Getting gAround in Osaka

Honshu transportation in Osaka is generally quite safe, affordable and highly convenient. Before you plan your trip to Osaka, decide how you're going to get around the city so that you become familiar with the fares and routes.

Train

You can hop on a train to get from Osaka to Tokyo and other major destinations in Japan, but you can also ride the JR Osaka Loop Line around most of the city for easy access to many points of interest, such as Osaka Castle and, with a short connection, Universal Studios Japan. Expect fares to cost around $1.50 to $3, depending on how long you'll be riding the train.

Subway

More expansive than the JR Osaka Loop line is Osaka's subway system offered by the Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau. You'll most likely need the Midosuji Line, which can get you most places in central Osaka and between the Minami and Kita districts. If you need to get somewhere that doesn't have a stop on the Midosuji, there are eight other subway lines from which to choose. Subway fares are usually about $3 per ride, but a better deal for the traveler is the Osaka one-day pass, which gives you unlimited access (for a day) to Osaka's subways, buses and the New Tram for about $8.

Bus

The Osaka bus system is closely tied with the subway, and you can expect to find most bus stops near train stations and points of interest, so that you can skip walking and take a bus once you get off of the subway. Fares are similar to the subway.

New Tram

An elevated train system closely tied with the subway and the bus system is the Osaka New Tram, which services ten stations throughout Osaka. Prices are the same as the subway.