01
Getting to Osaka with the JR Pass
- From Tokyo: Hikari or Sakura shinkansen to Shin Osaka in about 3 hours, no supplement.
- From Kyoto: Hikari or Kodama in 15 minutes.
- From Hiroshima: Sakura or Hikari in around 1.5 hours.
City guide
JR Pass in Osaka: how to use it and where it takes you
Osaka is one of the easiest cities to enjoy with a Japan Rail Pass. The shinkansen, the Osaka Loop Line and several airport routes are all covered.
02
Inside Osaka
- JR Osaka Loop Line connects Osaka station, Tennoji, Tsuruhashi and Nishikujo for the bay area.
- JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City station for Universal Studios Japan.
- Haruka Express to Kansai Airport, fully covered.
03
Day trips from Osaka with the pass
- Kyoto in 15 minutes by shinkansen or 30 minutes on the Special Rapid.
- Nara on the JR Yamatoji Line in 45 minutes.
- Himeji Castle in 30 minutes on the Sakura shinkansen.
- Kobe in 25 minutes on the JR Kobe Line.
04
Tips when using the pass in Osaka
- Use the manned gate at every station, not the automatic gates with IC cards.
- Reserve Nozomi and Mizuho only with a supplement, otherwise pick Hikari or Sakura.
- Subway and private Hankyu or Hanshin lines are not covered.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Does the JR Pass cover Osaka subway?
No. The Osaka Metro is run by a separate company. The pass covers JR lines, including the Osaka Loop Line.
Can I use the JR Pass to Kansai Airport?
Yes. The Haruka Express and the regular JR Kansai Airport Line are both included.
Is Universal Studios Japan covered?
The JR train to Universal City station is covered. The park ticket itself is not.
Related articles
Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.