The Osaka Monorail is the only railway that reaches Expo '70 Commemorative Park, and it is not a JR line. A Japan Rail Pass does not cover it. An IC card such as ICOCA, Suica or PASMO works on the monorail, Hankyu and Kita-Osaka Kyuko, and is the simplest option for visitors.
Ramen EXPO 2026 at Expo '70 ParkNov 21 – Dec 30 · 60 shops from all over Japan. Dates, tickets, access and 40 bowls from 2025 →
Sakana Japan Fest 2026 at Expo '70 ParkOct 2–4 · about 50 booths of seafood from all over Japan. Fees, what to eat, and a fish-name table →
Can I use a Japan Rail Pass on the Osaka Monorail?
No. The Osaka Monorail is operated by a separate company and is not part of the JR network. The same applies to the Hankyu lines and Kita-Osaka Kyuko, which are the other ways of approaching Suita. You will need to pay separately or use an IC card.
This catches out a large number of visitors each year. A Japan Rail Pass gets you to Osaka, but not the last leg to Expo Park.
Which pass should I use?
For most visitors an IC card is enough: tap in and out on every line involved, no planning required. Regional passes vary in whether they include the monorail, and coverage changes, so check the operator's own page before buying.
| Pass | Osaka Monorail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICOCA / Suica / PASMO (IC card) | Yes | Works on monorail, Hankyu, subway and Kita-Osaka Kyuko. Simplest choice |
| Japan Rail Pass | No | The monorail is not a JR line |
| Kansai Thru Pass | Verify on the official site | Coverage of the monorail should be confirmed before purchase |
| Osaka Amazing Pass | Verify on the official site | Primarily aimed at central Osaka |
Where this page says "verify", the coverage has not been independently confirmed and is deliberately left unstated rather than guessed.
Is there a direct route from Itami Airport?
Yes. The Osaka Monorail runs directly from Osaka Itami Airport to Bampaku-kinen-koen with no transfers. Most visitors do not realise this and route themselves through central Osaka instead, which takes longer.
Full access options for the park and stadium area: access guide.
FAQ
Can I use Suica on the Osaka Monorail?
Yes. IC cards such as ICOCA, Suica and PASMO work on the Osaka Monorail, Hankyu and Kita-Osaka Kyuko. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the monorail.
Is the Osaka Monorail a JR line?
No. It is operated by Osaka Monorail Co., separate from JR. Japan Rail Passes are not valid on it.
Can I pay with a credit card at the gate?
IC cards are the reliable option. Contactless card acceptance at gates is expanding in Japan but is not consistent across all operators, so carrying an IC card is safer.
Which station is Expo Park?
Bampaku-kinen-koen on the Osaka Monorail. Koen-Higashiguchi on the Saito line is a second option and is usually less crowded.
Last verified: 2026-07-11 Pass coverage is set by each operator and can change. Where coverage was not confirmed against an official source, this page says so rather than stating a value.