Once a Guinness Record Holder—
Osaka Monorail connects 6 different municipalities

The longest operating monorail in Japan, Osaka Monorail connects Osaka International Airport and a number of cities along the way all the way to Kadoma. By 2029, it will have stations in Higashi-Osaka too.
There’s a lot to love about this monorail, so let’s get started with my top 4!

■No. 1: A one-time Guinness Record holder

Measuring east from the Osaka-Airport Station through to Kadoma-shi Station, the main line is 21.2 kilometers long. Right in the center of this line, there is a second line that measures in at 6.8 kilometers and connects Banpaku-kinen-koen Station with Saito-nishi Station.

Tons of people use the monorail to get to the airport. And although you might imagine Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) to be out in the suburbs, it only takes about 30 minutes to get into Osaka. The price isn’t bad either. Combined with Hanky train fare, you can get into the city for just ¥430.

Osaka Monorail officially opened in 1990 and when the entire track opened in 1998, it was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest monorail in the world. It was eventually surpassed by Chongqing Monorail in 2011. But Osaka Monorail is still the longest monorail in Japan to this day.

■No. 2: An Amazing View

When I used to take the monorail, I was usually headed to the airport and had that pre-trip excitement so I loved riding the monorail. Now, I live near the monorail so I ride it on a daily basis and I still get that fuzzy tingling feeling. 
I’m convinced, it’s got to be the amazing scenery you can see from the train windows.

The rail is elevated over 15 meters in the air. So you get an amazing view that you normally wouldn’t see. On the stretch between Hotarugaike Station and Senri-chuo, you look out over the clusters of skyscrapers in the South. 
Plus Osaka Monorail runs special events on certain occasions. Like in December of 2022, there was an evening train that included dinner and wine. Paired with the beautiful monorail scenery, it was a night to remember.

■No. 3: Music, Mono Libraries & Other Cultural Spaces

Osaka Monorail stations are surprisingly spacious once you get inside the ticket gates. And they use this extra space well!
Banpaku-kinen-koen Station frequently holds live music performances inside the station. 


▲Jazz performance in Banpaku-kinen-koen Station

▲A place to relax inside Saito-nishi Station

The stations are so nice, it almost feels like you’re in a cafe. They’re wide and open with plenty of natural light and room relax at the many chairs and tables. And each station has its own Mono Library, with a selection of books to choose from.
Grab a book while you’re waiting for your train or someone you’re planning to meet. You can even borrow the books to take home. There is no registration system either. You are simply expected to return the book you borrowed to one of the Mono Libraries. Read your book on the train and drop it off at your destination. Grab a book before you leave the station. Bring it back the next time you ride the monorail. What a great system for book-lovers!

Many of the stations display contemporary art from Osaka Prefecture’s collection in the “Monorail Art Museum” spaces. Each station doesn’t have an exhibit, but if you’re lucky some beautiful art will be waiting for you when you get on or off your train.


▲Wood sculptures next to monorail play carriage in Banpaku-kinen-koen Station

■No. 4: Everything Along the Tracks!

Many Osaka residents think the Osaka Monorail is a little pricey, and they’re not entirely wrong. 
But, it may be your best option, depending on where you’re headed for the day. And if you have more than one destination, you might consider a 1 day pass, which will allow you to get on and off the monorail as many times as you like.
The variety of popular destinations along the monorail like Nifrel and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park will make your trip worthwhile. Plus the monorail is easy to access from other train lines, with connections to three different Hankyu lines. You can transfer smoothly to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line if you change trains at Senri-chuo Station or the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line if you transfer at Dainichi Station.
Visit Osaka-Airport Station to get to the airport and the sprawling park nearby, Banpaku-kinen-koen Station is just steps from Expo Park and the giant complex EXPOCITY, or if you’re an art fan check out Kenji Yanobe’s larger than life sculpture at Minami-ibaraki Station. Dainichi Station boasts a huge shopping mall. And there is so much more along the monorail.

Take a ride on the Osaka Monorail and discover a new side of Osaka!

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