Osaka is a vibrant city full of life, and getting around can feel like an adventure, especially when you're talking about the main hubs like Shin-Osaka Station and Osaka Station.
These stations are like the city's beating heart, welcoming travellers with their own unique vibes and perks.
In this article, we'll break down the differences between Shin-Osaka Station and Osaka Station. We'll also explore what makes each special, talk about how they connect you to other places, and highlight cool stuff nearby.
Whether you're plotting your travel route or just curious about these transport hotspots, stick around as we compare and contrast these key stations to help you get the most out of your time exploring Osaka.
Is Shin-Osaka Station the same as Osaka Station?
Shin-Osaka is home to lots of factories, offices, and businesses! Credits to @rikabui on Instagram
No, they're two completely different stations! Shin-Osaka Station is the station where Osaka's Shinkansen or bullet train stops. The Shin-Osaka area is a business district that has been named after the station where the Shinkansen stops. The station is north of the Yodo-gawa River and just a few kilometres from Osaka's city centre.
Meanwhile, Osaka Station is the main hub for local trains and subways. It's at the heart of the city and is known to be one of the busiest train stations in West Japan. Take note that no Shinkansen stops at Osaka Station.
What makes Shinkansen stations like Shin-Osaka so special? Here's a quick 101 on Shinkansen stations.
How do I get to Shin-Osaka?
There are a bunch of restaurants and attractions you'll wanna see at Shin-Osaka. Credits to @rarizco on Instagram
Shin-Osaka Station is just about 3 kilometres away from Osaka Station. From Osaka Station, you can take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo line for just 0.75 AUD to 11.72 AUD (¥70-¥1100) and it'd only take you three minutes. You could also take a six-minute cab ride from Osaka Station, or if you prefer to explore on foot, it'll take you an hour to walk to Shin-Osaka.
What shinkansen lines run through Shin-Osaka?
Even the Hello Kitty Shinkansen makes a stop at Shin-Osaka! Credits to @anxioustravelers on Instagram
There are three Shinkansen lines that run through Shin-Osaka:
- The Tokaido line connects Shin-Osaka with Tokyo.
- The Kyushu line connects passengers from Hiroshima.
- The Sanyo line connects Fukuoka with Shin-Osaka.
Make sure you follow all the guidelines on Shinkansens, including their luggage policies, which you can check out here.
What Japan Railways (JR) lines run through Shin-Osaka?
Hassle-free travel? Yes, please! Credits to @jrpass on Instagram
Japan Railway lines can only be accessed with a Japan Rail Pass. This pass makes it easy, convenient, and cost-effective to travel through Japan's train systems. Get access to unlimited travel for 7, 14, or 21 days on Shinkansen trains, Limited Express trains, local trains, monorail, JR buses, and the Miyajima Ferry.
You won't have to worry about buying and keeping track of several tickets throughout your Japan trip—you just need to show your Japan Rail pass.
The following JR lines through Shin-Osaka Station:
- The Haruka Limited Express to Kansai Airport
- The Kuroshio and Super Hakuto Limited Express trains to Kyoto
- The Thunderbird Limited Express
What Non-JR lines run through Shin-Osaka?
This red-striped bus is the Midosuji Subway line. Credits to @yoshihiro_zeronine on Instagram
There are also non-JR lines that run through Shin-Osaka Station, these are the Midosuji Subway line, which can be found on the station's second floor, and; the local commuter and rapid trains can also be found at this station.
Where are the places to eat in Shin-Osaka?
Osaka itself is known as a food capital of Japan and is pretty much the prime destination for foodies. It's ideal location as a port-city has given it access to a variety of ingredients that's allowed its food culture to bloom. Don't miss out on these restaurants and delicacies when you visit:
Kukuru Hanatako
Watch the bonito flakes dance atop the freshly-cooked takoyaki! Credits to @miiko_iiko on Instagram
You can find Kukuru Hanatako right in Shin-Osaka Station, so you can have it right when you arrive or right before you go. It's a chain restaurant popular for its takoyaki made of fluffy and smooth dough that holds large pieces of delectable octopus.
Takoyaki is available from 11:00 to 17:00; from 17:00, the restaurant serves Izakaya-style dishes that are perfectly paired with alcoholic drinks. This place is a good time from day to night!
Kyochabana Shin-Osaka Eki
Just the smell will lure you in! Credits to @coy.42_ on Instagram
Another dish you must try while in Japan is okonomiyaki, which happened to originate right here in Osaka! Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake that's been around since World War II. It's a dish you can easily find during your trip, but Kyochabana Shin-Osaka Eki, located at Shin-Osaka Station, offers a unique variation which is tomato okonomiyaki.
They also serve yakisoba, teppanyaki, and other vegetable-based dishes for a healthy, but yummy food trip.
Unagiya
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Credits to @stormscape on Instagram
Treat yourself while on vacation to specially-prepared unagi, or eel. Unagiya serves high-quality Kansai-style eel that will be prepared right in front of you.
Watch the talented chefs' techniques to create the perfect unagi meal that'll leave you craving for more. Keep in mind that the restaurant can run out of eel (that's how popular this place is!), so be sure to get a table early on!
Yanaken Boo
Looks so simple, but it's so delicious! Credits to @yusuke_nakagomi on Instagram
Indulge in some of the freshest seafood you can find at Yanaken Boo with different dishes featuring their specialty, katsuo, or skipjack bonito. You can dine on this meaty fish on its own or with sauce and rice. They also have a variety of other lunch sets with sushi, chicken, steak, and more; there'll surely be a dish for everyone's taste.
What are the places to shop in Shin-Osaka?
After an unforgettable dining experience, walk off your full stomach at the fully-stocked shops of Shin-Osaka.
Eki Marche Shin-Osaka
This is just one of the many treats you can get at Eki Marche! Credits to @miwa0091 on Instagram
Eki Marche Shin-Osaka at Shin-Osaka Station contains souvenir shops and restaurants in one. Find different cafes, confectionery shops, a bookstore, and other goods all at this indoor mall.
Arde!
Take home a souvenir or a snack for the road! Credits to @eatingmachine23 on Instagram
Arde! is a shopping hub on the second floor of the Shin-Osaka Station for clothing, cosmetics, electronics, accessories, stationery, books, restaurants, and more. You'll be spoilt for choice at this shopping complex with all the stores to check out!
Now that you're all set to board Japanese trains for Osaka like a local, go ahead and book your plane tickets and plan your itinerary—don't forget your JR pass too for easy train travel around the country!
Written by: Gabby Mendoza
