- Overview
- What Is a 1-Day Transport Pass?
- Why Use 1-Day Transport Passes in Japan?
- Top 1-Day Transport Passes by Region (2026)
- Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket
- Kyoto City Bus + Subway Pass
- Osaka Amazing Pass (Transport + Attractions)
- Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass
- Sapporo Subway 1-Day Card
- How to Choose the Right 1-Day Pass
- How to Buy 1-Day Transport Passes
- Practical Tips for Using Day Passes
- Sample 1-Day Itineraries Using Passes
- Who Should Use 1-Day Transport Passes?
- Final Thoughts
Overview
Japan’s cities are famous for their efficient, punctual, and easy-to-use public transportation systems. For visitors who plan to explore a city intensively in a single day, 1-day transport passes offer a convenient way to save both time and money.
Instead of purchasing individual tickets for every ride, these passes provide unlimited travel within a set period—usually 24 hours or a calendar day. From Tokyo’s extensive subway network to sightseeing-focused passes in Osaka and Kyoto, Japan offers some of the best value transport passes in the world.
This 2026 guide compares the most popular 1-day transport passes by region, explains who they are best for, and shows how to buy and use them efficiently during your trip.
These 1-day passes are designed for local city transport and are not substitutes for the Japan Rail Pass, which is better for long-distance travel.
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What Is a 1-Day Transport Pass?
A 1-day transport pass allows unlimited rides on specific transportation networks for a fixed period, typically:
- Calendar day (first to last train)
- 24 hours from first use
Most passes are valid on subways, buses, or trams, and some also include tourist attractions, making them especially appealing for short stays.
Why Use 1-Day Transport Passes in Japan?
Key Benefits
- Unlimited rides without calculating fares
- No need to queue at ticket machines repeatedly
- Easy budgeting for daily sightseeing
- Ideal for dense sightseeing days
When a Day Pass Makes Sense
- Visiting 3–4 or more attractions in one day
- Using subways and buses frequently
- Staying in city centers
- Traveling with children or groups
If you only take one or two rides per day, regular IC cards may be cheaper.
Top 1-Day Transport Passes by Region (2026)
| Pass | Area | Valid Transport | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket | Tokyo | Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway | ¥900 |
| Kyoto City Bus + Subway Pass | Kyoto | City buses & subway | ¥1,100 |
| Osaka Amazing Pass | Osaka | Metro, buses & attractions | ¥3,500 |
| Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass | Fukuoka | Subway only | ¥640 |
| Sapporo Subway 1-Day Card | Sapporo | Subway only | ¥830 |
Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket
Overview
The Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket is one of the most popular transport passes for visitors to Tokyo. It offers unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, covering most major sightseeing areas.
Coverage Highlights
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
- Asakusa
- Ueno
- Ginza
JR lines are not included, but most tourist destinations are reachable by subway alone.
Price
- ¥900 (adult)
- Children’s tickets available at half price
Best For
- First-time visitors
- One-day city sightseeing
- Travelers staying near subway stations
If you plan more than 3 subway rides, this pass usually pays for itself.
Kyoto City Bus + Subway Pass
Overview
Kyoto’s historic layout makes buses an essential part of getting around. The Kyoto City Bus + Subway Pass combines unlimited use of buses and subway lines across the city.
Coverage Highlights
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Gion district
- Arashiyama
- Kyoto Station area
Price
- ¥1,100
Advantages
- Covers both bus and subway networks
- Simple flat pricing
- Excellent for temple-focused itineraries
Considerations
- Buses can be crowded during peak seasons
- Slower than subways during rush hours
Best For
- Temple hopping
- Visitors staying only in Kyoto
- Travelers comfortable using buses
Osaka Amazing Pass (Transport + Attractions)
Overview
The Osaka Amazing Pass is unique among Japan’s day passes because it includes free admission to major attractions, in addition to unlimited transport.
It is ideal for visitors who want to see a lot in one day.
Coverage Highlights
- Osaka Metro & city buses
- Umeda Sky Building
- Osaka Castle
- River cruises
Price
- ¥3,500 (1-day)
Value Example
Just visiting two major attractions plus transport often exceeds the pass price, making it excellent value.
Best For
- First-time visitors to Osaka
- Intensive sightseeing days
- Travelers who enjoy observation decks and museums
Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass
Overview
Fukuoka’s compact city center makes its subway system easy to navigate. The Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass offers unlimited rides across all subway lines.
Coverage Highlights
- Hakata
- Tenjin
- Fukuoka Airport
Price
- ¥640
Best For
- Short city visits
- Airport-to-city travelers
- Budget-conscious tourists
For many visitors, this is cheaper than paying individual fares.
Sapporo Subway 1-Day Card
Overview
Sapporo’s grid-style layout and underground walkways make the subway the most convenient way to explore the city, especially in winter.
Coverage Highlights
- Odori Park
- Susukino
- Sapporo Station
Price
- ¥830
Best For
- Winter travel
- Snow Festival season
- Visitors staying downtown
How to Choose the Right 1-Day Pass
Ask Yourself These Questions
- How many rides will I take today?
- Will I use buses or only subways?
- Are attractions included?
- Am I traveling with luggage or children?
Day Pass vs IC Card
| Feature | 1-Day Pass | IC Card |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited rides | Yes | No |
| Cost control | Fixed | Variable |
| Flexibility | Medium | High |
| Best for | Heavy sightseeing | Light travel |
How to Buy 1-Day Transport Passes
Ticket Machines
- Available at subway stations
- English language support
- Credit cards accepted at most locations
Tourist Information Centers
- Major stations and airports
- Helpful staff
- Ideal for first-time visitors
Online Purchase
- Tokyo Metro official site
- JR West official site
- QR code or pickup options available
Buying online can save time during peak travel seasons.
Practical Tips for Using Day Passes
- Start using your pass early in the day
- Confirm whether validity is calendar day or 24 hours
- Keep the ticket accessible for inspectors
- Check last train times to maximize value
Sample 1-Day Itineraries Using Passes
Tokyo in One Day (Subway Pass)
- Morning: Asakusa & Senso-ji
- Midday: Ueno museums
- Afternoon: Shibuya & Shinjuku
- Evening: Ginza shopping
Osaka in One Day (Amazing Pass)
- Morning: Osaka Castle
- Midday: River cruise
- Afternoon: Umeda Sky Building
- Evening: Dotonbori
Who Should Use 1-Day Transport Passes?
| Traveler Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| First-time visitor | Strongly recommended |
| Budget traveler | Recommended |
| Slow traveler | IC card may be better |
| Family with kids | Good for cost control |
| Multi-city traveler | Combine with IC card |
Final Thoughts
Japan’s 1-day transport passes are one of the easiest ways for tourists to simplify local travel while keeping transportation costs predictable. Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s vast subway system, hopping between temples in Kyoto, or sightseeing nonstop in Osaka, the right pass can enhance both convenience and value.
By choosing a pass that matches your itinerary and travel style, you can focus less on ticket machines—and more on enjoying Japan.
