Osaka International Airport (ITM) Information
(Osaka, Kansai, Southern-Central Honshu, Japan)
Also known as Itami International, Osaka International Airport is located in the mega-city of Osaka, Japan's commercial heartland. Once hosting all the region's international and domestic flights, the site has become exclusively a domestic facility since the opening in 1994 of Kansai International Airport.
Set within the Osaka Prefecture's Toyonaka district, it provides access to the city's downtown area via a road tunnel underneath the complex. This is a large facility and a busy hub for domestic flights, with its two terminals handling over 14 million travellers each year.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon domestic routes form the majority of aircraft movements here, being backed up by several commuter and low-cost Japanese carriers. The two terminals are labelled South and North, with each dedicated to a list of airlines. The most popular route with business travellers is between Tokyo's domestic hub, Hameda Airport, and Osaka.
Osaka International Airport (ITM)
Address: Terminal Building, 3-555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 6 6843 1121
Osaka International Airport is located just 16 km / 10 miles from the city centre, which can be reached via well-signposted roads and a monorail train service, as well as buses and taxis. Traffic in the city is heavy for most of the day, peaking at rush hours and often causing long delays.
Osaka International Airport (ITM) Guide
Facilities:
- ATMs are located in both the North and South terminals
- Currency exchange booths can be found in the Central Block, at the Sky Bookshop and Convenience Store
- Mother and baby facilities in both terminals
- Banks in both terminals
- Assistance for the disabled can be arranged in advance
- Long- and short-stay parking opposite the terminal blocks
- Car hire with local and international companies
- Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the two terminals
- Medical services and a dental clinic in the Central Block
- Coffee shops and an Andersen Bakery and Café in the South Terminal, and eateries on the observation deck
- Duty paid shops offering travel goods, newspapers and snacks in both terminals
- An on-complex hotel is located in the Central Block
Cars
If travelling into the city centre by hire car, take the well-signposted tunnel under the airport. This route passes the massive reconstructed Osaka Castle as you approach the downtown area. The drive into the city takes between 40 minutes and an hour.
Buses
Limousine buses are the most comfortable and economical way to travel, as they stop at many Osaka city centre hotels, as well as the main train and Shinkansen stations. Municipal buses also run between the airport and the city. The bus journey takes around 40 minutes, although this time is very much dependent on traffic.
Trains
The only option for train travel between Osaka International Airport and the city centre is by the monorail service from the airport to its terminal, picking up the Hankyu overground rail line to the city centre. This is generally considered to be a fairly slow and expensive option.
Taxis
Metered taxi stands are located opposite the entrance to the main concourse, with the trip to the city centre taking some 40 minutes or more. It is worth noting that taxis cost around seven times more than limousine buses.