A new underground platform in the Osaka Station Umekita area opened on 18 March 2023.
This new platform is located underground on the north side of Osaka Station and incorporates advanced technology.
Many people use the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka to access Osaka from Kansai International Airport（KIX）.
Until now, the limited express Haruka stopped at Tennoji and Shin-Osaka, but with the opening of the new platform, they now also stop at Osaka Station, making access to Umeda very convenient.
This article also provides information on how to get to the new platform from JR Osaka Station, the new Umekita-underground‐gate, and the facilities of the new platform.
Location of the ticket gates of the new platform
The new platform at Osaka Station is underground.
Although the name Osaka New Station was popularised by some, the station was not actually built, but a new platform was installed underground in the northern area of Osaka Station.
The new platform has two ticket gates:Umekita-Underground‐Gate and West Gate.
The popular face recognition gate is located at the Umekita-Underground‐Gate.
The shortest walking route from the Central gate to the Umekita-underground‐gate.
Stops on Kansai-Airport Express Haruka and area route map!
Directions from Osaka Station to KIX
Osaka station central gate ⇒ Umekita underground gate
Take the JR lines central gate to the right
Go straight ahead to the square
Take the escalator down on the right
There are directions to the Umekita Underground Gate
Go left, then immediately right
You will find the entrance to Grand Front Osaka.
To the left.
This is the basement of the Umekita Plaza in front of the Grand Front Osaka.
The Umekita Cellar contains cafés and restaurants and is a great place to take a break.
Convenience store on the left, Umekita Cellar on the right.
Go straight down this passage.
Continue along the corridor to the new platform
There is a ticket machine in front of the ticket gate.
An AI information centre is attached to the site.
It is difficult to see in the picture, but the information is highlighted in 3D at the bottom of the screen.
The AI recognises your questions and guides you to nearby facilities and exits.
The “Green Ticket Machine + AI” uses AI-based voice recognition and text-to-speech functions to enable ticket purchases through conversational voice input without the need for an operator.
If the ticket cannot be handled by voice recognition, the ticket can be purchased by talking to an operator.
Facial recognition turnstiles are installed next to regular turnstiles.
As of November 2023, it is still only available to some people, but anyone can pass through using cards such as ICOCA and Suica.
Umekita underground gate ⇒ HARUKA platform
Go through the ticket gates and turn left
Projection mapping using the front wall.
Fish and natural scenery are projected realistically, evoking the image of Osaka, the city of water.
There are tricks for both adults and children to enjoy, such as fish moving in time with your movements when you approach or move your hand.
Please come and experience it for yourself！
The platform for limited express HARUKA to Kansai International Airport is platform 21
Escalator to platform
Full screen doors have been installed on platform 21.
The platform doors move and open and close in time with the doors of arriving trains.
Haruka ⇒ Kansai airport
Take the express train Haruka.
Cute Hello Kitty design.
The ride takes approx. 47 minutes.
The train also stops at Tennoji on the way to Kansai Airport Station.
Take the escalator up.
Use the elevator if you have large luggage.
There are ticket gates at the rear
When you exit the gate, turn left
Cross the overpass leading to Terminal 1.
It can be reached from either side.
Connected to the 2nd floor of Terminal 1
International departures are on the 4th floor, domestic is directly on the 2nd floor.
Take the lift up to the 4th floor and you will immediately find the international floor.
Toilets are also state-of-the-art
The toilets in the Umekita underground gate incorporate the Toilet DX technology.
The Toilet DX is equipped with sensors on the toilet, door and handwashing detergent container to monitor the number of times it is used and the amount of toilet paper and handwashing detergent remaining in real time.
In addition, monitors above toilet entrances and the WESTER app show the availability of men’s, women’s and multi-functional toilets.
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