Ultimate Kansai Joy Pass Guide: Save Big in Osaka & Kyoto
Unlock the best of Osaka and Kyoto with the Kansai Joy Pass! Learn how to save money on top attractions, dining, and transport in Japan for your 2026 trip.
Loading...
Unlock the best of Osaka and Kyoto with the Kansai Joy Pass! Learn how to save money on top attractions, dining, and transport in Japan for your 2026 trip.
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! :)
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
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 |
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
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!
Let's do the math just based on the facilities I've highlighted:
Observatory → 2,000 JPY (~$15)
River Cruise → 2,000 JPY (~$15)
Arashiyama → 1,600 JPY (~$12) (1-Day Train Pass + Food Coupon)
Solaniwa Onsen → 2,310 ~ 2,640 JPY (~$18 - $20)
Tsutenkaku Slider → 1,100 JPY (~$8)
-----------------------------------------
Total: 9,010 ~ 9,340 JPY (~$69)
Buying these tickets separately would cost you around $69.
But with the Kansai Joy Pass, you cover all of this for just ~$31 to ~$50! .ᐟ
It's easy to see why this is the smartest way to travel, right?
Kansai Joy Pass (1 Week) - Klook
Premium Kansai Joy Pass (Includes USJ) - Klook
To sum it up, the Kansai Joy Pass lets you experience Osaka's famous attractions and cultural activities at a fraction of the cost.
And if you're planning a day at Universal Studios, upgrading to the Premium version offers unbeatable value.
Keep this guide handy, save some cash, and have an amazing trip to Japan! ~
The Osaka Kansai Joy Pass allows you to enjoy popular tourist attractions, experience facilities, transportation, and restaurants in the Kansai region at a reasonable price. You can utilize various facilities in Kansai cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
The 3-choice pass costs ~$28 on KKDAY and ~$28 on Klook, while the 6-choice pass costs ~$43 on KKDAY and ~$43 on Klook. Both platforms offer a free Haruka ticket. KKDAY provides additional discount coupons, and Klook offers an extra 1GB eSIM.
The Premium Kansai Joy Pass includes admission to Universal Studios Japan and an Express Pass (choose one from Minion Park, Hollywood, Harry Potter, or Jurassic Park). Additionally, you can select various facilities from Premium A, B, and C. A 3-day Kansai Joy Pass, Kyoto Aquarium admission, Kansai Airport Limousine Bus ticket, and a Haruka ticket are also provided.
Yes, Soraniwa Onsen can be used for free during weekday A and B seasons. However, during weekends or peak C, D, and E seasons, an additional fee ranging from ~$3 to ~$8 must be paid.
By using the Kyoto Arashiyama Set, you will receive gourmet tour coupons usable at select restaurants in Kyoto and a 1-day pass for the Randen train, a Kyoto railway. This allows you to travel around the Arashiyama area more affordably.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Escape the crowds with this 3-day Hakodate itinerary. Discover Hokkaido's charming port city, famous for stunning night views, retro vibes, and fresh eats.
Traveling from Osaka to Tokyo? The Shinkansen bullet train is your best bet. Here is everything you need to know about tickets, luggage, and Mt. Fuji views.
Hate strict schedules? Discover this easy, stress-free 3-day Osaka itinerary for 2026, featuring a Kyoto day trip, food spots, and a full budget breakdown.
Don't let typhoon season ruin your Okinawa summer vacation. Here is how a rental car saved our 4-day trip during three massive storms in July and August.
Discover what it's really like flying Jeju Air to Osaka. We cover ticket prices, KIX Terminal 2 transfers, and essential tips for a smooth arrival.
Skip the lines and get from Kansai Airport to Namba in just 38 minutes! Here is your complete 2026 guide to riding the Nankai Rapi:t train.
