JR Yamatoji Line from Shin-Imamiya to JR Namba Train Review

Yamatoji Line is the JR train to access Dotonbori in Osaka. This section operates like a short branch line from the Osaka Loop Line but is used by through trains for Oji, Nara and Kamo. If using an eligible JR pass, this JR train is fully covered to access Dotonbori, as other trains and stations around Dotonbori and Namba are all private railways which most JR passes do not cover.

Shin-Imamiya Station

Shin-Imamiya is a major interchange station on the Osaka Loop Line and can be used to interchange to the Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station.

Trains for JR Namba depart from Platform 3.

Do note that Platform 3 is also shared by other trains. Look out for the infromation screens on the platform and destination signs on the train to see if the train is going to JR Namba.

Look out for a green sign for the Yamatoji Line.

If you see a red sign, it is for the Osaka Loop Line (wrong train).

Yamatoji Line aren’t as frequent as Osaka Loop Line trains, so you may have to wait a while longer. Trains seem to come every 15 minutes.

JR Yamatoji Line to JR Namba

And here comes my Yamatoji Line train. The destination of the train clearly states JR Namba.

The interior of the Yamatoji Line 201 series EMU. Not many passengers are bound for JR Namba as other railway operators offer better connections to downtown Osaka than JR.

The combined route map displays the Yamatoji Line along with the Osaka Loop Line, Yumesaki Line, Hanwa Line, and Kansai-Airport Line.

I will just be taking the short sector from Shin-Imamiya to JR Namba.

JR Namba Station

The JR Yamatoji Line journey from Shin-Imamiya to JR Namba takes just 4 minutes.

The station sign of JR Namba Station.

Heading up the stairs to the exit.

Heading out of the fare gates.

JR Namba Station is connected by underpasses to Osaka-Namba Station, Namba Station, and Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, with many exits along the connected underground network of underpasses to popular streets and malls in Dotonbori.

As I didn’t wait to walk in the underpass, I headed up to explore JR Namba Station first.

The façade of JR Namba Station.

Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT)

Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) is located above JR Namba Station, which serves many intercity highway buses from Osaka.

Heading back down to the network of underpasses.

The underpass network is divided into 5 sections based on the train stations.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori can be closest accessed by Exit 14.

Dotonbori is where the famous Glico running man is.

Don Quijote Dotonbori is also just ahead.