Getting to Ibaraki, Osaka
Overview
Ibaraki City is conveniently located in northern Osaka Prefecture, with excellent train connections to Osaka, Kyoto, and major airports. The conference venue, Ritsumeikan University Osaka Ibaraki Campus, is easily accessible by train from major cities in the Kansai region.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport is the primary international gateway to the Osaka/Kyoto region and is located approximately 70-90 minutes from the conference venue by train.
Option 1: Limited Express Haruka + JR Kyoto Line
Duration: 70-80 minutes
Route: Kansai Airport → Shin-Osaka Station (Limited Express Haruka) → JR Ibaraki Station (JR Kyoto Line)
Take the Limited Express Haruka to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line (Rapid or Local train) bound for Kyoto. Get off at JR Ibaraki Station (5-minute walk to campus).
Important: At Shin-Osaka, board a Rapid or Local train, not a Special Rapid, as Special Rapid trains do not stop at Ibaraki Station.
Option 2: JR Kansai-Airport Line + JR Kyoto Line
Duration: 80-90 minutes
Route: Kansai Airport → Osaka Station (JR Kansai-Airport Line) → JR Ibaraki Station (JR Kyoto Line)
Take the JR Kansai-Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line (Rapid or Local train) bound for Kyoto. Get off at JR Ibaraki Station (5-minute walk to campus).
Important: At Osaka Station, board a Rapid or Local train, not a Special Rapid, as Special Rapid trains do not stop at Ibaraki Station.
Option 3: Nankai Line + JR Lines
Duration: 90-100 minutes
Route: Kansai Airport → Shin-Imamiya Station (Nankai Line) → Osaka Station (JR) → JR Ibaraki Station (JR Kyoto Line)
Take the Nankai Line to Shin-Imamiya Station, transfer to JR (e.g., Osaka Loop Line or Kansai-Airport Rapid) to Osaka Station, then take the JR Kyoto Line (Rapid or Local train) bound for Kyoto. Get off at JR Ibaraki Station (5-minute walk to campus).
Important: At Osaka Station, board a Rapid or Local train, not a Special Rapid, as Special Rapid trains do not stop at Ibaraki Station.
Option 4: Train via Nankai and Hankyu Lines
Duration: 90-100 minutes
Route: Kansai Airport → Nankai Namba → (Subway Midosuji Line) → Hankyu Osaka-Umeda → Hankyu Minami-Ibaraki Station
This route requires multiple transfers. From the airport, take the Nankai line to Namba Station, then take the Subway Midosuji Line to Umeda Station (about 5 minutes). Transfer to Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, then take the Hankyu Kyoto Line (Semi-Express or Local) to Minami-Ibaraki Station (10-minute walk to campus).
Note: This route involves navigating underground transfers between Namba and Umeda, which can be challenging for first-time visitors.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
Osaka International Airport (Itami) primarily serves domestic flights and is closer to the venue than Kansai Airport.
Osaka Monorail (Direct Connection – Recommended)
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Route: Osaka Airport Station → Minami-Ibaraki Station (Direct, no transfers required)
Take the Osaka Monorail directly from Osaka Airport Station to Minami-Ibaraki Station. This is the most convenient option with no transfers required. From Minami-Ibaraki Station, the campus is a 10-minute walk.
From Kyoto
Kyoto is very close to Ibaraki, making it an excellent base for conference attendees.
Option 1: JR Kyoto Line
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Route: Kyoto Station → JR Ibaraki Station
Trains: Rapid or Local trains bound for Osaka
The fastest and most convenient option. From JR Ibaraki Station, the campus is a 5-minute walk.
Note: Special Rapid trains do not stop at Ibaraki Station. If you take a Special Rapid, you will need to transfer at Takatsuki Station to a Rapid or Local train.
Option 2: Hankyu Kyoto Line
Duration: 25-30 minutes
Route: Hankyu Kawaramachi or Karasuma → Minami-Ibaraki Station
Trains: Semi-Express or Local trains
Convenient if staying in central Kyoto. From Minami-Ibaraki Station, the campus is a 10-minute walk.
Important: Limited Express trains do not stop at Minami-Ibaraki Station. If you take a Limited Express, transfer at Ibaraki-shi, Takatsuki-shi, or Awaji Station to a Semi-Express or Local train.
From Osaka / Umeda
Osaka’s main business and shopping district has excellent connections to Ibaraki.
Option 1: JR Lines
Duration: 25-30 minutes
Route: Osaka Station → JR Ibaraki Station
Trains: Rapid or Local trains bound for Kyoto
Important: Special Rapid trains do not stop at Ibaraki Station. Please take Rapid or Local trains only.
Option 2: Hankyu Lines
Duration: 30-35 minutes
Route: Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station → Minami-Ibaraki Station
Trains: Semi-Express or Local trains on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Important: Limited Express trains do not stop at Minami-Ibaraki Station. Please take Semi-Express or Local trains, or transfer from Limited Express at Awaji, Ibaraki-shi, or Takatsuki-shi Station.
From the Train Station to Campus
From JR Ibaraki Station
Walking time: 5 minutes
Exit from the East Exit and head southeast via the pedestrian deck. The campus is located near AEON Mall. Clear signage is available.
From Hankyu Minami-Ibaraki Station
Walking time: 10 minutes
Exit the station and walk northeast (along the Osaka Monorail line) toward JR Ibaraki Station. The campus is located between the two stations.
Both stations have clear English signage. Campus maps will be provided to registered attendees.
Travel Tips
IC Cards
We recommend purchasing an IC card (ICOCA, Suica, or PASMO) for convenient travel on trains and buses throughout the Kansai region. These rechargeable cards can be used on all major train lines and can also be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
Train Passes
If you plan to travel extensively in the region, consider purchasing a JR Pass (for international visitors) or Kansai Thru Pass. However, for daily commuting between the venue and nearby cities, individual tickets or IC cards are usually more economical.
Language
Major train stations have English signage and announcements. Station staff at major stations can usually provide basic assistance in English. Mobile navigation apps like Google Maps work well for train routing in Japan.
Luggage
Coin lockers are available at major train stations if you need to store luggage. The campus may also provide luggage storage during the conference – details will be provided to registered attendees.