What is the Midosuji Line?
The Midosuji Line is one of Osaka’s most important subway lines, operated by Osaka Metro.
On maps, it’s represented by a red line and runs north to south, connecting many of the city’s most popular areas.
For travelers, it’s incredibly convenient you can reach most of Osaka’s top attractions with just this one line!
Major destinations like Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen terminal), Umeda (Osaka Station), Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Tennoji are all on this route.
Trains run every 3–5 minutes during the day, so you won’t wait long!

Popular Tourist Spots Along the Midosuji Line
🚉 Station | 🗺️ Attraction | 💬 Notes |
Shin-Osaka Station | Shinkansen terminal | Convenient access from Tokyo and Kyoto. Gateway to Osaka! |
Umeda Station | Osaka Station, department stores, Umeda Sky Building | Osaka’s largest downtown area. Great for shopping and dining! |
Yodoyabashi Station | Nakanoshima Public Hall, riverside scenery | Calm and sophisticated. Ideal for architecture and museum lovers. |
Shinsaibashi Station | Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, America Mura | Trendy area packed with fashion and gourmet spots! |
Namba Station | Dotonbori, Glico Sign, Kuromon Market | Center of Osaka’s famous food scene. Perfect spot for iconic Osaka photos! |
Tennoji Station | Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Zoo | Enjoy the view from Japan’s tallest skyscraper! |
Do you know about the women-only train cars?
One unique feature you may come across on the Midosuji Line is the “Women-Only Car” (女性専用車両 / josei senyō sharyō). The Women-Only Car is a special train car designated exclusively for female passengers, introduced to help prevent harassment and ensure a safer commuting environment. On the Midosuji Line, Car No. 6 is designated as the Women-Only Car all day on weekdays.
You can easily identify it by the pink signs on the platform and train doors that clearly indicate “Women-Only Car.” Women-only cars are part of Japan’s public transportation etiquette. If you are a male passenger, please avoid boarding Car No. 6 on weekdays, regardless of the time of day. However, this rule does not apply on weekends or national holidays—on those days, all cars are open to everyone.
There are some exceptions: men accompanying young children or passengers with disabilities are allowed to use the Women-Only Car when necessary.
Summary
The Midosuji Line is the ultimate route to explore Osaka efficiently.
With stops like “Umeda → Namba → Tennoji,” it connects the city’s main tourist route in a single line!
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, learning how to use the Midosuji Line is your key to a smooth trip.
I attach the official website URL of the Midosuji Line (English version).
https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/en/guide/routemap.php
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