Introduction: Why Do People Get Lost in Umeda?
Umeda is the biggest transportation hub in the Kansai region. But… “There are too many stations—it’s so confusing!”
JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and Osaka Metro lines all converge here, and to make things worse, each has a different station name.
The underground shopping malls are massive, too—first-time visitors almost always get lost.
In this article, we’ll show you some tips to help you navigate Umeda without getting lost!
2.Main Train Companies and What Makes Them Different
JR Osaka station
JR Osaka Station – A perfect starting point for exploring Kansai, with easy access to the Shinkansen and airports.
You can reach popular destinations like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Universal Studios Japan from here.
It’s the largest station in western Japan.
About the Platforms
Platform Guide – JR Osaka Station
- Platform 1: Osaka Loop Line (Inner Loop)
For Nishikujo, Shin-Imamiya, Tennoji, Universal City, Kansai Airport, Nara, Wakayama - Platform 2: Osaka Loop Line (Outer Loop)
For Kyobashi, Shin-Imamiya - Platforms 3 & 4:
Some Rapid trains on the JR Takarazuka Line to Sasayamaguchi
Limited Express trains bound for the Sanyo and San’in regions - Platforms 5 & 6:
JR Kobe Line to Sannomiya, Nishi-Akashi, Himeji
JR Takarazuka Line to Takarazuka, Sanda - Platforms 7 & 8: JR Kyoto Line
For Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki, Kyoto - Platforms 9 & 10: JR Kyoto Line
Also for Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki, Kyoto
Note: The Shinkansen (bullet train) does not depart from Osaka Station.
To take the Shinkansen, board a train from Platform 7 or 8 and transfer at the next stop: Shin-Osaka Station.
All trains from Platforms 7 and 8 stop at Shin-Osaka Station.
Types of Trains in JR West (Kansai Region)
- Limited Express (特急 / Tokkyu)
The fastest type of train. Requires both a regular ticket and an express surcharge ticket. - Special Rapid Service (新快速 / Shin-Kaisoku)
The second fastest train. No extra charge needed—just a regular train ticket. - Rapid Service (快速 / Kaisoku)
The third fastest option. Also requires no extra charge. - Local (普通 / Futsu)
Stops at every station. Slower, but useful for short distances.
Hankyu Railway
Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station
Hankyu is a private railway that connects Osaka with Kobe, Kyoto, and Takarazuka.
All trains start from Umeda Station, so it’s easy to find a seat.
Platform Guide:
- Platforms 1, 2, 3: Hankyu Kobe Line – for Kobe-Sannomiya
- Platforms 4, 5, 6: Hankyu Takarazuka Line – for Takarazuka
- Platforms 7, 8, 9: Hankyu Kyoto Line – for Kyoto-Kawaramachi
🪑 Note: On the Kyoto Line, only the “PRiVACE” reserved-seat car on limited express trains requires a ¥500 seat reservation fee.
All other trains (including Limited Express) are free of extra charges—just a regular ticket is enough.
🗺️ Kawaramachi and Karasuma Stations on the Kyoto Line are in Kyoto’s downtown area.
You can also transfer at Katsura Station to reach Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s top sightseeing spots.
✨ The Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station is often called “the most beautiful station in Japan.”
Even if you’re not taking a train, it’s worth stopping by to see!
Hanshin Railway
Go to Koshien Stadium and Kobe with Hanshin Railway
Hanshin trains take you to Koshien Stadium, the legendary home of one of Japan’s most famous baseball teams, as well as to Kobe-Sannomiya.
If you’re a baseball fan, why not hop on a Hanshin train and watch a game at Koshien?
🚆 No extra charges are needed for any train—just a regular ticket is enough.
Osaka Metro (Midosuji, Tanimachi, and Yotsubashi Lines)
There are three different subway stations in the Umeda area:
Umeda Station (Midosuji Line), Higashi-Umeda Station (Tanimachi Line), and Nishi-Umeda Station (Yotsubashi Line).
Although they are connected underground, the walking distance between them is quite long.
Each line is clearly color-coded, so be sure to follow the colors carefully to avoid boarding the wrong train.
- Midosuji Line (Umeda Station) – Red
- (Tanimachi Line: Purple / Yotsubashi Line: Blue – can be added if needed)
Midosuji Line – Osaka’s Main Subway Line (Red Line)
The Midosuji Line is Osaka’s most important and popular subway line.
It connects major city centers like Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji.
Platform Guide – Umeda Station (Midosuji Line)
- Platform 1:
For Namba, Dobutsuen-mae, Tennoji, Nakamozu - Platform 2:
For Nakatsu, Shin-Osaka, Minoh-Kayano
Higashi-Umeda Station (Tanimachi Line – Purple Line)
This station is on the Tanimachi Line, marked in purple.
It takes you to areas such as:
- Nakazakicho – a trendy neighborhood with vintage shops and cafes
- Temmabashi – for riverside views and business districts
- Tanimachi 4-chome – near Osaka Castle and museums
- Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka – closest station to Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples
Platform Guide – Higashi-Umeda Station (Tanimachi Line – Purple Line)
- Platform 1:
For Minami-Morimachi, Temmabashi, Tennoji, Yaominami (southern direction) - Platform 2:
For Nakazakicho, Moriguchi, Dainichi (northern direction)
Nishi-Umeda Station (Yotsubashi Line – Blue Line)
Nishi-Umeda Station is on the Yotsubashi Line, marked in blue.
This line runs parallel to the Midosuji Line but is usually less crowded, making it a great alternative for traveling through central Osaka.
From here, you can reach:
- Hommachi – Osaka’s business district
- Namba – a major shopping and entertainment area
- Suminoekoen – near the INTEX Osaka convention center and Osaka’s bay area attractions
All trains on the Yotsubashi Line depart from this station.
(This station is the starting point for all Yotsubashi Line trains.)
In Umeda, you’ll find signs like the one below everywhere underground.Follow these signs to find your platform or transfer smoothly.
5.Map of train stations in the Umeda area
Here is a map of the Umeda area’s train stations.
If you’re not familiar with the area yet, we recommend walking above ground.
The underground paths can feel like an adventure — you might get lost before you find your train!
Using a transportation IC card like ICOCA makes transfers much easier—highly recommended!
If you already have a Suica card from Tokyo, you can use it in Osaka as well with no problem.
Many station staff can assist you in English, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Umeda can be tricky—but with this guide, you’ll be just fine.
Still feeling unsure? Just use Google Maps + screenshots from this article and you’re all set!
Coming up next:
How to Get from Osaka Station to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)!