The JR Sakurajima Line runs between Nishikujo Station and Sakurajima Station both of which are in the Konohana Ward of Osaka City. The most important stop on this line is Universal City Station as this is the access station for the popular theme park, Universal Studios Japan (USJ). The line is also nicknamed the JR Yumesaki Line, as “yumesaki” means “blooming dreams”.

A through train bound for Universal City Station at Osaka Station
To reach this line from Osaka Station, passengers can either take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station and then transfer to the Sakurajima Line, or take a direct train that runs on both the Osaka Loop Line and the Sakurajima Line. Both lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Whether you take the direct train or transfer at Nishikujo depends on the time of your journey. Use the JR West Timetable and Farefinder to work out your route.

The JR Yumesaki Through Train
Key Destinations
There are just four stations on the JR Sakurajima Line. These are as follows:
Nishikujo > Ajikawaguchi > Universal City > Sakurajima
Train times and fares below are given from Nishikujo Station.
Nishikujo Station
This is the main transfer station for the JR Sakurajima Line. Transfers can be made here to or from both the Osaka Loop Line and the Hanshin Namba Line. Special rail services that also stop here include the Kansai Airport Rapid Service, the Limited Express Kuroshio for Wakayama, the Kishuji Rapid Service for Wakayama, and the Yamatoji Rapid Service for Nara.
Universal City Station
This is the access station for Universal Studios Japan (USJ). USJ is an extremely popular movie theme park in Osaka featuring shows, rides, roller coasters, parades, and popular characters such as Snoopy or Elmo with whom you can take your picture.
Train fare: 160
Train time: 5 minutes
Sakurajima Station
This is the final stop on the JR Sakurajima Line.
Train fare: 160
Train time: 8 minutes
Traveling from Osaka Station

The 16:06 through train for Sakurajima departs from Osaka Station’s Platform 1
The fare from Osaka Station to Universal City Station is just 180 yen. If you catch a direct train, you can make the journey in just 12 minutes. If you need to transfer, it will take between 13 to 15 minutes. At Osaka Station all trains for the JR Sakurajima Line depart from Platform 1. At the time of writing direct trains to Universal City Station can be caught at Osaka Station at the following times:
6 | .26 | |||
8 | .35 | .42 | .55 | |
9 | .01 | .24 | .50 | |
10 | .11 | .25 | .43 | .54 |
11 | .09 | .24 | .39 | .54 |
16 | .06 | .21 | .36 | .51 |
17 | .06 | .21 | .36 | .51 |
18 | .06 | .21 | .36 | .51 |
19 | .06 | .21 | .36 | .51 |
20 | .06 | .21 | .36 | .51 |
21 | .06 | .27 | .54 |

Some trains have a special Universal Studios Japan themed livery
Traveling to/from Kansai International Airport
It is possible to travel between Kansai International Airport and Universal City Station by using the Kansai Airport Rapid Service between Kansai Airport and Nishikujo Station, and then transferring to the JR Sakurajima Line. The fare is 1,190 yen and the train time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Use the JR Timetable and Farefinder to plan and confirm your exact journey time.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.