Itami Airport

Itami Airport, officially bearing the grand name of Osaka International Airport, is the "home" aerial gateway of the Kansai region, located surprisingly close to the heart of the metropolis. While most overseas guests arrive at the sea-based Kansai Airport (KIX), Itami remains a true favourite among locals and experienced travellers thanks to its compact size and transport accessibility. Despite having passed the baton of international flights to its "younger brother", the airport thrives as Japan's most important domestic hub, offering passengers a cosy atmosphere, renovated terminals, and one of the most impressive observation decks in the country.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Ideal Location. This is Itami's trump card: the airport is located practically within the city limits. A trip by monorail or limousine bus to the central Umeda district takes only about 30 minutes, which saves significant time compared to the long transfer from the maritime Kansai Airport.
• La Sora Observation Deck. The pride of the airport is a huge open terrace on the terminal roof, 400 metres long. It is considered one of the best in Japan: spacious, with beautiful wooden decking and relaxation zones. It offers a breathtaking view of taking-off aircraft against the backdrop of Osaka's shimmering lights, making it a popular spot for walks even among those not flying anywhere.
• Gastronomic Haven. Osaka is known as the "Kitchen of Japan", and Itami upholds this status with honour. The renovated terminal area hosts numerous restaurants where you can try the freshest sushi, famous takoyaki, and okonomiyaki without leaving for the city.
• Comfort and Efficiency. After a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2020, the terminal has become incredibly modern and intuitive. Security procedures here are fast, and the compactness of the building allows for easy orientation, minimizing stress before the flight.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Itami Airport (ITM). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.osaka-airport.co.jp. The site is available in several languages, including English, and contains the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Service Phone: +81 (0)6-6856-6781. Operators can provide information on schedules, terminal locations, and services.
• Airport Address: 3 Chome-555 Hotarugaike Nishimachi, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0036, Japan.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport is part of the Kansai Airports group, which maintains active social media pages. Follow to stay updated on news:
  • Facebook: KansaiAirports
  • X (Twitter): @kansai_airports
  • Instagram: @kansai_airports
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the Lost & Found centre or call the information service. In case of lost checked baggage, you must immediately contact your airline's representative.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions, use the general information service phone: +81 (0)6-6856-6781. Information counters are also located directly within the airport terminals.

Itami Airport (ITM), serving primarily domestic flights within Japan, is located very close to the city centre of Osaka, making the journey there quick and convenient. There are several reliable ways to reach the terminals, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical method. The most convenient option is considered to be the Airport Limousine Bus. These comfortable buses depart from key transport hubs in the city, including Umeda, Namba, and Shin-Osaka stations. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and is reasonably priced. Another option is the Osaka Monorail, which has a direct station at the airport. To reach it from the centre, you will need to transfer, for example, from the Hankyu Takarazuka line at Hotarugaike station. This route may be slightly cheaper but requires more transfers.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or at inconvenient times. A taxi ride from central Osaka to Itami Airport will take approximately 25-35 minutes without traffic, though this is the most expensive available option. A pre-booked transfer can offer a fixed price, helping to avoid surprises with the meter.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. Rental company counters are located right at the airport. However, it is worth noting that driving in Osaka can be challenging due to heavy traffic and a complex road network. If you still decide to drive your own or a rented car, parking is available directly at the terminals, offering both short-term and long-term options.

Our Advice: For most travellers, the Limousine Bus will be the best choice due to the ideal balance of price, speed, and comfort. If you are arriving in the region via Kansai International Airport (KIX) and need to transfer to a domestic flight from Itami, use the direct bus service between these two airports. It is also convenient to reach the other neighbouring hub — Kobe Airport (UKB).

Itami Airport, following a large-scale renovation, is a unified terminal complex, which significantly simplifies navigation for passengers. Instead of two separate buildings, it is now one large structure, functionally divided into two zones: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. This layout makes moving around the airport intuitive and fast.

The main thing a passenger needs to know is the distribution of airlines. The North Terminal serves flights for the JAL (Japan Airlines) group and their partners, while the South Terminal is designated for ANA (All Nippon Airways) flights and its affiliated carriers. Check-in zones and boarding gates for each group are located in the corresponding part of the building. Between the North and South terminals lies a spacious central block with shops, restaurants, and the main security screening area.

The airport layout is logical and simple. The First Floor is the arrival zone, where baggage claim belts and exits to bus stops, taxis, and the monorail station are located. The Second Floor is the departure floor. Here you will find check-in counters (divided into north and south zones), as well as a centralized security checkpoint through which all passengers pass. After screening, you enter the secure airside area with numerous shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

Moving between terminals, or rather, between the northern and southern parts of the building, does not require transport — it is a short and pleasant walk through the central gallery. Thanks to recent modernization, the time for check-in and security checks at Itami is usually short. In standard situations, arriving at the airport 60-90 minutes before a domestic flight is sufficient. However, during peak hours and holidays, it is better to allow extra time. For navigation, simply follow the clear signs in Japanese and English, orienting yourself by the name of your airline (JAL or ANA).

The history of Itami Airport, officially named Osaka International Airport, is closely intertwined with the development of aviation in Japan. Its story began in 1939, when it opened under the name "No. 2 Osaka Airfield". Initially, it was a small municipal airfield, but its importance grew sharply after World War II when it was used by US occupation forces and was named "Itami Air Base".

In 1959, the airport was returned to Japanese control and officially renamed Osaka International Airport. This marked the beginning of its "Golden Age". In the 1960s, leading up to the World Expo '70 in Osaka, the airport was significantly expanded and modernized, becoming the main international aviation hub of the Kansai region. It received flights from all over the world and played a key role in the city's economic growth.

However, rapid growth had a downside. Located in a densely populated area, the airport became a source of serious noise pollution. Numerous complaints and lawsuits from local residents led to the decision to build a new airport away from residential districts. Thus, Kansai International Airport (KIX) appeared, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. With its opening in 1994, all international flights were transferred there, and Itami began serving exclusively domestic destinations.

Despite losing its international status, Itami did not lose its significance. Thanks to its convenient location close to the centres of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, it remained extremely popular for domestic flights. In 2018-2020, the airport underwent a massive renovation — the first in 50 years. Terminals were completely updated, and new shops, restaurants, and relaxation zones appeared, transforming it into a modern and comfortable transport hub. A fun fact: despite the airport not serving international flights for nearly three decades, it still retains the word "International" in its official name.

Itami Airport, serving primarily domestic flights within Japan, offers passengers a high level of comfort and a wide range of services, making the wait for a flight pleasant and convenient. Conditions here are created for both business travellers and tourists with families.

In the airport terminals, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy dishes of local and international cuisine. Be sure to try the culinary hits of Osaka, such as takoyaki or okonomiyaki. Numerous shops offer souvenirs, regional delicacies, and travel essentials. For a more comfortable wait, premium lounges are available, including airline lounges and VIP zones offering quiet, snacks, and beverages.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special counters and zones with power outlets and USB ports are equipped for charging gadgets. Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid.

For travellers with children, there are nursery rooms with changing tables and nursing areas, as well as play zones where little ones can have a fun time. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, and escort services available upon prior request.

If you need rest between flights, a hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, accessible on foot. For business travellers, the airport features business centres and conference rooms equipped with everything necessary for meetings and work.

Itami Airport (ITM) offers passengers something more than a standard snack before departure. It is an excellent place for a first or last gastronomic acquaintance with the Kansai region. The bulk of restaurants and cafes are located in the central block of the terminal, accessible to all visitors before passing security control. However, you won't go hungry in the "airside" zone after screening either.

A gastronomic feature of Itami is the focus on the local cuisine of Osaka, which is famous for its street food. Here, it is definitely worth trying hits such as takoyaki (batter balls with octopus filling) and okonomiyaki (a hearty savoury pancake with various fillings). For a quick and authentic snack, steamed butaman buns with pork from the popular chain 551 Horai are ideal. If time permits, you can enjoy a bowl of aromatic ramen, udon, or try kushikatsu — various deep-fried skewered foods.

For those in the mood for a full lunch or dinner, the best choice would be the food court on the 4th floor of the central block. Establishments for every taste are gathered here: from traditional Japanese restaurants to cafes with European cuisine. After passing control (in the airside zone), the selection becomes more modest, but you will easily find coffee shops with fresh pastries and small noodle shops. Prices are quite democratic: a quick snack will cost 500-1000 yen, and the average bill for lunch in a restaurant will range from 1500 to 3000 yen.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements should be mindful. Finding certified vegan or halal establishments in the airport can be difficult. Nevertheless, the menus of many restaurants feature meat-free dishes, such as vegetable tempura or salads. It is recommended to always check the ingredients with staff, as many Japanese sauces and broths contain fish extract. Most establishments open early, around 6:30 AM, and work until late evening (21:00–22:00), which is very convenient for passengers on morning and evening flights.

To ensure your journey through Itami Airport in Osaka goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. This terminal serves mainly domestic flights within Japan, making it convenient and generally less congested compared to international giants.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass security control, and find your boarding gate. To save time, take advantage of online check-in on your airline's website. Security screening procedures in Japanese airports are organized very efficiently, but be prepared to show your passport or ID.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that the windows may offer picturesque views of the urban landscape of Osaka or the mountain scenery of the Kansai region. An aisle seat will provide more freedom of movement. Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Japanese regulations can be strict, so it is better to check baggage allowances with your carrier in advance.

Passengers with Transfers: If you have a connecting flight in another Japanese city, follow the signs for "Connecting Flights" or "乗り継ぎ" (Noritsugi). Itami Airport is well-designed, and navigation is intuitive. Please note: if your next flight is international, you will likely need to transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX), so allow sufficient time for this.

Customs Control: Since Itami is primarily a domestic airport, most passengers do not go through customs and passport control here. These procedures are relevant only for rare charter or business flights from abroad.

Economy and Flight Delays: The most economical way to get to or from the airport is to use public transport, such as the monorail, which connects to city train lines. In case of a flight delay, there is plenty to do at Itami Airport: numerous restaurants with quality Japanese cuisine, shops, and even observation decks from where you can watch aircraft taking off and landing. Flight status information can be obtained on the display boards or at the airline counter.