The city with the strongest image in Japan is probably Tokyo. However, Osaka is just as attractive as Tokyo. It has the second largest number of tourists from abroad after Tokyo.
The main means of transportation within Osaka is probably by train. This article introduces the Osaka Metro Pass, which allows you to save money on the trains you have many opportunities to ride.
If you are planning to visit Osaka, please refer to this article.
What is the Osaka Metro Pass?
The Osaka Metro Pass is a one-day train pass sold by Osaka Metro. It can be used on designated routes and buses. It also offers discounts at tourist facilities in Osaka City. Below are information on how to purchase the pass and its plans.
What is the Osaka Metro Pass plan? How much does it cost?
There is only one plan for the Osaka Metro Pass, so please refer to the table below for a list of one-day pass plans, including their prices.
| Plan | Osaka 1-Day Pass – Enjoy Eco Card |
Price | Adult：820 yen Weekends and holidays：620 yen Children：310 yen |
| Expiration Date | Unlimited rides are available all day from the day you insert the ticket into the ticket gate! |
| Valid Routes | All Osaka Metro lines and Osaka City Bus |
| Purchasing Eligibility | Anyone can purchase |
Which sections of the Osaka Metro Pass can I use?
As shown in the table, you can ride all Osaka Metro lines and Osaka City Bus for one day, but please note that Osaka City Bus is not available to IKEA Tsuruhama, Universal Studios Japan, airport buses, and on-demand buses.
Where can I purchase the Osaka Metro Pass?
You can purchase tickets from ticket vending machines at subway stations. You can also purchase a commuter pass at a commuter pass sales office. If you are not sure, ask the station staff. The purchase procedure is also introduced here.
Note that the button will not respond to a press unless money, credit card, or IC card is inserted before pressing the button.
Press the Buy Card button on the screen. It will be easier to understand if you change the language by pressing the English button.
Press the “Enjoy Card” button. There are two types of cards, one for weekdays and the other for weekends and holidays, so press the button for the day you want to use the card.
Be careful with the Osaka Metro Pass
Points to keep in mind when using the Osaka Metro Pass
- Only one person may use the ticket.
- A one-day pass cannot be given to another person after it has been used.
- A single ticket cannot be used by more than one person.
- When transferring outside the valid area, you must pay the transfer fare at the station where you get off.
What is the KANSAI RAILWAY PASS?
In addition to the Osaka Metro Pass, there is also the KANSAI RAILWAY PASS, which allows unlimited rides on trains and buses. Here we introduce the KANSAI RAILWAY PASS in comparison with the Osaka Metro Pass introduced earlier. Let’s see which one is more economical depending on your time in Osaka and your schedule.
What is the difference between the Osaka Metro Pass and the KANSAI RAILWAY PASS?
So what is the difference between the Osaka Metro Pass and the Kansai Railway Pass? Let’s compare the plans, fees, and range of use so we can compare them.
| Osaka Metro Pass | KANSAI RAILWAY PASS | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Osaka 1-Day Pass – Enjoy Eco Card | Kansai Railway Pass 2DAY Pass Kansai Railway Pass 3 Day Pass |
| Price | Adult：820 yen Weekends and holidays：620 yen Children：310 yen | 2DAY Pass Adult / 5,600 yen Child / 2,800 yen 3 Day Pass Adult / 7,000 yen Child / 3,500 yen |
| Expiration Date | Unlimited rides are available all day from the day you insert the ticket into the ticket gate! | Valid for 2 and 3 days from April 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
| Valid Routes | All Osaka Metro lines and Osaka City Bus | All subways and private railways in Kansai, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe/Himeji (Hyogo), Nara, Wakayama, Shiga |
| Purchasing Eligibility | Anyone can purchase | Tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing purposes only |
Where can I purchase the KANSAI RAILWAY PASS?
KANSAI RAILWAY PASS can also be purchased in advance online. It can also be purchased at the Kansai Tourist Information Center at Kansai International Airport or at the ticket counter at Nankai Railway Kansai Airport Station.
What are the Osaka subway fares?
Osaka City Subway fares for adults range from 180 yen to 370 yen. Fares for children aged 6 to 11 range from 90 yen to 190 yen (free for children under 6).
Osaka subway fares are relatively standard. Subway fares in Osaka are relatively standard and not much different from those in Tokyo.
Where can I purchase an ICOCA card?
ICOCA cards can be purchased from ticket vending machines at JR West stations or at JR West Midori-no-Madoguchi counters.
How to purchase ICOCA
First, press the button to change the display language to English.
Press the “Buy ICOCA” button on the screen.
After inserting the required amount of money, a card will be issued. Please take the card and coins.
Can I use WiFi on the Osaka subway?
In general, it is difficult to get a signal on the subway. Free WiFi may be available in some subways in Tokyo, but what about in subways in Osaka?
We also explain what you should do if you want to do some research on the subway.
Is free WiFi available on the Osaka subway?
Free Wi-Fi in stations was provided by each carrier, but due to the policies of each carrier, NTT docomo and KDDI will terminate their services in December 2022 and March 2023, respectively.
In addition, Osaka Free Wi-Fi, which was provided by the Osaka Convention & Visitors Bureau, also terminated its service in March 2023.
WiFi rental services available in Osaka
Since free WiFi is not expected, we recommend the following pocket WiFi rental services.
We will introduce locations where you can receive it in Osaka, etc. Please take a look.
Ninja WiFi
Ninja Wifi
Ninja WiFi is a service that allows you to rent a mobile WiFi router. It allows users to connect their cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. to the local cellular network and use the Internet. It is a necessity for tourists traveling to Japan from abroad or coming to Japan on business trips.
Features of Ninja WiFi
- Plenty of pick-up and return locations
There are many options for pick-up and return locations, including major airports in Japan, delivery, and local pick-up in Shinjuku, so you can fit it into your schedule.
- Very easy to use
It is very easy to use, just turn on the WiFi router and then enter the password to WiFi on the device you want to use. You can also easily apply for the service by clicking the button below.
- Can be used by multiple people and carried around
It is not large in size, so it is easy to carry. Also, a single device can connect multiple devices to WiFi. This makes it convenient to share with family and friends.
Where you can pick up and return Ninja WiFi in Osaka
| Name of Airport |
|---|
| Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 1F International Arrivals Lobby “Global WiFi x NINJA WiFi” Counter |
| Business Hours |
|---|
| 6:30 a.m. ~ 10:30 p.m. |
| Pick-up | Return | On the day |
|---|---|---|
“Global WiFi x NINJA WiFi” Counter MAP
Summary：How to buy the Osaka Metro Pass
This is a summary of how to purchase the Osaka Metro Pass. The summary of this article is as follows
- The Osaka Metro Pass can be purchased from ticket vending machines in the Osaka subway system.
- KANSAI RAILWAY PASS is also recommended if you visit the Kansai area extensively.
- WiFi rental with Ninja WiFi is recommended when visiting Osaka.
