There are two areas in Osaka City called “North (Kita)” and “South (Minami). These are not place names, but names of areas so called by the locals.

“Minami” refers to the area around Dotonbori and Namba. It is an area where you can feel the Osaka-ness of Osaka’s culture.

In contrast, “Kita” refers to the Umeda area. Umeda is an area lined with department stores, shopping malls, and offices. The area is also well served by multiple train lines.

This article provides detailed information on transferring at Hankyu Osaka-umeda station and Hanshin Osaka-Umeda station, the ticket gates of each station, and access to nearby facilities.

Osaka Umeda is home to a variety of train lines. It is a very convenient place for access to all parts of the Kansai region.
First, let us introduce the features of each train line.

Hankyu trains are based in Umeda, Osaka, and run toward Kobe-sannomiya, Takarazuka, and Kyoto-kawaramachi.
The line color of the Kobe Line heading for the port city of Kobe is blue. The Takarazuka Line, which runs to Takarazuka and Minoh, famous for its autumn foliage, has a line color of orange. The Kyoto Line runs toward Kawaramachi, downtown Kyoto, and Arashiyama, a famous sightseeing spot, and its line color is green. The line colors are also used in the information and route maps at stations and on trains, so when boarding the train, please look at the colors according to your destination.

The Kyoto Line has a sightseeing limited express train, “Kyo-Train Garaku”. This train has a special interior. For more information, please see the article below.

Kyo-Train Garaku | Feel Kyoto, From the Moment You Step On Board – Specially Designed Train

In addition, Hankyu trains are characterized by their uniform reddish-brown body color. This color is called “Hankyu Maroon Color” and has been loved by passengers for many years.

The main lines of the Hanshin Electric Railway are the Main Line running between Umeda, Osaka and Kobe, and the Hanshin Namba Line running from Amagasaki to Namba, Osaka.
There are also Hankyu and JR lines running from Osaka to Kobe, but the Hanshin main line runs closest to the sea. The Hanshin Railway is convenient to Koshien Stadium, the sacred site of baseball, and Nada Gogo, the best sake brewery in Japan. The Hanshin Line also connects to the Sanyo Line, which goes as far as Himeji.
The Hanshin Namba Line connects Amagasaki with Namba, the center of Osaka’s Minami district, and provides access to Universal Studios Japan. In addition, from Namba, the line provides direct service with Kintetsu Railway, allowing passengers to go as far as Kintetsu Nara.

Check out this article!

Gourmet trip to enjoy sake by Hanshin Railway

Hanshin Electric Railway trains are classified according to the color of the car body. Blue trains are regular trains that stop at each station, while orange trains are express and limited express trains.

Osaka Metro is a subway line running in and around Osaka City. Osaka Metro is the most convenient way to get around the city.
Osaka Metro has many lines, which are divided by color.

(Red) The Midosuji Line runs through the center of Osaka City
(purple) The Tanimachi Line runs through downtown Osaka
(blue) The Yotsubashi Line runs on the seaward (west) side of the Midosuji Line
(green) The Chuo Line, which connects to all lines of Osaka Metro
(pink) The Sennichimae Line running across the downtown area
(Brown) The Sakaisuji Line, which connects with Hankyu’s Kyoto Line
(Yellowish green) The Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, which runs east-west widely
(Orange) The Imazatosuji Line, the newest line in Osaka Metro
(light blue) The Nanko Port Town Line called “New Tram”

The color of the train body is the color of each line, so please be sure not to mistake which train you are boarding.

The JR line is a railroad line that covers all of Japan. It runs widely throughout the Kansai region, from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe to Shiga and Wakayama. The Shinkansen and Kansai-Airport Express Haruka also operate on the line.

The Shinkansen bullet train stops at Shin-Osaka Station, one stop next to JR Osaka Station. In addition, an underground platform in the Umekita area opened at Osaka Station in the spring of 2023, and the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka stops at the station, making access even more convenient for travelers.

In addition to trains, Osaka Umeda is also served by limousine buses from the airport.
Check the article below for details!

・Buses are a comfortable way to get from Kansai International Airport to Umeda, Osaka! Thorough explanation of travel time, boarding location, etc.

・Buses are an easy way to get from Umeda, Osaka to Kansai International Airport! 5 points to keep in mind when boarding the bus

Highway buses to various destinations are also available from Osaka Umeda.
The Hankyu Highway Bus Osaka-Umeda Terminal in HANKYU SANBAN GAI is the largest bus terminal in Umeda.

There are many stations clustered in Umeda. Each line has a different station name, but the following six stations are all within walking distance.
〇Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station
〇Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station
〇Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Umeda Station
〇Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Higashi-Umeda Station
〇Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line  Nishi-Umeda Station
〇JR Osaka Station
Note that the three Osaka Metro stations are operated by the same railroad company, but all have different ticket gates.

Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station has three floors, and the platform where trains enter the station is on the third floor. There are also three ticket gates for boarding trains. There are three ticket gates: the 3F Gates, the 2F Central Gates, and the Chayamachiguchi Gates.

*There is no elevator to the platform floor at the Chayamachiguchi Gates.

The following is a list of facilities that are conveniently accessible from each of these ticket gates.

The center of the above MAP is Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station. The convenient ticket gates differ according to the colored areas. We will introduce them along with the facilities in each area.

For access to the blue area, the “3F Gates” is convenient.
・Hankyu Tourist Center, OSAKA-UMEDA

How to get to Hankyu Tourist Center, OSAKA-UMEDA. Explanation of access from each station in Umeda, which is easy to get lost.

・Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store
・Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store
・HANKYU SANBAN GAI (South Building)
・HEP FIVE (HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel)

Osaka Umeda’s newest gourmet spot, HEP FIVE “TAMLO” is perfect for lunch and a cafe!
・Hankyu Men’s Osaka
・GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS
・UMEDA SKY BUILDING
・Shin-Umeda Shokudo Gai
・EST

For access to the Green Area, the “2F Central Gates” is convenient.
・Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
・Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda Store
・LUCUA osaka
・Daimaru Umeda

For access to the red area, the “Chayamachiguchi Gates” is convenient.
・HANKYU SANBAN GAI (North Bldg.)
・NU chayamachi / NU chayamachi +
・Hotel Hankyu International
・Umeda Arts Theater
・Umeda Loft

Next, we introduce the access from each station to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station.

To get to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station in the shortest possible time, go out the “Midosuji Gate” ticket gate on the easternmost (Kyoto side) side of Osaka Station.

Exit the ticket gate and proceed in the direction of Midosuji North Gate on the left.

Once outside, go up the escalator/stairs that can be seen in front of you on the right.

At the top of the stairs/escalator, turn right. Go straight the overpass.

Follow the road and you will arrive at the Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station “2F Central Gates”!

To get to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station in the shortest possible time, go out the “North ticket gate” on the northernmost side of Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

Exit the ticket gate and proceed in the direction of HANKYU SANBAN GAI on the right.

Go straight down the HANKYU SANBAN GAI corridor.

Go up the stairs and escalator you see in front of you on the left.

Take the front stairs/escalator to the second floor.

Arrive at the “2F Central Gates” of Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station!

To get to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station, exit through the “Northwest” or “Northeast” ticket gate of the Higashi Umeda Station. Both of these ticket gates are for exit only.

After exiting the ticket gate, proceed in the direction of North/Whity Umeda.
When you see “FARURU” in front of you, turn left.

You will soon see an information sign at the top. Turn right in the direction of Hankyu Department Store and Hankyu Train.

Go up the escalator you see in front.

Continue straight down the large passageway.

Go through the moving walk and up the escalator.

Arrive at the “3F Gates” of Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station!

There are three ticket gates at Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station. (We will show you the details later.)
If you are going to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station, the “East Gate” is the most convenient.

Go up the stairs and go straight.
*Please follow the signs as it is currently under construction.

Go straight down the passage with the underground entrance of Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store on your left.

At the end of the building, turn left and go up the escalator.

Go straight down the large aisle with the show window of Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store on your left.

Passing through the moving walk, you will see an escalator.

Going up the escalator, you will arrive at the “3F Gates” of Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station!

Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station has trains entering on the second basement level. There are three ticket gates. There are the East Gate on the second basement level, the West Gate and the Department Store Gate on the first basement level

The center of the above MAP is Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station. Convenient ticket gates differ according to the color-coded areas. Let us introduce each area along with its facilities.

The “East Gate” is convenient for access to the Red Area.

・Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store

・Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store
・HANKYU SANBAN GAI 
・HEP FIVE (HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel)
・Hankyu Men’s Osaka
・Shin-Umeda Shokudo Gai
・EST

・NU chayamachi / NU chayamachi +
・Hotel Hankyu International
・Umeda Arts Theater
・Umeda Loft

The “Department Store Gate” is convenient for access to the blue area.

・Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store

・Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
・Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda Store
・LUCUA osaka

・Daimaru Umeda

・DIAMOR OSAKA

The “West Gate” is convenient for access to the green area.

・HERBIS PLAZA/PLAZA ENT

・THE RITZ CARLTON OSAKA

・UMEDA SKY BUILDING

Next, we introduce the access from each station to Hanshin-Osaka Umeda Station.

To get to Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station in the shortest possible time, go out the “Chuo Gate” ticket gate of Osaka Station.

When you exit the ticket gate, turn right and go toward the “South Central Exit”.

Go down the escalator/stairs you see in front.

Continue straight through the SOUTH GATE BUILDING underground mall.

After a short distance, you will see Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store on your left.

You will see the Hanshin-Umeda Station “Department Store Gate” on your right.

To get to Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station in the shortest possible time, go out the “South Gate” at the southernmost part of the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Umeda Station.

Exit the ticket gate and turn right, and you will see the entrance to the Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store.

*Please follow the signs as it is currently under construction.

Go down the stairs a little to the left of the entrance of Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store.

Arrive at the “East Gate” of Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station!

To get to Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station, exit through the “Northwest” or “Northeast” gate of the Higashi-Umeda Station. Both of these ticket gates are for exit only.

After exiting the ticket gate, proceed in the direction of North/Whity Umeda.
When you see “FARURU” in front of you, turn left.

Go straight for a while.

You will see a staircase ahead on the right.

*Please follow the signs as it is currently under construction.

When you go down the stairs, you will arrive at the “East Gate” of Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station!

To get to Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station, exit through the “North Gate” ticket gate of the Nishi-Umeda Station.

After exiting the ticket gate, go up the stairs.

When you get to the top of the stairs, go to the right.

Arrive at the “West Gate” of Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station!

To get to Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station, go through the “3F Gates” of Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station.

Go down the escalator and continue on the Moving Walk.

Go straight down the large aisle with the show window of Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store on your right.

Go down the escalator and turn right along Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store.

Go straight ahead.

*Please follow the signs as it is currently under construction.

Arrive at the “East Gate” of Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station!

Osaka Umeda is famous as the best railroad terminal in Kansai. With its well-developed transportation network, a stay in Osaka Umeda is ideal for trips in various directions.
However, the station names, streets, and buildings are so intricate that it is called the “Umeda Dungeon. Please refer to this article for more information on transfers and getting around!

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・Recommended shopping and popular accommodations in Umeda, Osaka, the starting point for travel in Kansai!

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