Travel and Fly: Osaka Airports

WeXpats
2020/09/10

If you ever want to travel into Japan's economic hub, then traveling by air will be the fastest and most reliable way you have. And Osaka, as one of the major financial centers of Japan, possesses two airports to accommodate both domestic and international flights.


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Japan’s airports top the list of the busiest airports as they are a gateway to some of the most prominent cities in Japan. Japan’s airports, specifically Kansai airports, even host around 30 million passengers every year! Bustling with activity 24/7, Japan hosts one of the most sophisticated airports globally, offering a wide variety of local and international shops that feature the very best that Japan has to offer. Japan also provides local and international food menus to cater to the palettes of locals and tourists who want to taste authentic and mouth-watering Japanese meals. With all of these and more that Japan’s airports offer, let’s take a look at the brief history of Japan’s most popular airports in the Kansai area.

※ Kansai Airports, "Kansai International Airport"

History of the Osaka Airports

There are two major airports in Osaka, Itami and Kansai airports. Let’s take a look at these popular Japan airports.

Itami Airport (ITM), or Osaka International Airport, is a first-class airport which was first established in the late 1930s. It is a gateway to the Kansai region, which includes popular Japan destinations such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Though Itami Airport is named an international airport, its flights are all domestic destinations such as Tokyo. The Itami Airport was renamed to the Osaka Airport in the 1950s, but is still known domestically as Itami. 

The Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located near Osaka City, which makes it an ideal hub if you want to explore Osaka and its many wonders. Kansai International Airport was established primarily to provide relief from the overcrowded Itami Airport and has 2 terminals. Kansai International Airport is the actual international airport of the region and caters to both local and international airlines from nearby Asian countries to exciting European destinations. Because of its excellent facilities and superb customer service, it garnered the Best Airport Staff in Asia and the World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery in 2020. 

※ Skytrax World Airport Awards, "The World’s Best Airports in 2020 are announced"

Kobe Airport, which is a nearby airport, is located in the artificial island at Chuo-ku, Kobe. This airport became fully operational in 2006 and holds domestic flights within Japan. It joins the two Osaka airports to cover flights to the Kansai region. 

Itami Facilities and where to go from Itami

The facilities of the Itami Airport include currency exchange booths, medical facilities, postal service, and relaxation areas like the coin-operated massage chairs or have a relaxing English style-reflexology for ten minutes. The usual free Wi-Fi connection, mobile phone charging and pocket wifi or sim card rental booths are also available. If you get bored, there is a free access observation deck on the 4th floor, or shop at the wide variety of souvenir and magazine stores. The dining selection at the Itami Airport varies from Japanese traditional food, western and Chinese options, plus a selection of cafes.

Some interesting domestic destinations from Itami are the following: 

  • Tajima is known for its spectacular beaches, onsens, and small ski resorts. Tajima is also the birthplace of the mouthwatering Tajima beef which in turn led to Kobe beef.

  • Yakushima is mostly known for its peaceful forest and being home to Japan’s oldest known trees. Tourists would often visit Yakushima to enjoy a long hike amidst a beautiful scenic forest view.

  • Tanegashima is also mostly known for popular beaches. It’s perfect for those who would want to enjoy life outside of the hectic hustles and bustles of city life as well as Tanegashima Space Center. 

Kansai International Airport Facilities and Popular Destinations

The KIX airport hosts a wide variety of dining services, souvenir shops, shopping areas, refreshment facilities, coin-operated showers, and rest spaces for weary travelers. If you are traveling with children, there are children's' play areas, diaper changing areas, and you can borrow loaner strollers too.

Some of the popular to and from Japan flights of the Kansai International Airport in the Asia region include the following:

  • If you are traveling to Guangzhou to visit the architectural marvels such as the “double pebble” opera house and the Guangdong Museum, it is effortless!

  • From Macau, the Las Vegas of Asia and vice versa, you can fly smoothly via KIX airport

  • Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination especially in Asia because of its strategic location. Japan is very accessible for travelers coming to and from Hong Kong!

  • Yes, there is a direct flight from the Philippines to Kansai International Airport. From Japan or to Japan, it is only a four hours flight!

  • Like Hong Kong, Singapore is also pretty accessible because of its location. You can fly to or from Japan in a little more than 6 hours of travel time on a non-stop direct flight.

Summary

Traveling to and from the Kansai has never been easier because of the sophisticated and modern Kansai area airports. For foreigners who would love to have a taste of the western region of Japan, book your tickets now and fly through these airports. The Kansai area will surely offer you everything you have dreamed of and more with its breathtaking sights and mouth-watering cuisines - and you can access it all through its amazing airports. 

Writer

WeXpats
Here to provide a variety of articles from useful information about life, working, and studying in Japan to Japan's charms and attractive qualities.

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