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.
As you plan your Osaka adventure with kids and consider the best way to explore, this guide is here to help you navigate your pass options. For a more comprehensive overview including planning tips and neighborhood advice, explore our Osaka Family Travel Guide. You can also visit the Osaka with Kids Hub to find every story, itinerary, and guide we’ve created, designed to help you make the most of this exciting city with your family.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s quicker, avoids long lines, helps skip language barriers, prevents sold-out attractions, and solves payment issues at places that don’t accept credit cards. *Prices are subject to change.
Osaka Amazing Pass vs Osaka e-Pass: Full Comparison for Families
Osaka Amazing Pass
- Price: ¥2,800 (1-day) / ¥3,600 (2-day)
- Transport Included?: Unlimited Osaka Metro + buses
- Attractions Included: 40+
- Validity: 1 or 2 calendar days
- Pass Type: Physical or digital
- Best For: Families doing multiple attractions across the city
Osaka e-Pass
- Price: ¥2,000 (1-day only)
- Transport Included?: Not included (separate transit card needed)
- Attractions Included: 20+
- Validity: 1 calendar day only
- Pass Type: Digital only
- Best For: Light sightseeing near central Osaka
Osaka Amazing Pass: Best for Families Visiting 3+ Attractions a Day
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 Attractions Included
- 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: Great for Light Sightseeing and Central Travel
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.
Family-Friendly Attractions Included
- HEP Five Ferris Wheel
- Tombori River Cruise
- Umeda Sky Building Observatory
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
What’s Missing from the e-Pass
- Osaka Castle Tower
- Subway or bus rides
- Physical card (it’s digital-only, show your phone to enter)
Best Osaka Pass for Your Family Travel Style
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 Osaka Sightseeing Passes Online
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!
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.
As you finalize your Osaka plans, you might be thinking about accommodation or what else to include in your itinerary. If you’re still looking for the perfect family-friendly stay, our Osaka Hotel Guide offers curated recommendations for the best hotels near Universal Studios, Dotonbori, and various kid-friendly parks across the city. And for more inspiration to build out your adventure, browse our Best Things to Do in Osaka with Kids guide, packed with ideas from engaging animal encounters and vibrant retro game streets to incredible city views, perfect for any season.
FAQs: About Osaka Amazing Pass and e-Pass for Families
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.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
