Maximizing the Osaka e-Pass: A Local’s Guide to a Day in Osaka! Easy Money-saving Tips Tips for Exploring Osaka’s Top Attractions

New Mom in Osaka! Meet Nemi Lin, LIVE JAPAN’s Taiwanese Contributor

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

Nemi Lin, a LIVE JAPAN Taiwan contributor who has lived in Japan for over 8 years, will be our guide through Osaka. She studied in Japan, married a local, and is now a new mom raising her little crab (a term of endearment for her baby).

Balancing motherhood and leisure, Nemi explores Osaka, bringing her son along for the adventure.

With a child in tow, she experiences familiar Osaka streets from a fresh perspective, rediscovering the rich and vibrant charm of this city that she now calls home.

What is the ‘Osaka e-Pass’?

The Osaka e-Pass is available for purchase online, and Nemi got hers on the Rakuten Ticket platform in Japan. (Photo courtesy of interviewee, Nemi)

The Osaka Tourism Bureau now offers the Osaka e-Pass – an electronic ticket that gives you free access to over 20 attractions in Osaka.

It’s available in two options: a one-day pass for 2,000 yen and a two-day pass for 2,500 yen. You can conveniently purchase it online and receive a QR code. Simply show this QR code on your mobile phone upon arrival at the attraction, and you’re good to go!

For the “e-Pass + Osaka Subway and Bus Ride Ticket” combo, exchanging the physical ticket is as simple as presenting the QR code at the station. (Photo courtesy of Nemi)

Although the Osaka e-Pass does not include transportation tickets, you can choose from combo packages like the “e-Pass + Osaka Subway and Bus Ride Ticket” or the “e-Pass + Hankyu/Hanshin Railway Ride Ticket” that include transportation options.

Simply purchase the combo package that suits your needs and present the QR code at the designated location to exchange for a physical travel ticket.

What’s the difference between Osaka Amazing Pass and e-Pass?

You might be wondering, “What sets the Osaka e-Pass apart from the Osaka Amazing Pass?”

The most noticeable difference is that the Osaka e-Pass is sold exclusively online, without a physical card. All you need is your mobile phone to display the QR code, eliminating the hassle of exchanging physical tickets and the worry of misplacing them. Plus, it’s convenient for last-minute purchases.

Another distinction is that unlike the Osaka Amazing Pass, the Osaka e-Pass doesn’t automatically include transportation tickets. This flexibility means you can opt for the e-Pass alone if you don’t need tickets, making it a cost-effective choice.

Tips for Purchasing and Using the Osaka e-Pass

Present the QR code of your Osaka e-Pass at eligible locations to easily exchange it for physical tickets. (Photo courtesy of Nemi)

1. Break Even by Visiting a Few High-Value Attractions

The e-Pass allows free entry to over 20 attractions in Osaka by presenting the QR code. To get the most out of the pass, it is recommended to visit higher-priced attractions such as the Umeda Sky Building Observatory, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and sightseeing boats in areas like Dotonbori, Nakanoshima, and Osaka Bay.

Visiting three or more of these attractions in a day can make the pass worthwhile. However, each attraction allows only one free entry during the validity period of the e-Pass, and some attractions may have restrictions, requiring you to choose only one.

2. Always Confirm the Policies of Locations in Advance

Nemi suggests that you check the information available on the Osaka e-Pass website before starting your journey. You should create a list of the attractions that you wish to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Each facility has different applicable dates, closure days, and operating hours.

For example, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center only offers free entry on Tuesday through Friday, with numerous exceptions. It’s important to confirm these details in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you arrive.

By visiting three attractions and taking one sightseeing boat trip, you can break even on the purchase of an Osaka e-Pass one-day ticket. Additionally, the e-Pass often offers discounted rates.

3. Some Sightseeing Boat Tickets Require Advance Exchange, Pay Attention to Boat Schedules

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

The Osaka e-Pass also covers various sightseeing boats, including the Nakanoshima River Cruise (on weekends and national holidays from 7/1 to 12/24), Dotonbori River Cruise, Tombori River JAZZ Boat (on weekends and national holidays from September to November), WONDER CRUISE, Saint Maria, Captain Line, Osaka Aqua-Liner Water Bus (from April 10, 2023, to March 25, 2024), YORIMICHI Sunset Cruise (Fridays and Saturdays in September to October), Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat, and more.

With ticket prices ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 yen, taking a boat rides makes it even easier to get your money’s worth, all while getting an enjoyable addition to your Osaka sightseeing.

When visiting sightseeing boats such as Dotonbori River Cruise or Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat, it’s important to note that some require you to exchange your e-Pass QR code for a specific departure time ticket at the ticket counter. You cannot simply show your QR code at the boarding point. Once you’ve obtained a specific departure time ticket, you can only board during that time slot. It’s important to plan your itinerary and schedule accordingly to avoid missing your boarding time.

*For detailed operating schedules and closures, please refer to the official Osaka e-Pass website.

4. Validity Does Not Last for 24/48-Hours

After getting your Osaka e-Pass QR code, it’s activated the first time you use it at a participating location. Validity is limited to the current day (or the current day plus the next day for the two-day pass), and it doesn’t follow a true 24 or 48-hour schedule.

For example, if you activate the pass at 3 PM, it will only be valid until midnight on the same day, not until 3 PM the following day. So, if you plan to use it across two days, it’s best to go ahead and buy the two-day pass.

5. No Child Tickets

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

The Osaka e-Pass is available in only two options: the one-day pass and the two-day pass, and unfortunately, there’s no discounted children’s option.

This applies similarly to the Osaka Amazing Pass, Osaka Subway and Bus Ride Ticket, as well as Hankyu or Hanshin Railway Ride Ticket – all of which lack child pricing.

If children need to use these passes, they can purchase regular adult tickets or opt for the Enjoy Eco card, an environmentally friendly card with a children’s option (310 yen). The Enjoy Eco card offers unlimited rides on Osaka’s subways and buses for one day, along with admission discounts at various locations.

Money-saving Osaka e-Pass One-Day Tour!

10:00 AM: Step into the Past at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to Experience Everyday Life in the Edo Period

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

Nemi’s suggested e-Pass one-day tour begins at 10:00 AM at the popular Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. The museum showcases artifacts from Osaka’s Edo period, complete with a meticulously recreated Edo-era street.

Stepping into this environment feels like taking a journey through time, offering a firsthand glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people during the historical period in Japan.

Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the Edo period by trying on traditional Japanese clothing, strolling through the recreated street, and even participating in workshops to learn more about traditional crafts.

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

Nemi says: “The recreated street on the 9th floor is like a miniature indoor version of Kyoto’s Toei Kyoto Studio Park. You can see clever details from above, like cats having a dispute on the rooftops or a parent-child Shiba Inu pair on the street – it’s quite amusing! The street scenes are themed around summer festivals and merchant markets.

“Since I visited during the summer, there were occasional projections of a summer fireworks festival, adding a nice touch to the experience.”

The museum also offers a kimono or yukata-wearing experience (available for an extra fee). Due to limited slots, Nemi suggests those interested in donning traditional Japanese attire for photos on the Edo street to arrive early when the museum opens.

Nemi also mentioned that during her visit, she noticed that the majority of visitors at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living were non-Japanese. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can comfortably explore the museum, making it a recommended spot for those who appreciate Japanese culture.

Photo: PIXTA

Just a 3-minute walk from the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, known as Japan’s longest shopping street. The shops are neatly lined up, offering a variety of items, and there are also numerous restaurants.

Nemi recommends taking a stroll and grabbing lunch here after leaving the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to experience the charming atmosphere of a Japanese shopping street. On the day of her visit, Nemi visited the retro-style café Kissaten Pinocchio Tenroku Branch located on Tenjinbashi-suji for a meal.

Meals at Kissaten Pinocchio Tenroku Branch (Photo courtesy of Nemi)

1:00 PM: Explore Osaka Castle Park, Visit the Osaka Museum of Peace, and Ride the Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

Next, take the Osaka Metro from Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station to Temmabashi Station. After exiting the station, it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to Osaka Castle Park.

Since Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat schedule is not fixed and there are limited seats, Nemi suggests heading to the ticket counter with your QR code to exchange it for a ticket and secure your spot.

After you get your ticket, take some time to explore the surroundings and take photos. The Osaka Castle Main Tower (which requires an additional entrance fee) and the Osaka Museum of Peace within Osaka Castle Park are also covered by the e-Pass. If you have some time before your boat departure, you can explore this area first.

Some exhibits inside the Osaka Museum of Peace (Photo courtesy of Nemi)

The Osaka Museum of Peace, also known as the Osaka International Peace Center, displays scenes and photographs of Japan during the air raids of World War II. It effectively reconstructs the atmosphere experienced during the bombings. Despite the solemn theme, the exhibition is considered suitable for children.

The museum’s primary goal is to educate the public about the horrors of war. It aims to commemorate those who lost their lives in the conflict and to encourage reflection on the meaning and value of peace.

Nemi shared her experience: “The museum features real-life experiences of war survivors. This includes a harrowing story of a grandmother and her daughter-in-law, who were evacuating with a nursing child. Tragically, the mother lost her life to gunfire while still holding her child. The grandmother and child survived, but the grandmother had to undergo amputation due to her injuries. As a mother, this story left a profound impression on me. It’s a place that truly makes you reflect.”

Photo: PIXTA

Once you’ve explored the Osaka Museum of Peace, it’s time to return and board the Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat. The boat ride takes approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to observe engravings and structures on the granite stone walls from the moat. You can also enjoy a relaxing, comfortable experience as you look up at Osaka Castle and the surrounding seasonal scenery from the water.

4:00 PM: Must-Visit in Osaka’s Shinsekai! Tsutenkaku Observatory & Slide

(Photo courtesy of Nemi)

From Temmabashi Station, continue your journey by train to Ebisucho Station. A brief 2-minute walk from Ebisucho Station will lead you to Osaka’s renowned landmark – Tsutenkaku!

Standing 108 meters tall with five floors, Tsutenkaku offers a panoramic view of the lively streets of Shinsekai and Abeno HARUKAS in Tennoji. Inside, you’ll find attractions like the Billiken-san statue that grants wishes, a Glico-themed souvenir shop, a historical exhibition area, and a monkey performance theater – making it even more intriguing than you might have imagined!

Please note that the monkey performance theater at Tsutenkaku (Tsutenkaku Sarumawashi Gekijo) is temporarily suspended due to the impact of the pandemic (as of November 2023).

View from the Tsutenkaku Observatory and TOWER SLIDER (Photo courtesy of Nemi)

In May 2022, Tsutenkaku introduced the TOWER SLIDER, a thrilling attraction that takes visitors on a ride from the 3rd-floor observation deck to the basement. The slide covers a distance of 60 meters in just 10 seconds, providing an exciting experience for those brave enough to try it. As you slide through the transparent tube, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Osaka landscape.

The best part is that you can try this adventure for free by presenting your Osaka e-Pass QR code*. However, it’s worth noting that this free access to Tsutenkaku’s TOWER SLIDER is only available on weekdays. If you’re planning to visit Osaka, don’t miss out on this must-try attraction. The TOWER SLIDER is a great way to add a little excitement to your trip and create some unforgettable memories.

(*Free access to Tsutenkaku’s TOWER SLIDER with the Osaka e-Pass QR code is available on weekdays only.)

After leaving Tsutenkaku, as the evening falls, Nemi suggests having dinner in the Shinsekai Shopping Street. The area is home to numerous casual Japanese-style restaurants, with an abundance of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and yakitori (grilled skewers) establishments.

One notable spot is the famous kushikatsu izakaya, Japan’s #1 Kushikatsu Yokozuna, which is open 24 hours a day. The restaurant is known for its crispy and delicious kushikatsu skewers, which are cooked to perfection using high-quality ingredients.

Apart from kushikatsu, there are also sushi restaurants, cafes, and more, offering budget-friendly options to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, the Shinsekai Shopping Street has something for everyone.

After your meal, you can return to Shinsaibashi (fare: 190 yen) for some shopping, exploring the streets, and perhaps snagging some duty-free goodies. It’s a perfect way to conclude your day. Finally, let’s tally up just how much money you saved using the Osaka e-Pass throughout the day!

Is the Osaka e-Pass Truly Worth It? Comparing Costs

For Nemi’s one-day plan, the Osaka Metro fare was 910 yen, and the combined cost for the five attractions was 4,250 yen, totaling 5,160 yen.

However, with the “Osaka e-Pass + Osaka Metro and Bus Ticket,” the cost was only 2,800 yen – a savings of 2,360 yen!

Nemi mentioned that her pace was on the more relaxed side, and if one plans diligently and doesn’t encounter any non-applicable dates, they could definitely see – and save – even more!

Making the Most of Osaka e-Pass: A Cost-Effective Guide

In addition to the places Nemi visited, the Osaka e-Pass offers access to many more attractions. Below, you’ll find additional recommendations. If you have time, getting the two-day pass is highly recommended for an all-inclusive Osaka experience.

Recommended Attractions

If you plan to explore other parts of Kansai, you can purchase the Osaka e-Pass and combine it with other transportation tickets. For instance, if you’re heading to Kyoto, consider getting a package with the Hanshin Electric Railway 1-Day Pass.

For Kobe, you might want to go for the Hankyu Railway + e-Pass 1-Day combo. If you’re bound for Nara or Nagoya, you can opt for the standalone Osaka e-Pass and complement it with the Kintetsu Railway All-day Pass.

You can even go all out and explore the entire Kansai region with the Japan Kansai Area Pass. Since the Osaka e-Pass doesn’t cover transportation, you have the flexibility to choose the best combination for your journey!

Explore Osaka with Ease using the Osaka e-Pass!

With the Osaka e-Pass, you can bid farewell to the worries of losing physical tickets, making it convenient in more way than one. The flexibility to customize your transportation options based on your preferences extends beyond Osaka, offering an excellent solution for travelers with specific itineraries in mind. In addition to the fantastic itinerary Nemi shared, the official Osaka e-Pass website provides a suggested one-day plan for those looking to maximize savings and efficiency. Don’t miss the chance to make the most of your trip while saving money with the Osaka e-Pass!

Note: The information in this article is based on details available as of July 2023. The included photos are from past experiences. For the latest and most accurate information, please refer to official websites.

Written by:

Nemi Lin

Nemi has been living in Japan since 2015. She attended a Japanese-Chinese translation school in Japan and volunteered as a translator at the Osaka International House Foundation for 2 years. A busy mother, she explores trendy cafes, value-for-money buffets, and captures beautiful moments of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple leaves in her free time. She often travels with her family during holidays, collecting regional snacks and sampling local puddings. Nemi regularly shares top foodie spots, the best locations for picturesque views, and family-friendly guides to Osaka on her Instagram @nemi.2016.

Written by:

Tiffany YU

With a background in mass media, Tiffany pursued studied in Japan and achieved JLPT N1 certification. She now writes for different travel platforms, leveraging her communication prowess with her translation abilities to make Japanese content easily understandable. After residing in Japan for three years and gaining experience from Japanese cosmetic shops and departmental help desks, she’s profoundly acquainted with the cultural nuances between Taiwan and Japan. Her journeys have spanned areas like Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa. A frequent visitor to Japanese tourist destinations, she enjoys the local cuisine so much that she could eat Japanese ramen for every meal without tiring of it.

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