I will be arriving at Kansai Airport on Jetstar flight from Sydney Australia on 3rd March, staying at Ramada Hotel at Airport the first night and then moving to Comfort Hotel Shinsaibashi Osaka the next morning. Can anyone adivse me if it is best to go back to the Airport the morning after arrival to get transport into Shinsabashi station Osaka or is there an easy way to go direct from the Ramada Hotel.
Thanks in advance
Ozlady55
Best way Airport to Shinsaibashi
The Ramada Hotel is in Izumisano, two train stops (Nankai line) or a short bus / taxi ride from the airport. You do not need to go back to the airport to get to Namba. From Izumisano train station (which is approx 10-15 mins walk from the Ramada hotel) take the Nankai train to the end of the line (Namba) - it takes about 35 mins, just make sure you don%26#39;t get on a %26#39;local%26#39; train which stops at every station on the way. From Namba, you could potentially walk to Comfort Hotel or take the subway to Shinsaibashi (one stop), though this will of course depend on how much luggage you%26#39;re carrying. A taxi from Namba won%26#39;t cost you much if you prefer.
Izumisano is quite a sleepy little suburb, but can I suggest that if you have some free time in the evening when you arrive that you seek out a place called Lonestar Bar and Grill. It%26#39;s a lovely little izakaya, with very friendly staff, serving a mix of Japanese and Tex/Mex food. It%26#39;s just 5-10 mins walk from the Ramada Hotel, though you%26#39;d be wise to ask for directions as it can be a little tricky to find. Very popular with both the locals and airport staff!
Best way Airport to Shinsaibashi
Thanks pob74
Your directions sound easy enough for me. I have just been looking at a diagram of the rail lines and I can see what you mean. I thought that Shinsaibashi was next to Namba and you have confirmed.
Thanks again for your help.
Ozlady55
I have just returned from four night at the Comfort Inn at Shinsaibashi. I am not aware of the location of the Ramada but if it is near the Airport it would be best to catch the train from there. The train is on level 2 at the airport.
If you have read the reviews of the hotel you will know that you catch the train from Kansai Airport - there are two options Japan Rail and Nankai Railways. Nankai has an express train with booked seating called the Rapit. If you are not a budget traveller it may be worth the extra cost. This will take you to Namba station which is the centre of the Osaka transport network. At Namba you will exit the Nankai Line station and follow the signs to the Osaka Subway - the different lines are colour coded. Several of the subway lines go to Shinsaibashi - best to look for the red line called the Midosuji Line. Shinsaibashi is just one stop from Namba. You get your ticket from the vending machine near the subway entrance - there are always uniformed staff on hand to help. The ticket vending machine has an English help button so they are easy to follow. As it is one stop the cost is 200 yen. You can also get an unlimited daily ticket for 800 yen. Ask the Ramada hotel for an Osaka City Map withe the train and subway map (it is produced by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau (www.osaka-info.com).
When you get to Shinsaibashi Station go to Exit 5 or 6 which is alongside the Daimaru Department Store (go into the food hall there another time it is amazing) . This will bring you our onto a cover mall called Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street - be prepared to be amazed - it runs for 2 km. Cross over the street head away from the shopping street and Diamaru. On this narrow street you will pass two Family Marts (you can easily navigate to street with a suit case on wheels). At the second Family mart turn right and go go two full blocks and the Comfort Inn is on the left next to a parking station. Reception is on level three.
You have no doubt read the reviews - the rooms are small and so are the bathrooms. The have Japanese style bath tubs with showers over - best to fill the tub and climb in and use the hand shower. (my wife is over 60 and with a bad back but managed).
Be aware too that Shinsaibashi is where a lot a businessmen go out to bars. They are not a safety issue just be aware so it is not a shock. we found some nice restauant nearby and also around Namba Station.
I have just returned from four night at the Comfort Inn at Shinsaibashi. I am not aware of the location of the Ramada but if it is near the Airport it would be best to catch the train from there. The train is on level 2 at the airport.
If you have read the reviews of the hotel you will know that you catch the train from Kansai Airport - there are two options Japan Rail and Nankai Railways. Nankai has an express train with booked seating called the Rapit. If you are not a budget traveller it may be worth the extra cost. This will take you to Namba station which is the centre of the Osaka transport network. At Namba you will exit the Nankai Line station and follow the signs to the Osaka Subway - the different lines are colour coded. Several of the subway lines go to Shinsaibashi - best to look for the red line called the Midosuji Line. Shinsaibashi is just one stop from Namba. You get your ticket from the vending machine near the subway entrance - there are always uniformed staff on hand to help. The ticket vending machine has an English help button so they are easy to follow. As it is one stop the cost is 200 yen. You can also get an unlimited daily ticket for 800 yen. Ask the Ramada hotel for an Osaka City Map withe the train and subway map (it is produced by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau (www.osaka-info.com).
When you get to Shinsaibashi Station go to Exit 5 or 6 which is alongside the Daimaru Department Store (go into the food hall there another time it is amazing) . This will bring you our onto a cover mall called Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street - be prepared to be amazed - it runs for 2 km. Cross over the street head away from the shopping street and Diamaru. On this narrow street you will pass two Family Marts (you can easily navigate to street with a suit case on wheels). At the second Family mart turn right and go go two full blocks and the Comfort Inn is on the left next to a parking station. Reception is on level three.
You have no doubt read the reviews - the rooms are small and so are the bathrooms. The have Japanese style bath tubs with showers over - best to fill the tub and climb in and use the hand shower. (my wife is over 60 and with a bad back but managed).
Be aware too that Shinsaibashi is where a lot a businessmen go out to bars. They are not a safety issue just be aware so it is not a shock. we found some nice restauant nearby and also around Namba Station.
The good thing is there are elevators or escalators you can use all along this route at both Namba and Shinsaibashi so you don%26#39;t have to drag your bags up and down any steps. Look for the elevator signs at the platforms or the stations.
Thanks WBI and Sammyfloyd for your replys.
I will print out the directions and follow to the letter. I have been seeing quite a few docos on Japan (Osaka and Tokyo in particular) here in Aus lately so am prepared for the culture shock. I can%26#39;t wait.
One other thing you might be able to help me on is where to buy a sim card for my mobile. Our mobile service in Australia does not work in Japan I am told, even though I have global roaming. I have been told to just buy a sim card for while I am in Japan.
Has anyone done this?
Regards
Ozlady55
Hi Ozlady
I don%26#39;t think you can do that. As far as I know you have to rent a phone when you arrive, or it can be arranged beforehand. We arranged rental of phones over the internet and had them sent to our first hotel so they were waiting for us when we arrived.
Your phone will only work in Japan if it%26#39;s a 3G phone. You can then rent a 3G simcard from phone carriers like Softbank:
www.softbank-rental.jp/en/phones/sim3g.php
Thanks for the info. I think that I might just stick to email. I am sure that will be easier and cheaper.
Thanks all for your advice.
Ozlady55
No comments:
Post a Comment