Dear Readers,
it has been a while.
How are you doing?
It has been almost two months since my last post.
The season is completely spring.
When the weather gets warmer, you want to travel.
I am sure that some readers will choose Osaka, my hometown,
as a destination for travel.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, starting April 13.
Universal Studios Japan (henceforth USJ) is located near the Expo site.
Some of you may be considering visiting USJ while at the Expo.
However, for those unfamiliar with the geography of Osaka and public transportation in Osaka City,
it may be a little difficult to get to the Expo site and USJ from major stations in Osaka City.
So in this article,
I will introduce the recommended means of transportation from one of the major stations in Osaka City to the Expo site and USJ.
This article is intended for the following people.
・Those who are considering visiting Expo or USJ on their trip.
・Those who prefer to travel by the easiest means possible.
By reading this article,
you will know how to easily get to the Expo site and USJ from its main stations.
It will make everyone’s trip go more smoothly.
I hope you will enjoy reading this article.
Expo Liner
I would like to introduce you to,
Expo Liner.
This is a limited-time rapid train
that JR West started oparating with the March 15 timetable revision.
The operating section is between JR Shin-Osaka Station and Sakurajima, the last stop on the JR Yumesaki Line.
What amazes me is
this train does not stop at intermediate stations
from Osaka, the next station after Shin-Osaka, to Universal City, the closest station to USJ.
The period will last approximately seven months, from March 15 to October 13, the last day of the Expo.
Conventionally, the following methods are used to get from Shin-Osaka Station to Universal City Station and Sakurajima Station.
・Take the JR Kyoto Line from Shin-Osaka Station.
・At the next station “Osaka”, transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line inward bound train.
・Transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line at Nishi-Kujo Station, two stops away from Osaka Station.
You need a total of two transfers.
There is also a train running from JR Osaka Station, platform 1, directly to Sakurajima on the JR Yumesaki Line.
You still need to change trains at Osaka Station.
In other words, there were no regular trains going directly
from Shin-Osaka Station to Universal City・Sakurajima Station
In the past, there was a direct Yumesaki Line train running from Shin-Osaka Station for a short period of time.
Unfortunately, it did not become a regular service.
Although it is limited to about 7 months due to the Expo,
a special train will run from Shin-Osaka Station to Universal City/Sakurajima.
Expo Liner is expected to help you,
as an access route to USJ, nearby accommodations, and Zepp Osaka Bayside, a live music venue
other than Expo.
The Osaka Metro Chuo Line is commonly used
to get to Yumeshima, the Expo site, by train from major stations in Osaka City, including Shin-Osaka Station,
However, in the method presented here,
the Chuo Line will not appear.
*If you are interested in Yumeshima and access to it,
please refer to this previously posted article.
To reiterate,
Expo Liner is the recommended means
for those who are going to not only the Expo, but also at USJ and Zepp Osaka Bayside.
In the next section.
I will show you, my readers,
how I actually rode the Expo Liner after work on March 19.
Take the Expo Liner!
March 19, I left work and went to Shin-Osaka Station.
I would like to share with you what it was like to actually ride the Expo Liner.
Weekdays,
As usual, the station was very crowded.
Board the 17:41 Expo Liner bound for Sakurajima in the direction of Universal City.
The train departs from platform 2.
Head to platform 2.
I did not use ICOCA public transportation IC card.
It had been a while since I bought a ticket.
Here it comes, the Expo Liner.
Cars that normally run on the Osaka Loop Line are used.
It should be a familiar vehicle for me.
But something is strange
What a flashy vehicle!
The “JR WEST Parade Train” is a converted 323 Series train exclusively for the Osaka Loop Line.
Except during certain hours,
this car will be used for the Expo Liner.
The first car of the eight-car train has been converted to Expo specifications.
It is not only the exterior that has been modified.
Here is what it looks like inside.
A large number of LED panels are installed.
When I boarded,
no particular advertisements or videos were played.
Perhaps when the Expo begins, advertisements related to the Expo and Osaka/Kansai will be played.
It was very nice, though,
It was a little too bright for me hiikun.
Within a few minutes, my eyes were becoming tiring,
I decided to move to another vehicle.
I moved to Car 3.
Despite the limited time operation,
exclusive destination displays and in-train announcements for the Expo Liner and station announcements are also well prepared.
It departed.
The four tracks next to it are the JR Kyoto Line (Tokaido Main Line).
They run side by side until they cross the Yodo River.
Unfortunately, it was cloudy.
A few sunsets were visible.
It finished crossing the Yodo River.
Farewell to the JR Kyoto Line.
Via a line that is usually only used by express and freight trains,
the train heads for the Osaka Station underground platform.
We arrived at the underground platform of Osaka Station.
I was wondering if the number of passengers would increase,
No one came on board.
We stopped for about 2 minutes to adjust the time.
On the Osaka Station underground platform,
Doors can be configured for all types of vehicles and configurations
The world’s first full-screen home door is used.
Also, the digital signage indicating destinations is very large and easy to read.
Despite the limited time frame,
the Expo Liner is also available for guidance.
No one really came on board.
I am the only one in car 3 here.
It’s during the evening rush hour to get home.
I did not expect to have the vehicle all to myself.
Departing from the underground platform of Osaka Station, the train goes above ground again.
It merges with the Osaka Loop Line.
The train is passing through Nishikujo Station.
The JR Yumesaki Line to USJ originates here in Nishikujo.
Originally, take the Osaka Loop Line to this station.
At this station, transfer to the Yumesaki Line.
However, my Expo Liner does not stop at Nishikujo Station.
After passing Nishi-Kujo station,
farewell to the Osaka Loop Line.
It joins the Yumesaki Line via a line that normally passes only freight trains.
When you see a large freight train depot on the left,
this train passes through Ajikawaguchi station.
We arrived at Universal City Station.
Again, we stopped here for two minutes.
Looking outside,
I saw travelers with large luggage getting off the train.
Obviously, they will be going to USJ.
One minute after leaving Universal City Station, we arrived at the last stop, Sakurajima Station.
The time required from Shin-Osaka Station is approximately 20 minutes.
A temporary exit is also available exclusively for those taking the shuttle bus to the Expo site.
As of the date of our visit, March 19, it was off-limits.
*Available from March 24.
Less than a month to go until the event.
The Expo Liner does not stop at Nishi-Kujo Station.
Be careful not to get on the wrong train.
There is a large hotel right in front of the station.
Because it is very close to USJ,
there were many tourists around the station.
Also, it was the evening rush home.
The area around the station was crowded with
workers at nearby businesses and factories
and those who are supposed to be employees of USJ.
I will buy a ticket and return to Shin-Osaka Station.
I did not take any photo from this point forward.
I just enjoyed the ride.
After picking up many passengers at Universal City Station, the train heads for Shin-Osaka Station.
Because it is also directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station,
many people boarded the train.
” This train does not go to Nishikujo Station! ”
” Please be careful not to take the wrong train! “
Station staff repeatedly warned passengers to be careful.
The station staff’s repeated reminders must have worked.
There did not seem to be any customers who made the mistake of getting on the wrong train,
At least in the car I hiikun rode in.
I returned safely to Shin-Osaka Station.
Due to the rush hour to get home,
a long line was formed at the next boarding gate.
The train again goes to Sakurajima Station.
The station was more crowded than before I left for Sakurajima Station.
I knew that when I went home, I would do nothing.
I stopped by Starbucks in Shin-Osaka Station to start writing.
I was somewhat tired.
I paid for tha place.
I was able to concentrate on my work.
My impression and opinion about the Expo Liner
I will give you my impressions of the ride in a few words.
Super convenient!
As I said at the beginning,
from Shin-Osaka to Universal City/Sakurajima usually requires two transfers.
It is also possible to take a direct Yumesaki Line train from Osaka Station.
However, there will be one transfer at Osaka Station.
It is a hassle to change trains with large luggage.
Going may not be a problem yet.
On the way back, however, you will probably want to avoid transfers if possible due to fatigue.
Here is the route map of the ExpoLiner.
The Expo Liner runs once per hour.
However, it directly connects Shin-Osaka Station and Universal City/Sakurajima Station.
I actually got on board.
It was really easy to move around.
At platform 1, where trains arrive and depart for Nishi-Kujo, a transfer station on the Yumesaki Line,
trains of various destinations arrive one after another.
You can take any of them to get to Nishikujo Station.
But if you are unfamiliar with Osaka’s traffic conditions,
you may be wondering which train to take.
But if you take the Expo Liner,
you don’t have to worry about that.
Another attraction is the opportunity to enjoy a different view than usual.
The Expo Liner runs on tracks where only limited express and freight trains run.
You can enjoy a view that cannot be seen unless you take the express train.
Series 323 trains, which are specially designed for the Osaka Loop Line, are used for ExpoLiner operations.
Depending on the time of day,
You can also see the Osaka Loop Line dedicated cars running side by side with each other.
I am sure
that train fans and families with young children will enjoy it.
Summary
This time, I have introduced the rapid service train “Expo Liner”
that directly connects Shin-Osaka to Universal City and Sakurajima.
What do you think?
The number of services is very limited, one per hour.
But
the Expo Liner will save you the trouble of having to change trains and make travel easier.
You can also enjoy a different view of Osaka than usual.
It will be in operation until October 13, the last day of the Expo.
If you are planning to visit not only the Expo but also Universal Studios Japan and other accommodations in the area
please come on board.
In my hiikun’s personal opinion,
it was so convenient that I hope it will continue to operate after the Expo is over.
JR West,
I are very aware that this is difficult due to various circumstances.
However,
would you positively consider continuing to run commercial trains in the same section
after the Expo, the name was changed from “Expo Liner” ?
Thank you very much for reading to the end.
We look forward to seeing you in the next article.
≪Advertisement≫.
