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  • Why You Should Get the Osaka Metro Pass + Fun Things to do in Osaka

    Christian Suzon
    Christian Suzon
    Last updated 12 Jan 2024
    osaka bullet train and woman touching light at garden

    Photo Credit: (L) Leonid Andronov on Adobe Stock

    Experience unlimited travel on all Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus lines with the Osaka Metro Pass!

    One of the most popular destinations in Japan, Osaka lures travelers in with its irresistible vibrance: with its bright neon billboards and spirited locals, it’s hard not to get caught up in the city’s energy! Luckily for you, the city manages to keep up with the high-energy crowd — from exploring its busy streets in an effort to find the best local izakaya to visiting the many tourist attractions nearby such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and the HARUKAS 300 Observatory, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Osaka.
    But as you make your way from one place to another, you might find yourself getting worn down by having to line up, count change, and purchase tickets in-between train and bus stations. Costs of travel can quickly add up without you noticing, too. Luckily for you, the Osaka Metro Pass is there to come to your rescue! With this handy all-in-one pass, you’ll have everything you need to seamlessly travel all over Osaka using the train and bus lines in the area. 

    What is the Osaka Metro Pass?

    orange train in osaka
    Photo Credit: Leonid Andronov on Adobe Stock
    With unlimited train travel in the designated Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus routes, the Osaka Metro Pass is a must-have for visitors who wish to travel with ease all over the city. No need to line up at every station to purchase tickets before each trip — with the Osaka metro Pass, you’ll only need one ticket to travel on the following routes:

    Osaka Metro

    Osaka City Bus

    Midosuji Line

    Tanimachi Line

    Yotsubashi Line

    Chuo Line

    Sennichimae Line

    Sakaisuji Line

    Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line

    Imazatosuji Line

    New Tram

    Imazato Liner

    osaka metro pass route map
    Note: You may also check the route map on the Osaka Metro official website.
    The Osaka Metro Pass is available in 1 or 2-day options, depending on your travel needs.

    Why should I get the Osaka Metro Pass?

    woman in kimono with umbrella walking on bridge
    Photo Credit: ake1150 on Adobe Stock
    Think of it this way: a one-way trip between Trade Center-mae Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, located on opposing ends of Osaka, will cost you JPY 790. Meanwhile, an Osaka Metro 1 Day Pass will cost only around JPY 700, and you’ll get unlimited travel on the entire route to boot, meaning you can make as many detours as you would want!
    And if the fare discounts and convenience you get from using the Osaka Metro Pass aren’t enough, wait until you hear about the bonus attraction discounts that come with the pass. By presenting your Osaka Metro Pass at certain attractions, you’ll enjoy some pretty awesome discounts. Discounted attractions include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1. Osaka Castle
    2. Umeda Sky Castle
    3. Kuchu Teien Observatory
    4. Osaka Tennoji Zoo
    5. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
    So what are you waiting for? Get your Osaka Metro Pass now and start planning your Osaka itinerary!

    Which one is better for me: the Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass or the Osaka Metro 2-Day Pass?

    Well, that depends entirely on your itinerary, of course. If you think you can do most of your traveling in one day, then the Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass is the right choice. However, if you’d rather spread out your travels over the course of 2 days, then we’d recommend the Osaka Metro 2-Day Pass instead. But whichever you choose between the two Osaka Metro Passes, you will definitely get your money’s worth!
    Klook Tip: The validity of the Osaka Metro is based on calendar days — it will be valid from 0:00-23:59 on the day of activation, regardless of the exact time of activation.

    How do I use the Osaka Metro Pass?

    bullet train
    Photo Credit: Leonid Andronov on Adobe Stock
    Not sure how to use the Osaka Metro Pass? It’s okay, we’ll walk you through the process!
    1. Log in to your Klook account either on the web or through the app.
    2. Purchase your Osaka Metro Pass.
    3. Check your email and/or Klook account to see if you’ve received the booking confirmation and the voucher.
    4. After arriving in Japan, proceed to any of these Osaka Metro offices to claim your Osaka Metro Pass by presenting your voucher and your passport:
    • Osaka Metro Shin-Osaka Station Information Counter 
    • Osaka Metro Umeda Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter
    • Osaka Metro Namba Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter (Yotsubashi Line)
    • Osaka Metro Tennoji Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter
    instructions to redeem osaka metro pass
    Note: Your Osaka Metro Pass will not be automatically activated upon redemption. It will only be activated upon first use at any Osaka Metro or Osaka City Bus line within the valid zone.
    5. Once you’re ready to travel using your Osaka Metro Pass, insert it at the ticket gate before boarding the Osaka Metro or before alighting the Osaka City Bus. 
    IMPORTANT REMINDER: The Osaka Metro Pass is not the same as Klook’s Japan Rail Passes. To know more about our JR Passes, read Klook's JR Pass Guide.
    Now that you know everything there is to know about the ​​Osaka Metro Pass, it’s time to start planning and booking your upcoming trip to Japan! Check out our travel ideas below for Osaka!

    Fun things to do in Osaka with your Osaka Metro Pass

    woman going up umeda sky building

    1. Discover Japan’s rich history as you roam around Osaka Castle

    Surrounded by lush greenery and a moat is Osaka Castle, dating all the way back to 1583. Though its exterior already has much to boast about, there’s even more to see once you actually step inside: explore the multi-story museum that tells you the story of the castle’s history. Take a close look at various artifacts inside the castle, including armor, artwork, and even implements used in day-to-day life. On the topmost floor, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Osaka.
    Klook Tip: Witness a sea of pink during cherry blossom season, while you can expect a myriad of fall colors when you visit during autumn.

    2. Hop on the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

    woman in ferris wheel car
    Photo Credit: Farknot Architect on Adobe Stock
    It’s hard not to spot the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel as you walk around Osaka — after all, it is a bright red Ferris wheel with a height of 106 meters in the heart of the city. Due to its convenient location, it’s one of the best places in Osaka for a quick breather during your explorations, especially at night when you can enjoy the cool evening breeze. Remember to get your phone out once you’re near the peak of the Ferris wheel, as you’ll see a fantastic view of the city from above. Once you alight, spend some time perusing the various stores at the shopping mall, which sell clothes, delicious food, and more.
    Klook Tip: There’s a speaker inside each gondola, which you can connect your phone to and play your music of choice — use it to set the mood, whether you want something romantic, something fun, or whatever else that suits your fancy.

    3. Witness a floating garden observatory at the Umeda Sky Building

    under the umeda sky building
    With twin towers connected by a floating garden (the Kuchu Teien Observatory), the Umeda Sky Building will definitely be one of the most impressive sights you’ll see in the city. Make your way up and step out onto the Kuchu Teien Observatory, an open-air observation deck that boasts one of the best views of Osaka. (Fun fact: the donut-shaped observatory was first constructed on the ground before it was lifted all the way up to its current location on the 39th-41st floors!) Make sure not to wear anything that could be blown away, otherwise you risk losing them to gusts of wind. If you wish to enjoy the view from inside the building, drop by the Sky 40 cafe or the Sky Lounge Stardust, where you’ll be safe from the wind.
    Klook Tip: If you buy your ticket through Klook, you also have the option to purchase a heart-shaped padlock that you can leave behind there. It even includes a laser engraving service of 2 first names and a date for each padlock — perfect if you’re coming with the one! 😍

    4. Step into a world of immersive art at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

    woman touching garden lights
    Discover the unique interaction between art and nature here at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, an outdoor exhibition that focuses on creating immersive and experiential art. Located in the Nagai Botanical Garden, teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka changes every second based on how nature and visitors interact with the art spaces, so it’ll be different from one day to another. The attraction will also be playing all sorts of music as you explore it, which makes for a pretty cool experience, as you can witness how both light and sound are affected by the wildlife surrounding it. Make sure to have a good-quality camera with you during your visit — you’ll want to take as many as you can to remember such a unique experience!
    Klook Tip: teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is only available to visit at night due to its use of different types of lights, and you’ll be walking quite a bit through your visit. As such, please wear athletic shoes and be attentive while you explore the attraction, as there are many unpaved roads. You’ll also want to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent insect bites.

    5. Take in exhilarating views of Osaka atop the HARUKAS 300

    people walking inside glass building
    Take in sweet sights of the city from a viewing platform 300 meters above the ground here at HARUKAS 300 Observatory. With glass windows at all sides, you’ll be treated to an uninterrupted view of the Kansai region! Aside from the views, you can also check out other experiences in the building, such as a Heliport Tour that gives you an even better view of the city than the one from inside the observatory. There are also various luxury stores at the Abeno Harukas building, where you can even enjoy on-the-spot tax refunds!

    6. Visit Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the gang at Universal Studios Japan

    super nintendo world in universal studios japan
    No trip to Osaka would be complete without visiting Universal Studios Japan, famous among locals and tourists alike for attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park - The Ride, and more. But aside from the old favorites, some new areas have also been added to the park in the last couple of years — check out Super Nintendo World to race with Mario and friends, as well as Minion Park, where you get to explore the world of the minions from “Despicable Me.” Check out our guide on Super Nintendo World and Minion Park to discover the must-try attractions for each section:
    Prices to Universal Studios Japan vary depending on your visit date, so check the calendar on Klook or on the Universal Studios Japan official website for the ticket you’ll need for your visit. But don’t fret if you get confused about which ticket to get — we’ve got the guide just for you:
    Klook Tip: You can skip the queue at some of the most popular rides and attractions by upgrading your Universal Studios Japan ticket with an Express Pass 4 or an Express Pass 7! Note that the USJ Express Pass is not an entry ticket, and you will need to purchase a separate USJ ticket to enter the park and use the Express Pass.
    Important Reminder: Universal Studios Japan is for travel inspo only and is not accessible in the pass. Osaka Castle, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building, teamLab Botanical Garden, and HARUKAS 300 Observatory are accessible with the pass.

    FAQs about the Osaka Metro Pass

    1. Who can buy the Osaka Metro Pass?
    As long as you’re not a Japanese passport holder, the Osaka Metro Pass is available to you.
    2. Should I book the Osaka Metro 1 Day Pass or the Osaka Metro 2 Day Pass?
    It completely depends on your itinerary — get the 1 Day Pass if you can fit your entire Osaka itinerary in a single day, but we recommend getting the 2 Day Pass so you can take your time exploring the city and all that it has to offer.
    3. Do I have to use my Osaka Metro 2 Day Pass on consecutive days?
    No, the Osaka Metro 2 Day Pass can be used on non-consecutive days.
    4. How do I activate my Osaka Metro Pass?
    Once you’ve booked your pass, simply keep your e-voucher and present it along with your passport to any of the Osaka Metro ticket offices listed below to claim your ticket:   
    • Osaka Metro Shin-Osaka Station Information Counter 
    • Osaka Metro Umeda Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter
    • Osaka Metro Namba Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter (Yotsubashi Line)
    • Osaka Metro Tennoji Station Commuter Pass Sales Counter
    Your Osaka Metro Pass will not be automatically-activated upon redemption. To activate it, just insert it at the ticket gate before boarding the train.
    5. Can I reschedule my travel dates?
    Yes, you can! The Osaka Metro Pass is open-dated. But please take note to use it during the validity period indicated in your voucher.
    6. Is the Osaka Metro Pass available as an e-ticket?
    No. After booking, you’ll need to claim a physical ticket at the Osaka Metro ticket offices indicated above.

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