Chuo Line

The Chuo Line is designated as Osaka Metro Line 4, with green as its signature color, route symbol “C”, and station codes beginning with this letter. This line links the western bay area with the eastern suburbs, connecting key attractions such as the Kaiyukan Aquarium, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and Osaka Castle. It intersects with the Midosuji Line at Hommachi Station, and together, the two lines form the backbone of Osaka’s metro network. In total, the Chuo Line has 15 stations, 10 of which offer interchanges with JR lines, Kintetsu, and other Osaka Metro lines.

At its eastern end, Nagata is not the final stop for all trains; many continue onto the Kintetsu Keihanna Line, running through to Nara area without requiring passengers to transfer. However, note that Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka Station, the terminus of the Keihanna Line, is located in the eastern part of Nara city, not the city center. If you’re heading to Nara Park or other major downtown attractions, you’ll need to transfer at least once and allow about 50 minutes to reach central Nara from this station.

Generally, through-service trains run approximately every 5 - 7 minutes. Platform screens and onboard announcements clearly indicate each train’s final destination, so always check before boarding.

Operation Time & Frequency

Trains start running at roughly 5:00 in the morning, with the last services departing around midnight. During rush hours, you can expect a train every 3 to 5 minutes; outside peak times, the interval stretches to about 7 to 10 minutes.

First and Last Train Times at Major Stations

Station	Westbound (towards Yumeshima / Cosmosquare)
	First	Last
Osakako	5:31	24:30
Bentencho	5:26	24:25
Kujo	5:24	24:23
Hommachi	5:19	24:18
Sakaisuji-Hommachi	5:18	24:17
Tanimachi 4-chome	5:16	24:15
Morinomiya	5:13	24:12
Nagata	5:05	24:04

Station	Eastbound (towards Nagata)
	First	Last
Osakako	5:09	23:50
Bentencho	5:14	23:55
Kujo	5:16	23:57
Hommachi	5:21	24:02
Sakaisuji-Hommachi	5:22	24:03
Tanimachi 4-chome	5:24	24:05
Morinomiya	5:27	24:08
Nagata	/	/

Note: Times above are based on the weekday schedule. Weekend and public holiday timetables may differ, so it’s advisable to check before heading out.

Fares

Like other Osaka Metro lines, the Chuo Line charges by distance. Adult fares generally fall between 190 and 390 yen (roughly 1.2 to 2.5 USD). Half-price fares apply to children aged 6 to 11, and kids under 6 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Major Stations and Surrounding Attractions

1. C11 - Osakako Station

This is one of the most popular stops on the Chuo Line. Right outside the station, you’ll find the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of Japan’s largest, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which offers sweeping views of Osaka Bay. The adjacent Tempozan Market Street has plenty of dining and shopping options, making this area easy to fill half a day or more.
 

2. C13 - Bentencho Station

This station connects with the JR Osaka Loop Line, making it a useful transfer point for travelers heading between the city center and the bay area. From this station, you can travel to Umeda area, Tennoji, or Universal Studios Japan, by the JR Osaka Loop Line.

3. C14 - Kujo Station

Nearby points of interest include Ibashizunomiya Shrine, a traditional Shinto shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of rivers, and the Kyocera Dome Osaka, a major venue for baseball games, concerts, and other entertainment events.

From this station, you can travel to Kobe or Nara, by the Hanshin Namba Line.

4. C16 - Hommachi Station

This station is a major transfer hub connecting three metro lines. The surrounding area includes the Osaka Museum of History and the Osaka Science Museum. In addition to these nearby attractions, from this station, you can board trains to Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, or Tennoji via the Midosuji Line, and to Nishi-Umeda or Suminoekoen via the Yotsubashi Line.

5. C17 Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station

This station lies in the Semba commercial district, an area centered around wholesale businesses, historical temples, and local specialty shops. While not a typical sightseeing hub, it appeals to travelers who enjoy exploring urban neighborhoods.

From this station, you can board trains to:
Tenmabashi-suji-Rokuchome - by the Sakaisuji Line.
Kyoto - by transferring to the Hankyu Railway at Tenmabashi-suji-Rokuchome.

6. C18 - Tanimachi 4-chome Station

Located in central Osaka, this station provides easy access to the southern side of Osaka Castle Park and the Osaka Museum of History. Take from Exit 9 and walk for 15 to 20 minutes, you can make your way to the castle keep. From here, you can travel to Higashi-Umeda and Toyomizu, or Tennoji and Yao, by the Tanimachi Line.

7. C19 - Morinomiya Station

Morinomiya is the most direct stop for the Osaka Castle keep. From Exit 1 or 3-B, you can walk into the park in about 15 minutes, and the castle keep is about 16 to 20 minutes further in.

From this station, you can travel to:
Umeda area, Tennoji, or Universal Studios Japan - by the JR Osaka Loop Line.
Shinsaibashi or Tsurumi-ryokuchi - by the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.

8. C23 - Nagata Station

Nagata is where the Chuo Line connects with the Kintetsu Keihanna Line to Nara. The station itself is surrounded mainly by residential areas and transport facilities, serving as the gateway to the eastern suburbs and beyond.

Practical Tips

1. Transfers in Hommachi Station

Hommachi Station is a major interchange between the Chuo, Midosuji, and Yotsubashi lines. The transfer corridors here are quite long, and the station is busy throughout the day, so it’s advisable to allow extra time when switching trains.

2. Keep an eye on the view as the train approaches the bay area

The section between Kujo and Osakako is one of the few elevated stretches on the Chuo Line. As the train nears the coast, you’ll catch glimpses of the sea and port scenery unfolding outside. It’s worth taking a moment to enjoy the view, a refreshing break from the underground tunnels.