Travel tips
Osaka is a big city with an efficient public transport system comprising subways and trains that make getting around the city pretty easy. Osaka taxi services in the city are also excellent and they’re not too expensive, though medium and large taxis cost more and are recommended only for short travels in the city. It's easy to hail one on the street.
Bus services in Osaka are also extensive and efficient, but less ideal for first-time visitors and those on short stays. There are plenty of signs in both Japanese and English on Osaka’s roads. Streets run east-west and north-south, making it easy if you’re exploring on foot. The best way to get around Osaka, though, is a combination of all the above options.
To use the train, metro, and bus services in Osaka, as in most of the Kansai region, buying a prepaid rechargeable transport pass known as an IC card (Internal Chip card) promises great convenience. Icoca, Suica, and Pasmo cards work on all city trains, metros, and buses in Osaka. These IC cards can also be used for payments at many vending machines, shops and restaurants. Simply tap the card on a reader.
How does the Osaka Metro subway system work?
The extensive Osaka subway system is one of the best ways to get around the city as trains are regular and they’re fast and efficient. Osaka has 9 subway lines, but you’d only need to use two of them for exploring most of the city during your visit. The red-marked Osaka Metro Midosuji Line runs north-south while the green-marked Osaka Metro Chuo Line is east-westerly.
Besides Icoca, Suica or Pasmo cards, you can also use the Amazing Osaka Pass and the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket on Osaka’s subway system.
Taking a taxi in Osaka
Like the Osaka Metro, taxi services in Osaka are regular, in no shortage, and reliable. It makes sense to use a taxi in Osaka for travelling short distances when riding the subway is out of the question. They can be economical if travelling as a group, sharing the cost of the fare. All taxis accept cash. Some also accept credit cards while others also accept Icoca, Suica, and Pasmo cards. Tipping is unnecessary.
Having your destination address written in Japanese on a piece of paper may help with non-English speaking drivers. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street. Taxi ranks are available outside most train stations, bus terminals, and major businesses.
Travelling by bus in Osaka
Most of the bus maps are in Japanese, so it may be tricky for non-Japanese speaking travellers to get around by bus in the city. Even though getting around Osaka by bus is not recommended for first-time Osaka visitors, it’s still a great bus system used extensively by locals. Buses accept payments for fares using the prepaid Icoca, Pasmo, and Suica cards.
Renting a car in Osaka
Due to the heavy traffic and streets that aren’t so tourist-friendly, renting a car is not recommended for the first-time visitor to the city. Parking in the city can also be a hassle as parking spaces are scarce and can be costly. Even so, you’ll need an international driver’s licence if you do decide to drive in Kyoto.
Cycling around Osaka with Docomo Bike Share
Osaka is relatively bike-friendly. Most of the city is flat and well-signposted (most bearing English alongside Japanese). Osaka’s bike-sharing service by Docomo features 6-speed gear city bikes and Mini Velo bikes as well as electric bicycles.
Docomo presents rate plans that range from single-time use to monthly that you can register via their website. Payments are accepted by credit card or IC card and you’ll need to download their app to your iPhone or Android smartphone to use the service properly, including for locating the nearest bike station. You’ll be charged once you unlock a bike from a station and return it. Extension fees may apply for bikes parked outside a designated bike station.
