Getting to Osaka
There are plenty of transport options if travelling to Osaka, either via direct flights from overseas or connecting flights from Tokyo.
By car
Driving in Japan is challenging for those who cannot read Japanese, road signs can be confusing. Although it is often noted that the driving time from Tokyo to Osaka on the Tomei Expressway is about 6 hours. If the traffic is heavy, it can sometimes take up to 3 hours just to get out of Tokyo, so it may be more realistic to expect a journey of anything between 8 to 11 hours. It has also been noted by long-term residents that the journey by road can be difficult and occasionally dangerous due to having to navigate around large trucks that tend to ply the route.
By rail
The Japan Railways Group (JR) runs one of the best rail networks in the world, which is widely used for business and pleasure. Express and limited express trains are best for intercity travel. Very frequent services run on the main routes. Shinkansen, or bullet trains, are the fastest, with compartments for wheelchair-bound passengers, diners and buffet facilities. It takes anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to get to Osaka from Tokyo by high-speed train, much quicker than by road. It is also safer and more convenient.
Supplements must be paid in the three classes of express train and in first-class cars of principal trains, for which reservations must be made. Other types of train include kyuko (express), tokkyu (limited express), kaisoku (rapid train) and futsu (local train).
The tricky pronounciation of the names of Osaka's subway system can be a major challenge. Thankfully it is also colour-coded, making it fairly simple to use. There is also a JR loop line which links in well with key subway stations. There is a handy prepaid day card available for unlimited subway and city bus travel. Private and JR train lines also run through the city. The names of JR, subway and private railway stations are displayed in both Japanese and English.
By bus
Highway buses advertise that the journey to Osaka from Tokyo takes about 8 hours. However, this depends on traffic conditions. Bus fares are about a third of the price of taking the train, making this the cheapest transport option. The inner-city bus network uses the same ticketing system as the subway. There's also a sightseeing bus, with a range of different tours available, which leaves from Umeda Station.
By air
Kansai International Airport sits offshore in Osaka Bay and services the city of Osaka as well as its surrounding satellite cities of Nara, Kobe and Kyoto. The airport is linked by a bus and train service into the centre of the city and to major suburbs. It takes about 10 hours 30 minutes to fly to Los Angeles; 12 hours 30 minutes to London; 16 hours 30 minutes to New York; and 8 hours to New Delhi by air. Flights from Kansai reach 75 cities in 31 countries.
Osaka International Airport in Itami and Toyonaka services most of the citys domestic flights.
By ferry
There's a ferry service between Shanghai and Osaka (Nanko International Ferry Terminal), while there is a range of ferries and sightseeing cruises around Osakas bay. Most ferries originate or stop around the Tempozan Harbour Village (Chuo subway line, Osakako Station). The Aqua-bus Aqua-liner travels along the Okawa River in northern Osaka and takes in Osaka Castle, Tenmabashi, Yodoyabashi and Osaka Amenity Park.
Taxis
There are taxi stands in front of most train stations and it's possible to hail a cab on the busy streets. Having your destination written in Kanji can be a real help, as many drivers don't speak English. Whatever you do, don't try to open the left rear door - only the driver has this privilege. There is no need to tip.