Taking the Train in Osaka: Similar to the Jabodetabek Commuter Line, but the Differences Will Amaze You
Traveling by train, whether JR or subway/metro, in Osaka and other cities in Japan is always an interesting experience, especially for those accustomed to the rhythm of the Jabodetabek Commuter Line in Indonesia. Many people assume that taking the train in Japan is complicated, confusing, and full of tangled lines. But after trying it, one thing is clear: the sensation is actually quite similar to riding the Jabodetabek Commuter Line. Moreover, many of the train cars in Jabodetabek were originally used in Japan, such as the recently retired Jalita. So, at first glance, it feels very similar. However, there are a number of differences that are so noticeable that we often mutter under our breath, “Ah, no wonder Japan is known for its neatness.”
Just imagine, standing on the platform, waiting for the train to arrive, watching passengers line up neatly and board without pushing each other—it feels like an upgraded version of the KRL we’re used to every day. There are many lines, frequent transfers between lines, and the trains are the lifeblood of the city. But beyond these similarities, there are small details that make the train experience in Osaka a unique experience.
There’s a Daily Pass
While in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), commuter train fares vary depending on the distance, ranging from IDR 3,000 to IDR 11,000, in Osaka, fares are based on distance, so a single ride can vary depending on the destination. A ride of just one or two stations might cost around ¥190–¥300, but longer distances can cost ¥500 or even more.
What’s more, there’s a great option for a more economical ticket:
- One-Day Pass: can be used multiple times in one day.
- Weekends only cost ¥620, while weekdays cost ¥820. Perfect for tourists who want to explore a lot of places without having to calculate distance.
You can also use ICOCA/Pasmo/Suica, which are similar to the E-Miney or Tap Cash electronic cards on the commuter train: just tap in and tap out.
Another difference is that you can use your credit card directly at ticket machines and payment gates, so if you run out of cash, you don’t have to panic and look for an ATM.
Route Instructions Are Very Helpful
While in Greater Jakarta we were helped by maps and directional signs, in Osaka we’ll find something even more detailed:
Every station and train displays a real-time route complete with estimated arrival times per minute. Large screens show the train’s current position, the line it will take, and how many minutes until it arrives at its destination.
Directions are similar to those on the Jakarta MRT, but much more comprehensive:
- Clear routing maps, consistent line colors.
- Transfer instructions between lines, complete with directions for right and left lanes.
- Information about which carriage is closest to the stairs, elevator, or escalator.
Inside the train, digital displays alternately display information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. The announcement speakers also use two languages: Japanese and English—quite helpful if you’re still confused about reading kanji.
Orderly and Polite Passengers
Another striking difference is passenger culture.
While on commuter trains, we sometimes see passengers jostling to get on before those getting off, in Osaka, the atmosphere is much quieter. Most passengers are very respectful of public space. Even when the train is full, it remains as quiet as a library.
Mobile phone use is limited to typing or reading; almost no one makes voice calls. If someone needs to make a call, they usually get off first or pull over outside the carriage.
The custom of giving up one’s seat is also very strong. Priority areas for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or people with small children are strictly adhered to without the need for reprimands.
Connectivity to the Airport
Trains in Osaka also connect directly to Kansai International Airport, similar to commuter trains that can reach Soekarno-Hatta Airport, but with smoother access. No need to take the Kalayang from the station to the terminal—just get off at the terminal and just follow the signs.
More Advanced Technology
In Osaka, we also find something not yet available in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek): face recognition gates. This system allows passengers to enter the station simply by scanning their face—no ticket, no card, no phone. Simply register your face at the machine, and then walk in.
In addition:
- Many vending machines at the station allow you to buy drinks while waiting for the train. However, drinking is not permitted inside the carriage.
- Many automatic ticket machines for refilling Pasmo/Suica/ICOCA. Refills are available on the platform, so those with low balances can top up.
- Payment is incredibly fast and accurate, with no sensor errors that require repeated use. This is the biggest difference in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), where sensors sometimes take longer.
Friendly Stations for Everyone
Another thing that feels different is access. Almost every station in Osaka:
- The floor is level, with no elevation changes that would make it difficult for wheelchairs.
- There are special lanes for wheelchair users, the elderly, or those with canes.
- There are colored lines marking the left and right lanes to avoid collisions.
- At certain stations, there are platform dividers like the MRT for safety.
- It feels very friendly to people with disabilities, and the elevators are always functional, rarely breaking down.
Everything feels like it’s been thought out in detail, from the direction the train is coming from to the best position to stand so as not to block others’ paths.
However, even in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), I often see very helpful staff, especially to visually impaired passengers. At Os, I haven’t seen any visually impaired passengers, but I often see passengers with wheelchairs, something I haven’t seen in Greater Jakarta because many stations aren’t yet compatible.
Managing Multiple Lines & Transfers
If the Jabodetabek commuter line seems complicated with its many branches, Osaka can bring a small smile: it turns out there are even more.
There’s the JR Line, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, and Nankai. But with clear directions, everything feels very systematic.
Transferring between lines does require walking several tens of meters, and sometimes taking escalators several times, but the paths are clear, so there’s no confusion while looking at the signs.
The important thing is: follow the arrows.
A Heartwarming Conclusion
Riding the train in Osaka isn’t much different from riding the commuter line in Greater Jakarta. The principle is the same: tap enter, wait, get on, tap exit. But the differences lie in the small details that make the experience truly enjoyable: cleanliness, silence, order, clarity of information, and access to technology.
Nothing is complicated. No one shouts. No one suddenly rushes to get in. Everything flows like a silent orchestra.
And when the train doors close, the roar of the tracks feels like a phrase worth remembering:
Good transportation isn’t just about moving from one place to another, but about respecting shared space.
Perhaps this is a simple lesson we can take home from Osaka—and hopefully, it can inspire improvements in Greater Jakarta or other cities in Indonesia.
