On the third day of our journey through the Kansai region of Japan, we concluded our two-night stay in Kyoto and headed to the Osaka area. The final night’s reservation was made at a hotel in Osaka Namba, which prompted us to check out of the Kyoto hotel and walk to Kyoto Station.
“How to Travel from Kyoto Station to Osaka Namba”
We purchased train tickets to travel from Kyoto Station to Osaka. By using the JR (Japan Railways) line, we could make the journey, but it required a transfer. First, we took the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Osaka Station. From Osaka Station, we transferred to Umeda Station and then switched to the Midosuji Line to reach Namba Station, which was the fastest route.
Since the two companies operated different lines, we originally needed to buy separate tickets. However, Google Maps suggested a combined ticket for 820 yen, and we purchased it. But when attempting to transfer from Osaka Station to Umeda Station, we realized it wasn’t possible.
“Using JR Lines to Travel from Kyoto Station to Namba Station”
After getting a refund for the tickets, we inquired at the ticket counter and were informed that instead of a refund, we could use JR lines to reach Namba. They provided instructions on how to travel from Kyoto Station to Namba using JR lines.
“Transferring at JR Osaka Loop Line and Shinsaibashi Station”
We transferred at the JR Osaka Loop Line and then changed again at Shinsaibashi Station, reaching Namba Station. Thanks to this, we had the opportunity to ride the “Osaka Loop Line” for the first time.
“Osaka Loop Line, a Circular Route Like Seoul Subway Line 2”
Similar to Seoul Subway Line 2, the Osaka Loop Line was a circular route. If we hadn’t deliberately tried to ride this line, we might not even have been aware of its existence.
Traveling on the Osaka Loop Line, we moved above ground rather than underground. This allowed us to enjoy the view of Osaka city through the window. On this day, just like the previous ones, the air was clear, providing a refreshing experience by merely looking up at the sky.
“Transferring from Shinsaibashi Station to Namba Station”
We arrived at Shinsaibashi Station. From here, we transferred to the train heading to Namba, and now we could finally make our way to the hotel.
Shinsaibashi Station was a place we frequently visited during our 2018 trip to Osaka. We had stayed at a hotel near Shinsaibashi Station for two nights back then, and memories from that time came flooding back.
The area around Shinsaibashi Station is relatively affordable in Osaka, and we could see that reflected in the hotel prices.
Nevertheless, after transferring at Shinsaibashi Station and reaching Namba Station, there was a twist. The cost turned out to be higher compared to going from Osaka Station to Umeda Station and then buying a new ticket to Namba Station. In the end, we settled the additional cost and reached Namba Station. In a way, it felt like we had fallen for a sales pitch from the staff at Osaka Station.
Despite the extra time, we had a different experience, and we successfully traveled from Kyoto Station to Osaka Namba Station.