Planning a family trip to Osaka? With so many incredible attractions packed into one city, from castles and river cruises to observatories and hands-on museums, grabbing an Osaka pass can help you save money and simplify your plans. But with more than one Osaka city pass available, how do you know which is right for your family? In this guide, we compare the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Osaka e-Pass side by side to help you choose the best fit for your adventure.
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| Osaka Amazing Pass | Osaka e-Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥2,800 (1-day) / ¥3,600 (2-day) | ¥2,000 (1-day only) |
| Transport Included? | Unlimited Osaka Metro + buses | Not included – separate transit card needed |
| Attractions Included | 40+ | 20+ |
| Validity | 1 or 2 calendar days | 1 calendar day only |
| Pass Type | Physical or digital | Digital only |
| Best For | Families doing multiple attractions | Light sightseeing near central Osaka |
Osaka Amazing Pass Overview
The Osaka Amazing Pass is perfect for families who want to pack in as much fun as possible over one or two days. It includes unlimited subway and bus rides plus free entry to over 40 attractions, from castles and museums to boat rides and city views.
Top Family-Friendly Inclusions:
- Osaka Castle Tower
- Tombori River Cruise
- Umeda Sky Building
- Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- HEP Five Ferris Wheel
- Gozabune Boat Ride (moat boat near Osaka Castle)
Transport Coverage:
Unlimited use of Osaka Metro, city buses, and some train routes during the pass validity.
Osaka e-Pass Overview
The Osaka e-Pass is a simplified, digital-only version of the Amazing Pass, but with fewer attractions and no transport coverage. It’s a great pick for families who are sightseeing at a relaxed pace and already have a transit card or are staying close to downtown.
Top Family-Friendly Inclusions:
- HEP Five Ferris Wheel
- Tombori River Cruise
- Umeda Sky Building Observatory
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
What It Doesn’t Include:
- Osaka Castle Tower
- Subway or bus rides
- Physical card (it’s digital-only, show your phone to enter)
Which Pass Is Best for Your Family?
Here’s a simple breakdown based on your family’s travel style:
- Choose the Osaka Amazing Pass if…
You want to visit 3+ attractions per day, ride the subway freely, and get your money’s worth from castle tours, boat rides, and big-view observatories. - Choose the Osaka e-Pass if…
You only plan to visit 2–3 attractions, are staying centrally, and already have another transport card or want to walk.
Where to Buy Each Pass
Both passes can be purchased online. Here’s where we recommend grabbing them, because booking through our links helps support LuNi Travels at no extra cost to you!
- Osaka Amazing Pass: Buy here (Digital version available or pick up at Kansai airports and train stations)
- Osaka e-Pass: Buy here (Digital-only, instantly sent to your phone)
Luca & Nico’s Tip: If your plan includes three or more attractions in one day, especially boats, observatories, or museums, the Osaka Amazing Pass usually saves more than paying separately.
FAQs: Choosing the Best Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Here are the most common questions families ask when comparing these two passes, from what’s included to how to save.
A: The Osaka Amazing Pass includes public transport and access to over 40 attractions. The Osaka e-Pass is cheaper, digital-only, and doesn’t include transport.
A: Yes, especially for families planning to visit multiple attractions in one or two days. It includes free entry, boat rides, and subway access, making it very cost-effective.
A: No, Universal Studios Japan is not included in the Osaka Amazing Pass or e-Pass.
A: The Osaka e-Pass includes free entry to about 20 attractions like the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building, and Tombori River Cruise, but no transport.
A: The Osaka Amazing Pass is valid for either 1 or 2 consecutive calendar days, not 24-hour periods.
A: The best sightseeing pass for families visiting Osaka with kids is the Osaka Amazing Pass. It includes free entry to top family-friendly attractions like Osaka Castle Tower, river cruises, museums, and observatories, plus unlimited subway and bus rides. It’s ideal for active sightseeing days with easy transit access.
A: Yes, the pass includes unlimited rides on Osaka Metro, city buses, and the New Tram within Osaka.
A: No, the Osaka Amazing Pass is still available. It was temporarily suspended during the pandemic but has since resumed. You can buy the current 1-day or 2-day pass online or at major stations in Osaka.
A: The Osaka Amazing Pass includes free admission to Osaka Castle Tower, which is one of the top family attractions. The Osaka e-Pass does not include this feature.
A: Children under 6 typically enter most attractions for free and do not need a pass. For older kids (ages 6 and up), it’s best to check individual attraction policies. The Osaka Amazing Pass is priced for adults only, but some attractions offer child discounts separately.
Until Next Time…
Whether you’re racing from castles to cruises or keeping it low-key near Dotonbori, choosing the right Osaka sightseeing pass can make your family trip smoother, more affordable, and way more fun. We hope this guide helps you travel smarter, and spend more time enjoying the adventure together.
Planning your Osaka adventure? Check out our comprehensive Osaka Family Travel Guide for passes, planning tips, and neighborhood advice, while our Osaka Family Travel Hub Page brings together every story, itinerary, and guide we’ve created to help you explore the city with your kids.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
