Passes and Tickets
See also our separate page about the various passes available for the Greater Osaka Region.
The prepaid IC card available in Osaka is called Icoca. It does not give you any discounts over regular tickets, but it makes the process of taking trains easier, as you do not always need to buy a ticket before riding a train. Icoca cards can be purchased through ticket machines at JR stations. Local non-JR railway companies offer their own IC card, called Pitapa; however, Pitapa is a postpaid card that works more like a credit card and cannot be used by tourists.
Icoca and Pitapa can be used on most trains and buses in the Greater Osaka region (and many other major cities in Japan). Additionally, eight other IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Greater Osaka, including Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.
The Kansai One Pass is a special version of Icoca exclusively for foreign tourists that additionally qualifies for discounts at various attractions in the Kansai Region. It is available for sale at Kansai Airport and major railway stations in the Kansai Region.
Furthermore, the following one day passes are available for the Osaka area:
- Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day: 2800 yen, 2-days: 3600 yen)
The Osaka Amazing Pass (formerly: Osaka Unlimited Pass) provides unlimited use of subways and city buses within Osaka City on one or two consecutive calendar days, plus free admission to many of Osaka's popular tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building. The one-day pass additionally covers non-JR trains in central Osaka. Sales locations include tourist information centers and travel agencies, and it can also be purchased online through Klook. The pass is a very good deal if visiting several of the tourist attractions covered.
- Osaka 1-Day Enjoy Eco Card (800 yen on weekdays, 600 yen on weekends and holidays)
Unlimited use of subways, city buses and the New Tram (but excluding the OTS Line) on one calendar day. The pass also provides discounts on admission to selected sightseeing spots. It can be purchased at subway stations and kiosks. The pass is a good value and easily pays off, especially on weekends and if visiting spots with discounted admission.
- Osaka Metro Pass (1-day: 650 yen, 2-day: 1200 yen)
Available only to non-Japanese passport holders, this pass also provides unlimited use of subways, city buses and the New Tram (but excluding the OTS Line) on one or two calendar days. It also provides discounts on admission to selected sightseeing spots. It can be purchased through Klook.