There are two main passes to choose from if you’re a tourist visiting Osaka. These are the Osaka Amazing Pass, and the Osaka e-Pass. Each are unique and offer their own benefits. I’ve described them below to help you to decide which one is best for you.
Osaka Amazing Pass
The Osaka Amazing Pass is a fantastic option for tourists, combining unlimited travel on certain transportation networks and free/discounted access to popular attractions.
Key Features
- Unlimited Travel:
- Covers Osaka Metro, city buses, and select private railways within designated zones.
- Perfect for exploring Osaka without worrying about additional travel costs.
- Free Admission:
- Includes free entry to over 40 attractions, such as:
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
- Hep Five Ferris Wheel
- Tombori River Cruise
- Includes free entry to over 40 attractions, such as:
- Discounts and Perks:
- Enjoy special discounts at restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots.
Pass Types and Prices
- 1-Day Pass: ¥2,800
- 2-Day Pass: ¥3,600
Where to Buy
- Available at major train stations, tourist information centers, hotels, and online.
- Purchase online for convenience: Official Osaka Amazing Pass Website.
Is It Worth It?
If you plan to visit multiple attractions and rely on public transport, the pass offers great value. For instance, regular transport and attraction costs for a day could easily exceed ¥4,000 without the pass.
Use the Osaka Amazing Pass for a budget-friendly and hassle-free way to experience the best of Osaka!
Osaka e-Pass
The Osaka e-Pass is an alternative digital ticket that grants free entry to over 25 popular attractions in Osaka, including the Umeda Sky Building’s Kuchu-Teien Observatory, the Museum of Housing and Living, and various river cruises like the Nakanoshima and Tombori River Cruises. It’s available in two options: a one-day pass for ¥2,000 and a two-day pass for ¥2,500.
Additional Considerations:
- Transportation: Unlike the Osaka Amazing Pass, the Osaka e-Pass does not include transportation. Which you may prefer if you already have your IC card sorted. However, there are combo packages available that pair the e-Pass with transportation options like the Osaka Metro and bus ride tickets.
- Validity: The pass is valid only on the day of use for the one-day option and on two consecutive days for the two-day option. Free admission to each facility is limited to once per facility during the validity period.
Is It Worth It?
The value of the Osaka e-Pass depends on your itinerary and the attractions you plan to visit. If you intend to visit multiple included attractions in a single day, the pass can offer significant savings. For example, visiting just a few high-value sites like the Umeda Sky Building Observatory and a river cruise can offset the cost of the pass.
However, if your plans involve visiting fewer attractions or if your interests lie outside the included sites, purchasing individual tickets might be more economical. It’s recommended to review the list of included attractions and compare regular admission prices to determine if the pass aligns with your travel plans.
Visit Osaka 