Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, and it is also the second largest metropolitan area in Japan. It is also among the largest cities in the world. It has 19 million occupants. Osaka is also identified as one of the cities in the Kansai region. It has many skyscrapers but still has many natural gardens and also parks to maintain the greenery in the city.

Airports in Osaka

1. Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International is the main airport in Osaka where it serves the international as well as domestic routes. It is located on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay. It was opened in September 1994. It is the alternative for Osaka International Airport who serves the domestic route now. It has two terminals and holds the longest airport terminal record with 1.7 kilometres. The airline operating here are Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and also the first international low cost airline, Peach.

2. Itami Airport (ITM)

Itami Airport is the main domestic airport for the Kansai Region of Japan. This includes Osaka, Kyoto and also Kobe. Now that Kansai Airport is opened, the flights at this airport are solely for domestic routes. Itami Airport is Kansai’s region busiest airport and the 3rd busiest airport in Japan.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Osaka?

Many would think that flying to Osaka would be expensive. However, it is possible to get cheap flights to go there. To do so is by using Traveloka. It is a search engine that will be able to compare the best prices between many known airlines and offer the best deal to travelers. All that needs to be done is to key in the destination, and the site will do the rest. There is also a price alert feature where travelers will be notified if there is a better deal for flights to Osaka.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Osaka?

Osaka is truly and all year round destination. It has the four seasons however it is not extreme, and it is truly up to the desired season of the traveler. Normally best time to visit Osaka would be during the fall season or the spring season. Fall would be in October and Spring would be in April. These two seasons have moderate temperatures where it is not too hot or not too cold. Moreover, during autumn, the city will be covered with brown and yellow leaves everywhere. As for Spring, travelers will be able to see the bloom of the famous Sakura that is only available in Japan. However, due to the limited time of Sakura bloom, the prices for the hotels and attractions are slightly on the higher side. The off-peak season is the summer and also winter season. Summer is between June to August while Winter is between December to February. Summer season would be the end of Spring, and the heat will build up. It will be hot and humid with very few rains. Winter, on the other hand, would be dry, and the temperatures may drop below zero. However, Osaka rarely gets snow. In June, there is a festival called Himeji Yukata Matsuri. It is one of the main festivals in Japan. The three days of the festivals, everyone would be wearing colourful yukatas instead of jeans and suits. It is celebrated in the city of Himeji which is 40 minutes from Kobe. This festival has been celebrated for the past 260 years. Besides wearing colourful yukatas, there will be many food stalls opened, and shows and entertainment are prepared. Those who wear yukatas will get discounts for the bus ride, zoos and many more.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Osaka?

1. Universal Studios Japan – Universal Studios Japan or USJ as what people call it is one of the many chains of theme park under the Universal Studios. It has rides from movies such as Harry Potter, Jaws, Jurrasic Park and Minnions. It provides rides, parades, themed café and gift store where travelers can get their hands on cute merchandise.

2. Osaka Castle – Osaka Castle is one of the main attractions in Osaka. It is also the symbol of Osaka. It was built in 1583. It was modelled after Azuchi Castle and until today has no comparison to any other in the country. The vicinity is free for travelers to look around, but for those who wish to go all the way to the top of the castle, they will need to pay 600 yen.

3. Dotonbori – Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka. There are streets after streets of shops, arcades, restaurants and amusement facilities. Movies are often shot here too. There is also a famous Glico sign that is a signature landmark of Dotonbori. Many would come here to enjoy street food such as Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and also Ramen.