Enjoy seamless travels in Kyoto and Osaka with this handy sightseeing pass!
If you’ve explored Tokyo and can’t decide where to go next, then how ‘bout a trip to Kyoto and Osaka instead? Kyoto is the destination for anyone looking to know more about Japan’s rich history and culture through shrines, temples, and museums since about a quarter of the country’s national treasures are housed in this city!
Aside from Kyoto, another city in Japan that’s worth venturing to is Osaka, known for its scrumptious local food, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki, and famous attractions like Universal Studios and the Osaka Castle!
But you’re probably worried about how you’ll go in and around Kyoto and Osaka without going through the hassle of booking multiple train tickets. Well, cast your worries aside because we have this Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass that can serve as your one ticket to all the train rides you’ll need on your trip to Kyoto and Osaka! Want to know more? Read on below!
What is the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?
Forget long queues and individual train ticket prices — the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass gives you unlimited travel access to the Keihan Line and Otokoyama Cable Line that will take you in and around Kyoto and Osaka!
This pass comes in two package types, the 1-Day and 2-Day Passes. The 1-Day Pass is perfect if you’re only planning to go on a day trip to Kyoto and Osaka, while the 2-Day Pass is more for those who think that one day is simply not enough and want to see more attractions in both cities.
See the areas covered by your Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass below:
How do I use the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?
Not sure how to use the pass? It’s okay, we’ll walk you through the process!
1. Log in to your Klook account either on the web or through the app.
2. Purchase your Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass.
3. Check your email and/or Klook account to see if you’ve received the booking confirmation.
4. Go to ‘Bookings’ to activate your pass.
5. You’ll then receive a voucher.
6. Proceed to any of these Keihan Railway ticket offices to claim your ticket:
- Keihan Railway Yodoyabashi Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Kyobashi Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Kitahama Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Temmabashi Station Ticket Office
Enjoy awesome travel benefits when you purchase a Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass!
Photo Credit: tawatchai1990 on Adobe Stock
1. Have unlimited access to Keihan Line and Otokoyama Cable Line
Just present your voucher and passport to any train station ticket office in Kyoto and Osaka to claim your train ticket so you can start your journey to both cities!
2. Discover the best attractions in Kyoto and Osaka with just one card
Instead of holding onto multiple individual tickets, you can visit different attractions in Kyoto and Osaka, such as the Osaka Castle, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with just one card!
3. Experience flexible travels with your 1 or 2-day sightseeing pass
Feel no pressure when you purchase any of the two types of passes because you can use it anytime until 30 Apr 2024. For those who purchased the 2-day pass, you don’t have to use it on two consecutive days!
4. Avail special discounts
Enjoy special discounts on the entrance fees of your chosen attractions when you purchase the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass!
Important Note: To know more about the special benefits that come with the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass, just scan the QR code printed on the front of the pass.
What to do in Kyoto
Photo Credit: @boontohhgraphy on Unsplash
Now that you know what the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is, we’ve prepared a short list of attractions you can visit while in Kyoto!
1. See the iconic red Torii gates during your Fushimi Inari Shrine Walking Tour
Photo Credit: Hide_Studio on Adobe Stock
Considered one of the most important shrines in Kyoto, it’s no doubt that the Fushimi Inari Shrine has easily become a crowd favorite. If you’ve been wanting to see the endless pathway of the red Torii gates that’s on most people’s bucket lists, then this is the destination for you!
Just close to the Torii gates, you’ll see a mountain trail that you can take on if you’re down for a 2 to 3-hour hike, and once you reach the summit, breathtaking views of Kyoto will welcome you! But if hiking isn’t for you, another option is to explore the beautiful shrine buildings and pay respect to the deities by giving a small offering.
2. Explore the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage sites Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace
Feel like royalty when you visit Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace in Kyoto! As you stroll along the castle and palace’s massive grounds, get ready to unveil Japan’s history bit by bit, from the castle’s architecture to the palace’s interiors in their original form.
Photo Credit: robepco on Adobe Stock
To explore the Nijo Castle to the fullest, make sure to drop by its three different sections — the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and some gardens surrounding the defense areas. Don’t forget to take photos in front of Nijo Castle to commemorate your visit!
Photo Credit: sunti on Adobe Stock
Once you’ve entered the Ninomaru section, you’ll then be transported to the Ninomaru Palace. Here is where you can explore the palace’s well-preserved rooms, and just outside, the stunning Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with a large pond and well-maintained pine trees.
Klook Tip: Don’t forget to get your English audio guide upon entry to the Nijo Castle!
3. Step into the world of manga at Kyoto International Manga Museum
Calling all manga fans — the Kyoto International Manga Museum is a destination that you can’t miss! Once you enter the museum, you’ll be greeted by the “Wall of Manga,” a safe haven for over 50,000 comic books. There’s a small section dedicated to foreign and translated mangas, but the majority of the collection here is in Japanese of course!
After admiring the vast collection of comic books, head on over to their permanent exhibit called “What is Manga?” to learn about the history of manga and get a chance to admire popular comic books from the Taisho era. The museum also has a reading area with over 250,000 comic books to choose from if you want to read some comic books during your visit!
What to do in Osaka
Photo Credit: tawatchai1990 on Adobe Stock
This pass won’t only cover Kyoto, but it will also take you to Osaka. With that, here are some must-visit spots during your trip to Osaka!
1. Marvel at the beautiful city views when you visit the Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory
Your trip to Osaka can never be complete without a visit to the city’s iconic Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory! The building’s unique shape consisting of two 40-story towers, connected by a bridge and an escalator, crossing the wide circular space at the center, makes it a must-see attraction to anyone looking to explore Osaka. Aside from its amazing structure, the breathtaking view of the city down below is something that you won’t want to miss once you get to the Kuchu Teien Observatory.
If you want to up your visit to Umeda Sky Building even more you can do so with this package on Klook that comes with a heart-shaped lock that you can have engraved for free! You can choose to leave your padlock or take it home as a souvenir, it’s all up to you!
Klook Tip: It’s okay to take as many photos as you want, but we suggest you take time immersing yourself in the beautiful city views as well!
2. Step into the world of lego at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Families will love this next attraction — the LEGOLAND Discovery Center! Aside from creating buildings out of thousand of legos, there are more lego-themed activities for you to experience here, such as the Kingdom Quest ride, where you hop on a chariot and go on a journey to save the princess, and The Great LEGO Race, a virtual reality experience that will take you through a thrilling LEGO Race where you’ll go against LEGO MINIFIGURES like wizards, pirates, and pharaohs!
Some attractions can get you in your competitive spirit like the LEGO Racers: Build & Test, where both kids and adults alike can build vehicles out of lego and see how fast your creation can go on the speed test track. But if you're looking for a more relaxing activity, they have a 4D Cinema where you can sit back and watch The LEGO Movie in 4D!
3. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s history at the Osaka Museum of History
If you want to know more about the city’s history and culture, then the Osaka Museum of History is definitely a must-visit. They have permanent exhibitions that you can catch such as the “Modern and Contemporary Period” floor, where you’ll get to experience walking through a life-size and realistic panorama of the city known as “Greater Osaka” in the modern period, but with art pieces and images of the city during the Late Taisho and Early Showa Periods.
Another exhibit is the “Digging for History” floor, where you can join a workshop and try your hand at completing a project with the use of authentic archaeological tools and reference materials. Don’t worry, you’ll be guided by an expert throughout the process!
Next up is the “Middle Ages and Early Modern Period” floor, a space where you can see Osaka in the time of Hongan-ji, the temple that fought against Lord Oda Nobunaga. Enjoy a tour of the streets of the “Water City” in the Edo Period and marvel at the amazing miniature models of the bustling town during that time.
Lastly is the “Ancient Period” floor, where you’ll be greeted by a large screen showing ancient court life. Here, you’ll also see replicas of the vermillion-painted pillars of the palace in ancient times and mannequins in period court dresses!
Important Note: Permanent exhibitions are on floors 7-10 of the building.
Now that you have an idea about the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass and where it can take you, you can finally enjoy a seamless trip to Kyoto and Osaka without spending too much money! Remember, trips are best experienced with loved ones so make sure to drag them along! Happy and safe travels!
Important Reminder: Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace, Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are for travel inspo only and are not included in the pass. All the other attractions listed above are accessible with the pass.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
1. Who can buy the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?
As long as you’re not a Japanese passport holder, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is available to you.
2. Should I book the 1 Day or 2 Day pass?
Book the 1 Day pass if you’re only going to both cities for a day. If you’re thinking of allotting one day each per city, then the 2 Day pass is your best option.
3. How do I activate my pass?
Once you’ve booked your pass, simply keep your e-voucher and present it to any of the Keihan Railway ticket offices listed below to claim your ticket:
- Keihan Railway Yodoyabashi Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Kyobashi Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Kitahama Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Temmabashi Station Ticket Office
- Keihan Railway Sanjo Station Ticket Office
4. Can I reschedule my travel dates?
Yes, you can! The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is open-dated. But please take note that the pass is only valid until 30 Apr 2024.
5. Is the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass available as an e-ticket?
No. After booking, you’ll receive an e-voucher as confirmation that should be presented to selected Keihan Railway ticket offices where you can claim your physical ticket.
Important Reminder: The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is not the same as Klook’s Japan Rail Passes. To know more about our JR Passes, read Klook’s JR Pass guide.
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