The JR Pass does not allow you to ride on subways or trams within cities. However, most big cities have a few JR lines that you can use to go around, like the Osaka Loop or Kanjo line and the Tokyo Yamanote line, for example.

No, the Osaka Metro is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass in 2026. The JR Pass only covers lines operated by the Japan Railways Group. Since the Osaka Metro is a separate municipal system, you will need to pay using an IC Card (like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca) or buy individual tickets. However, you can use your JR Pass in Osaka for the JR Osaka Loop Line, which circles the city center and stops at major hubs like Osaka Station and Tennoji. If your destination is directly on the Loop Line or the JR lines to Nara or Universal Studios, your pass is valid. For most other inner-city travel in Osaka, the Metro is the faster option, and a 1-day "Enjoy Eco Card" for the Metro is often a better value for tourists than trying to stick solely to JR-covered routes.