Shin-Osaka①

There are many rail options to choose from when arriving into Shin-Osaka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Shin-Osaka Station is serviced by JR railways and Osaka Metro for transfers. JR Limited Express trains bound for Wakayama, Fukui, Kinosaki hot springs, and Tottori as well as Kansai International Airport are all available.

Conventional JR lines provide access to the wider Kansai region such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto making them convenient for transferring. There are three Shinkansen exits; the central exit, east exit, and the south exit. When transferring from the Shinkansen to JR trains, a large sign labelled “Transfer to JR Lines” is displayed on the Shinkansen concourse. The exit signs from the Shinkansen platforms are all written in English to avoid any confusion.

You can also transfer to JR limited express trains from this gate. For those unsure, even the conventional line platforms bound for Osaka and Kobe include displays with the main destinations listed. To go to Osaka Station, take the train on Platform 7 or 8, and it is just one station away.

Furthermore, to get to Universal Studios Japan, transfer to the Yumesaki Line on Platform 1 at Osaka Station and get off at Universal City Station.

Electronic sign boards on the platforms display destinations and departure times in English. Check these boards for clarification.

When transferring at Shin-Osaka Station you have the option of JR lines and the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Umeda in central Osaka can be reached by JR (The station name is “Osaka station”) or the Osaka Metro. You can also go to Namba Station on the Midosuji Line. To transfer to the Osaka Metro, signs are displayed in English on walls and passages from the Shinkansen exit, so you can follow the signs without getting lost.

Osaka Metro tickets can be purchased at the automatic ticket machine. A fare from Shin-Osaka to Umeda costs 230 JPY and to Namba is 280 JPY. To use the ticket machines, insert the notes and coins and then push the button displaying your fare amount. Please note that credit cards cannot be used, so prepare some cash. A one-day pass “Enjoy Eco Card” is a convenient way to conduct sightseeing in Osaka City. The card allows unlimited travel on all Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus lines, plus discounts at about 30 tourist facilities in Osaka City.