By Subway in Osaka

Osaka's subway system offers the most convenient means of exploring the city. There are seven lines, of which Mido-suji is the main one; it runs between Shin-Osaka and Umeda in 6 minutes, Shin-Osaka and Shin-sai-bashi in 12 minutes, Shin-Osaka and Namba in 14 minutes, and Shin-Osaka and Tenno-ji in 20 minutes.

A very useful Osaka subway map is available in city tourist offices, most hotels, and from the Japan National Tourist Organization in the United States or in Tokyo.

The JR Loop Line circles the city aboveground and intersects with all subway lines. Fares range from ¥120 to ¥190, or you can use your JR Pass.

Fares & Schedules

Subways run from early morning until nearly midnight at intervals of three to five minutes. Fares begin at ¥200 and are determined by the distance traveled. You can purchase a one-day pass (¥850)—which provides unlimited municipal transportation on subways, the New Tram (a tram line that runs to the port area), and city buses—at the commuter ticket windows in major subway stations and at the Japan Travel Bureau office in Osaka Station. JR trains are not included in this ticket.