> and is <strong>covered by the JR Pass<\/strong> (it costs 800 yen without one). Passengers also have the option of getting off at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Osaka Tennoji Station<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d105046.06328123208!2d135.56161406306646!3d34.63728663362325!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e68d95e3a70b%3A0x1baec822e859c84a!2sOsaka%20Station%2C%203%20Chome-1%20Umeda%2C%20Kita%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7024854!2d135.4959506!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094214366!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>There is also the option of catching the Kintetsu Railways limited-express train from Osaka-Namba Station. It only takes 35 minutes (making it the quickest way) and costs 680 yen. The JR Pass is not valid on Kintetsu Railways.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1223\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1223 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/jr-train-kyoto-e1501768803439.jpg\" alt=\"JR train in Kyoto Station\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/> The JR Nara line train takes 45 minutes between Kyoto and Nara[\/caption]\r\n<h2>From Tokyo to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>quickest way of getting from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong> is by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a>. The journey time from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">Tokyo to Kyoto<\/a> is around 3.5 hours along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> line. It takes 45 minutes from Kyoto to Nara.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669743.14050784!2d136.44106979301813!3d35.17614187706755!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2sTokyo%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-9%20Marunouchi%2C%20Chiyoda%20City%2C%20Tokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.681299599999996!2d139.76706579999998!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094366839!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe fastest type of Shinkansen is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi<\/a>, these trains are covered by the JR Pass if you pay a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/nozomi-mizuho-shinkansen\">supplemental charge<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, <strong>Hikari Shinkansen <\/strong>(covered by the JR Pass) only take slightly longer to cover the distance. The frequency is fairly regular so it is worth waiting for the next departing Hikari train.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\nYou can also take a highway <strong>bus from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong>. These take about 8 hours, and start from as little as 4000 yen. However, if you want to travel on a more comfortable bus tickets can go for over 8000 yen.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Nara<\/h2>\r\nNara is full of unique experiences that <strong>bring Japan\u2019s ancient heritage to life<\/strong>. It\u2019s a much smaller city than other popular tourist destinations in Japan, so it\u2019s a nice change of pace. Read on to discover some of the many attractions you can enjoy, including the famous Nara Park with free-roaming deer.\r\n\r\nConveniently, Most of Nara\u2019s primary attractions are within walking distance of each other and the train stations. Extensive bus lines are available as well. Day passes may be purchased to cover bus fairs, and most major <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\">IC cards<\/a> are accepted.\r\n<h3>Visit the Todai-ji temple<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1417\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1417 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/nara-great-buddha-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNara\u2019s landscape is dappled with historic buildings and landmarks. <strong><em>Todai-ji<\/em><\/strong>, meaning \u201cGreat Eastern Temple,\u201d is the largest of Nara\u2019s numerous temple structures. In fact, the <strong><em>Daibutsuden<\/em><\/strong><strong>, or Big Buddha Hall, is the largest wooden building currently in existence<\/strong>, and home to a huge, bronze Great Buddha statue 15 meters in height. Built in 752 C.E., Todai-ji was among the reasons that Japan\u2019s capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 \u2013 the government leaders of that time feared that the temple had gained too much influence in their politics.\r\n\r\nYou can reach this temple in about 30 minutes on foot from Nara Station, or about 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Greet the deer at Nara Deer Park<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Next to the temple is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\">Nara Park<\/a>, or <em>Nara Koen<\/em>, where over 1,000 deer roam freely for park guests to enjoy.<\/strong> It is not uncommon to see the deer just outside the gates of the temple. The animals often approach visitors, hoping to be treated with special crackers called <em>shika senbei<\/em>. These treats for the dear are sold in the park for around \u00a5150. Some deer have even learned to \u201cbow\u201d in order to beg for crackers.\r\n\r\nNara Park is just a few minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, and about 20 minutes on foot from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Attend centennial festivals at Mount Wakakusayama<\/h3>\r\nDuring specific times of the year, Nara has additional interests to pursue. For example, on the fourth Saturday of each January, <strong>fires are lit on nearby Mount Wakakusayama in a festival known as <em>Wakakusa Yamayaki<\/em><\/strong>. While this burning of the mountain involves local temples and has taken place for hundreds of years, its exact origins are unknown. It is thought that it may have begun in boundary conflicts between the temples or as a way to drive away dangerous wild boars. Fireworks and days of festivities accompany the bonfire.\r\n\r\nThe mountain is just 30 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, or 40 minutes from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Enjoy the sakura at Mount Yoshino<\/h3>\r\n<strong>In late March and early April, the <em>sakura<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-travel-tips\">cherry trees blossom<\/a> profusely throughout Japan.<\/strong> One of the most famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom viewing locations<\/a> is Mount Yoshino, also known as <em>Yoshinoyama.<\/em> The first cherry trees seem to have been planted on the mountain over 1,300 years ago. Today, more than 30,000 cherry trees reside there, providing a breathtaking spring display.\r\n\r\nTo reach Mount Yoshino from JR Nara Station, travel 45 to 60 minutes to Yoshino-guchi Station using the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n<strong>No matter the time of year, there is plenty to do in the intriguing ancient city of Nara.<\/strong> You will not regret adding this excursion through the Kansai region to your next itinerary.","post_title":"Visiting Nara: How to get there","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nara-jr-pass","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-09-17 09:47:20","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-17 07:47:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1457","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":511,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2016-10-24 10:56:44","post_date_gmt":"2016-10-24 08:56:44","post_content":"<strong>Located in the heavily forested Wakayama mountains<\/strong>, Mount Koyasan is an <strong>important religious destination<\/strong> in Kansai, as well as a popular tourist attraction.\r\n\r\nThe cradle of Shingon Buddhism, it offers <strong>over 100 temples and pagodas<\/strong> to explore, as well as the mysterious Okunoin cemetery, where spirits are said to roam. Perfect for a day trip, visitors also have the option to stay overnight in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shukubo-in-japan\">temple lodging<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Location and religious significance<\/h2>\r\nMt. Koya (<em>Koya-san,<\/em> in Japanese) is located in the Wakayama prefecture in the Kansai region - south of Osaka. This is the very center of <strong>Shingon Buddhism<\/strong> - one of the leading Buddhist sects in Japan. Founder and a leader of this teaching was the great <strong>Kobo Daishi<\/strong> (774-835), who is believed to have seen the Great Buddha, after coming out of his meditation.\r\n\r\nHis <strong>mausoleum<\/strong> is an absolute must for all visitors - foreign and locals, as this is also considered <strong>one of the most sacred places in all of Japan<\/strong>. It is said that Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon Buddhism, is not dead but in eternal meditation while awaiting Miroku Nyorai - the Buddha of the Future. During his time in meditation, people say that Kobo Daishi helps those who ask for salvation and relief.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_517\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-danjogaran-temple.jpg\" alt=\"Koyasan Danjogaran temple\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/> Koyasan Danjogaran temple by 663 highland @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn relation to this, the Shingon school teaches of thirteen Buddhas who assist people during their life on earth and continue helping them after death to find the<strong> path to enlightenment<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>What to see in Mount Koya<\/h2>\r\nDo not miss out on learning more about the <b>Pilgrimage Trails of Mount Koya<\/b> that take close to two months to complete on foot. People say that after making only one journey of this kind, it will change your views on life completely.\r\n\r\nWhat is more, this is the perfect place for a night in a <b>temple lodging<\/b>. One of the best ways to experience the traditional, spiritual and humble life of the Buddhist monks for a night.\r\n\r\nTraveling to the area\u00a0will take you through its dense forests and traditional architecture, consisting of <strong>over a hundred Buddhist temples<\/strong>. The temples are spread around two distinctive areas: temples and pagodas (3 or 5-story structure, with Indian origins) to the west of Mount Koya. <b>Okunoin<\/b>, the largest and most mysterious cemetery in all of Japan is in the east area. The Japanese believe there are no dead in Okunoin - just awaiting spirits.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, tourists and pilgrims can also stay at a <strong>temple lodging<\/strong>, accustomed to foreign guests, which allow experiencing the simple and long-established lifestyle of the Buddhist monks. You can do so through <a href=\"http:\/\/japaneseguesthouses.com\/ryokan-search-results\/?area=Mt+Koya\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Japanese Guest Houses <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/eng-shukubo.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Koyasan Shukubo Association<\/a> websites.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_518\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-518\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/mount-koya-streetlights.jpg\" alt=\"Okunion cemetary streetlights\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" \/> Okunion cemetary by Jordy Meow @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h2>How to get to Mount Koya with the JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nIt is possible to reach Mount Koya using your Japan Rail Pass. However, it will be slightly slower in comparison with the journey, described below.\r\n\r\nTake the <b>JR Kuroshio train from Shin-Osaka <\/b>to reach Wakayama station. The train ride will take close to an hour.\r\n\r\n<b>Note:<\/b> Shin-Osaka is not the central station in Osaka, but the hub for shinkansen bullet trains. However, if you have come from Tokyo, this would have been your final station.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Once at <b>Wakayama Station, take the JR Wakayama line<\/b> for 19 stops, until you reach<b> Hashimoto station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reaching Hashimoto from Wakayama will also take about an hour.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From Hashimoto station take the <b>Nankai-Koya line<\/b> and ride for 9 stops, until <b>Gokurakubashi station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From there, take the Nankai Koyasan Cable car for a short 5-minute ride. Get off at <b>Koyasan station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Reaching Mount Koya without JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nFollowing is a detailed guide on how to reach Mount Koya <strong>from Osaka<\/strong>.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Take the <b>Nankai line from Osaka\u2019s stations - Nanka or Shin-Imamiya<\/b>. Take the Nankai line from any of these two stations and ride to <b>Gokurakubashi station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Once at Gokurakubashi, take the <strong>Nankai Koyasan Cable car<\/strong>. It will take you up to Koyasan Station for 390 yen. The journey takes no longer than 5 minutes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From there you will have to walk about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) until you reach your final destination. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the Buddhist area from Koyasan station.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nAn alternative would be to make a short bus ride for just 10 minutes, costing you 290 yen to <b>Senjuinbashi <\/b>- this is city center where all the tourist information and offices are located.\r\n\r\nYou can also save money by purchasing the <strong>Koyasan World Heritage Ticket<\/strong>, a combined ticket that includes train, cable car and buses.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_519\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-519\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-station-platform.jpg\" alt=\"Koyasan cable car at the station platform\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/> Koyasan cable car at the station platform by Rsa @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Getting around\u00a0the Koyasan area<\/h2>\r\nOnce there you can move around easily. However, three\u00a0<strong>local bus lines<\/strong> commute to some of the main temples and tourist attractions. These buses can be very helpful in case the weather doesn\u2019t allow long walks in the forest.\r\n\r\nFor further information about routes and timetables, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nankai.co.jp\/en_railway\/traffic\/station\/koyasan.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nankai Koyasan station guide<\/a>\u00a0and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">map of the Kansai area<\/a>\u00a0trains.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover picture:\u00a0Koyasan monks by Crystallineradical @ Flickr<\/em>","post_title":"Mount Koya day trip, temple stay and itineraries","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mount-koya","to_ping":"","pinged":"\nhttp:\/\/japaneseguesthouses.com\/ryokan-search-results\/?area=Mt+Koya","post_modified":"2025-11-25 17:52:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-11-25 16:52:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=511","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2152,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-19 17:33:22","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-19 15:33:22","post_content":"Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as <strong>Japan\u2019s most beautiful city<\/strong>. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.\r\n\r\nHowever, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of <strong>Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks<\/strong>, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<strong>Discover Kyoto<\/strong> with the help of our guides. From getting around the city, where to eat, and what to see and do, our guides tell you everything you need to know.\r\n<h2>Top attractions in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nAs one of Japan\u2019s largest cities and a <strong>top tourist destination<\/strong>, there is plenty to see and do in Kyoto.\r\n\r\nTo help you decide what to visit during your time in Kyoto, have a look at our detailed guides to some of the city\u2019s <strong>best attractions<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Arashiyama bamboo grove, Nijo Castle, and the thousand red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine are just some of the highlights.\r\n<h2>Getting around Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nKyoto has an <strong>excellent public transport system<\/strong>: the city has efficient rail and bus networks. Getting around Kyoto and the surrounding areas is easy with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\nYou\u2019ll usually be able to choose from several options to get you from A to B in Kyoto. To save time once you arrive in the city, it\u2019s a <strong>good idea to plan transport<\/strong> in advance.\r\n\r\nOur guides to trains, buses and other modes of transport will help you prepare for your visit.\r\n<h2>Main train stations in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nKyoto Station is a main transportation hub in western Japan. It houses 2 separate stations: <strong>JR Kyoto Station<\/strong> and <strong>Kintetsu Kyoto Station<\/strong>. The impressive glass and steel building was designed by an award-winning architect and is home to many shops and restaurants.\r\n\r\nThere are other stations that you may wish to use during your stay. Check out our guides to find out more about train stations in Kyoto and help you plan your journeys.\r\n<h2>Itineraries and nearby attractions<\/h2>\r\nTo get the most out of your stay in Kyoto, it\u2019s important to <strong>have an itinerary<\/strong>. We\u2019ve put together several options depending on how long you will stay in the city and which attractions you\u2019re interested in seeing.\r\n\r\nUsing our itineraries, you can <strong>make the most of every minute<\/strong> of your time in Kyoto. Don\u2019t miss out on any of the best sites, and enjoy some of the finest cuisine the city has to offer.\r\n<h2>Day trips and nearby destinations<\/h2>\r\nWhile there\u2019s lots to see and do in Kyoto city center, you might also want to <strong>explore the surrounding areas<\/strong>. There are many interesting nearby towns that you can visit on a day trip to Kyoto.\r\n\r\nHere you\u2019ll find guides to some of the <strong>most popular places close to Kyoto<\/strong> and how to get there. If you\u2019re spending a few days in the city, these are great options to see a bit more of Japan during your vacation.","post_title":"Kyoto travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kyoto-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-24 09:52:54","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-24 08:52:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":2011,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2152","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1823,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-08-25 13:37:18","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-25 11:37:18","post_content":"Imagine walking in the sands of a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea. You approach a concrete pier jutting out into the water. Rather than your usual retinue of fishermen and tourists, you are greeted by an enormous black and golden pumpkin.\r\n\r\nThe scene described is no fairytale or dream. It is part of the sculptures and modern art for which the island of Naoshima is known. The island enjoys sunny weather and rural living that rivals that of Europe\u2019s Mediterranean region.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Where is Naoshima<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Located in the Seto Island Sea, south of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">Okayama<\/a>, Naoshima is popularly known as \u201can art island.\u201d<\/strong> Its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transportation\">transportation<\/a> system is well equipped for tourism, and its 20 plus art exhibits and museums take a full day, or more, to fully appreciate. Even if you have only a little time, this island is an intriguing and worthwhile excursion.\r\n\r\nYour travels to Naoshima will likely begin at one of Japan\u2019s larger cities popular with international tourists, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. <strong>Whatever the starting point, you will be passing through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">Okayama<\/a> to get to Naoshima<\/strong>, as described below. <strong>The railway trip is covered by your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Naoshima<\/h2>\r\nFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamanote-line#Tokyo_Station\">Tokyo Station<\/a>, board the Hikari train and travel on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">JR Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> Line to Okayama Station, a trip of about four hours. Proceed from Okayama as described below.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Naoshima<\/h2>\r\nOne direct Hikari train runs on the JR Tokaido \/ Sanyo Shinkansen Line from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto Station<\/a> to Okayama per hour. This trip takes about 90 minutes. Proceed from Okayama as described below.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n<h2>Osaka to Naoshima<\/h2>\r\nFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama using either the Sakura or Hikari train. This portion of the trip lasts approximately 45 minutes. Proceed from Okayama as described below.\r\n<h2>Okayama to Naoshima<\/h2>\r\n<strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">Okayama Station<\/a>, take the JR Uno Line to Uno Station.<\/strong> You may be required to transfer trains at Chayamachi Station. <strong>From Uno Station, walk across the street to the ferry terminal.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nPlease not that the <strong>ferry passage is not included in the JR Pass<\/strong> and costs \u00a5290 one way. The 20-minute boat ride will arrive at one of two ports on Naoshima, either Miyanoura Port on the west side of the island or Honmura Port to the east.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around the<\/strong><strong>\u00a0island<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Most ferries arrive at Miyanoura Port.<\/strong> The ferry terminal provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transporting-luggage-forwarding\">coin lockers <\/a>for your luggage as well as bicycle rentals. Standard bicycles can be rented for \u00a5500 per day, electric bicycles for \u00a52,000 per day.\r\n\r\n<strong>Most of Naoshima\u2019s attractions are located on the southern half of the island<\/strong> \u2013 the north is occupied by a Mitsubishi industrial site. One or two buses run each hour. Each bus ride costs \u00a5100. The ride from Miyanoura to Honmura takes around 10 minutes, and the Art House Project and Ando Museum are within walking distance of the Honmura terminal.\r\n\r\nThe ride south to the Tsutsujiso bus stop lasts around 15 minutes. This stop is located at the east gate of the Benesse House complex, and from there you can take a free shuttle bus to the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, or Benesse House. Each of these attractions is located five to 10 minutes from the bus stop.\r\n<h3>Naoshima map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1NRk6vdlz5FBJgN5Z4XNh0tYPmAY&amp;hl=en_US\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Things to do in Naoshima<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Naoshima\u2019s art installations, museums, and architecture are not to be missed.<\/strong> The Chichu Art Museum, for instance, is unusual in that it is located almost completely underground yet used natural light to illuminate the artwork. The Lee Ufan Museum features the work of its namesake, a Korean artist who lives and teaches in Japan.\r\n\r\nThe Benesse House complex includes an art museum, outdoor art displays, restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Its four buildings are known as the Museum, the Oval, the Park, and the Beach. It is here that famous exhibits such as <strong>Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin<\/strong>, mentioned at the outset, can be viewed.\r\n\r\nEach of the afore mentioned buildings was designed by famous architect Ando Tadao, whose activities are documented in the Ando Museum in Honmura. Many of the island\u2019s municipal buildings, including schools, were designed by architect Ishii Kazuhiro. <strong>The Art House Project in Honmura has transformed abandoned houses<\/strong>, workshops, temples, and shrines into structural works of art and venues for Japanese artists. When on Naoshima, simply look around \u2013 artwork is everywhere!\r\n\r\n<strong>Naoshima, along with neighboring islands, is also home to the Setouchi International Art Festival<\/strong>, held once every three years. A highlight among these islands is Teshima, which holds the Teshima Art Museum, a unique installation made of a freestanding concrete shell.\r\n\r\n<strong>Whether an art lover, nature enthusiast, culturalist, or avid traveler, you are certain to enjoy the unique island of Naoshima.<\/strong> Check out our other travel guides and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\">destinations<\/a> and begin planning your next Japan vacation today.","post_title":"Naoshima Travel Guide: Access and what to see in the Art Island","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"naoshima-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-11-09 12:11:21","post_modified_gmt":"2022-11-09 11:11:21","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1823","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2189,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-26 14:01:10","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-26 12:01:10","post_content":"Okayama is a city where history meets modern technology. It originated as a castle town during Japan\u2019s Edo Period, which spanned from the early 1600s to mid-1800s. Today, Okayama is the second largest city in the region, being somewhat smaller than Hiroshima. It is a railroad transportation hub, located at the junction of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Shikoku\u2019s only rail connection.\r\n\r\nWhat is there to see and do in Okayama and the surrounding cities? How do you get there from popular destinations such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>? Consider this helpful travel guide.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2><strong>How to\u00a0get to Okayama<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou may arrive in Okayama by air at the Okayama Airport (OKJ). The airport is located about 35 minutes north of the city center when traveling by direct <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/how-to-use-the-local-bus\">buses<\/a> connecting with Okayama Station. If you are arriving from another city, travel by train is simple using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Tokyo to Okayama.<\/em> <\/strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-tokyo-metro\">Tokyo Station<\/a>, take the Hikari train on the JR Tokaido\/Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama Station. The trip takes about four hours and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Kyoto to Okayama.<\/em><\/strong> From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, take the Hikari train on the JR Tokaido\/Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama Station. One such train departs from Kyoto each hour, and the trip takes about 90 minutes. It is also covered by the JR Pass.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Osaka to Okayama. <\/em><\/strong>If traveling from Osaka, you will also take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line. The trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Station<\/a> to Okayama Station takes about 45 minutes. The Hikari train is covered by the JR Pass, and additional trains may be covered by other area-wide passes.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Hiroshima to Okayama.<\/em><\/strong> From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima Station<\/a>, take the JR Sanyo Line to Okayama Station. This trip takes around three hours and 15 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Okayama<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou\u2019ve seen how easy it is to arrive at Okayama using the Japan Rail Pass. <strong>You might also consider the Sanin Okayama Area Pass.<\/strong> This four-day pass costs \u00a54,500 \u2013 half this amount for children under age six - and allows unlimited travel on JR trains in and around Okayama, as well as the non-JR Chizukyu Express Line.\r\n\r\nFor travel around the city, the Sanin Pass also offers free bicycle rental from Ekirin Kun outlet stores, and discounts on admission to such attractions as the Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.\r\n\r\n<strong>Two tram lines, the Higashiyama and Sekibashi, depart from Okayama Station.<\/strong> Within the city, these cost a flat rate of \u00a5100 per ride; the trams may be covered by some local passes. When taking the Higashiyama Line, consider stopping at Shiroshita. Many of the best attractions in Okayama are situated within a 15-minute walk from one another, and they are within walking distance of this stop. Several bus lines also operate within the city.\r\n<h3>Okayama map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1coXyJjuSaFqumIwnlpW8bYdDCro&amp;hl=en_US\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Okayama<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>Korakuen Garden<\/strong>, a famous Okayama garden, and park, is ranked among the three <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan\">best Japanese gardens<\/a>. The landscape garden spans both sides of the waterway known as Asahi-gawa. The nearby <strong>Okayama Castle<\/strong> provides the backdrop for the popular Japanese fairy tale <em>Momotaro<\/em>, or \u201cthe Peach Boy,\u201d and references to this legend can be seen throughout the city. The reconstructed castle, also known as the \u201ccrow castle,\u201d was originally built in 1597, and rebuilt in 1966. The main building contains a museum.\r\n\r\nAnother outdoor activity is the <strong>Kibi Plain and cycling route<\/strong>. This scenic bicycle road winds through rural land dotted with historic sites, temples, shrines, and farms.\r\n<h2>Side trips from Okayama<\/h2>\r\nIf you will be traveling in the region for a number of days, consider a visit to nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/miyajima-travel-guide\">Miyajima<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/naoshima-travel-guide\">Naoshima<\/a> Island.\r\n\r\nAt <strong>Himeji<\/strong>, you will witness the beautifully restored White Heron Castle. Hiroshima is known for its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the UNESCO World Heritage Site which marks the location of the destructive atomic bomb unleashed on the city during World War II. Miyajima, or the \u201cshrine island,\u201d is a spiritual retreat famous for its mountainous beauty and \u201cfloating\u201d torii gate. It is also a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">World Heritage Site<\/a> and has been considered one of the Three Views of Japan for nearly 400 years.\r\n\r\n<strong>Naoshima Island<\/strong> is known for its unique art installations and museums such as the Chichu Museum, Benesse House museum and hotel, Lee Ufan Museum, Ando Museum, and Art House Project.\r\n\r\nFinally, you can take the JR Marine Liner to <strong>Takamatsu and Shikoku<\/strong> <strong>island<\/strong>,\u00a0via the Great Seto Bridge. With a top speed of 130 km\/h (80 mph), the full journey from Okayama to Takamatsu takes approximately one hour.\r\n\r\nWhere will your travels take you? <strong>Whichever sights you choose to visit, your trip to Okayama is certain to be a memorable one<\/strong> in this region rich in history and culture.","post_title":"Okayama travel guide: Access and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"okayama-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-05-17 17:38:49","post_modified_gmt":"2018-05-17 15:38:49","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1093,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-03-11 10:00:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-03-11 08:00:28","post_content":"Built in 1609, <strong>Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.\r\n\r\nConstruction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was <strong>built in 1609<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlso <strong>known as \u2018White Heron Castle\u2019 because of its distinctive pale facade<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is located close to the city of the same name.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nHimeji is <strong>easy to reach by Shinkansen<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">Kobe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> with a JR Pass or one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">JR Regional Passes<\/a>. Depending on your starting point, you may take the Tokaido and Sanyo bullet train lines.\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you're traveling from <strong>Tokyo to Himeji<\/strong>, you may use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> bullet train lines. The direct Hikari trains span the distance in approximately 3 and a half hours.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669908.1819413714!2d135.91017582627794!3d35.1681034147251!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e6!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2stokyo%20station!3m2!1d35.6812362!2d139.7671248!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117335239!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nTo get to <strong>Himeji from Kyoto<\/strong>, you can use your Japan Rail Pass as well as several regional passes on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line\u2019s Kodama, Sakura, or Hikari trains. A direct trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto station<\/a> takes around 55 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d419321.02293393033!2d134.8952702933522!3d34.80731318681874!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117439323!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Kobe to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you travel from <strong>Kobe to Himeji<\/strong>, your trip can start either at Kobe-Sannomiya station or Shin-Kobe station to reach Himeji station.\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya station you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo line and reach Himeji station in 40 minutes with a Rapid Train. If you depart from Shin-Kobe station, you can take the Sanyo Shinkansen line and reach your destination in 15 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.77559378302072!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60008ec34f49fb8b%3A0x790b10d9f54938fb!2sShin-Kobe%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-3%20Kan%C5%8Dch%C5%8D%2C%20Chuo%20Ward%2C%20Kobe%2C%20Hyogo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7062884!2d135.1954675!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118105234!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Osaka to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nYou have several travel options to get from <strong>Osaka to Himeji<\/strong>. You may take the direct access Hikari train from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\"><strong>Shin-Osaka station<\/strong><\/a> to Himeji station. This trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes.\r\n\r\nOther shinkansen trains, such as the Kodama, are also available from Shin-Osaka, but the trip will be slower as the trains stop at several stations along the way. From the <strong>JR Osaka station<\/strong>, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over 1 hour.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.92331008302074!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e4396c12ce49%3A0x3bd7c4e0bf1076cf!2sShin-Osaka%20Station%2C%205%20Chome-16%20Nishinakajima%2C%20Yodogawa%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7334658!2d135.5002547!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118356830!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>Visiting Himeji Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nUpon <strong>entering the castle through the Otemon Gate<\/strong>, visitors can tour the area known as the Sannomaru admission-free. This area is popular for viewing and photographing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossoms<\/a> in the spring. Note that during the crowded sakura season and during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\">Golden Week<\/a>, there may be long wait times to enter the castle.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-1095 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-sakura-e1489142774509-800x514.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle and river during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" \/>\r\n\r\nAt the far side of the Sannomaru is the <strong>ticket booth at the Hishi Gate<\/strong>, where you pay the admission fee to enter the rest of the castle.\r\n\r\nBeyond the Hishi Gate are winding, maze-like paths and additional gates leading to the main keep \u2013 a strategy used in earlier times to slow attacking forces. <strong>The castle is 6 stories high<\/strong>, and you climb to the upper floors using narrow staircases.\r\n\r\nOn each level, signs in various languages discuss architectural features and renovation efforts. <strong>The top level of the castle contains a small shrine<\/strong>. Multiple windows allow for a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and surrounding city.\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji Castle<\/h2>\r\nWhen you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and <strong>take the North Exit<\/strong>. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1094\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1094 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1489142437462-800x509.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"509\" \/> Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe castle is a <strong>20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street<\/strong>. If the weather is bad, you can walk inside the nearby Miyukidori and Honmachi Shotengai shopping arcades. The exit to the arcade is just one block from the castle gate.\r\n\r\nYou can also <strong>take a bus<\/strong> from the North Exit of the station to the castle, it\u2019s just a 5-minute ride and costs 190 yen. Look for the Himeji Castle Loop Bus and get off at the Himeji Castle Otemon-mae stop. You could also take a taxi (around 750 yen).\r\n<h2>Himeji Castle admission fees and opening hours<\/h2>\r\nThe admission fee <strong>to the castle only is 1000 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, if you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> holder, you <strong>get a 20% discount<\/strong> on the admission price. This also applies to holders of JR West regional passes, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hiroshima-pass\">Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass\">Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-area-pass\">Sanyo-San'in Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-northern-kyushu-pass\">Sanyo-San\u2019in Northern Kyushu Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNote that <strong>from spring 2026 the admission fees are due to rise<\/strong> for non-residents of the area, in order to help pay for the castle\u2019s maintenance costs.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the local government is thinking of introducing a <strong>premium ticket package aimed at international visitors<\/strong> that would include the admission fee alongside discounts at local eateries and a service for storing bags.\r\n\r\nThe castle is <strong>open for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily<\/strong>. In August, the opening hours extend to 6.00 PM. You can enter the castle up to one hour before closing.\r\n<h2>Other things to do in Himeji<\/h2>\r\nOn the west of the grounds of the castle is the <strong>Nishinomaru garden<\/strong>, which at one time housed a princess. This provides an alternate perspective of the castle keep, and you can tour a building and rooms along the walled exterior.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you could tour the <strong>Kokoen Garden<\/strong>, which features nine walled gardens in various Edo Period formations. Here, you can enjoy a taste of green tea in the ceremonial teahouse and tea garden.\r\n\r\nAdmission to Kokoen Garden is 310 yen, or it <strong>may be added to your Himeji Castle admission<\/strong> for only 50 yen.\r\n\r\nOutside of the castle grounds, you could take a bus to nearby <strong>Mount Shosha<\/strong> to enjoy its walking paths, temples, and the Shoshasan Ropeway.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s also plenty of opportunities to do some shopping while in Himeji at the <strong>Honmachi Shotengai and Miyukidori shopping arcades<\/strong>.","post_title":"Himeji Castle and city travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"himeji-castle-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-12-13 20:43:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-12-13 19:43:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1093","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Osaka: City Travel Guide - Japan Rail Pass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the best of Osaka with the JR Pass: how to get around, what to see and the best activities and attractions in Osaka and the Kansai area.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2160\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Osaka: City Travel Guide - Japan Rail Pass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the best of Osaka with the JR Pass: how to get around, what to see and the best activities and attractions in Osaka and the Kansai area.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-02-04T10:25:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\",\"name\":\"Osaka: City Travel Guide - 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