Japan is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, with the capital - Tokyo, and the second largest metropolitan area - Osaka, being hugely popular spots for travelers. Are you planning a trip to the nation’s kitchen, Osaka, soon? Just like Tokyo, the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region is tourist friendly with a variety of free passes for travelers to enjoy its modern and historical sights, nightlife and mouth-watering street food affordably. Read this guide on how the different types of Osaka free passes can best suit your itinerary for a wonderful trip.
1. One-day ticket Enjoy Eco Card

Buy the Enjoy Eco Card one-day ticket to enjoy unlimited use of Osaka Municipal Subways, New Tram, and buses for a day. This one-day ticket is certainly great for a day tour within the Osaka metropolitan area, as you only pay a flat fee for using all the available transport facilities, without the need to worry about constantly checking how and where to purchase your next ticket.
In Osaka, a single journey on any of the 8 subway lines start from 200 JPY (1.75 USD). Bus fares are priced at a flat fee of 210 JPY (1.85 USD) per ride. Therefore, as long as you make a minimum of 4 rides on Osaka’s subway, new tram or bus, the Enjoy Eco Card will be a cost-effective pass you should purchase. Furthermore, you will be able to enjoy some discounts off the admission fee at major tourist spots in Osaka metropolitan area. Buy the Enjoy Eco Card for a fuss-free day trip to explore Osaka City!
One-day ticket Enjoy Eco Card
Price: 800 JPY (7.10 USD) per adult, 600 JPY (5.30 USD) on weekends and public holidays. 300 JPY (2.65 USD) per child
Website: One-day ticket Enjoy Eco Card
2. Osaka Amazing Pass (from USD 25.98)
In addition to the Enjoy Eco Card one-day ticket, there is the Osaka Amazing Pass which works in a similar manner. However, the added advantage of the Osaka Amazing Pass is that you can choose to purchase either a 1-day or 2-day pass. Opt for the 2-day pass to explore Osaka City at a more leisurely pace for just 800 JPY (7.10 USD) more, since there are a total of 35 sightseeing spots that you can enter for free with the pass!
Visit famous tourist spots such as Osaka Castle Museum and Tempozan Ferris Wheel for free. Gain insights to how the Osaka Castle played a major role in Japan’s unification during the 16th-century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period at the museum. If 35 free attractions are not enough to keep you occupied, you can also get great discounts at 25 other lovely sightseeing spots. Certainly an amazing pass worthy of your attention to keep your costs low while exploring Osaka City!
Osaka Amazing Pass
Price: 2,500 JPY (22.20 USD) for 1-day pass, 3,300 JPY (29.25 USD) for 2-day pass.
Website: Osaka Amazing Pass
Osaka Amazing Pass: Umeda Sky Building, Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, Free Public Transport, Partner Benefits & More
3. Yokoso Osaka Ticket (from USD 13.0)

If you are flying into Japan via the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, you may wish to consider getting the Yokoso Osaka Ticket instead of the Enjoy Eco Card. This is because the Yokoso pass includes the limited express 1-way electric train ticket from the airport to Namba Station in central Osaka City, in addition to unlimited rides on Osaka Municipal Subways, New Tram, and buses for a day.
The 1-way regular ticket costs 1,270 JPY (11.25 USD), so the Yokoso Osaka Ticket at just 230 JPY (2.05 USD) more is certainly an economical option for the smart traveller. In addition, present the Yokoso pass at 32 major tourist spots in Osaka City, such as Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory) for special discounts.
Yokoso Osaka Ticket
Price: 1,500 JPY (13.30 USD) per adult
Website: Yokoso Osaka Ticket
YOKOSO! Osaka Ticket
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4. Hankyu-Hanshin 1-Day Pass
Planning to explore Osaka’s neighboring cities like Kyoto and Kobe in the Kansai region in a day? Then the Hankyu-Hanshin 1-Day Pass will come in handy for you, as the Hanshin Electric Railway company plies between these major cities for quick and convenient traveling. At a cost of 1,200 JPY (10.65 USD), you can make use of all Hankyu & Hanshin Lines in a day.
Just to give examples of train costs for single trip tickets, a 44-minute ride on the Rapid Express train on the Hanshin Namba Line from Osaka Namba Station to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station costs 410 JPY (3.65 USD). From Hankyu Umeda Station in Osaka to Kawaramachi Station in central Kyoto, the 44-minute limited express train ride costs 400 JPY (3.55 USD). Hence it is definitely more economical if you plan to take at least 3 rides on Hankyu-Hanshin trains through these beautiful cities in the Kansai region.
Hankyu-Hanshin 1-Day Pass
Price: 1,200 JPY (10.65 USD) per adult, 600 JPY (5.30 USD) per child
Website: Hankyu-Hanshin 1-Day Pass
5. JR Kansai Area Pass (from USD 49.0)

Since the Kansai region is so large, you may wish to consider to explore the many cities here with a few days’ trip. In this case, the JR Kansai Area Pass may be more suitable for you, as it comes in 4 options, from 1-day to 4-day pass. The pass is valid for unlimited travel on JR trains within the specified number of days you have purchased the ticket for, in addition to West JR buses in the area.
Furthermore, you can get special discounts with the coupon deals that come with the pass, at many tourist attractions in Kansai region, such as Osaka Castle Museum, Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto, and Kobe Port Tower. Explore the charming Kansai region at a more relaxed pace affordably with the JR Kansai Area Pass.
If you want to find out more about the pass (like where to buy it, what is included and how to use it), please refer to our comprehensive guide on the JR Pass.
3 Day JR-West Kansai Rail Pass
Travel smart with One-day passes
Learn how to manage your travel costs effectively with smart use of the vast selection of discounted tourist passes in Osaka. In general, Japan may be a country with a high standard of living, but if you do your homework before the trip, you will be able to find various discounts available for tourists to enjoy the country at reasonable costs. Choose the best to fit your Osaka itinerary. The savings you enjoy from these passes can be put to use in other parts of your holiday. Happy traveling!
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