Osaka sightseeing can be enjoyed more affordably by making use of unlimited ride passes! From one-day tickets that allow unlimited train rides within Osaka city, to wide-area passes that let you travel as far as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, we introduce a variety of discount tickets you can choose from depending on your destination. Some passes even come with discounts for tourist attractions, helping you save not only on transportation but also on admission fees. However, be sure to check the terms of use—such as coverage area, available lines, and validity period—before purchasing.
This article covers recommended discount passes such as one-day tickets and two-day unlimited ride passes that can be used not only within Osaka city, but also for Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. We thoroughly introduce the latest 2026 prices, purchase methods, coverage areas, available lines, and validity periods for each pass. At the end, you’ll also find a comparison table of the coverage areas for each pass, so you can choose the best ticket for your travel plans!
*In this article, we mainly compare validity period (number of days), price, and coverage area to help you choose the best pass for your needs. For detailed terms of use and purchase methods, please check the official website.
About Trains and Rail Lines in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe
The railway network in the Kansai area may seem complex, but once you understand how it works, your travels will become much more convenient. First, let’s check the major railway companies.
Main Railway Companies
- Osaka Area: JR West, Hankyu Railway, Keihan Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Osaka Metro, Nankai Electric Railway
- Kyoto Area: JR West, Hankyu Railway, Keihan Railway, Kyoto Municipal Subway, Eizan Electric Railway
- Nara Area: JR West, Kintetsu Railway
- Kobe Area: JR West, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kobe Municipal Subway, Sanyo Electric Railway
Railway Company Coverage Table
| JR West | Hankyu Railway | Keihan Railway | Hanshin Electric Railway | Kintetsu Railway | |
| Osaka | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Kyoto | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Nara | ● | ● | |||
| Kobe | ● | ● | ● |
4 Recommended Discount Tickets for Getting Around Osaka City
In Osaka City, the Osaka Metro operates the subway network, covering the city with nine lines including the Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line, and Yotsubashi Line. JR West connects major terminals such as Osaka Station (Umeda), Shin-Osaka, and Tennoji. In addition, Nankai Electric Railway links Kansai International Airport and Namba.
Other lines include Hankyu Railway, which provides access to both Kobe and Kyoto; Keihan Electric Railway, which connects Osaka and Kyoto; Hanshin Electric Railway, which links Osaka and Kobe; and Kintetsu, which offers access from Osaka to Nara.
One-Day Enjoy Eco Card
This is a classic ticket for sightseeing in Osaka City, offering unlimited rides for one day on all Osaka Metro subway lines (except Yumeshima Station) and Osaka City Bus routes. If you ride four to five times or more, it pays for itself, making it a great value. You can efficiently visit major sightseeing spots such as Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Umeda, and Tennoji. You can also enjoy discounts at tourist facilities, making this a practical one-day pass that saves on both transportation and sightseeing costs.
💡The cheapest ticket for unlimited rides on Osaka Metro and buses. Recommended for those who want to save on transportation and also use discount benefits at tourist attractions.
- Ticket Type: Card ticket
- Price: Adult: 820 yen (620 yen on weekends and holidays), Child: 310 yen
- Valid Area: Osaka Metro (except Yumeshima Station), Osaka City Bus (see official website for details)
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until March 31, 2026. A digital version, "Osaka Metro/Osaka City Bus 1-Day Pass," is also available.
- Website: https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/guide/page/enjoy-eco.php
Osaka Metro 26-Hour/48-Hour Pass (Limited Time Only)
This is a digital unlimited ride pass valid for 26 or 48 hours from the time you start using it. Unlike the traditional "one-day pass," the validity period starts from the moment you first use it, so if you start in the afternoon, you can use it until the afternoon of the next day. You can ride all Osaka Metro lines as much as you like, giving you flexible access to major sightseeing spots in Osaka City. This ticket offers great flexibility to make the most of your stay.
💡Especially convenient for those arriving in the afternoon or late at night, or departing early in the morning, and need to use Osaka Metro across different days.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket
- Price:
- 26-Hour Pass: Adult 1,000 yen, Child 500 yen
- 48-Hour Pass: Adult 1,700 yen, Child 850 yen
- Valid Area: All Osaka Metro lines (including Yumeshima Station) *Not valid on Osaka City Bus, Imazato Liner, or On-Demand Bus (see official website for details)
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until September 30, 2026
- Website: https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/guide/fare/category_digital_tickets/digital_tickets/digital_joshaken.php#jikanken
ONE KANSAI Osaka Smart Access Pass (1-Day Pass) (Limited Time Only)
This is a digital-only unlimited ride pass created in collaboration between JR West and Osaka Metro. For just 1,000 yen, you can ride all sections of the JR Osaka Loop Line, JR Tozai Line, and all Osaka Metro lines as much as you like. It offers flexible access to major Osaka attractions such as Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Umeda, Nakanoshima, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
💡Ideal for those who want to use both JR and Osaka Metro at the same time.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket only (QR code system)
- Price: 1,000 yen
- Valid Area: JR lines, Osaka Metro *Not valid on Imazato Liner (see official website for details)
- Benefits: None
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until May 31, 2026. Not valid on JR Shinkansen or limited express trains. Cannot be purchased at station counters or ticket machines. Smartphone required.
- Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/ticket/tokutoku/osaka-smart_om/
Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day/2-Day Pass) (Limited Time Only)
A great value ticket that offers unlimited rides on Osaka Metro, buses, and private railways such as Hankyu Railway, Keihan Electric Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kintetsu, and Nankai Electric Railway (on some sections). In addition, you can enjoy free admission to about 40 popular tourist attractions including Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku, and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka, as well as receive benefits such as discounts at around 50 facilities and stores. If you plan to visit multiple tourist spots in one day, the admission fees alone can make the pass worthwhile! This is the perfect choice for tourists who want to fully enjoy Osaka.
💡This pass is a great deal for those who plan to use almost all public transportation within Osaka City for one or two days and visit several designated tourist attractions in the city.
- Ticket type: Digital
- Price: 1-day pass 3,500 yen, 2-day pass 5,000 yen
- Available lines/area: All Osaka Metro lines, Osaka City Bus (excluding some routes), mainly private railways within Osaka City such as Hankyu Railway, Keihan Electric Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kintetsu, and Nankai Electric Railway
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until March 31, 2026
- Official website: https://osaka-amazing-pass.com/
Easy-to-understand Comparison Table
| Ticket Name\Available Lines/Services | Osaka Metro | JR | Private Railways | Osaka City Bus | Facility Discounts | Free Facilities |
| Enjoy Eco Card | ● | ● | ● | |||
| Osaka Metro 26-hour/48-hour Ticket | ● | ● | ||||
| ONE KANSAI Osaka Smart Access Pass | ● | ● | ||||
| Osaka Amazing Pass | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
[Special Feature] Two Great Value One-way Tickets from Kansai Airport to Osaka City
To get from Kansai International Airport to Osaka City, you can use two railway lines: JR West and Nankai Electric Railway. JR West offers access to Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station via the Limited Express Haruka (about 50 minutes) or Kansai Airport Rapid Service (about 75 minutes). Nankai Electric Railway takes you to Namba Station via the Limited Express Rapi:t (about 38 minutes) or Airport Express (about 45 minutes). If you are heading to Umeda, Shin-Osaka, or transferring to the Shinkansen, JR West is convenient. For Namba, Shinsaibashi areas, or transfers to Osaka Metro, Nankai Electric Railway is recommended.
Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket (One-way Ticket)
This is a discounted one-way ticket for the Nankai Electric Railway Limited Express Rapi:t from Kansai Airport to Namba Station, Shin-Imamiya Station, Tengachaya Station, or Sakai Station. The regular fare is 1,490 yen, but with a paper ticket, it is 1,389 yen and up, and with the digital version (Rapi:t Digital Ticket), it is as low as 1,350 yen one way.
💡Ideal for those who have booked hotels around Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, or Sakai stations and want a comfortable, reserved-seat transfer from Kansai Airport.
- Ticket type: Magnetic ticket (Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket) or digital ticket (Rapi:t Digital Ticket)
- Price:
- Paper ticket:
- Adult: (Regular Seat) 1,380 yen, (Super Seat) 1,560 yen
- Child: (Regular Seat) 690 yen, (Super Seat) 890 yen
- Digital version:
- Purchase by the day before: Adult (Regular Seat) 1,350 yen, (Super Seat) 1,490 yen
- Same-day purchase: Adult (Regular Seat) 1,380 yen, (Super Seat) 1,560 yen
- Available area: Nankai Electric Railway from Kansai Airport Station to Namba Station / Shin-Imamiya Station / Tengachaya Station / Sakai Station (one way)
- Benefits: None
- Official website: https://www.nankai.co.jp/traffic/otoku#kanku
WEST QR Haruka One-way Ticket (One-way Ticket)
This is a digital ticket exclusively for international visitors provided by JR West, allowing you to ride the Limited Express "Haruka" connecting Kansai Airport with Osaka (Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Tennoji Station) and Kyoto. You can use a reserved seat in the ordinary car of the Limited Express "Haruka" for a comfortable journey.
💡This is perfect for those who have booked hotels around Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Tennoji Station, or Kyoto Station, and want to travel comfortably from Kansai Airport with reserved seats.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket only (QR code system)
- Price: Adults from 1,300 yen, Children from 650 yen *Varies by section. Please check the official website for details.
- Valid Area: Limited Express "Haruka": Kansai Airport to Tennoji Station, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Kyoto Station (one way)
- Benefits: None
- Notes: Japanese nationals, including those with permanent residency abroad, cannot use this ticket.
- Official Website: https://tickets.jr-odekake.net/shohindb/view/consumer/tokutoku/detail.html?shnId=125000196
Also, if you use the JR West QR 2-Day Pass (2-Day Ticket), you can enjoy unlimited rides between Kansai Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
3 Recommended Value Tickets for [Osaka + Kyoto]
You can travel from Osaka to Kyoto using three different lines: JR West, Hankyu Railway, and Keihan Railway. For getting around Kyoto city, there are the Karasuma Line and Tozai Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. For destinations on the east side of Kyoto, such as Gion-Shijo Station, Fushimi-Inari Station, or even Uji, Keihan Railway is convenient. For Kawaramachi Station or Arashiyama, use Hankyu Railway. To reach Arashiyama from Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line. For access to the northern areas of Kyoto, such as Kibune and Kurama, use the Eizan Railway. There are various lines available depending on your destination.
In fact, the most important means of transportation for sightseeing in Kyoto is the Kyoto City Bus, which provides access to most major attractions such as Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama.
ONE KANSAI Kyoto Enjoy 3-Way Pass (1-Day Ticket) *Limited Time Only
This is a digital ticket that allows unlimited rides from Osaka (Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, etc.) via JR West, Hankyu Railway (Osaka-Umeda Station, etc.), or Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi Station, etc.) to Kyoto (Kyoto Station). Within Kyoto city, you can also use it at major sightseeing stations such as Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Fushimi-Inari Station, Gion-Shijo Station, and Arashiyama Station.
💡Recommended for those who want to take a day trip from Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, or Osaka-Umeda Station to Kyoto.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket (QR code)
- Price: Adults 1,800 yen
- Valid Area: JR West, Hankyu Railway, and Keihan Railway between Osaka and Kyoto
- Benefits: None
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until March 31, 2026
- Official Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/ticket/tokutoku/kyoto_3way_pass/
Keihan & Osaka Metro 1-Day Free Ticket (1-Day Ticket) *Limited Time Only
This is a digital ticket that allows unlimited rides for one day on Osaka Metro, Keihan Railway, and Osaka City Bus. You can freely explore not only Osaka city but also sightseeing spots along the Keihan line in Kyoto, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Gion-Shijo. In addition, you can enjoy special discounts at facilities along the Keihan and Osaka Metro lines, making both sightseeing and dining more affordable.
💡Recommended for those who want to visit many sightseeing spots in both Osaka city and the eastern part of Kyoto city in one day.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket (QR code)
- Price: Adults 2,160 yen
- Valid Area: All Osaka Metro lines, Osaka City Bus (excluding some routes), all Keihan Railway Keihan Line lines, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Sando Cable (excluding Otsu Line) *Premium Car and Liner require an additional fee
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until March 31, 2026
- Official Website: https://www.keihan.co.jp/traffic/valueticket/detail/osakametro.html
Keihan Railway Osaka-Kyoto 1-Day Pass
This value ticket allows unlimited rides on Keihan Railway, which connects Osaka (Yodoyabashi, Temmabashi, Nakanoshima Stations, etc.) and Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari Station, Gion-Shijo Station, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, etc.). You can also enjoy special discounts at shrines, temples, and facilities along the Keihan line, such as Iwashimizu Hachimangu and Shimogamo Shrine.
💡Recommended for those who want to visit sightseeing spots on the east side of Kyoto from Yodoyabashi Station, Temmabashi Station, or Nakanoshima Station in Osaka.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket (QR code system)
- Price: Adults ¥1,650, Children ¥830
- Valid Area: All Keihan lines (excluding the Otsu Line), Iwashimizu Hachimangu Sando Cable
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: Can be used on any one day within three months from the date of purchase
- Website: https://www.keihan.co.jp/traffic/valueticket/detail/osaka-kyoto1day.html
If you want to travel from Osaka to Kyoto using only JR, there are also the "JR-West QR 2-day Pass (2-day ticket)" and the "Kansai Mini Pass." Please refer to the official websites for details.
2 Recommended Value Tickets for [Osaka + Kyoto + Nara]
In the Nara area, the main lines are the JR-West Nara Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line. You can access Nara from Osaka via either JR-West or Kintetsu. However, for getting around popular spots within Nara Park, such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple, the Nara Kotsu Bus is convenient. Also, Kintetsu provides access to areas like Horyu-ji Temple and Mount Yoshino, making it suitable for wide-area sightseeing within Nara Prefecture.
JR-West QR 2-day Pass (2-day ticket) *Limited Time Only
This is a digital ticket offered by JR-West that allows unlimited rides throughout the Kansai area for two days. It covers major JR lines in the Kinki region, including Kansai Airport, JR Namba, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, as well as Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and Himeji. If you want to travel from Osaka to Kyoto or Nara by JR, the "Kansai Mini Pass" is also available. Please check the official website for details.
💡Perfect for a two-day trip starting from Kansai Airport and traveling around Kansai, focusing on Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket only (QR code system)
- Price: Adults ¥4,000, Children ¥2,000
- Valid Area: JR-West line stations including Kansai Airport Station, JR Namba Station, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Tennoji Station, Kyoto Station, Nara Station, Wakayama Station, Himeji Station, and more
- Benefits: None
- Notes: Available for purchase until March 30, 2026, and can be used until March 31, 2026.
- Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/ticket/tokutoku/jrwest_qr2days/
KINTETSU RAIL PASS (1day / 2day / 5day / 5day plus)
This is an unlimited Kintetsu train pass exclusively for international visitors to Japan. The 1-day and 2-day passes cover the Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto areas, while the 5-day and 5-day plus passes also include Mie (Ise-Shima, Iga) and Nagoya areas. You can also enjoy special benefits at sightseeing facilities along the Kintetsu lines.
💡Recommended for those staying at hotels in the Namba, Shinsaibashi, or Dotonbori areas near Osaka-Namba Station or Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, and who want to use Kintetsu to travel widely in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and even Mie or Nagoya.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket (QR code), exclusively for international visitors
- Price:
- KINTETSU RAIL PASS 1day: Adults ¥1,900, Children ¥950
- KINTETSU RAIL PASS 2day: Adults ¥3,700, Children ¥1,850
- KINTETSU RAIL PASS 5day: Adults ¥4,900, Children ¥2,450
- KINTETSU RAIL PASS 5day plus: Adults ¥6,700, Children ¥3,350
- Valid Area: Varies by pass. Please check the official website for details.
- Benefits: Available
- Notes: For foreign tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing with a "Temporary Visitor" status only. Japanese nationals and residents of Japan are not eligible to purchase.
- Website: https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/index.html
2 Recommended Value Tickets for [Osaka + Kobe]
In the Kobe area, three companies—JR West, Hankyu Railway, and Hanshin Electric Railway—connect Osaka and Kobe. Within Kobe city, the Kobe Municipal Subway extends from Sannomiya to the mountain-side Shin-Kobe Station and the northern district, as well as to the seaside Harborland area. You can access Port Island and Kobe Airport via the Port Liner (automated transit system). The private Sanyo Electric Railway runs from Kobe toward Himeji, making it convenient for sightseeing in Akashi and Himeji Castle.
Port Liner & Hanshin 1-Day PASS (Limited Time Only)
This is a digital ticket that allows unlimited rides on the Port Liner and Hanshin Electric Railway for one day from Kobe Airport. You can freely travel from Kobe Airport to Sannomiya (Kobe-Sannomiya) or Motomachi in Kobe, and even to Umeda (Osaka-Umeda Station) or Namba (Osaka-Namba Station) in Osaka.
💡Perfect for those who want to efficiently explore both Kobe and Osaka in one day using Kobe Airport.
- Ticket Type: Digital ticket (QR code)
- Price: 1,300 yen
- Valid Area: All lines of Kobe New Transit (Port Liner) Port Island Line, all lines of Hanshin Electric Railway (excluding Kobe Kosoku Line)
- Benefits: None
- Notes: Available for purchase and use until March 31, 2026
- Website: https://www.hanshin.co.jp/ticket/otoku/detail/004603.html
Kobe City Tour 1-Day Coupon Hanshin Extended Version (1-Day Ticket)
This coupon allows unlimited rides for one day on all Hankyu Railway lines and trains in central Kobe (Kobe Municipal Subway, Kobe Kosoku Line, Port Liner). In addition, it comes with a "Facility Admission Ticket (worth 800 yen)" that can be used at one of about 50 sightseeing spots in Kobe, and a "1-Day Bus Ticket Discount Coupon" for City Loop, Port Loop, and Shinki Bus, making both transportation and sightseeing more affordable at once.
💡Ideal for a day trip from Osaka (Osaka-Umeda Station, Osaka-Namba Station) to central Kobe to enjoy sightseeing spots.
- Ticket Type: Coupon (paper ticket)
- Price: 1,650 yen
- Valid Area: All Hankyu Railway lines, Kobe Municipal Subway (partial sections), all Kobe Kosoku Line, all Port Liner lines
- Benefits: Yes
- Website: https://www.hankyu.co.jp/ticket/otoku/013823.html
[Osaka + Kyoto + Nara + Kobe & more] 8 JR-WEST RAIL PASSES
If you want to travel widely around the Kansai area from Osaka, JR West passes are very convenient. You can choose from eight types depending on the area and number of days, covering not only the basic Kansai area of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, but also popular destinations like Himeji, Wakayama, Hiroshima, Okayama, and even Tottori/Izumo, Kanazawa/Toyama.
Prices range from 2,800 yen for 1 day to 26,000 yen for 7 days. All passes allow unlimited rides on non-reserved seats of the Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho) and limited express trains, so if you make two or three long-distance trips, you’ll get your money’s worth. Choose the best pass for your itinerary. For details, please check the official website. (https://www.westjr.co.jp/travel-information/en/tickets-passes/jrwest-rail-pass/)
List of JR-WEST RAIL PASSES usable in Osaka and beyond
- Kansai Mini Pass
- Kansai Area Pass
- Kansai WIDE Area Pass
- Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass
- Kansai-San’in Area Pass
- Kansai - Hokuriku Area Pass
- Sanyo - San'in Area Pass
- JR-WEST All Area Pass
There is also the Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass available for foreign residents in Japan, the 3-3-SUN Digital Free Ticket usable between Osaka and Nagoya, and the JAPAN RAIL PASS which is valid nationwide.
List of Discount Train Passes in Osaka
| Kansai Airport | Osaka | Kyoto | Nara | Kobe | Other Kansai Area | |
| 1-Day Enjoy Eco Card | ● | |||||
| Osaka Metro 26-Hour/48-Hour Ticket | ● | |||||
| ONE KANSAI Osaka Smart Access Pass (1-Day Ticket) | ● | |||||
| Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day/2-Day Ticket) | ● | |||||
| Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t Ticket (One-way Ticket) | ● | |||||
| WEST QR Haruka One-way Ticket (One-way Ticket) | ● | |||||
| ONE KANSAI Kyoto 3-Way Enjoy Pass (1-Day Ticket) | ● | ● | ||||
| Keihan & Osaka Metro 1-Day Free Ticket (1-Day Ticket) | ● | ● | ||||
| Keihan Railway Osaka-Kyoto 1-Day Ticket | ● | ● | ||||
| JR West QR 2-Day Pass (2-Day Ticket) | ● | ● | ● | |||
| KINTETSU RAIL PASS (1day / 2day / 5day / 5day plus) | ● | ● | ● | |||
| Port Liner & Hanshin 1-Day PASS | ● | ● | ||||
| Kobe City Tour 1-Day Coupon Hanshin Extended Version (1-Day Ticket) | ● | ● | ||||
| Kansai Mini Pass | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Other JR-WEST RAIL PASSES | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
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