When navigating Osaka city, the quickest and most convenient method is utilizing the Osaka Metro subway network.
In this article, we introduce the features and tickets offered by Osaka Metro and the major tourist spots that can be accessed along its lines.
Osaka Subway Route Map
Picture courtesy of Osaka Metro
The Osaka Metro operates the Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line, Yotsubashi Line, Chuo Line, Senichimae Line, Sakaisuji Line, Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line, and Imazatosuji Line, in addition to the Newtram Nanko Port Town Line.
For more details, please refer to this link.
Osaka Metro One-Day Pass
For visiting tourists in Japan, if you plan to explore Osaka city all day, the Osaka Metro Pass (1 or 2 Days) is a fantastic deal.
You can also purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass and Osaka e-Pass, covering both the subway and admission to tourist spots!
Book the Osaka Metro Pass (1 or 2 Days)
Osaka Metro Lines and Major Destinations
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1. Midosuji Line
The Midosuji Line is marked in red on the route map. It runs north-south through Osaka, stopping at major cities like Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji. It's the busiest subway line in Osaka and boasts numerous tourist attractions along its route.
Umeda Station: Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory
The Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory is often compared to the observation deck at Abeno Harukas, but their views are entirely different.
While Abeno Harukas is taller, the Umeda Sky Building offers a unique experience with its Floating Garden that allows visitors to view Umeda's high-rise buildings from an open-air setting. The nighttime views here exude a more romantic ambiance.
Book the Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket in Osaka
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Umeda Station: Department Stores and Commercial Facilities
Located in the most thriving area of Osaka, Umeda Station boasts a plethora of department stores and shopping spots.
Some of the best shopping spots in Umeda are the Hankyu Department Store, Hanshin Department Store, Daimaru Department Store, as well as facilities like LUCUA and LUCUA 1010, operated by the JR West Group, Grand Front Osaka adjacent to Osaka Station, and the electronics retailer Yodobashi Camera within Osaka Station.
There are also commercial facilities like OPA and HEP FIVE.
Namba Station: Osaka Takashimaya and Namba Parks
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Namba Station is often regarded as the gateway to Osaka, easily accessible without transfers from Kansai Airport.
Connected directly to Nankai Namba Station, Takashimaya Department Store and Namba Parks are convenient places for shopping amidst your sightseeing in Osaka.
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Tennoji Station: Abeno Harukas Observatory
Opened in 2014, Abeno Harukas stands as Japan's tallest skyscraper.
The Harukas 300 observatory is a popular tourist spot where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka city. On clear days, be sure to visit this observatory for an unforgettable experience.
Book the HARUKAS 300 Observatory E-Ticket
Book Harukas 300 Observatory Tickets | Osaka
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2. Sakaisuji Line
This line is depicted in brown on the Osaka Metro route map. It is one of the major north-south arteries in Osaka.
In addition to offering through services to the Hankyu Kyoto Line, passengers can also transfer to the Keihan Electric Railway and Nankai Electric Railway along the way.
Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station: Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Near Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station is the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which is the longest shopping street in Japan, stretching about 2.6 kilometers with approximately 500 stores.
It features a variety of establishments, from casual tempura restaurants to popular eateries for office workers, and trendy cafes favored by young women.
Within the shopping street, you can find the popular Ogimachi Kurashi no Konjyaku-kan (Museum of Osaka's Living) where you can learn about Osaka's history and cultural life, making it an ideal place to broaden your knowledge and experiences.
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Kitahama Station: Nakanoshima Park
The Kitahama area in Osaka has been a prominent financial district since ancient times, hosting the Osaka Securities Exchange and the headquarters of many corporations.
Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka's most beautiful landscapes, featuring the Osaka City Central Public Hall, the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, and the Osaka City Hall Garden. From this station, you can also transfer to the Keihan Railway for a trip to Kyoto.
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Dobutsuen-mae Station: Tsutenkaku Tower
Picture courtesy of Pixta
As one of Osaka's iconic landmarks, Tsutenkaku Tower is a must-visit spot for first-time visitors to Osaka.
Located in the nostalgic Shinsekai area, it is an essential part of the downtown atmosphere. While not incredibly tall, it offers an observation deck for visitors to enjoy.
Book the Osaka Tsutenkaku Admission Ticket
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3. Tanimachi Line
Marked in purple on the Osaka Metro route map, the Tanimachi Line is the longest line among the Osaka Municipal Subway lines, featuring numerous government offices, cultural institutions, and educational facilities along its route. It carries the second-highest passenger volume after the Midosuji Line.
Nakazakicho Station: Nakazakicho
Around a 20-minute walk from Umeda, the heart of Osaka, Nakazakicho presents a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the Showa era, contrasting with the towering buildings in Umeda.
This area retains many old houses and has transformed in recent years into a haven for young Kansai locals with the emergence of cafes and vintage shops, offering a different charm and essence.
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Temmabashi Station: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
The Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, home to the Tenjin Festival known as one of Japan's three major festivals, enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a deity revered for his academic prowess. Many examinees visit this shrine before exams to pray for success.
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Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station: Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple, founded by Prince Shotoku (574 - 622), is a temple with a long history. The name "Tennoji" from the surrounding area is derived from the abbreviated name of this temple.
The temple grounds are spacious, and for those who enjoy collecting temple stamps ("goshuin"), there is a wide variety available, making it a delightful experience for enthusiasts.
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4. Chuo Line
On the Osaka Metro route map, the Chuo Line is marked in green.
The Chuo Line serves as a vital link for east-west transportation in Osaka and is scheduled for an extension to the Osaka Expo venue by the year 2025.
Morinomiya Station: Osaka Castle
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
The most famous tourist attraction on the Chuo Line is the iconic Osaka Castle. It is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Osaka and is particularly appealing to history enthusiasts.
In Osaka Castle Park, various art and cultural activities are held during holidays, creating a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Book a Tour to Explore the Symbol of Osaka: Osaka Castle
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Osakako Station: Kaiyukan Aquarium
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Osaka's popular Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums showcasing 620 species and 30,000 marine creatures.
With exhibits replicating natural environments, visitors can enjoy observing the marine life's habitats and behaviors.
Book the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Ticket
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5. Yotsubashi Line
Colored in blue on the Osaka Metro route map, the Yotsubashi Line connects Nishi-Umeda Station in Osaka's Kita Ward to Suminoe-koen Station in Osaka's Suminoe Ward.
When you think of markets in Osaka, Kuromon Market generally comes to mind first, but for a change, consider Kizu Market. Located just a 3-minute walk from Okucho Station, this market offers fresh seafood bowls and a variety of fresh fruits.
Since it's a 10-minute walk from Namba, why not start your day with a hearty breakfast here and kick off your day?
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Suminoe-koen Station: Suminoe Boat Racecourse
At the Suminoe Boat Racecourse, visitors can enjoy boat racing. With the thunderous roar of engines, as the signal turns green, the athletes rowing the boats burst out from the starting point like horses, creating a thrilling and powerful sight as they race across the water.
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6. Senichimae Line
Colored in pink on the route map, the Senichimae Line is one of the significant east-west routes in southern Osaka.
Nipponbashi Station: Kuromon Market
Picture courtesy of Kuromon Market
Just a 1-minute walk from Nipponbashi Station, Kuromon Market, known as the "Kitchen of Osaka," has become a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors to Osaka.
Here, you can find a wide variety of everyday sweets and seafood. Simply strolling around allows you to experience the typical Osaka atmosphere.
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Tsuruhashi Station: Tsuruhashi Shopping Street
Pictures courtesy of PIXTA
Like Shin-Okubo in Tokyo, Tsuruhashi is famous in Osaka as a Korean Street, and beyond the traditional market catering to Korean residents in Japan, there are shops selling goods related to the Korean wave that have sprung up since the Korean pop culture boom.
There are also many Korean-style cafes that captivate female customers. If you want to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine in Osaka, you should definitely head to Tsuruhashi, where you can also taste Korean dishes and Korean BBQ.
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7. Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line
On the Osaka Metro route map, the Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line, highlighted in yellow-green, serves as a subway line running east to west. It offers convenient transfers to stations on the Nanko Port Town Line and other subway lines as well.
Shinsaibashi Station: Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Exiting Shinsaibashi Station, you will immediately encounter the famous Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which is covered by an arcade, allowing you to shop with peace of mind even if it's raining.
This bustling area features a variety of stores including drugstores, cosmetics shops, apparel stores, and eateries, making it a recommended destination for first-time visitors to Osaka. You can also sample gourmet dishes that represent Osaka right here.
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Kyobashi Station: Kyobashi Shopping Street
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Kyobashi is a business district. The izakayas in the Kyobashi Shopping Street adjacent to the station serve as a sanctuary for salarymen, becoming a place where they gather to chat while enjoying drinks at night.
If you want to savor alcohol in a lively atmosphere, there are plenty of izakayas and bars around Kyobashi for you to explore.
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Kadoma-Minami Station: Lalaport Kadoma
Picture courtesy of PRTIMES
Lalaport Kadoma is the first complex shopping mall by the Mitsui Group, featuring approximately 250 stores, with a Costco set to open in the vicinity soon.
On the first floor, there is a food area endorsed by the Kuromon Market in Osaka Minami, hosting renowned establishments such as Kuromon Sanpei and the new branch of DAIWAKAEN+ from Yamato Fruit Park, totaling 11 stores.
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Enjoy Exploring Osaka
To travel around the heart of Osaka, using the Osaka Metro lines is incredibly convenient. Before heading to Osaka, be sure to check out the attractions along the subway lines by referring to the information provided in the serious article.
Purchase the Osaka Metro Pass (1 or 2 days) and embark on a day trip using the Osaka subway.
