Tanimachi Line

Running through the eastern side of Osaka, the Tanimachi Line is the city’s longest subway route. It is Osaka Metro Line 2, with purple as its signature color, route symbol “T”, and station codes beginning with this letter. For instance, Higashi-Umeda is T20.

This line gives you direct access to Osaka Castle, Tennoji, and the longest shopping arcade in Japan. Compared with the busier Midosuji Line, it sees fewer tourists while covering numerous cultural and historical landmarks. The line also offers plenty of transfer options, connecting easily to JR, Kintetsu, Hankyu, Keihan, and other Osaka Metro lines.

Operation Hours & Frequency

Operating hours for the Tanimachi Line are approximately 5:00 to midnight. During rush hours, trains arrive at intervals of roughly 2 to 4 minutes, while off-peak services may run every 5 to 10 minutes.

First and Last Trains of Major Stations

Station	Southbound (Towards Yao-Minami)
Station	First	Last
Higashi-Umeda	5:18	23:54
Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome	5:14	23:49
Tanimachi 4-chome	5:25	24:01
Tanimachi 9-chome	5:29	24:04
Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka	5:30	24:06
Tennoji	5:32	24:08

Station	Northbound (Towards Dainichi)
Station	First	Last
Higashi-Umeda	5:33	24:07
Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome	5:37	24:11
Tanimachi 4-chome	5:26	24:00
Tanimachi 9-chome	5:23	23:57
Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka	5:21	23:55
Tennoji	5:19	23:53

Notes:
1. Some early‑morning trains start their journey from intermediate stations along the line, instead of running all the way from the far‑end terminal. All listed times show the earliest and latest departures from each respective station.
2. Train schedules may vary between weekdays and public holidays, so it is recommended to verify operating hours through the Osaka Metro official website or a transit app prior to your journey.

Fares

Fares of the Tanimachi Line are distance-based, typically ranging from 180 to 290 yen (about 1.2 - 2 USD). Children aged 6 - 12 ride at half price; those under 6 travel free with an adult.

Major Stations and Surrounding Attractions

1. T20 Higashi-Umeda Station

Located in the heart of the Umeda business district, this station offers easy access to two of Osaka’s most iconic observation spots: the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel and the Kuchu Teien Observatory atop the Umeda Sky Building.

The station is also within walking distance of Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line, for southern destinations like Shinsaibashi and Namba, and Nishi-Umeda Station on the Yotsubashi Line.

From here, you can board trains to:
(1) Shin-Osaka, Universal Studios Japan, and other destinations across the Kansai region - by JR Line
(2) Kyoto and Kobe - by Hankyu Railway or Hanshin Railway, both serve Kobe via different routes

2. T18 Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station

Just outside the station lies the entrance to Tenjimbashisuji Shotengai, and the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is also nearby. From here, the Sakaisuji Line connects you to Kuromon Market and Tengachaya, while through-services on the Hankyu Senri Line run directly to Kyoto.

3. T23 Tanimachi 4-chome Station

A short walk from the station brings you to the main gate of Osaka Castle Park, with the Osaka Museum of History along the way. From here, you can also board trains to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and other attractions in the Osaka Port area by Chuo Line.

4. T25 Tanimachi 9-chome Station

This station is surrounded by historic shrines and old-fashioned shopping streets. From this station, you can travel to Namba, Tsuruhashi, and Minami-Tatsumi through Sennichimae Line. It’s also within walking distance of Kintetsu Osaka-Uehonmachi Station for direct access to Nara.

5. T26 Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station

This station is the closest stop to Shitennoji Temple, about a 5-minute walk from the exits. Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower are also within walking distance, where you will find numerous shops serving local favorites.

6. T27 Tennoji Station

Tennoji Station is a major transport hub in southern Osaka. The surrounding area includes Tennoji Park, which houses Tennoji Zoo, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and Keitakuen Garden. Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest building, is directly adjacent to the station, with the Harukas 300 observation deck on its top floor offering breathtaking city vistas.

From here, the Midosuji Line runs to Umeda, Shinsaibashi and Namba, while the JR Osaka Loop Line connects you to Shin-Osaka, Osaka Castle Park, and Universal Studios Japan.

Tip: The station is directly connected to JR Tennoji Station via an underground passageway, allowing for seamless transfers to JR lines without exiting the fare gates.

Practical Tips for Taking the Tanimachi Line

1. Transfers in Umeda Area

Higashiumeda Station of the Tanimachi Line, Umeda Station of the Midosuji Line, and Nishi-Umeda Station of the Yotsubashi Line are three separate stations in the same district. The underground passage network linking them is notoriously complex, with shopping arcades and subway corridors intertwined. For a smooth transfer, follow the overhead signs rather than your phone, as GPS signals underground are unreliable. Also, transfers between these stations must be completed within 30 minutes; otherwise, a new fare will be charged.

2. All-Stop Service & Peak Times

Unlike the Midosuji Line, the Tanimachi Line does not offer rapid or express services and all trains stop at every station along the route, so you never need to worry about missing your stop. During weekday rush hours around 7:00 - 9:00 and 17:00 - 19:00, trains can get quite crowded with commuters. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, try to avoid these peak windows.