Buy a 1-day or 2-day pass and enjoy the best spots with the OSAKA e-PASS!
Osaka, a dynamic city in Western Japan, ranks as the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area, following Tokyo. It is a top destination for travelers from around the globe, making it a crucial stop along with Tokyo and Kyoto for anyone exploring Japan.
The city boasts a wide array of attractions, including mouthwatering local dishes, bustling shopping avenues, and vibrant nightlife illuminated by neon lights. Visitors can enjoy striking modern architecture, world-class theme parks, and a unique cultural atmosphere. Osaka’s distinctive charm and the warmth of its people make it a standout destination with an identity all its own.
With so many attractions to explore, figuring out what to see and where to buy tickets can be overwhelming. Today, I’m going to introduce you to the OSAKA e-PASS, an easy way to simplify your trip and save both time and money.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
What is the OSAKA e-PASS?
The OSAKA e-PASS is a digital pass for tourists visiting Osaka, offering convenient access to various attractions and services. It provides entry to popular spots like theme parks, museums, and historic sites, often at discounted or free rates.
As I said, the pass is available in digital format, allowing users to purchase and store it on their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical tickets. Visitors can choose between a 1-day or 2-day pass, and optionally, they can add a metro pass for the same duration.
In addition, it also includes special offers at select restaurants and shops, making it a practical choice for exploring Osaka efficiently and affordably.
Options and Prices:
OSAKA e-PASS 1 Day: 2,400 yen
OSAKA e-PASS 2 Days: 3,000 yen
OSAKA e-PASS 1 Day + Osaka Metro 1 Day Pass: 3,200 yen
OSAKA e-PASS 2 Days + Osaka Metro 2 Days Pass: 4,500 yen
Popular Attractions
Here are some of the most popular attractions included with the OSAKA e-PASS.
1. Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory
The Kuchu Teien Observatory (空中庭園展望台), or Floating Garden Observatory, is situated on the 39th floor of the Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル). Standing 173 meters tall, the Kuchu Teien Observatory provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Osaka from its combination of an open-air deck and a glass-enclosed area. The observatory also features a sky lounge where guests can relax with refreshments and interactive displays that highlight the city’s landmarks and geography.
Besides the amazing views, the Umeda Sky Building also has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops for visitors to enjoy.
Access | 12 min walk from Osaka and Umeda Station |
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Business Hours | 09:30-22:00 |
Official Website | https://www.skybldg.co.jp/observatory/ |
Nearest station | Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
2. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka
Located in Shinsaibashi, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka is an indoor attraction for families, centered around LEGO bricks. It features interactive play zones, themed areas, and detailed LEGO models of Osaka landmarks in MINILAND. Visitors can enjoy LEGO-themed rides, educational workshops, and various building challenges. The center also hosts birthday parties and special events, offering a fun, creative experience for all ages.
Access | 9 min walk from Osakako Station |
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Address | Kaigandori, 1 Chome−1−10, Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka 552-0022 |
Business Hours | 10:00 –18:00 |
Official Website | https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/osaka/ |
Nearest station | Osakako Station |
3. Tombori River Cruise
The Tombori River winds through Osaka’s vibrant Namba district, and a popular way to experience it is with a 20-30-minute river cruise. The Tombori River Cruise presents a distinctive view of Osaka’s vibrant Namba district from the water.
4. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living invites visitors to experience Osaka’s history firsthand. It features detailed replicas of Edo-era streets, traditional homes, and a historical bathhouse, providing a glimpse into life from centuries ago.
In addition to exploring these historic settings, guests can engage in activities like wearing kimonos and taking part in craft workshops.
Access | 3 min' walk from Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station |
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Address | 6 Chome−4−20, Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, 530-0041 |
Business Hours | 10:00–17:00 |
Closed | Tuesday |
Nearest station | Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station |
5. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
Hep Five stands out in Osaka with its eye-catching red Ferris wheel, which crowns the shopping center at a height of 106 meters. This Ferris wheel provides a 15-20 minute ride with panoramic views of the city, making it a perfect way to see Osaka from above after a shopping spree.
The mall itself is a vibrant shopping destination, with a diverse range of stores. Visitors can find everything from the latest fashion trends to a wide selection of character goods, anime, and comic merchandise, adding an extra layer of excitement to their shopping experience.
Access | 7 min walk from Umeda Station and Osaka Station |
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Business Hours | 11:00-22:45 |
Official Website | https://www.hepfive.jp/ferriswheel |
Nearest station | Osaka Station/Umeda Station |
6. Shitennoji Temple
Dating back to 593 AD, Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺) in Osaka is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, established by Prince Shotoku. The temple is known for its traditional design, including a striking five-story pagoda and a central main hall. It holds historical importance for its early role in the spread of Buddhism in Japan. Visitors can explore its tranquil grounds, which feature traditional layout and serene atmosphere, and enjoy various festivals and events held throughout the year.
Access | 4 min walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station |
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Address | 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051 |
Business Hours | 8:30-16:30 |
Official Website | https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/ |
Nearest station | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station |
7. Natural Hot Spring Hinata no Yu
Featured in numerous top onsen rankings, Hinata no Yu in Osaka is a renowned facility known for its authentic natural hot spring experience. Located in the northern part of the city, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and other soothing amenities. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of Osaka from the outdoor bath on the 9th floor.
Access | 12 min walk from Shin-Osaka Station |
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Address | 1 Chome−6−15, Mikunihonmachi, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka 532-0005 |
Business Hours | 6:00 AM–1:00 PM |
Official Website | https://www.hinatanoyu.com/ |
Nearest station | Shin-Osaka Station |
8. Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory
The Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory is located on the 55th floor of the 256-meter Sakishima Cosmo Tower in Osaka. It provides sweeping vistas of the city, Osaka Bay, and distant landmarks like Mount Rokko and Kobe. The observatory includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, along with a café and a gift shop.
Access | 10 min walk from Cosmosquare Station |
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Address | 1 Chome−14−16, Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka 559-0034 |
Business Hours | 11:00–22:00 |
Official Website | https://sakishima-observatory.com/ |
Nearest station | Cosmosquare Station |
9. OSAKA WHEEL
Standing at 123 meters, the Osaka Wheel (also known as the Redhorse Osaka Wheel) is the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan. Located in Expo Commemoration Park, this Ferris wheel has been constructed three times.
The original wheel was introduced in 1970 for Expo ’70, featuring a height of 40 meters and 24 gondolas. The current version, which was built in 2016, boasts 72 gondolas and offers breathtaking views of Osaka, including a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Tower of the Sun and sweeping cityscapes.
Access | 5 min walk from Bampakukinenkoen Station |
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Address | 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826 |
Business Hours | 11 :00–20:00 Weekdays, 11 :00–21:00 Weekends |
Official Website | https://osaka-wheel.com/ |
Nearest station | Bampakukinenkoen Station |
10. Tower slider at Tsutenkaku
The Tower Slider at Tsutenkaku in Osaka is a thrilling ride where you slide down from the top of the observation tower, enjoying great city views along the way. It adds an exciting twist to the classic tower experience. Be a kid again and embrace the fun and excitement of this unique attraction!
Access | 8 min walk from Dobutsuen-Mae Station; 10 min walk from Imamiyaebisu Station |
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Address | 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002 |
Business Hours | 10:00–19:30 |
Official Website | https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/tour/tower-slider.html |
Nearest station | Dobutsuen-Mae Station |
OSAKA e-PASS: Attraction and facilities full list
Umeda Sky Building KUCHU-TEIEN OBSERVATORY
Umeda Sky Building Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum
HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Nakanoshima River Cruise
Tombori River Cruise
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
NINJA Trick House (EDION Namba Main Store)
WONDER CRUISE
Dotombori Museum Namikiza
Shinsekai ZAZA ZAZA OWARAI YOSE Comedy Show
GLION MUSEUM
Cruise Ship Santa Maria Day Cruise
Cruise Ship Santa Maria Twilight Cruise
Captain Line
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka
Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory
BOAT RACE SUMINOE
Osaka Suijyo Bus Aqua-Liner
Okawa River Sakura Cruise
YORIMICHI Sunset Cruise
Osaka-jo Gozabune Boat
Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation
Peace Osaka (Osaka International Peace Center)
Tsutenkaku Tower(Observation deck)
Tower slider (Tsutenkaku)
Shitennoji Temple (Chushingaran, Hombo Garden)
Natural Hot Spring Hinata no Yu
OSAKA WHEEL
Kaiyodo Hobbyland
How to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
If you are thinking of taking a one day trip from Osaka, the best way to get around in Japan is to use the bullet train. In high season tickets can be sold out so we recommend buying them in advance.
▶︎Book now your Shinkansen tickets!
Japan Bullet Train is a new service launched by our partner company, offering bullet train and express train tickets in Japan for non-Japanese speakers with a very easy and simple process and English-friendly customer service.
After your purchase your ticket online you will receive a QR code. Simply have to scan this QR code in the vending machines available at the main stations from where the bullet train departs and get your physical ticket, and you are ready to go.
If you want to consider other options like bus or airplane: ▶︎Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
Where to Eat in Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan’s food capital, with a wide range of tasty street foods and comforting dishes. You can’t visit Osaka without trying its delicious food!
Don’t miss out on takoyaki, octopus balls, and okonomiyaki, a tasty savory pancake. For dessert, Rikuro Ojisan’s cheesecake is a must-try.
If you want to book a reservation for some of the best restaurants in Osaka, you can do it online from here:
For more suggestions: Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Osaka 2024
First time in Osaka? Check out this article! ▶︎Best Things to Do in Osaka 2024
▽Others Interesting Spots in Osaka▽
▶︎TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.