Planning a trip to Osaka or Kyoto with kids? Choosing the right Osaka or Kyoto pass for families can make sightseeing easy and affordable, but with so many options, from the attraction pass and sightseeing pass to transport passes designed for tourists, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this guide, we compare every major Osaka and Kyoto transport pass for tourists, help you find the best passes for families, and highlight which options really work for a family adventure. Whether you’re riding the shinkansen, planning a temple day, or seeking big-ticket attractions, every pass here can be booked in English online, with direct links for easy purchase.
Want a complete trip plan? Start with our Osaka Family Travel Guide or Kyoto Family Travel Guide for everything you need, from kid-friendly hotels to must-see sights.
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.
Best Osaka & Kyoto Passes for Families by Trip Type
- 1 Day in Osaka/Kyoto:
Osaka Amazing Pass, OSAKA e-PASS, Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass, Osaka Metro Pass, Kyoto City Subway and Bus - Multi-Day Sightseeing:
Kansai Railway Pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass, Hankyu Tourist Pass, Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass, Klook Pass Kansai - Major Attractions/Theme Parks:
Klook Pass Kansai, Osaka Amazing Pass, OSAKA e-PASS - Airport Arrival/Departure:
JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express, Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket - Scenic & Local Rides:
Sagano Romantic Train Ticket, Randen + Kyoto Subway 1 Day Pass, Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass - Traveling Beyond Osaka/Kyoto (Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, Kanazawa):
Kansai Railway Pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass, Hankyu Tourist Pass, JR Thunderbird Express - Osaka/Kyoto then Tokyo/Fukuoka/Hiroshima/Other Cities:
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train), JR Rail Pass
How to Choose the Best Kansai Pass for Your Family
Picking the best Osaka or Kyoto pass for your trip comes down to a few key questions:
- Where are you staying and what do you want to see? (Just central Osaka/Kyoto, or day trips?)
- How many days will you ride public transport? (All-day, multiple days, or just airport transfer?)
- Do you want to visit paid attractions or just move around the city?
- How old are your kids? Check age brackets for free/discounted fares.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Let your kids help choose a pass, they might spot an attraction or adventure you missed!
Still unsure about sightseeing? See our dedicated Osaka Amazing Pass vs. Osaka e-Pass comparison guide for Families
Detailed Pass Reviews: What Each Osaka & Kyoto Pass Offers Families
Each review includes what’s covered, what’s not, kid pricing, and our family insights.
Central Osaka & Kyoto Sightseeing Passes
Osaka Amazing Pass
- What is it? All-access Osaka city pass with free entry to 40+ attractions (e.g., Osaka Castle, river cruises, Umeda Sky Building) plus unlimited rides on Osaka Metro.
- What’s Included: Unlimited Osaka subway, trams, city buses; free/discounted entry to top sights.
- Not Included: JR trains, private rail outside Osaka, Kyoto attractions.
- Validity: 1 or 2 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: Discounted tickets for children.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here, collect at designated stations.
- Perfect for Families: Nonstop Osaka sightseeing, rainy day options, big savings if you’ll hit 2+ paid attractions.
Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on Keihan lines between Kyoto and Osaka, with access to Fushimi Inari, Gion, Uji, and more.
- What’s Included: Unlimited Keihan trains between key sightseeing zones, selected temple/attraction discounts.
- Not Included: JR, city subway, other private railways.
- Validity: 1 or 2 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes (discount for children).
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here, collect at station or airport.
- Perfect for Families: Flexibility for Osaka–Kyoto day trips, visiting Fushimi Inari and Uji tea town.
Osaka Metro Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on all Osaka subway lines.
- What’s Included: All subway and city buses within Osaka.
- Not Included: JR, private railways, intercity travel.
- Validity: 1 or 2 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy at subway stations or online here.
- Perfect for Families: Jumping between Osaka neighborhoods, low-cost city sightseeing.
Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket
- What is it? Unlimited rides on all Kyoto subway lines and city buses.
- What’s Included: All subways and city buses in Kyoto.
- Not Included: JR, private rail, regional trains.
- Validity: 1 day.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy at subway/bus stations or online here.
- Perfect for Families: Kyoto temple hopping, rainy-day sightseeing, visiting farther-out neighborhoods.
OSAKA e-PASS
- What is it? A digital sightseeing pass offering free or discounted entry to 25+ Osaka attractions (e.g., Umeda Sky Building, LEGOLAND Discovery Center), activated via your smartphone.
- What’s Included: Free/discounted admission at participating attractions for one day.
- Not Included: Unlimited public transport (unlike the Osaka Amazing Pass).
- Validity: 1 day.
- Kids’ Pricing: No.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here, activate on your phone, show QR for entry.
- Perfect for Families: Short sightseeing days, families who want a digital option, or those with prepaid subway tickets already.
Regional & Multi-City Kansai Passes
Kansai Railway Pass
- What is it? Unlimited non-JR and Randen train rides within the greater Kansai area (including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama), plus unlimited rides on most subways, private railways, and buses in the region.
- What’s Included: All non-JR trains and Randen (excluding Shinkansen) in the Kansai region, along with many subways and local bus lines.
- Not Included: JR trains, Shinkansen, and some specific private railway lines or limited express surcharges.
- Validity: 2 or 3 days. Days do not need to be consecutive, offering flexibility.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Purchase online here, pick up at airport.
- Perfect for Families: Exploring multiple Kansai cities with one pass, flexible day-tripping, and extensive coverage of local transport.
Kintetsu Rail Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on designated Kintetsu lines, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Nagoya, providing access to major sightseeing areas.
- What’s Included: Unlimited rides on Kintetsu local, express, and rapid express trains within the pass’s covered area.
- Not Included: Other private rail, JR trains, Shinkansen, and limited express surcharges on Kintetsu.
- Validity: 1/2/5 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here or at major Kintetsu stations.
- Perfect for Families: Visiting Nara (deer park), Ise Shrine, or even Nagoya from Osaka/Kyoto.
Hankyu Tourist Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on all Hankyu lines linking Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
- What’s Included: All Hankyu lines.
- Not Included: JR, subway, Kobe Rapid Transit Railway, other private lines.
- Validity: 1 or 2 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: No.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here or at Hankyu stations.
- Perfect for Families: Budget-friendly city hopping across Kansai.
Klook Pass Kansai
- What is it? Customizable bundle for attractions, theme parks, and select train passes.
- What’s Included: Discounted entry to major attractions (USJ, aquarium, Legoland, and more), optional add-ons for transport.
- Not Included: Daily transport unless chosen as an add-on.
- Validity: Custom.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes (varies by attraction).
- How to Use/Buy: Purchase online here, use digital QR codes.
- Perfect for Families: Maximizing savings on big-ticket attractions, building your own adventure days.
Airport & Long-Distance Train Options
JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express Ticket
- What is it? Reserved-seat express train between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto.
- What’s Included: Fastest airport transfer, reserved seats, luggage space.
- Not Included: Other city/region travel.
- Validity: Per ride.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here, exchange at airport.
- Perfect for Families: Easy, stress-free arrival/departure with bags.
Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket
- What is it? A reserved-seat express train linking Kansai Airport and Namba in Osaka, known for its unique blue, futuristic design.
- What’s Included: Direct, reserved-seat ride from Kansai Airport to Namba; luggage storage.
- Not Included: Unlimited rides, other city/region travel.
- Validity: Per ride.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here, exchange voucher at airport station.
- Perfect for Families: Stress-free, comfy transfer after a long flight, and a “wow!” train for kids who love unique rides.
JR Thunderbird Express Between Osaka/Kyoto
- What is it? Reserved seat express connecting Osaka, Kyoto, and Kanazawa.
- What’s Included: Scenic rides, direct between cities.
- Not Included: City subways, shinkansen.
- Validity: Per ride.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy at JR stations or online here.
- Perfect for Families: Day trips between cities, comfort with luggage.
Japan Shinkansen
- What is it? Bullet train rides connecting Osaka, Kyoto, and all of Japan.
- What’s Included: Reserved or unreserved seats, restrooms, food/drinks onboard.
- Not Included: City/metro travel.
- Validity: Per ride or with a JR Pass.
- Kids’ Pricing: Ages 6–11 half price, under 6 free with adult (no seat).
- How to Use/Buy: Book tickets online here or get a JR Pass online.
- Perfect for Families: Fast, exciting intercity travel—kids love shinkansen!
Local Niche Passes for Kyoto Side Trips
Sagano Romantic Train Ticket
- What is it? A scenic train ride along the Hozugawa River in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
- What’s Included: Old-fashioned train, river/mountain views.
- Not Included: Other transport.
- Validity: Per ride.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Book online here or at station.
- Perfect for Families: Sightseeing, photos, fun train experience.
Randen + Kyoto Subway 1 Day Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on Kyoto’s Randen tram and subway for one day.
- What’s Included: All subway and Randen lines.
- Not Included: JR, other private rail.
- Validity: 1 day.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy online here or at subway/tram stations.
- Perfect for Families: Temple-hopping, easy travel to Arashiyama.
Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass
- What is it? Unlimited Nankai train rides for 2 days, including Kansai Airport and Mt. Koya.
- What’s Included: All Nankai lines.
- Not Included: Other companies, shinkansen.
- Validity: 2 days.
- Kids’ Pricing: No.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy at airport or online here.
- Perfect for Families: Flexible airport travel, visiting Mt. Koya, Wakayama.
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
- What is it? Unlimited rides on Eizan railways in northern Kyoto.
- What’s Included: All Eizan lines.
- Not Included: Other trains/metro.
- Validity: 1 day.
- Kids’ Pricing: Yes.
- How to Use/Buy: Buy at Eizan stations or online here.
- Perfect for Families: Trips to Mt. Hiei, scenic mountain rides.
Kids’ Train Fares & Discount Guide
- Under 6 years: Free on most trains with a paying adult (no seat).
- Ages 6–11: Usually half price; must use a child ticket or card.
- Over 12: Pay adult fare.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: When booking online, always select “child” for kids aged 6–11 so you get the discount. Kids need their own ticket or IC card for the discount to work at ticket gates.
FAQs: Osaka/Kyoto Train & Sightseeing Passes for Families
Get answers to the most common questions about Osaka & Kyoto train and sightseeing passes for families, including how to choose the best ticket, where to buy, and tips for traveling with children in Osaka and Kyoto.
A: No, the Osaka Amazing Pass is exclusively for Osaka, providing unlimited subway rides and free entry to over 40 attractions within the city. For travel and attractions in Kyoto, consider passes like the Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass or utilize Kyoto’s local subway and bus tickets.
A: Yes, the Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass, Kansai Railway Pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass, and Klook Pass Kansai all cover both cities and are ideal for families moving between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and more.
A: Yes, ages 6–11 need a child ticket or child IC card. Under 6 ride free with an adult, but don’t get their own seat on limited express trains.
A: The Klook Pass Kansai offers attraction bundles with optional train add-ons. The Osaka Amazing Pass covers many city attractions but not USJ; add a separate ticket for Universal Studios.
A: While most city passes exclude airport routes, several key options provide direct access to/from Kansai International Airport (KIX):
– JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express: A reserved-seat train to major JR stations in Osaka (Tennoji, Shin-Osaka) and Kyoto. Costs range from ¥1,300 to ¥2,200 one-way for foreign visitors, often covered by the JR Kansai Area Pass.
– Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t: A reserved-seat train connecting KIX directly to Namba in Osaka, typically costing around ¥1,350 to ¥1,490 one-way.
– Nankai All Line 2-Day Pass: Offers unlimited rides on all Nankai lines, including the KIX route, for about ¥2,600 – ¥2,700 (note: Rapi:t may require an extra fee).
A: For exploring multiple cities like Nara, Kobe, and other Kansai destinations, consider these regional passes:
– Kansai Railway Pass: Offers unlimited rides on most private railways and subways (excluding JR) across Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and Shiga. Ideal for non-JR focused trips.
– Kintetsu Rail Pass: Provides extensive coverage on Kintetsu lines, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara (Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to attractions), Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya.
– Hankyu Tourist Pass: A cost-effective option primarily for unlimited rides on Hankyu lines, linking Osaka (Umeda), Kyoto (Kawaramachi), and Kobe (Sannomiya).
A: The Osaka Amazing Pass is a sightseeing and transport pass for families and tourists that provides unlimited subway rides and free entry to over 40 top attractions in Osaka. The pass costs about ¥3,000 for 1 day and ¥4,000 for 2 days, with discounted rates for children.
A: The Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass is a transport pass for tourists and families that allows unlimited rides on Keihan trains between Kyoto and Osaka, plus discounts at select attractions. The pass costs around ¥1,500 for 1 day and ¥2,000 for 2 days, with child discounts available.
A: The Kansai Railway Pass is a regional train pass for families and tourists that offers unlimited rides on non-JR trains within the Kansai area, covering cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. The pass costs from ¥5,200 for 2 day up to ¥6,300 for 3 days, with child discounts available.
A: The Kintetsu Rail Pass is a transport pass for tourists and families that allows unlimited rides on all Kintetsu railway lines across Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Nagoya. The pass costs around ¥1,900 for 1 day, ¥2,500 for 2 days, and ¥5,000 for 5 days, with discounts for children.
A: The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a low-cost transport pass for tourists and families that offers unlimited rides on all Hankyu lines connecting Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The pass costs about ¥1,600 for 1 day and ¥2,000 for 2 days, with child discounts available.
A: The Osaka Metro Pass is a transport pass for tourists and families that provides unlimited rides on Osaka’s subway lines and city buses. The pass costs about ¥1,000 for 1 day and ¥1,500 for 2 days, with discounted tickets for children.
A: The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass is a train pass for tourists and families that gives unlimited rides on all Nankai railway lines, including airport transfers and trips to Mount Koya. The pass costs around ¥2,600 for 2 consecutive days, with discounts for children.
A: The Klook Pass Kansai is a customizable attraction and transport pass for tourists and families that provides discounted entry to top attractions and optional train passes in the Kansai region. Prices start around ¥4,000, with the exact cost depending on the attractions and number of days chosen, and child pricing varies by selection.
A: The JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express Ticket is a reserved-seat train ticket for tourists and families traveling between Kansai Airport and Osaka or Kyoto. The ticket costs about ¥1,800 to Osaka and ¥2,000 to Kyoto one way, with child tickets available at about half price.
A: The JR Thunderbird Express Ticket is a reserved-seat express train ticket for families and tourists traveling between Osaka, Kyoto, and Kanazawa. The ticket price starts from about ¥2,860 one way, with child fares available at roughly half the adult price.
A: The Japan Shinkansen ticket is a high-speed train ticket for families and tourists traveling between major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Ticket prices vary by route; for example, Osaka to Kyoto is about ¥1,500, and Osaka to Tokyo starts from about ¥14,000, with children ages 6–11 traveling for half price.
A: The Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket is a reserved-seat airport train ticket for tourists and families traveling between Kansai Airport and Namba in Osaka. The ticket costs about ¥1,350 one way for adults and ¥600 for children.
A: The OSAKA e-PASS is a digital sightseeing pass for tourists and families that provides free or discounted entry to over 25 attractions in Osaka for one day. The pass costs about ¥2,000.
A: The Sagano Romantic Train Ticket is a scenic train ride ticket for families and tourists traveling along the Hozugawa River in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The ticket costs about ¥880 for adults and ¥440 for children per ride.
A: The Randen + Kyoto Subway 1 Day Pass is a transport pass for tourists and families that provides unlimited rides on Kyoto’s subway lines and Randen trams for one day. The pass costs about ¥1,500, with discounted rates for children.
A: The Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass is a train pass for tourists and families that gives unlimited rides on Eizan Railway lines in northern Kyoto for one day. The pass costs about ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children.
A: The Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket is a transport pass for tourists and families that offers unlimited rides on all Kyoto city subways and buses for one day. The ticket costs about ¥900 for adults and ¥550 for children.
Until Next Time…
No single pass is perfect for every trip, but with the right choice (or a smart combo), your family can enjoy the best of Osaka, Kyoto, and the entire Kansai region, saving money, skipping lines, and turning travel into an adventure the kids will never forget. Let your kids help plan, embrace the unexpected, and use this guide to build your perfect Kansai day.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
