As a few of you have noticed, the Line 1/Kitakyu Namboku Line extension was *just* opened today as well!

The staff on Osaka's metro and railways are waaaaaay more chilled out than Tokyo's. If you get on the wrong company's train for the same destination they wont give you grief.

Hi Reece! Fun fact, Hankyu has a famed theatrical company called the Takarazuka Revue that does musicals, plays and more. All the members are female (with otokoyaku, that being male roles being played by women who ONLY play male roles), and members are all Hankyu employees.

Osaka is severely underrated. Was lucky enough to visit last year and was blown away! Its a great city!

I used to live in Kobe, and this certainly makes me feel nostalgic. I took the Hankyu Kobe line nearly every day. It's amazing in retrospect, it was always so clean and on time, and you could conveniently get so many things at the stations. It wasn't that expensive and, surprisingly, was run by a private company.

The railways in Osaka are closely associated with the development of baseball in Japan, with the Nankai Hawks, Hankyu Braves, Kintetsu Buffalos, and Hanshin Tigers all representing the Kansai region at one point or another. The Nankai Hawks were sold and moved and are now the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Through various sales and mergers, the Hankyu Braves and Kintetsu Buffalos are now a single team called the Orix Buffalos. Hanshin Tigers play at the historic Koshien Stadium which is served by Koshien Station on the Hanshin Main Line. They were the subject of one of the strangest curses in sports history after they won the 1983 Japan Series, when a statue of Colonel Sanders was thrown into Dotonburi Canal. They didn't win another Central League pennant until 2003 and didn't fully break the curse until winning the 2023 Japan Series in 7 games against crosstown rival Orix. The Hanshin Tigers/Yomiuri Giants rivalry is akin to the Dodgers/Giants and Yankees/Red Sox rivalries in the United States. Hanshin is one of two railways, along with Seibu in the Kanto region, to own a baseball team.

Yay! My home city. Tokyo is awesome - I am visiting it as I write but Osaka with its metro area of 8-9 million people is more relevant. You mentioned my home station and so many ones I have been to regularly. As already noted the Kitakyu extension opened today. The Midosuji line and Hankyu Kobe line have amazing frequencies. And you feel like a king when you ride the Keihan limited expresses. Thanks a ton Reece!

This is the episode I've always been waiting for. I lived in Osaka for 3 years, and I really enjoyed their public transits. Osaka, or Kansai area has the most underrated transit network in Japan. The city is not as big as Tokyo, but it has many terminal stations, which connects passenger to basically everywhere. All the trains made Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto basically the same city. Besides, even if you are heading for the same direction, you have tons of choices. Suppose heading for Kyoto from Osaka, you choose JR for speed, Hankyu for budget and Keihan for excellent services. Just excellent.

4:36 Funny how you show the "outdated" line of osaka kitakyukou line because 2 station-northen extension was just opened today Edit: nvm, it was mentioned at 25:52

Kitakyu Namboku Line got extended as of this weekend to Minoo! Now you don't need to take a long out of the way with one transfer commute using Hankyu to get there.

One of my most magical moments in Japan (as a budding railfan) was witnessing a perfectly timed cross platform transfer at Awaji eki (going from Nipponbashi eki in Osaka to Karasuma eki in Kyoto, where the sakaisuji line interlines with Hankyu). Especially when half the train (myself included) got off, and then moved to the other train on the other side.

Thank you Reece for an extremely interesting video on a city about which I had virtually no previous knowledge!

I was in Osaka Last week and cannot give enough praises about the excellent metro. The everlasting memory will be the melodies every line has after the annoumcements being made.

Osaka is my favorite city in japan! navigating in the urban core using the metro is smooth and convenient. The grid structure helps to always provide a station close to where you are, and will end up being. I also love how casual the place is compared to Tokyo. I've gotten stopped by more locals in Osaka for conversation than any place else. The night life is topnotch too!

Yay!!! Osaka!! An even more multi-polar region than Kanto. So neat. Love multi-polar areas.

There's a fun fact about the Midosuji Line, when it opened, the line only used really short trains, whilst the platform where built to acomodate 10 cars in the future, people called the planers crazy for doing that, little did they know that it would become one of the most important lines in Osaka. I love that thing for Osaka's metro, every platform is futureproof!

It's absolutely wild to see the public transit system there is owned by so many private companies and yet still works so well. Here in Australia, as soon as you privatise public services, the service gets worse and the cost gets higher.

Hi Reece! As someone who is moving to Osaka this summer, I am absolutely mind blown on how detailed you explained Osaka's railways and how little you left out. I did not expect you to mention Awaji's elevation project or the Naniwasuji line. I thought only NMBC (A channel that makes videos mostly around Kansai transit projects and transit-oriented developments) viewers know about it😅 A good comparison for Kansai metropolitan area is like one Chicago and two Philadelphias forming a metropolitan area that exceeds New York City's metro area. Although the urban area is spread between 3 cities, Osaka itself is compact. Although the population is a third of Tokyo's, the area is also one-third. I will mention the reason why Osaka has isolated private lines that are in practice, completely fused with the Osaka Metro. These lines are outside the jurisdiction of the city, while within the city, for a long time, the city was very conservative when it came to private railroads going into the city, so the private railroads only reached to slightly outside the city limits, then through run into the Osaka Metro. Another interesting thing is that the Midosuji line is actually the highest earning metro line in Japan, beating out every metro line in Tokyo. Also, there used to be a rail yard in Umeda, but it got moved to the suburb of Suita, so in place of the old site will be a massive development project, making Umeda more massive than it already is. Umeda has so many transit lines and underground paths that connect the lines directly to buildings, which is why people like to call Umeda a dungeon.

If you like cab view videos, there are several magnificent lines in the Osaka area. My two favourites are Nankai Electric's Koya Line from Namba to the mountain resort of Gokurakubashi , and Kintetsu's Minami Osaka Line + Yoshino Line from Abenobashi to Yoshino.

Thank you for the video! One information I'd like to correct though: At 17:55 you've mentioned that the Kyoto and Kobe line is a part of the Sanyo main line, but in fact, these two lines are a part of Tokaido main line, as the Tokaido main line connects Tokyo and Kobe, while Sanyo main line Kobe and Moji.

I was in Japan for a month and their transit is AWESOME. Osaka station is massive. I would advise everyone to visit Japan. Everything there from hotels to food to shopping is super affordable and it's hella safe

A few extra titbits: - Nankai's Koya line actually runs from Namba to Koya. Even though it belongs to the Koya line, the section between Shiombashi (JR connection) and Kishinosato (where the Wakayama and Koya lines intersect/split) is run separately as a shuttle, mostly for local residents. Once upon a time the Koya Line was a separate company, the Osaka Koya Railway, and Kishinosato had a flat crossing between the two companies protected by an interlocking tower. When Nankai bought out Osaka Koya, trains were rerouted to Namba and the Kishinosato - Shiombashi section was reduced to shuttle status. Nankai once had a third terminal station, at Tennoji just south of the JR tracks and served by a spur from Tengachaya. However this was used mostly for freight, and when the Metro's Sakaisuji line was pushed south, half of the line (from Imaike to Tengachaya) was closed to allow the Metro to be dug under. The remaining half limped along by agreement with the local residents until the metro opened, with a single shuttle car sufficing to cope with traffic. Another Nankai curiosity is the fact that the company is more than just your run-of-the-mill Japanese-former-interurban-turned-regional-commuter-carrier; rather, it's the last Meiji-era private mainline railway still running using its original charter. There was an attempt by the Japanese government to take it over and incorporate it into the JGR (Japanese Government Railways) system, however the decree authorising it failed its Diet reading because the members could not agree on the terms for takeover. So Nankai remains independent to this day... - The Keihanna Line's crossing of the mountain range east of Osaka was originally Kintetsu's original Ikoma Tunnel, built by predecessor Osaka Electric Railway before WW1. This was built to US interurban standards, able to take cars 8ft (2400mm) wide, a feature which for many years hindered through running from the rest of the Kintetsu system. To solve the problem, in the early 1960s Kintetsu dug a wider tunnel next to it; the original tunnel was closed off, until Kintetsu and Osaka Metro banded up together to build the Keihanna line. The old Ikoma tunnel was then given a dusting, widened and reopened to take the new line. Only the eastern portal was reused, the new line diverging from the old alignment several hundred meters before the western one which, although fenced off, can be seen from the street.

Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station is Japan's largest terminal station and a sight to behold

I didn't realise that kyoto and osaka were so close to each other.

Great summary of rail lines centered in Osaka! My favorite train area in the world. Looking forward to a future video covering some of the neat operations there. Osaka visitors should check out the huge multilevel underground shopping halls centered at JR Osaka station

Thanks for making this, as a 10-year resident of Osaka, the train system is wonderful. I wish I’d reached out as your Osaka correspondent, I missed my chance 😅 I’m checking out the new Kita Osaka Kyuko stations this weekend 🎉

I just wanna say...Osaka Station and Osaka Umeda Station is the single most confusing building in Japan. I'm usually good with directions and I made it through Tokyo Station and Shinjuku station without a hitch... But I got lost in Osaka/Umeda station 6 times and somehow made it out with sheer luck.

Great video! I used to ride the Hankyu Kobe line to work every day, so have fond memories of riding those distinctive maroon trains. On a recent trip back to Kansai, my family and I stayed close to Tennoji and made use of the Osaka Loop Line on a regular basis. The JR Station at Umeda is a sight to behold.

Want to say too, props to you for the pronunciation! I live on the Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line and it’s still a mouthful!

Been there. Love the Midosuji Line and absolutely love Osaka Station. It's amazing.

I first visited Japan when I went to Kobe. My favorite line there is definitely the Portliner, which was just a short walk from my hotel. I also rode the JR Kobe Line, the Seishin-Yamate subway line, and the Hanshin Line. After that I went to nearby Osaka, which obviously had the larger network, and was the nexus of the Keihanshin metropolitan area (yeah, that's what it's actually called; the syllables originate from alternate readings of one of each cities' Kanji characters.). My favorite line there is definitely the Midosuji subway line (Line 1), because it serves Tennoji station next to my hotel and brings me to both Shinsekai and Namba. I also rode the JR Osaka Loop Line (& the JR Sakurajima/Yumesaki Line), the Hanshin Namba Line, and the Tanimachi subway line (Line 2). Here's a funny story, it took me forever just to get to Nishikujo from Tennoji to change to the Sakurajima Line for USJ, because I took me a while to realize that there were rapid services in the first place (I wasn't really as experienced with taking public transit transit as I am now) apart from local trains. And so that's why I always check the timetable on Google Maps, to see what type of service should I take. I never visited Kyoto, but I plan to visit it at a season when there are not so many of those pesky tourists who all play the "jostling game".

Hankyu pioneered the management of Japan's major private railways and is a pioneer in side businesses such as opera houses and department stores conducted by railway companies. The Hankyu Umeda department store has developed to become the second largest in Japan. Not only that, but it also created a film company as a side business to its opera company operations. It is TOHO, Japan's largest film company, which created Godzilla, and Hankyu is TOHO’s largest shareholder. Hanshin is held by Hankyu because a hedge fund called Murakami Fund made a hostile takeover bid and Hankyu made a friendly takeover bid. Hanshin owns Japan's second most popular baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers. （Translated with DeepL）

Love that Nankai 50000 series. Japan has so many unique-looking rapid express trains. Hankyu line is still my favourite though with their iconic maroon trains. Love that they've kept the charming retro exterior while being completely modern inside.

Shoutout to Hankyu Kyoto line! It's fabulous. If you are going to Kyoto from Osaka, Hankyu is a great way to get there, but do confirm in advance WHERE your priorities in Kyoto are. JR Kyoto line (aka Tokaido) may be a better bet as their Kyoto stations are a fair bit apart.

I love Japanese rolling stock. The colours are so rich and varied. The styling of the equipment too.

Glad to see Osaka getting covered in detail! Kansai is known among Japanese railfans as the "private railway kingdom" because JR is nowhere near as dominant as in Kanto. It can make getting around a bit daunting to beginners as you suggest in the title, but each line has its own character that makes trips to each part of the region even more interesting. I live in Kyoto on the Hankyu line and go to Osaka frequently, especially Namba. My trick is to change at Awaji to access the Sakaisuji Line and any further transfers on the Osaka Metro, which usually results in a slightly faster trip to my final destination. But going home, I always go to Umeda because it's the terminus for Hankyu, so I'm guaranteed a seat if I wait for the next train, which is every 10 minutes during most of the day, and 15 minutes maximum at night. Having a large terminus where most express trains start/end is one benefit of not having so much through-running. The Hankyu Kyoto Line has reversible transverse seating on most of the Limited Express trains (no extra fee), so it's well worth waiting for a seat. Lots of room to put your bag on the ground, stretch your legs, and lean back on the high seatback. These are very welcome on the Kyoto Line, since it is longer and has wider stop spacing than the Kobe and Takarazuka lines, which almost entirely have longitudinal seating. One more fun fact about the Hankyu Kyoto Line is that it runs right next to the Tokaido Shinkansen for a bit north of Takatsuki-shi. There are a few stations where you can stand on the platform and watch a Shinkansen train blast right past you. This parallel alignment exists because the Hankyu line was elevated at the same time the Shinkansen was under construction. The Shinkansen viaduct was built first, and Hankyu trains actually ran on it for 8 months while the Hankyu viaduct was being built, making it the first passenger service to run on Shinkansen tracks.

I hope everyone in the comments has a nice day!

Shin-Osaka station was constructed when the area was mostly farmland and served as the terminus for Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. Engineering difficulties to try to run the Shinkansen to the city center.

This video makes my brain so happy. It's all of the information together in one place. I love Osaka so much, and a big part of that is the train system. Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed video!

25:53 The extension of Kitakyu / Metro Line 1 started operating today (on the day this video came out).

As someoneone who lives in Kyoto and often takes the Hankyu line to Osaka I"m happy to see it all covered :)

Awesome, comprehensive video! Love JR West's special rapid, shin-kaisoku services! Comes in so handy when travelling around Osaka and greater Kansai area.

I was waiting for some mention of the Osaka Metro's horn usage...was very satisfied with its inclusion right at the end. Well done!

As you see across Japan, the train stations in Osaka all have their own jingle. Bentenchō Station, on the Osaka Loop Line, plays "I've Been Working on the Railroad"

I was studying as an exchange student in Osaka while they were building the newest station of the Kitakyu Namboku Line. If you are a rail fan and are in Osaka, I can only recomend going to the Yodo river with its many rail bridges as weill as Shin-Osaka-Station for viewing all sorts of trains (among which is the Shinkansen) while seeing planes above flying to Itami Airport. Also nice for trainspotting is the Imamiyaebitsu Station for the Nankai Network

Did my study abroad in Osaka and this was the first place I lived in Japan in 2001! So much has changed since then. Shout out to Kintetsu Tsurihashi, Fuse and Yaenozato stations. Higashi Osaka Forever!

Recently got back from a week in the Kansai region, and that entire Namba station complex is craaaazy big! Did get confused a couple of times, but at the end of the day, it was downright impressive how well-connected this whole region is

my favourite line is the yotsubashi line from what i seen from my visit, it is one of the least crowded lines, which effectively enables me to hear the very good motor of the 23 series

The Hankyu oozes class. Immaculate trains. Disciplined staff. Always on the move. Wow. Thus, my favourite.

Japan is a prime example of organised chaos, it's impressive how they manage and cooperate in transit

Fantastic Video! Love the diversity and complexity of railways in Japan.

Ive been asking for this for Years Thank you

wow, this number of rail lines let's even cities like London or Berlin feel like a transit-desert…

I lived in Kansas for around 4 years in the 1990s. I lived in Nishinomiya (between Osaka and Kobe) for most off that time and took the Hanshin line to and from work in Osaka. I was one stop away from Hanshin Stadium (Go Tigers!). I have many fond memories of my time there.

I live in kyoto, and often travel to Osaka by the Hankyu kyoto line. It is by far my favorite, running parallel to the Shinkansen, as you can watch the bullet trains zoom past you when you are already doing 100 kmph. Also, getting the view of Katsura river and the Suntory Yamazaki distillery are major plusses that I always eagerly wait to see. Never gets old!

Nice video Reece! Just to mention, JR *is* a private company, and the passenger rail side is split up into six sections across the country - in the Kansai region, the JR section there is called JR West. Actually, these "sections" are companies in itself, and suprisingly, these JR companies hand out different smart cards for rail travel (JR West's main smart card is ICOCA, while JR East's main smart card is Suica) OK if I talk more then I might as well make a literal essay-

Few people realize how large the Greater Osaka area really is. The approved North-south **Naniwasuji** line will indeed be a game changer for transport from the airport connecting directly to Umeda. It will finally give Nankai access to Osaka Station (Umeda) and drastically reduce times to get to Osaka's central area, Kyoto, and Kobe. It would be great to do a video on that project... as it will greatly enhance the loop line as well as many trains will be able to bypass the loop

I guess the most significant difference between the railway networks of Tokyo (Kanto) and Osaka (Kansai) is the fierce competition between JR and private railway companies. In Tokyo, i guess the biggest " railway competition" visible there is the access between Central Tokyo and Narita Airport which is between JR's Narita Express running between Eastern Tokyo/Shinjuku/Yokohama/Kamakura to Narita Airport and the Keisei Skyliner running between Ueno and Narita Airport, with Keisei being faster (as it utilizes the canceled Narita Shinkansen infrastructure) and cheaper and JRE Narita Express being more connected with other JR Lines and the availability to use the Japan Railway Pass. Another in highlightable is between JRE's Joban Line and Tsukuba Railway, with Tsukuba Railway having faster speed operations. In Osaka however, the competition kinda shapes how railway networks in Osaka operates. Basically, all private railway companies compete with each other to grab more passengers as most lines actually run parallel with JRW lines. For instance, Hankyu Kyoto and Kobe Lines runs paralel with the JR Tokaido Line (JR Kyoto) and JR San'yo Line (JR Kobe), which also runs paralell with the Hanshin Main Line, which the Hanshin Line also conducts through services to the San'yo Railway Line to Himeji and thus competing also with the JR San'yo Line to HImeji. To compete with Hankyu, Hanshin, and Keihan, JR West then launches the flagship Special Rapid Service being the JR Commuter Service with the fastest operational speed (130 km/h) and also with the longest distance (between Banshu-Ako in Ako, Hyogo Pref. and Tsuruga, Fukui Pref./Maibara, Shiga Pref.) The JR Fukuchiyama Line (JR Takarazuka) competes with the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. JR Tokaido Line also competes with the Keihan Line. The Yamatoji Line and basically all JRW and JRC lines in Nara and Mie competes with the Kintetsu Line. While the JR Hanwa & Kansai Airport Lines compete with Nankai Railway's Nankai Line and the Airport Line, although the Airport Line actually runs on the same track with the JR Kansai Airport Line. There's also a difference regarding through services with the subway. As Osaka Metro Lines mostly run on third-rail -with the Sakaisuji, Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi, and Imasatosuji Lines being the only ones not operating using third-rail-, in which mostly aren't compatible with other railways in Osaka which in contrast, only 2 metro lines in Tokyo runs on third-rail and that being the Marunouchi and Ginza Lines. Through service between JR and private railway lines also doesn't exist in Osaka, with the exception of the Kansai Airport Line which is being shared between JR and Nankai, with JR running Airport Limited Express 'Haruka' from Kyoto (and some from Maibara) and also Kansai Airport Rapid Service from Osaka, and Nankai with the Airport Limited Express 'Rapi:t' from Namba. This will change though with the opening of the Naniwasuji (Naniwa Street) Line between Osaka (North Umeda Platform) and JR Namba Stations, as the the line will have direct through service connection with Nankai in Nishihonmachi Station and also with Hankyu via a connection between Juso and Shin-Osaka which is also being in construction, also becoming the first Hankyu Line that utilizes Narrow-Gauge tracks. If you notice why most subway lines in Osaka have ~suji in their names, that's because ~suji is how the roads that run north to south being named in Osaka (in contrast, roads running west to east are called ~toori, just like everywhere in Japan). Midousuji, Sakaisuji, Imasatosuji all got their names from north-south road names where they run under them (Midou Street, Sakai Street, Imasato Street). Besides that, the Tanimachi and Yotsubashi Lines also get their names from north-south road names (~suji) although not having the ~suji on their names (Yotsubashi Street, Tanimachi Street)

Im planning my trip to Japan, and we are starting in Osaka, and was wondering if youd ever do a video on it. Sure enough here it is! Great timing.

The Midosuji line (red color) in Osaka is actually the busiest subway line in the country, surpassing even lines in Tokyo! It serves as the equivalent of Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line because it connects all the main areas of the city. In comparison Osaka’s loop line doesn’t really connect the main areas of Osaka such as Namba and Honmachi, or the shin-Osaka Shinkansen station. Fun fact too, the line was chosen to be red colored because it is the artery of the city (there is a reason behind every other color too)

Thank you so much for updating this fantastic video!! I visited Osaka more than three times when I was a university student. I love Osaka trains, especially Hankyu the best. Hankyu is the most famous trains among Kansai area, and has many unique points. Those trains are so beautiful and look luxury. I highly recommend trying the Hankyu lines when you visit Osaka or other cities in Kansai area.

I love Osaka. Have stopped there on most on my trips to Japan. When I'm there, I normally stay near Shin-Imamiya Station (JR Yamatoji and Loop lines and Nakai lines) and Dobutsuen-Mae metro Station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji lines. 10-15 minute walk from Namba or Tennoji.

On my recent visit I did find it rather confusing getting from Osaka JR to the Umeda station right next to it. We used the Midosuji line a lot having arrived by Shinkansen and choosing a hotel just west of Shin Osaka so often had to negotiate that transfer. The new line to better connect Shin Osaka would have been a useful link for us when arriving and departing from other cities.

Is amazing how japan transit system is so developed that u can go in an hour from city to city

Great video. I lived in Western Mie Prefecture for 5 years, and often took the Kintetsu Line into Osaka to have fun on weekends. The express trains came three times per hour, took one hour to get there, and cost only 980 yen. I love the Kansai area of Japan, and I prefer it to the Tokyo Metro area. The Hinotori Limited Express train from Kintetsu is hands down the best train I have ever ridden. Of course the Shinkansen is fast, but the Hinotori is more comfortable, runs smoothly but still very fast, and offers beautiful scenery in Mie and Nara prefectures. I now live close to Nagoya, and try to take that train anytime I go to Osaka.

As a kid who lived in osaka from '12 to '16, i can confirm that this video is very accurate and i wish to ride the new extension one day. Our school/kindergarden hosted field trips that often started by boarding a train either at Dobutsuen-mae or Tennoji, riding a few stops up or down then deboarding at one of the big parks in the city. it was real fun and we also got some unlimited ride cards in summer of '15 and 16.

I have been waiting for this video for years

Lets go! Japan rail! Thank you Reece for this amazing video! Im native of Montreal and ever since my trip to Japan, I cant stop thinking about its rail system and how Montreal could learn a thing or two from Japan. Keep the grind up🔥

Kitakyu Nanboku Line is a local but official name. I learned it for the first time But I love Senri Chuo Station, which has been in that station structure since 1970.

i love hankyu railway! their maroon livery is super cool! and, im loving the new refined videos! the pacing is amazing, reminds me of not just bikes!

The Kansai region actually has proper competition between the train lines and operators. You get at least 3 options to travel to a neighbouring major city Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, etc. This is very obvious when you look at the fare structure that if you are going between cities, it costs half of if you were to stop anywhere in between (where other lines don't serve). It is also why the timetables are so tight and there are as few stops as they have compared to Tokyo.

The Osaka loop line is quite cool as the different stations have different jingles. I haven't been on the Metro in Osaka though. I've used stations such as Tennoji and JR Namba and Osaka. Mainly I have changed at Shin-Osaka or travelled through on the limited express from Kansai to Kyoto

I always found japanese "commuter" interurban trains extremely interesting, and they are truly underrated outside Tokyo.

Heey I've been waiting for this one :) ♥

Very satisfied that you pronounce the city of Kobe correctly. Apart from that, this is a very detailed coverage.

even most japanese won't be able to explain this much. tremendous details. amazing video!

I never felt lost in tokyo, but Osaka was overwhelming.

Hi Reece! I’m a huge fan of yours. In my hometown(Ciudad de Panamá) the recently open Metro is getting bigger and bigger. I think it will be a very interesting topic to explain.

Railways in Osaka is basically JR, private operators and subways compete against each other, which is the exact opposite of Tokyo. 😅

kitakyu namboku line has just been extended two stations lol

The Naniwasuji line is already under construction. It’s used to mainly relieve congestion on the Osaka loop line, which is experiencing severe delays at the moment., especially on the long distance trains. Nankai had to give in to JR during COVID and allow them to use their tracks in the future on the Nankai line in order to help fund their portion of the new line and remain solvent.

Hey Reece great job and have loved your videos since the last two years. Was wondering when were you to cover Mumbai with all its Metro, Monorail and Suburban transit?

11:46 they got yeeted lol

Osaka is a serene and kind of advanced metro system, I remember riding on the metro and railway directly on Osaka vacation. 오사카는 고요하고 일종의 진보된 지하철 시스템입니다. 오사카 휴가 때 직접 지하철과 철도를 탔던 기억이 납니다.

Reece, what a mammoth effort on this video! One note for viewers, while I totally understand your referring to the Metro (subway) lines by their numbers instead of their names for ease of narration, I dont think anyone in Osaka ever refers to them as "Line 1", for example; it's always Midosuji-sen. If anyone watching lives in Osaka now, has that changed since Metro took over?

I lived in Osaka Area for 2 years, more precisely at Sakai and Izumi city. And I love this city, Osaka people are warm, kind, helpful and even metro system being confusing sometimes they try to explain in minimum details to you reach your destination.

Umeda station, one of the main station in Osaka area, is extremely complicated. There are JR lines, Hankyu line, Hanshin line, and Osaka Metro lines in this station. If you are not familiar with this station, it is quite difficult to change lines.

Last year when I went to Osaka, I couldn't believe Hankyu ran into the Metro to Namba. That just blew my mind that one service could run on another. I went from the centre of Kyoto to Dotonburi. Took ages but was a lovely trip.

5:37 The 400 series train looks like a space worm. It would be interesting if you did a video series with some of the industrial designers that design the many trains used throughout the world.

Great video, my dude! Wow, Osaka's metro system was way more confusing than I expected. I got lost twice. Wasn't expecting that at all! There was a moment where I had to transfer to a different train, operated by a different company, and I could not figure out where to go. I looked at station maps, used Google Maps, and still struggled. Then I figured it out: I had to exit the station, take an elevated walkway that snaked through the city for about 1/4 mile, and then enter a different train station. Funny how on the map, it just looked like an easy connection. Anyways, I survived 😆

Used to live by the nankai line, the airport express going past at sunset drew light patterns on my wall. When I moved back to Osaka a few years later I was in Hankyuu territory and never quite replicated the feeling of closeness to the rail despite living beside it.

OOKINI!! From osaka. I think you are the foreigner who understands the railroads in Osaka and Kansai area the best.

By the way, the extended portion of Kitakyu railway (Osaka Metro Line 1) just opened today. You may want to fix that in the future.

Semboku Kosoku was the line that I used most often when I would return to Japan. My mom and grandparents lived in Sakai which was served by the Semboku branch line. I would always remember either going to Namba with my mom to have some fun, or transferring at Nakamozu to use the Midosuji line. Those train announcements really do bring up some memories

Having been on most of the lines you mentioned, overall this video was quite well done (minus the pronunciation on some of the names...) My personal favourite is Hankyuu, their trains are nice, and there's a really cool 2.5km or so section on the way up to Kyoto that runs parallel to the Shinkansen. So while you're in a train flying along at up to 120km/h, you get to see the Shinkansen passing you at more than double that speed :D Special mention goes to Keihan though, their trains are really nice too, and usually have minimal/no advertising inside, which adds to the premium feel. Their line is quite convenient for me these days, but it's sadly just not as fast as Hankyuu.

Hankyu line is my favourite private railway in the country. The trains look classy, have comfortable seats, and are massive. Combined with the 9 platforms at Osaka-umeda that makes glorious pictures opportunities when they are all lined up. The jingle they play when a train is arriving at a platform. Gives me the chills thinking about it haha

Very great video! Can you make a video for the bucharest transit?

日本人として紹介していただき誇りに感じます！

I love these explanation videos they are the best do more if you can 👍

My favorite line is probably the Takarazuka Line. I stayed near Shonai Station on my Japan trip last year for quite a while, so thinking back about taking the train to the station and then walking through the quiet neighborhood feels quite nostalgic. I even lost my wallet at Shonai station only realising it at Namba Station. It was quite an experience but I got it back in the end. Thanks to the kind person who picked up my wallet and gave it to the station staff :)