Unlock the keys to Osaka City with the Osaka e-Pass
Looking for a city that’s bursting with excitement, energy, and mouth-watering eats? Look no further than Osaka! Often called kuidaore no machi by locals, meaning “the city where you eat til you drop,” Osaka is especially famous for its street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, not to mention the iconic Dotonbori food tour. But beyond its culinary delights, Osaka boasts rich culture and history as it’s home to the largest castle and the first Buddhist temple built in Japan!
With so much to do in Osaka, we’re sure you’re wondering: How do I explore this awesome city without breaking the bank?
Say hello to your new travel bestie, the Osaka e-Pass! With one pass, you unlock free entrance to some of the most-loved Osaka attractions including the iconic HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, the historic Shitenno-ji Temple, and (for funsies) the LEGOLAND Discovery Center!
Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, the Osaka e-Pass is the perfect travel companion to make your journey in Osaka as joyful and stress-free as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about the Osaka e-Pass plus where to go in Osaka with it!
What is the Osaka e-Pass?
Why purchase multiple tickets to Osaka’s iconic attractions when you can get one pass to see them all? The Osaka e-Pass is your ticket to unlocking free entry into over 25 of the best Osaka attractions! It’s available in one-day and two-day passes, perfect for those of you gunning to go sightseeing in Osaka within a short period of time.
Another bonus for all you Osaka-bound gourmands, the e-Pass comes with a Rakuyu Pass, which gets you 10% off at select Osaka restaurants – and you can use it as many times as you want for a whole month! Tako ‘bout convenient, right?
Not to mention, it’s cheaper than the Osaka Amazing Pass, too. Paired with an Osaka Metro Pass add-on, you can hop on and off any designated mode of transportation within the city limits without having to worry about purchasing individual tickets!
Osaka e-Pass vs. Amazing Pass vs. Have Fun in Kansai Pass – which sightseeing pass should you get?
With so many attraction passes to choose from here on Klook, how do you know which one’s the best for your Osaka itinerary? Allow us to break it down for you.
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Price | USD 14.95 - 1-Day Pass USD 20.89 - 1-Day Pass with Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass USD 18.65 - 2-Day Pass | USD 20.89 - 1-Day Pass USD 26.89 - 2-Day Pass | USD 20.89 - 3 Attractions USD 28.35 - 3 Attractions + HARUKA Express USD 41.05 - 6 Attractions |
Validity | 1 day or 2 consecutive days Valid on specified date | 1 day or 2 consecutive days Open-dated, valid from 1 Apr 2023 to 31 Mar 2024 | 1 week from date of activation Valid for 90 days from booking confirmation date |
Cities Covered | Osaka | Osaka | Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe |
Transportation | With Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass add-on: Unlimited travel on Osaka Metro Line and Osaka City Bus Line | Unlimited rides on: Osaka Metro Line and Osaka City Bus Line | With HARUKA KIX (Kansai-Airport Express) Ticket: 1-way trip on Kansai-Airport Express from Kansai Airport Station to Shin-Osaka Station or Tennoji Station |
Attractions | Free entry to 30+ attractions See full list of attractions available with your Osaka e-Pass | Free entry to 40+ attractions See full list of attractions available with your Osaka Amazing Pass | Free entry to 3-6 facilities of your choice (from 20+ attractions) See full list of attractions available with your Have Fun in Kansai Pass |
Additional Discounts | 10% off at limited restaurants in Osaka with the included Rakuyu Pass |
How do I use the Osaka e-Pass?
Photo Credit: Nomadic Julien on Unsplash
Here’s how to book and Klook your way to Osaka with the Osaka e-Pass!
- Pick and purchase your Osaka e-Pass on Klook. Select the date/s you want to use the e-Pass on. You can choose between a 1-day or 2-day pass.
- (Optional) Upgrade your 1-day Osaka e-Pass with a 1-day Osaka Metro Pass to get unlimited travel across Osaka’s major transportation routes like the Osaka Metro Line and Osaka City Bus Line.
- Check your email and save your mobile voucher! Once your purchase is complete and confirmed, you’ll receive a mobile voucher with a QR code that’s valid only on the date you chose.
- When in Osaka, head to your fave attractions available with the Osaka e-Pass and present your QR code to enter for free! Note that free admission is limited to only once per attraction.
Klook Tip: Make sure to check up on the Osaka attractions you’d like to visit before booking your Osaka e-Pass – you won’t want to head somewhere on a day that it’s closed! Check out this calendar and plan your Osaka itinerary accordingly!
Also, some attractions only offer limited-time entry for Osaka e-Pass holders so check out this complete list of available facilities for more info.
How to redeem discounts at Osaka restaurants with the Osaka e-Pass
Fancy a hearty feast for less? With your Osaka e-Pass comes a food discount coupon, too. Again, that’s a 10% off coupon you can redeem as many times as you want for a month at these restaurants in Osaka. Some will even offer you a free drink!
Same with the e-Pass, you’ll get a unique e-voucher that you can simply flash at the participating restaurants to redeem. Itadakimasu!
What to see and where to go in Osaka
We double dare you to challenge yourself (and your travel buddies) to explore nearly all of Osaka in two days. It’s certainly possible and super worth it, especially with an Osaka e-Pass in your pocket! To make the most of your time and your Osaka itinerary, start sorting out your bucket list of attractions by location. For starters, here are some must-visit spots you can enter for free with your Osaka e-Pass!
1. Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory
The sky’s the limit and definitely near your reach when you head up to the top of the iconic Umeda Sky Building. This ain’t your average skyscraper! Its dramatic exposed steel architecture and floating observatory remind us of a futuristic sci-fi setting. You’ll know what we mean when you reach the Kuchu Teien Observatory and get to catch the breathtaking 360-degree and bird’s eye view of the city.
Fair warning, it’s not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. Don’t look down. Or maybe do. Now if you can’t stand the gut-wrenching fear of observing Osaka from up top, you can spend some time elsewhere in the building at the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum! They give you 3D glasses on entry so you can watch the vibrant modern Japanese paintings pop out at you!
Klook Tip: For Osaka e-Pass holders, free admission into the Kuchu Teien Observatory is only up until 16:00. If you want to arrive later to experience the twilight or nighttime views – arguably the best, in our opinion – don’t worry, you’ll still get 30% off your entry fee with the e-Pass.
2. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
Want another fun way to take in the panoramic views of Osaka City? Well, hold on tight to your lunch and the railings and prep yourself for another adventure in the sky on Osaka’s HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel! Towering over the city at 106 meters above ground, this ruby-red landmark is perfect for thrill-seekers and hopeless romantics alike. Each of the 52 gondolas fits up to four people and two kids – perfect for an exciting family memory or a cute double date! Best to line up in the early afternoon to watch the view magically shift under the sultry sunset into a sparkling cityscape!
3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Let your kids or inner child free inside the ultimate indoor LEGO playground! You’ll definitely want to block off a huge chunk of time in your itinerary, because you’ll likely spend hours and hours of fun at this indoor park. Allow your imagination to go wild at 12 different family-friendly activities including a Kingdom Quest to save a princess from trolls, a LEGO building workshop, an inside peek into the LEGO factory, and even a LEGO racing VR experience!
4. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
How about an artsy date at the only museum in the world with a permanent exhibit of Kamigata ukiyo-e paintings? For a bit of art history 101, Kamigata ukiyo-e is a style of Japanese woodblock prints exclusively created in the Osaka-Kyoto region during Japan’s Edo period.
The Kamigata region arguably had a much deeper tradition of art and print-making than Edo (now Tokyo). The art style looks much more realistic and expressionistic, often depicting the best kabuki performances of that era. You can liken these prints of kabuki plays to movie posters of today, as these played a huge role in marketing the performances to the masses!
Klook Tip: The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is a block away from the Dotonbori district, a.k.a. the best food trip of your life. Dotonbori was a popular spot for kabuki theaters during the Edo period but today it’s home to Osaka’s best eats. Head to the museum to feed your artist’s soul then down to Osaka’s iconic food district to feed your hungry tummies.
5. Shitenno-ji Temple
Rise and shrine and step into a serene and spiritual world at Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, located in the heart of Osaka. Though founded in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku – that’s over 1,400 years ago! – the temple was restored many times throughout history. As you wander through the temple grounds, you'll be transported back in time to ancient Japan, with beautifully preserved architecture and serene gardens that evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.
Don’t hesitate to go off the beaten path, as you’ll discover some smaller shrines and even a treasure house across the sprawling temple grounds. For an extra serene moment, stop and smell the flowers at the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, inspired by the heavenly dwelling of the Buddha Amithaba.
6. Osaka Wonder Cruise
Journey through the heart of Osaka by boat and hop aboard the Osaka Wonder Cruise! This quick but memorable boat ride takes you around Osaka’s most iconic landmarks and sights in just about 20 minutes. So cruise along the river and glide past the bright lights of the big city, all while the soothing sound of lapping waves in the water lulls you into a state of bliss! The Osaka Wonder Cruise is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, or to kick off an exciting night out in the city.
Osaka e-Pass FAQs
1. Is the Osaka e-Pass worth it?
Absolutely! For one, you can enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with free admission to loads of Osaka’s best sightseeing spots. Why buy over 25 entry tickets when you can have just one? Besides, the Osaka e-Pass gets you access to some unconventional ways to tour Osaka with a wide selection of cruises – including one with a live jazz band!
2. Should I get a 1-day or 2-day pass?
Well, that depends on your itinerary. Think you can go sightseeing in Osaka all in one day? Then get the 1-day pass. But if it were up to us, we’d recommend getting the 2-day pass because, honestly, it’s much easier (and less tiring) to see Osaka in 2 days instead of 1!
3. Does the Osaka e-Pass come with free train and bus travel?
No, but you can upgrade your order with a 1-day Osaka Metro Pass to get unlimited travel along the Osaka Metro Line and Osaka City Bus Line. Note that this add-on is only available for the 1-day Osaka e-Pass.
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