Tokyo Disneyland to Universal Studios Osaka

[npoon]

Is someone able to give step by step instructions on how to get to Tokyo Disney to Universal Studios Osaka using the bullet train? I get the gist, go to tokyo station, take bullet train to shin osaka...after that I need assistance with platform station numbers. Can I JR pass in osaka and if not, how do I buy pass before I go..
Also, if you don't want to take bullet train are there any other options?
thanks

 

[nono]

Is someone able to give step by step instructions on how to get to Tokyo Disney to Universal Studios Osaka using the bullet train? I get the gist, go to tokyo station, take bullet train to shin osaka...after that I need assistance with platform station numbers. Can I JR pass in osaka and if not, how do I buy pass before I go..
Also, if you don't want to take bullet train are there any other options?
thanks

Shin-Osaka station to Osaka Station then to Universal-City Station. Trains are flexible in Japan, and can run on competitors' lines, so it is tough to tell you exactly which train and which platform since it will be sometime in the future. However, Google Maps does work well for navigating Japanese public transportation in general.

I do believe there's also a night bus from Disney area to Osaka. Let me dig around to see if it still exists. Edited to add: Yes, it's a night bus leaving Tokyo Disneyland around 21:00 (9 pm) and going to Osaka.

 

[fatmanatee]

Can't recommend google maps enough for getting around, trains run frequently and on time and there's plenty of signs to let you know where to go. I don't think JR Pass applies to all transit though, pretty sure you'll need subway tickets. I just loaded up a Suica card (a reloadable card you can use to tap in) for the subways.

 

[Kwami]

Can't recommend google maps enough for getting around, trains run frequently and on time and there's plenty of signs to let you know where to go. I don't think JR Pass applies to all transit though, pretty sure you'll need subway tickets. I just loaded up a Suica card (a reloadable card you can use to tap in) for the subways.

You can get there with only JR trains. Take the Tokaido Sanyo Line / Osaka East Line to Osaka Station, then the Osaka Loop Line and Yumesaki Lines to Universal Studios. Sometimes, you can even avoid the transfer at Nishikujo Station.

The JR line between Shin-Osaka and Osaka doesn't run as often as the subway, but it is covered by the JR Rail Pass. And, you don't have to navigate from Umeda Station to Osaka Station, which can be tricky.

 

[fatmanatee]

You can get there with only JR trains. Take the Tokaido Sanyo Line / Osaka East Line to Osaka Station, then the Osaka Loop Line and Yumesaki Lines to Universal Studios. Sometimes, you can even avoid the transfer at Nishikujo Station.

The JR line between Shin-Osaka and Osaka doesn't run as often as the subway, but it is covered by the JR Rail Pass. And, you don't have to navigate from Umeda Station to Osaka Station, which can be tricky.

Ah ok, needless to say I was a bit confused about what was what, ended up playing it safe and using Suica for most of my travels even though I had the pass.

 

[npoon]

Shin-Osaka station to Osaka Station then to Universal-City Station. Trains are flexible in Japan, and can run on competitors' lines, so it is tough to tell you exactly which train and which platform since it will be sometime in the future. However, Google Maps does work well for navigating Japanese public transportation in general.

I do believe there's also a night bus from Disney area to Osaka. Let me dig around to see if it still exists. Edited to add: Yes, it's a night bus leaving Tokyo Disneyland around 21:00 (9 pm) and going to Osaka.

love your night bus link...is there one from universal studios back to tokyo disneyland...are they reliable?

 

[nono]

love your night bus link...is there one from universal studios back to tokyo disneyland...are they reliable?

My kids have used them, and yes, they are reliable. I think they do have ones in the other direction. Willer Express is a big one, but there are others as well.

 

[Annabell]

Nightbus is much cheaper and reliable. It is fine if you can sleep on the bus.

 

[gelatoni fan]

When I go between Tokyo Disney and Osaka, I usually fly. Airport bus from Tokyo Disney (or one of the hotels) to Haneda airport. Fly to Osaka Itami airport (I've flown back from Kansai international too). And then a bus or train to wherever I need to go. I don't usually stay near Universal Studios though so that will involve a transfer in Osaka.

But if you plan to buy a JR pass, then just take the bullet train.

 

[nono]

When I go between Tokyo Disney and Osaka, I usually fly. Airport bus from Tokyo Disney (or one of the hotels) to Haneda airport. Fly to Osaka Itami airport (I've flown back from Kansai international too). And then a bus or train to wherever I need to go. I don't usually stay near Universal Studios though so that will involve a transfer in Osaka.

But if you plan to buy a JR pass, then just take the bullet train.

I have to say that I need to get better about flying around Japan. I grew up on the East Coast of the US, where flying from Philadelphia to NY, DC or Boston was just not worth it compared to the train. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[gelatoni fan]

I have to say that I need to get better about flying around Japan. I grew up on the East Coast of the US, where flying from Philadelphia to NY, DC or Boston was just not worth it compared to the train. Thanks for the reminder!

Disney area to Tokyo station shinkansen is somewhat annoying with the long walk and Maihama station being just outside the "free transfer" zone of long distance trains to/from Tokyo station. Instead of taking a bus or Disney resort line to Maihama and then dealing with luggage on the train, I can get a bus from my hotel directly to Haneda, check in my suitcase and grab a drink at the JAL or ANA lounge.

That's my preference though and I think most people prefer the train, especially if leaving from Tokyo rather than the Disney area.