Depending on the airline you choose, you may land in a different place relative to your desired destination. It is always important to consider your destination and departure airport when booking and can open some neat opportunities.
Here are the airports in Osaka:
There are two main airports serving the Osaka area: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM).
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and is the primary international airport serving the Osaka region. It is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of central Osaka.
Osaka International Airport (ITM), also known as Osaka Itami Airport, is the primary domestic airport serving the Osaka area. It is located in Toyonaka, a city in Osaka Prefecture, and is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of central Osaka.
Both airports are well-connected to the city by public transportation, with a variety of options available, including trains, buses, and taxis.
Let’s look at a case study – from the airports to Dotonbori
Both Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM) are relatively easy to get to Dotonbori, which is a popular tourist destination in Osaka known for its shopping and dining options.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Dotonbori. To get to Dotonbori from KIX, you can take the airport limousine bus, which takes about 60-90 minutes and costs around 1,000 yen. Alternatively, you can take the train, which takes about 50-70 minutes and costs around 1,600 yen.
Osaka International Airport (ITM) is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Dotonbori. To get to Dotonbori from ITM, you can take the airport limousine bus, which takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around 700 yen. Alternatively, you can take the train, which takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 390 yen.
Both options are convenient and relatively inexpensive, and the travel time will depend on the mode of transportation and your final destination in Dotonbori.
Here are the airports in Tokyo:
There are two main airports serving the Tokyo area: Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND).
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary international airport serving the Tokyo region. It is located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of central Tokyo.
Haneda Airport (HND), also known as Tokyo International Airport, is the primary domestic airport serving the Tokyo area. It is located in Ota, Tokyo and is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of central Tokyo.
Both airports are well-connected to the city by public transportation, with a variety of options available, including trains, buses, and taxis.
Let’s try a case-study with Shinjuku
There are several options for getting from Tokyo’s airports to Shinjuku, a bustling business and entertainment district in the city.
From Narita International Airport (NRT):
- The Narita Express is a direct train service that operates between Narita Airport and Shinjuku Station. The trip takes about an hour and costs around 3,000 yen.
- The Keisei Skyliner is another train option that operates between Narita Airport and Ueno Station, which is located near Shinjuku. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs around 2,500 yen. From Ueno Station, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach Shinjuku Station.
- Airport limousine buses are also available and operate between Narita Airport and various destinations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku. The trip takes about 90 minutes and costs around 3,100 yen.
From Haneda Airport (HND):
- The Tokyo Monorail operates between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho Station, which is located near Shinjuku. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs around 500 yen. From Hamamatsucho Station, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach Shinjuku Station.
- The Keikyu Line is another train option that operates between Haneda Airport and Shinagawa Station, which is located near Shinjuku. The trip takes about 15 minutes and costs around 400 yen. From Shinagawa Station, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach Shinjuku Station.
- Airport limousine buses are also available and operate between Haneda Airport and various destinations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs around 1,000 yen.
Phrase of the Day:
Here are a few useful Japanese phrases that might come in handy when riding the airport limousine bus:
- “Eki made ikitai desu” (エキまで行きたいです) – “I want to go to the station.”
- “Nan-jū-hachi-ban” (何番) – “Which stop?”
- “Tsukue no ue ni wa nan desu ka?” (机の上には何ですか？) – “What is on top of the desk?” (This phrase could be useful if you are looking for your luggage.)
- “Koko kara orite kudasai” (ここから降りてください) – “Please get off here.”
- “Ginkō made ikitai desu” (銀行まで行きたいです) – “I want to go to the bank.”
- “Sumimasen, chikatetsu e ikitai desu” (すみません、地下鉄へ行きたいです) – “Excuse me, I want to go to the subway.”
It’s also a good idea to have a map or a written address in Japanese of your destination, as this will make it easier for the driver or other staff to understand where you want to go.