Your trusty guide to smooth, wallet-friendly transportation in Osaka!

The Osaka Metro runs through the Osaka city area via 9 total train lines. One of which, the Midosuji Line, connects the popular tourist hubs of Kita Area and Minami Area, and passes through stations where main tourist spots are concentrated, like Umeda Station, Namba Station, Shinsaibashi Station, Tennoji Station, and more. The same line also provides easy access to Shin-Osaka Station, where the bullet train stops. So if you train via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line for train options, plus walk or use or a taxi, you’re pretty much set in terms of getting around all the major sightseeing spots in the city of Osaka.

Like the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, the JR West Osaka Loop Line circles around the urban center of Osaka while hitting the closest stations to hot sightseeing areas, like Osaka Station, Tennoji Station, Osaka Castle Park Station, and more. If you transfer from the Osaka Loop Line to the JR Yumesaki Line, you can also travel to the nearest station of Universal Studios Japan.

Shin-Osaka Station, the gateway to Osaka and home to station stops for the Tokaido and Sanyo Line bullet trains. If you plan to use JR, you can make your way to Osaka Station from here, or take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to get to the buzzing sights frequented by sightseers, including Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi and more.
There’s even a mall in the station for shopping and tasty eats, meaning there’s plenty to keep you entertained while waiting for the bullet train.

Osaka Station sits in the Umeda or “Kita Area”, while welcoming the many tourists looking to tour Osaka via the JR West and many other connected lines.
Some travelers tend to mix up this station with its neighboring Umeda Station (via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) and Osaka Umeda Station (via the Hankyu Electric Railway). One tip to avoid mixing up the many stations that have “Osaka” and “Umeda” in the name is to tell any taxi driver the name of the train line you need to be sure.

Namba Station is another terminal station to look out for because there are several stations with the same name. Specifically, even the location of the station changes depending on which line you’re aiming to use: the Nankai Line Namba Station, Kintetsu/Hanshin Line Osaka Namba Station, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line/Sennichimae Line/Yotsubashi Line Namba Station, and JR Line Namba Station, so be sure to check which line's Namba Station to use before getting on your way.

The Kita Area, one of two major commercial districts in Osaka, is comprised of the area around JR Osaka and every line Umeda Station.
This is the spot in Osaka to find larger-than-life shopping malls and jaw-dropping skyscrapers, making it a haven for shopping lovers.
With so many large-scale shopping buildings around JR Osaka Station and Umeda Station on every line, why not try getting around the Jr Osaka Loop Line or Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and swinging by.

The Minami Area, which stretches from the Chuo Ward to the Naniwa Ward of Osaka city (Shinsaibashi, Namba, Dotonbori), encapsulates the heart and soul of Osaka.
Iconic to Osaka, the giant Glico billboard and a huge crab signboard can be found here in the Minami area.
The area is also a hub for Osaka's tasty food scene, drawing visitors from near and far for a taste of Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu, and other local delights.
To access the Minami area take a train to Namba Station via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

The Tennoji Area, located close to the Minami Area, offers a number of spots where you can experience the quintessential "Osaka-ness."
Highlights of the Tennoji area include Shinsekai, an area centered around Tsutenkaku tower, and Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan at 300 meters above the ground.
The area is bursting with local Osaka cuisine and regional favorites, like kushikatsu skewers and standing bars where you can step a little closer into the authentic Osaka food scene.
To get to Tennoji, get off at Tennoji Station, the nearest stop on the JR Osaka Loop and Osaka Metro Midosuji Lines.

The Osaka Castle Area, centered around Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park, is filled with sightseeing spots where you can feel the history of Osaka.
Selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," you can enjoy the Japanese aesthetic scenery of a castle against a backdrop of cherry blossoms when they come into bloom.
The Osaka Castle area is accessible from either Morinomiya Station or Osaka Castle Park Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line.

The Bay Area around Osaka Bay is an area filled with amusement havens like Universal Studios Japan, the Kaiyukan aquarium with its famously gigantic water tank, able to hold 5,400 tons. There’s even the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the largest ferris wheels in the world. For a half day or more of thrills and fun, this is the spot to try.
For Universal Studios Japan, the nearest station is JR Yumesaki Line "Universal City Station," whereas for Kaiyukan and Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, the nearest station is Osaka Metro Chuo Line "Osaka Port Station."
Both require a transfer from the JR Osaka Loop Line or Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, but since you can access them with just one transfer, there's no need to worry about getting lost.

Beloved under the nickname USJ, Universal Studios Japan is a massive theme park enjoyed by a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. The park is divided into different themed areas, gathering world-class entertainment. Each area offers a unique experience unlike any other before.

Osaka Castle Tower is a historical monument that was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), and completed in 1585. The current castle tower, reconstructed in 1931, houses a historical museum that features exhibitions like "Miniature Summer Siege" and a life-size model of Hideyoshi's golden tea room, among others.

Dotonbori is a bustling, lively street lined with 3D signage of crabs, octopuses, and other icons jutting out into the street. The Dotonbori River flows to the north, while the main street to the south is full of eateries. Main street here is a pedestrian paradise, teeming with people enjoying street eats like takoyaki balls and more.

A super-sized mixed-use building standing 300 meters tall. The observation deck, Harukas 300, spans three floors (58th, 59th, and 60th) and provides stunning panoramic views of Osaka. The top floor, accessed by an elevator from the 16th floor, is a glass-enclosed indoor walkway that gives the sensation of walking in the sky.

Tsutenkaku is a tower with a special outdoor observation deck on the 5th floor, 87.5m above ground, and a basement floor. The 5th floor houses the Golden Observation Deck and a statue of the god of good luck, Billiken, which is said to bring fortune if you rub its feet. The very top of the tower, 94.5m above ground, has a special outdoor observation deck with an overhanging view platform complete with invisible floors named TIP THE TSUTENKAKU.