There are a few noteworthy events happening in the rail industry in Japan, especially in areas like Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo. New stations and lines are opening, making it more convenient for travelers.

Kansai airport train “Haruka” stops at Osaka station

In March 2023, Osaka Station opened new underground platforms in the former Umeda freight terminal, known as Umekita, just north of the main Osaka Station. With the opening of these new platforms, the limited express trains “Haruka” and “Kuroshio” can finally stop at Osaka Station.

The regular rapid trains from Kansai Airport and Wakayama have been stopping at Osaka Station, utilizing the tracks of the Osaka Loop Line (indicated in purple in the below picture). However, the limited express trains “Haruka” and “Kuroshio” were unable to stop at Osaka Station due to the need to switch tracks from the loop line at Nishikujo Station to the freight track, in order to continue their journey to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. The freight track was situated far away from Osaka Station, making it impossible for the trains to stop there.

To address this issue, JR West, the train operator, excavated a new tunnel to bring the tracks closer to Osaka Station and constructed a new platform in that area. This development now allows the “Haruka” and “Kuroshio” trains to stop at Osaka Station, offering greater convenience for travelers.

With the limited express trains now stopping at Osaka Station, the journey is shortened by 20 minutes compared to the rapid trains. Limited express trains are a great choice for individuals seeking guaranteed seating, especially because the rapid trains to and from Kansai Airport can become quite crowded. However, if you are using Terminal 2, taking the bus is the best option since the train does not make a stop at Terminal 2.

I am delighted that “Haruka” now stops at Osaka Station since I often faced difficulties finding a seat on the Kansai Airport rapid train. Additionally, the rapid train can be confusing because the rear half of the train goes to Wakayama instead of Kansai Airport. Taking “Haruka” from Osaka Station eliminates the hassle and confusion, providing a more convenient and straightforward option.

Tokyu Shin-Yokohama line opening

If you are planning to travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, connecting at Shin-Yokohama Station for the Shinkansen will become even more convenient than before, thanks to the anticipated opening of the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line. This new line will enhance the connectivity and accessibility for passengers, making their journeys smoother and more efficient.

Previously, traveling by Shinkansen from areas such as Roppongi, Akasaka, and Daikanyama was inconvenient since none of the subway lines in those areas connected directly to Tokyo or Shinagawa Stations. However, with the opening of the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line, residents and visitors in the aforementioned areas, as well as those along the Tokyo subway Fukutoshin, Mita, and Nanboku Lines, will have the opportunity to connect to the Shinkansen at Shin-Yokohama Station.

Compared to the larger Tokyo or Shinagawa Stations, Shin-Yokohama Station is relatively smaller, making transfers much easier, especially when carrying luggage.

With the opening of the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line, travelers now have the option to take the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama Station instead of Shinagawa via the Yamanote Line. The choice between connecting at Shinagawa or Shin-Yokohama depends on the starting point.

For those staying near Miyashita Park, Hikarie, or anywhere east of Shibuya Station, taking the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Shin-Yokohama would be more convenient. Otherwise, taking the Yamanote Line to Shinagawa would make more sense.

The residents and travelers in the southwest of Tokyo, as well as the west of Yokohama, particularly along the Tokyu Toyoko, Meguro, and Sotetsu Lines, benefit greatly from the opening of Shin-Yokohama. I anticipate that property prices around Nishiya and Futamatagawa Stations will increase, as people can conveniently reach Shin-Yokohama Station, Yokohama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, Akasaka, and Otemachi (near Tokyo Station) without requiring any transfers.

Fukuoka subway Nanakuma line opening

This project is an extension of the Fukuoka Subway Nanakuma Line. Prior to March 2023, the Nanakuma Line operated trains only between Hashimoto and Tenjin-Minami (Tenjin). However, with the extension project, Tenjin-Minami has now been connected to Hakata Station. This extension allows for greater convenience and accessibility for passengers, expanding the reach of the Nanakuma Line within Fukuoka.

With this extension, the southern side of Tenjin, including Canal City and Fukuoka’s famous ramen street vendor site, is now directly connected to Hakata Station. This provides a seamless connection with JR lines, including the Shinkansen, making it convenient for travelers to access these areas.

Furthermore, by connecting at Hakata Station, travelers now have the option to take the Nanakuma Line to Fukuoka Airport via the subway airport line. This offers a convenient and efficient way to reach the airport using the subway network.

Conclusion

In 2023, many significant events occurred in Japan’s rail network. While I have mentioned the most major topics, it’s important to note that there have been other developments happening throughout Japan’s rail system. The railway infrastructure and services continue to evolve and improve across the country, bringing about various advancements and enhancements.