Cheapest time to fly to Itami Airport (ITM)
As with all holiday planning, prices vary throughout the year. However, there are certain times of the year when flight prices spike. Golden Week, from 29 April to the beginning of May, is a collection of four national holidays in combination with two weekends, which has become one of Japan’s busiest (and most expensive) holiday seasons. As well as this there is Obon, the Buddhist festival to commemorate one’s ancestors in July/August, and the holiday season.
Flying to Itami Airport
Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka is the primary airport serving the Kansai region of Japan. Although it is a large airport, its passenger traffic is entirely domestic as Kansai International has taken over as the international hub for the region. Although this airport is solely for domestic arrivals, you can fly from London to Osaka with a few stopovers (Paris, Frankfurt, etc.), with both British Airways and Japan Airways. Netflights can help you to pinpoint the perfect route to this bustling domestic airport.
On arrival and getting around ITM
Itami Airport (ITM) is split into north and south terminals, but as it is one single building, they are only a few minutes' walk apart. The two terminals are joined up by a central area which houses shops and restaurants. Flight check-in counters and arrivals are on the first floor, with departures situated on the second floor. The third floor is a hotel and the top floor is an observation deck.
Getting to the city from the airport
There are many options for travel from ITM to Osaka City. One of the easiest ways to get to and from the airport is by monorail. A comprehensive train map is available on the Itami Airport website. Another easy way to head into the city is to take a taxi. There are three taxi stands located in the south terminal, and another located in the north terminal. The airport runs a bus service to many local areas. The airport ‘Limousine’ buses can be taken from the airport and will get you into Osaka in around 25 minutes.
Don’t forget before you fly
Passengers who have a ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British National (Overseas)’ passport are able to enter Japan as a visitor for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. You may be required to show proof of your return ticket at security on arrival in Osaka. Passengers who are flying from the UK but are non-UK residents are advised to check with their embassy in advance of flying as regards visa requirements. The local currency is the Japanese yen.
