Location & Access
Uozaki Station (魚崎駅), situated in Kobe's Higashinada Ward, Hyogo Prefecture, serves as a crucial transportation hub just east of the scenic Sumiyoshi River. With a daily ridership of over 30,000 in 2019, it's a bustling point for commuters and travelers alike. The station offers seamless transfers between the Hanshin Electric Railway Main Line and the Kobe New Transit's Rokko Island Line (Rokko Liner), a convenient driverless system.
The two distinct station areas at Uozaki are efficiently connected by a covered walkway, ensuring comfortable and weather-protected transfers for passengers. This strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both the vibrant city of Kobe and the unique attractions of Rokko Island.
Railway Lines
Uozaki Station is a vital junction for two major railway lines. The Hanshin Electric Railway Main Line (HS 23) provides direct access to Hanshin's terminal in Umeda, Osaka, to the east, and to central Kobe destinations like Motomachi and Sannomiya to the west. From Motomachi, many limited express trains continue their journey along the Sanyo Railway, extending connectivity all the way to Himeji city.
Additionally, Uozaki is the transfer point for the Kobe New Transit Rokko Island Line (R02), also known as the Rokko Liner. This automated system offers a quick and easy connection from JR Sumiyoshi to the artificial Rokko Island, known for its residential areas, international schools, and recreational facilities.
Station History
The Kobe New Transit station at Uozaki, serving the Rokko Island Line, officially opened in 1990. While the Hanshin Main Line has a longer history, the integration of the Rokko Liner at Uozaki significantly enhanced the station's role as a multi-modal interchange, improving accessibility to and from Rokko Island.
Travel Tips
When traveling through Uozaki Station, pay attention to the different train services on the Hanshin Main Line. Local, Express, Rapid Express, Limited Express, and Direct Limited Express trains all stop here, with varying destinations and stopping patterns. For those heading to Rokko Island, follow the signs for the Rokko Liner (R02) and enjoy the automated journey. The covered walkway between the two station sections makes transfers straightforward, even with luggage.
