10 Must-Have Passes for Your Next Osaka Adventure
Planning a trip to Osaka? This Japanese city truly has a bit of everything. Osaka is famed for its lively atmosphere, tantalising street food, and a range of exciting attractions, including Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World.
With so much to explore in Osaka, navigating around can be a bit tricky and costly if you're not sure which Osaka passes to get. So, it's wise to plan your itinerary ahead of time so you don't miss out on the experiences.
Also- why pay the full price on the day of your visit when you can plan ahead, purchase an attraction pass, and save some bucks or even get free entry?
Let's dive into this guide to the 10 Osaka passes!
Osaka Metro Unlimited Tourist Pass (1 or 2 Days)
If you are planning an Osaka trip, the Osaka Metro Unlimited tourist pass is a must-have!
This pass is your ticket to unlimited travel on Osaka Metro lines and most city bus routes across the entire Osaka region. This saves you time on route planning or transfers.
The pass is available in four options to choose from. You can get a one day or a two-day Osaka Metro Tourist pass for unlimited Osaka metro and city bus rides.
Another option is to get an extra Osaka 1-Day e-Pass. This will get you discounts at over 20 popular attractions in Osaka (including Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower).
Or you can get an addon of the Have Fun in Kansai 1 Week Free Pass. This combo will give you access to 3 attractions of your choice along with the unlimited Osaka metro and city bus rides.
Price: Starting 7 SGD
Hanshin Tourist Pass 1 Day
If you're planning to dive into the vibrant cities of Osaka and Kobe, the 1-day Hanshin Tourist Pass is your golden ticket.
This pass gives you unlimited rides on the Hanshin Electric Railway and the Kobe Rapid Transit Railway, which links 51 stops across these two cities.
With this pass, you can explore several exciting places like the Suma Seaside Park, Kobe Herb Garden, Nada’s Sake Breweries, and the Hanshin Koshien Baseball Stadium. Plus, you get free Wi-Fi at all stations.
This pass is available only for foreign tourists visiting Japan for a short visit.
Price: SGD 5
JR Kansai Mini Pass
The JR Kansai Mini Pass is a must-have for travellers planning to explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, or Kobe.
This 3-day pass offers unlimited rides on local trains, express trains and limited express trains with non-reserved seats in ordinary cars.
It's the perfect choice for those looking for convenience and affordability while travelling around the Kansai region.
Keep in mind that the pass is valid for three consecutive days, giving you ample time to soak in the beauty of Kansai.
Just remember, for the Kansai-Airport Express "HARUKA" and other Limited Express trains, you'll need a separate ticket.
You can redeem your pass at Kansai International Airport or multiple locations in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
Price: SGD 27
7-Day JR Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass
The 7-Day JR Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass is perfect for travellers exploring the Kansai and Hokuriku regions of Japan. It covers popular destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Okayama, Toyama, and Kanazawa.
Whether you want to explore the city life in Osaka, temples in Kyoto, food in Kobe, or culture in Nara, this pass is for you. The pass offers unlimited travel on local JR trains and buses in these areas.
It also includes reserved seats on bullet trains "SANYO SHINKANSEN" and "HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN" for high-speed travel.
For longer trips in Japan across multiple regions, consider booking your JR Whole Japan Rail Pass early to ensure you can travel seamless between different areas.
Price: SGD 170
Hankyu Tourist Pass (1 - 2 Day)
The Hankyu Tourist Pass is your key to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. It offers unlimited travel on Hankyu Railway, except the Kobe Kosoku line.
With this Osaka transport pass, you can enjoy unlimited train rides across these three major cities. Taste authentic dishes in Osaka, visit historic landmarks in Kyoto and experience the European feel of Kobe!
Plus, you can easily visit Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, and the scenic Arashiyama district with a quick train ride on the Hankyu railways. So, grab your pass and get ready for an unforgettable Japanese adventure!
Price: SGD 7
JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 Days)
This pass gives you five days of unlimited travel across the Kansai region, letting you hop on and off JR trains and buses at your leisure. You can use this pass to explore Osaka and Kyoto.
Or you can take a peaceful journey to the serene countryside and coastal towns of Okayama, Takamatsu, Kinosakionsen, Amanohashidate, Tottori, Shirahama, and Kii-Katsuura.
The Osaka train pass also includes unlimited use of the Haruka limited express train between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto.
From the historic Osaka Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto to the sacred deer park in Nara, there are many experiences awaiting you in Japan.
The Osaka transport pass can be used for the "Hello Kitty Shinkansen". This Osaka bus pass is perfect for the free-spirited traveller who loves the flexibility to create his/her own itinerary.
Price: SGD 105
JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
This pass, exclusively for foreign tourists, offers five days of unlimited travel on designated train and bus lines in the Kansai Region and along the Sanyo Coast, all the way to Hiroshima.
With this pass, you can hop on and off local, rapid, and limited express JR trains within the coverage area. You also get unlimited access to the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima,and local JR buses around Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Plus, you can take a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima, or explore the charming towns of Okayama, Takamatsu, and Kinosakionsen.
But that's not all! The pass also includes unlimited use of the Kyoto Tango Railway and the Wakayama Railway, and even free use of rental bicycles at designated Ekirin Kun outlets.
Remember, this pass is valid for five consecutive days and can only be used by one person. So, keep your passport handy at all times.
Price: SGD 152
Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
If you're looking to dive into the rich history and culture of Japan, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is your perfect travel companion.
Kyoto, home to a quarter of Japan's national treasures, is a must-visit for anyone interested in shrines, temples, and museums.
And let's not forget Osaka, famous for its delicious local food like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, and attractions like Universal Studios and Osaka Castle.
This pass gives you unlimited access to the Keihan Railway and Otokoyama Cable Line, letting you explore the best of Kyoto and Osaka at your own pace.
With this pass, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Osaka Castle.
Plus, you can enjoy exclusive discounts at various sightseeing spots along the train routes, including the majestic Osaka Castle and the historic Byodo-in Temple.
The pass comes in two types: a 1-Day Pass for a quick day trip, and a 2-Day Pass for those who want to explore more of both cities. So, say goodbye to long queues and booking confusing train tickets.
Price: SGD 8
Nankai All Line 2-Day Pass
If you're looking to explore Osaka at your own pace, the Nankai All Line 2-Day Pass is your perfect companion. This pass offers unlimited use of the Nankai Railway for two days, including the Airport Line, making your travel around Osaka a breeze.
What's unique about this pass is that you can use it on two non-consecutive days, giving you the flexibility to tailor your Osaka itinerary just the way you like it. You can visit charming spots such as Wakayama, Kada, and the historic Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine.
The pass also comes with special discounts at various facilities along the Nankai lines. Plus, you'll receive a handy travel guide available in four languages (English, Traditional or Simplified Chinese, and Korean) to help you navigate your way around.
And if you're a nature lover, don't miss the chance to explorethe beautiful foliage spots along the Nankai Line, including the Daiitokuji Temple, Daisen Park, Kanshinji Temple, and Mount Inunaki.
Price: SGD 18
Grab Your Pass and Pack Your Bags for Your Exciting Osaka Adventure
As you map out your Osaka adventure, remember the incredible convenience and savings that these passes offer.
Whether you're immersing yourself in the vibrant city life of Osaka, delving into the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, or journeying to the historic city of Hiroshima, there's a pass tailored just for you.
These passes offer more than just unlimited metro rides and discounted entries to top attractions. They provide a seamless, hassle-free travel experience that lets you focus on making unforgettable memories.
So, don't delay! Grab your pass, pack your bags, and embark on your exciting Osaka adventure!
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the best pass to get around Osaka?
Get the Osaka Amazing Pass if you intend to spend a day or two exploring Osaka.
The Kansai Thru Pass is an excellent choice for those who plan to spend some days in Osaka or Kyoto and spend other days touring other cities in the Kansai area.
On the other hand, the JR West Kansai Rail Pass would be the best option if your trips include spending consecutive days touring different Kansai cities while you are based in Osaka or Kyoto.
Is Osaka Metro covered by the JR Pass?
Yes, Osaka Metro is covered by JR Pass.
Can I use the JR Rail Pass in Osaka?
Yes, you can use the JR Pass in Osaka. The Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, is fully covered by your Japan Rail Pass.
What lines in Osaka are covered by the JR Pass?
The JR Osaka loop line is covered by the Japan Rail Pass,which is a fantastic tool for exploring Osaka. Over 30,000 people use the Osaka Loop line, also known as Osaka Kanjo-sen, a circle route that circles the city of Osaka every day.
Can I buy the JR Pass at Osaka airport?
As of October 1, 2023, the Japan Rail Pass can only be bought online. You can no longer purchase it at an airport or rail station in Japan.