Ultimate Kansai Joy Pass Guide: Save Big in Osaka & Kyoto

The Kansai Joy Pass

Your Essential 2026 Guide to Saving Money in Osaka & Kyoto

If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2026, you've probably heard of the Osaka Amazing Pass. But with recent benefit adjustments, the Kansai Joy Pass has officially taken the crown as the ultimate money-saver for travelers.

If you want to stretch your travel budget without missing out on authentic experiences, consider this pass your new best friend. Let's dive into how to maximize your Kansai Joy Pass! :)

1. What is the Kansai Joy Pass?

The Kansai Joy Pass is a flexible ticket that gives you access to top tourist attractions, cultural experiences, transportation, and dining across the Kansai region at a heavily discounted rate.

** The Kansai Region = Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara

⬇️ Top Kansai Joy Pass Attractions ⬇️

Region	Included Facilities
Osaka	Solaniwa Onsen, Tsutenkaku Tower Slider, Bicycle Rentals, Wonder Cruise, Harukas 300 Observatory, Umeda Sky Building, Legoland, Kansai Shuttle Bus, etc.
Kyoto	Railway Museum, Kyoto Arashiyama Gourmet Tour + Randen Train Ticket, Bic Camera Gift Certificates, Restaurant Discount Coupons, etc.
Kobe	Sea World, AQUAURIUM Entry, Mosaic Ferris Wheel, Herb Garden, etc.
Nara	Electric Bicycle Rentals, Cafe & Restaurant Discount Coupons

Beyond this list, you can also use it for dining, cafes, and department store discount coupons. If you plan your itinerary well, you can easily get more than double the value of what you paid for the pass!

Check the official website below for the full list of facilities!

>> View All Kansai Joy Pass Facilities

2. Pricing Breakdown

You can choose between a 3-attraction or a 6-attraction pass. If you have a packed itinerary full of experiences and dining, go for the 6-attraction pass. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the 3-attraction pass is perfect.

For context, I went with the 6-attraction option. I hit up an observatory, relaxed in an onsen, hopped on a river cruise, and used the dining discounts to save a ton of money.

Item	KKDAY	Klook
3-Attraction Pass	~$32	~$32
6-Attraction Pass	~$50	~$50
Bonus	Haruka Ticket	1 eSIM + Haruka Ticket
Discount Codes	KK26SP2K KK26SP5K KK26SP20K	-
Booking Link	Book Here	Book Here

Currently, both KKDAY and Klook are offering a free Haruka ticket with purchase! If you need to get from Kansai Airport to Umeda Station, this covers your transport costs, making the pass an absolute steal.

✔ KKDAY offers discount coupons

✔ Klook throws in a free 1GB eSIM

Pick whichever platform gives you the better perk for your specific travel needs.

Have Fun in Kansai 1 Week Free Pass

If Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is on your itinerary, I highly recommend upgrading to the Premium Kansai Joy Pass.

Standard USJ Ticket

Premium Kansai Ticket

Price

~$62 - ~$92

(Varies by season)

~$115

(Fixed Price)

Includes

Entry Ticket Only

- Choose 2 from Premium A

- Choose 1 from Premium B

- Choose 1 from Premium C

- Kansai Joy Pass 3-Attraction Ticket

▼

Getting just the USJ entry and an Express Pass is already a great deal, but this premium bundle also lets you choose from the Kyoto Aquarium, sightseeing buses, Kansai Airport Limousine Bus, Haruka tickets, and more. Plus, you get the Kansai Joy Pass 3-Attraction Ticket included!

For the USJ Express Ticket portion, you get to skip the line on one of four major rides: Minion Park, Hollywood Dream, Harry Potter, or Jurassic Park.

This bundle was introduced in late 2025, and honestly, the value is so incredible I had to double-take.

If you're heading to Universal Studios, do yourself a favor and grab the Premium Pass 👍´-

>> Check Premium Kansai Joy Pass Details

Premium Kansai Joy Pass (Includes USJ) - Klook

3. Top Recommended Attractions

Umeda Sky Building or Harukas 300

No trip to Osaka is complete without taking in the city skyline from above!

The Kansai Joy Pass includes access to two of the city's most famous observatories: the Umeda Sky Building and Harukas 300. I highly recommend picking one of these for breathtaking panoramic views.

Dotonbori Wonder Cruise

Take a relaxing loop around the Dotonbori River and soak in the vibrant neon nightlife! .ᐟ

They even pause right in front of the iconic Glico Man sign for a photo op, making this one of the most popular activities included in the pass.

Solaniwa Onsen

This is a massive hot spring theme park right in the middle of the city. You get to wear a traditional Japanese yukata, soak in the baths, and relax in beautifully designed spaces.

It's only 3 subway stops away from Universal Studios, making it the perfect place to unwind and soothe your tired feet after a long day at the park.

Note: Solaniwa Onsen is free with the pass during weekday "A" and "B" seasons. During weekends, holidays, or peak "C, D, E" seasons, there is an additional surcharge of 400 - 1,300 JPY (~$3 - $10).

Kyoto Arashiyama

Chances are you'll dedicate at least one day of your trip to exploring Kyoto. If you're heading to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, use the Kyoto Arashiyama Set included in the pass.

It provides a gourmet tour coupon valid at select local restaurants and a 1-day pass for the Randen train, making your Kyoto day trip much more budget-friendly.

Tsutenkaku Tower Slider

The Tsutenkaku Tower features a massive ~197-foot (60m) spiral slider that shoots you from the observation deck down to the bottom in just 10 seconds!

It's surprisingly thrilling for adults, and kids absolutely love it without finding it too scary '-'

1,000 JPY (~$8) Restaurant Discount Coupon

You can also use one of your pass choices to get a 1,000 JPY (~$8) discount coupon valid at various yakiniku, takoyaki, sushi, crab, izakaya, eel, and cafe spots.

Half the fun of visiting Japan is eating everything in sight. Having a pass that helps cover your food budget is an absolute game-changer.

This is exactly why it's a must-have for your Osaka trip!