Osaka’s about to steal the global spotlight in 2025, and it’s all because of the Osaka-Kansai Expo finally kicking off. This huge event will showcase the latest tech and cultures from across the world, giving you a real taste of what the future holds for society and everyday life. Getting to the expo on Yumeshima Island is a breeze now, with better access sorted out. On top of that, the Osaka Station and Umeda Station area—your main entry points to the city—is buzzing more than ever, with cool new spots like KITTE Osaka and Grand Green Osaka opening up left and right.

To get to Yumeshima from Osaka or Umeda, hop on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Honmachi Station, switch to the Chuo Line, and jump off at Yumeshima Station. The venue’s East Gate is just a quick walk from there. Or you can grab a shuttle bus from major train stations to the expo, or take direct buses straight from Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport.

Want more info? Check out the “Osaka-Kansai Expo Guide!” below.

The stations with “Osaka” or “Umeda” in their names include six in total: JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Railway’s Osaka-Umeda Station, Hanshin Railway’s Osaka-Umeda Station, and Osaka Metro’s Umeda Station, Nishi-Umeda Station, and Higashi-Umeda Station. You might notice JR “Shin-Osaka Station” also has “Osaka” in its name, but heads up—it’s a completely different area from the Osaka Station and Umeda Station zone, so don’t mix them up!

Each line running through Osaka Station and Umeda Station takes you to different places, so knowing a bit about them can really come in handy.

Next, let’s break down the convenience of these six stations and their lines, highlighting what makes each one special.

JR Osaka Station is one of Japan’s busiest JR terminals, with some of the highest passenger numbers in the country. It’s the top station for boardings and alightings in JR West’s network, drawing not just locals but people from all over Japan.

What makes it stand out is how easily you can get to places like Kyoto and Nara, or even hop on the Shinkansen to reach Tokyo, Kyushu, and more. If you’re planning a trip to explore every corner of Japan, this station is a must.

Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station is the main hub for Hankyu Railway, one of Kansai’s private rail lines. What sets Hankyu apart is its coverage of the areas north of Osaka Station and Umeda Station. For trips to Expo Memorial Park in Suita City or the scenic, nature-packed Minoo City, Hankyu Railway is your best bet.

It also has Kyoto well covered, so you can easily reach big tourist spots like Gion-Shijo and Arashiyama. Plus, it stretches to Kobe-area destinations like Rokko and Kobe-Sannomiya. If you want to explore northern Osaka, Kyoto, and even Kobe, Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station is a super handy choice.

Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station serves as the main terminal for Hanshin Railway, another of Kansai’s private rail lines. What makes Hanshin stand out is how thoroughly it covers the Kobe area. You can enjoy local Japanese vibes starting with places like Amagasaki. Thanks to a partnership with Sanyo Electric Railway, there are even direct trains from Kobe all the way west to Sanyo Himeji Station.

Plus, if you take the Hanshin Namba Line from Amagasaki Station and switch at Osaka-Namba Station, you can hop on the Kintetsu Nara Line to head to Nara.

Osaka Metro connects through three stations—Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line, Higashi-Umeda Station on the Tanimachi Line, and Nishi-Umeda Station on the Yotsubashi Line—each located just a little apart from the others.

The Midosuji Line’s Umeda Station is the closest to JR Osaka Station and lets you head straight to major tourist spots like Namba and Shinsaibashi without changing lines, making it one of the easiest stations to use.

On the other hand, the Tanimachi Line and Yotsubashi Line run through business districts and residential areas, giving off a more local vibe. Since lots of hotels popular with foreign tourists are located along these lines, you’ll likely find plenty of chances to use them too.

Each station is clearly signposted in English too, with directions available at places like Osaka Station and the underground shopping areas. If you ever lose track of where you are, just check the signs to figure out your next move!

Osaka City is split into two big areas—“Kita” and “Minami”—each a major tourist hub that draws tons of international visitors. The Osaka Station and Umeda Station area is right at the heart of “Kita.” There are so many fun spots worth checking out here, and we’re kicking things off with dining!

The first food spot we’ve got to talk about is Eki Marche Osaka, located right inside JR Osaka Station. What makes it special is how it brings together some of Kansai’s most popular spots in one place. You can dig into omurice from Hokkyokusei, said to be the birthplace of this Japanese classic, or treat yourself to matcha sweets from Tsujiri, a tea shop with over 150 years of history—real gems from famous names.

If you’re craving something hearty like meat, the beef steak bento set at Bifuteki Juu Nikuhan Romantei is a solid pick. The place has a bright, cozy vibe with natural materials, making it so comfy you’ll want to stick around and keep eating more!

Just a quick hop down the stairs from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, the basement of Hankyu Sanbangai is another foodie spot worth checking out. The South Wing’s B2F is packed with over 100 places to eat—think ramen, sushi, soba, grills, tempura, tonkatsu, diner-style meals, yakiniku, Italian, Chinese, you name it. It’s a treasure trove of tasty options. Plus, the casual vibe means you can fill up at most spots for just a little over 1,000 yen at lunch, which is a nice bonus.

Over in the North Wing’s B2F, you’ve got a food hall split into five zones, loaded with all sorts of eats. It’s not just Japanese food either—Korean, Italian, Hong Kong-style dim sum, and more line up to tempt your taste buds.

Another great spot is the dining area at Whity Umeda, right outside the gates of Osaka Metro’s Higashi-Umeda Station.

What makes Whity Umeda stand out is its lineup of small, local-flavor shops. The food options cover a ton of ground—Osaka classics like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, plus soba, udon, sushi, tonkatsu, and even cozy cafés perfect for a quick break. It’s awesome to wander around and pick whatever catches your eye.

A standout is Dondontei, a tendon specialist where you can get freshly fried tempura over rice starting at just 600 yen. It’s so popular that it draws lines at lunchtime!

One of the big draws of the Osaka Station and Umeda Station area is the sheer number of shopping spots. The “Eki Marche Osaka,” “Hankyu Sanbangai,” and “Whity Umeda” we covered in the food edition also have a great mix of stores—think lifestyle shops at Eki Marche Osaka, fashion at Hankyu Sanbangai, and souvenirs at Whity Umeda.

Here, we’ll spotlight some shopping gems beyond those three. First up, let’s talk about the trio of department stores around Osaka Station and Umeda Station: Hankyu Department Store, Hanshin Department Store, and Daimaru Umeda.

Hankyu Umeda Main Store is a department store just past Hankyu Sanbangai from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station. Out of the three big department stores in Umeda, this one’s got the most upscale, refined vibe—perfect if you’re looking to treat yourself to something a bit fancier.

The huge show windows are decked out with seasonal displays that are super eye-catching and glamorous. Especially around Christmas, the windows turn into a dazzling, jaw-dropping spectacle every year.

Hanshin Umeda Main Store is a department store right outside the gates of Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station. It’s got a friendly, down-to-earth feel and is a real favorite among locals. The basement food floor, in particular, is a hot spot that draws huge crowds—weekdays or weekends, it’s always buzzing.

Down there, the “Snack Park” (B1F) is lined with famous spots serving up ramen, ikayaki (grilled squid), udon, and more. It’s all about quick, cheap, and tasty standing eats!

Daimaru Umeda is right next to JR Osaka Station, so getting there couldn’t be easier. It’s got everything from luxury brand items to a solid lineup of kids’ and baby goods, making it a department store that caters to all ages.

Beyond department stores, three shopping spots worth checking out are Lucua, Lucua 1100 (pronounced “I-re”), and Grand Front Osaka.

Head left from JR Osaka Station’s central gate, and you’ll spot Lucua and Lucua 1100. These are some of Osaka’s biggest shopping hubs, packed with trendy brand shops plus everyday staples like Muji. With a sharp, urban selection and plenty of edgy items, it’s a dream spot for anyone into Japanese fashion.

Grand Front Osaka is another big shopping complex you’ll see if you head left from JR Osaka Station’s central gate. It’s got a more grown-up vibe compared to Lucua and Lucua 1100, making it perfect for people with a keen eye for detail or those after a polished lifestyle. The place is so huge you can’t cover it all in one day, so make sure to visit with plenty of time to spare!

The “Kita” area around Osaka Station and Umeda Station is packed with great food and shopping, but it’s also home to some awesome sightseeing spots. This time, we’re spotlighting the Umeda Sky Building, where you can soak in some seriously impressive views.

From JR Osaka Station’s central gate, head toward Grand Front Osaka and take the underground path—it’s about a 15-minute walk to Umeda Sky Building.

The big draw here is the Sky Garden Observatory on the roof of this 40-story building, offering sweeping views of Osaka. You’ll get a front-row seat to a stunning mix of city skyscrapers and urban beauty. It gets even more magical after sunset!

In March 2023, JR Osaka Station got a big upgrade with the new “West Gate” and “Umekita Underground Exit,” making it even easier to get around. Fresh additions like KITTE Osaka and Grand Green Osaka bring a mix of shops that scream Osaka vibes, unique concept stores, and green open spaces—something for everyone to enjoy! Let’s check out a few standout highlights.

Opened in 2024, KITTE Osaka sits on the lower floors of JP Tower Osaka. It’s part of Japan Post’s “KITTE” brand of shopping complexes, marking its first Kansai location after Tokyo and Nagoya. The B1F “Umeyoko” zone is a dining area themed as a grown-up hangout, lined with popular eateries not just from Osaka but from all over Japan. Being able to casually enjoy a drink is a big draw here too!

The 3rd floor, dubbed “Eemon Nippon Meguri (Feel JAPAN Journey),” is a hit spot where you’ll find antenna shops from all over—not just Kansai spots like Nara and Hyogo, but also Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, Shinshu, Hokuriku, and San’in. It’s a one-stop shop for regional specialties and souvenirs. Plus, there’s a Kyoto-focused café and another spotlighting local ingredients—perfect for a relaxing break between shopping!

Born from the massive redevelopment of Osaka’s Umeda area with the concept of blending “green” and “innovation,” Grand Green Osaka (GRAND GREEN OSAKA) is a standout destination. The North Wing, along with parts of the South and North Parks, opened ahead of schedule in September 2024, while the South Wing celebrated its grand opening on March 21, 2025. At its heart is Umekita Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks directly connected to a major transit hub—a true city oasis. You’ll find tons of people kicking back on the grass, spreading out sheets to relax and soak in the vibe.

When it comes to food, the big highlight is Asia’s first large-scale food market, “Time Out Market.” This spot brings you the best of Osaka’s culinary scene, handpicked by “Time Out,” a local city guide that spans 333 cities across 59 countries. Beyond that, there’s “Grand Chefs’ Valley,” a collection of exclusive members-only hideaway restaurants, plus the fashion accessory brand “CFCL” opening its first standalone flagship store, and “SUSGallery,” debuting its high-end titanium ware in Kansai with its first direct-run shop—55 stores in total. With the opening of Hotel Hankyu Grand Respire Osaka, plus a nursery and clinic on-site, this looks like a place where you can enjoy both everyday life and leisure to the fullest!

Another buzzworthy addition is “Umekita Onsen Ren Wellbeing Park,” Kansai’s largest wellness facility, which opened on the 3rd and 4th floors of Grand Green Osaka’s South Wing.

Built around five key themes—bathing, exercise, dining, meditation, and beauty—this place has it all: natural hot springs, high-concentration carbonated baths, a cutting-edge fitness gym with top-tier machines, studio programs for yoga and exercise, ganbanyoku (hot stone baths) and lava baths, an outdoor infinity pool, and a relaxation salon. It’s packed with options to boost your physical and mental well-being. Plus, the dining area and lounge serve up menus infused with elements of dietary therapy.

On top of that, they’ve got health-check devices to assess your condition, plus experts like fitness instructors, physical therapists, and nutritionists on hand to guide you with bathing tips or meal suggestions. This all-in-one spot tackles beauty and health from every angle, making it a must-visit destination even if you’re coming from afar!

Beyond the spots we’ve covered, there’s plenty more to check out. For food, the down-to-earth “Shin-Umeda Shokudogai” is packed with cozy diners. For shopping, “E-MA” offers a lineup of chic, grown-up select shops. And for sightseeing, “HEP FIVE” with its iconic red Ferris wheel is a fun pick.

The Osaka Station and Umeda Station area is also home to hotels like Hilton Osaka and Hotel Granvia Osaka, so you can enjoy the nearby vibes while using the transit options to efficiently hit up the “Minami” area with Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, or even take day trips to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara. That’s the smart way to do Osaka!

(The info in this article is current as of March 2025. For the latest details, please check official websites and other sources.)