Osaka is a designated city in the region of Kansai, Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the second largest metropolitan area in Japan. The city of Osaka has more than 19 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest in the world. Osaka is also well known for its beautiful castle, Food capital of the world is a title that was given to Osaka by a food critic as there are plenty of delicious cuisines. They have a saying, ‘kuidaore' which means eat until you drop; showing the love of Osaka people to their food.

Airports in Osaka, Japan

1. Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International Airport is the third busiest airport in Japan. KIX was built on a human-made island in Osaka Bay; 4 kilometres long and 2.5 kilometres wide. It handles all of the international flights coming to Osaka for Japan's Kansai region. KIX was first opened in 1994, to relieve the Osaka International Airport was too small to handle the massive number of international flights coming into the airport. Kansai International Airport is also a hub for several Japanese airlines such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and the Japan Airlines (JAL) among others. The Kansai International Airport handled more than 20 million passengers in 2016. The airport also handles cargos at its new terminal. Ground transportations are available at the Kansai International Airport such as train express and bus services. For those who are driving, there are six parking buildings at the airport with each structure has two-story. There is also a ferry service to go to the airport, with the journey only takes about half an hour.

2. Itami Airport

Itami Airport is the first land-based airport opened in Osaka to replace the seaplanes and airport. It was constructed in 1936 and finished in 1939. The Itami Airport, or officially known as the Osaka International Airport, is the primary regional airport in the Kansai region. It was an international airport until the Kansai International Aiport took over in 1994. Today, Itami Airport only handles the domestic flight but it still keeps the word international in its name. Itami Airport is conveniently located in the city. Itami Airport is connected to the city via a monorail line and Hanshin Expressway for those who prefer to drive.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Osaka?

The expensive flight tickets to certain places in the world can be the reason people are not willing to travel. There are inexpensive flight tickets if one knows where to look for them. The best way to look at a cheap flight ticket is by looking up at Traveloka website. Traveoka is a search engine for travel, covering both hotels or accommodations and flight tickets. The website is user-friendly and easy to understand. Just type in the related keywords into the search bar on the website (or mobile apps), and it will show the best deal on the ticket. If you are not satisfied with the price, use the alert feature that will notify when the flight ticket price drops into the desired range. Traveloka makes travelling easier, tailor to your budget.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Osaka?

One can visit Osaka at any time of the year because the weather is almost always pleasant. Osaka is located in the humid subtropical zone, and it has four seasons. The best and peak season to come to Osaka is during the spring and fall seasons. Fall is when the temperate starts to warm up, and flowers are blooming. Mid-fall or during the end of March until the mid-April, there will be a surge of domestic tourists coming to town. End of spring can be the most expensive time to visit Osaka as there is the Golden Week holiday where most Japanese work forces are on holiday. Sightseeing spots are crowded, and the hotels can be very expensive. June is the start of the raining season that lasts until July. Crowds are thin during these months. It is still possible to come and visit Osaka despite the rain. For those who do not like crowds, it is recommended to come to Osaka in December as people are starting to prepare for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Festivities in Osaka are something not to be missed, and there is at least once every month. New year celebration and Toka Ebise Festival are happening in January. It is a great chance to join the festival of praying for a good and successful Imamiya Ebisu-Jinja Shrine. Do not miss to join the hanami or cherry blossom viewing in April, which is one of the best things to do in Osaka.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Osaka?

1. Osaka Castle – One of the most well-known structures in Japan. Osaka Castle is located in a park and encircled by a huge moat. Inside, there is a museum with selections of weaponry, artworks among others. There is an observation deck on the 8th floor where visitors can see the great views of Osaka.

2. Sumiyoshi Shrine – The oldest Shinto shrine, not only in Osaka but Japan. It is at least 1800 years old and one of the beautiful Shinto shrines with great architecture and designs.

3. Umeda Sky Building – A landmark in Osaka, standing at 173 meters tall. The Umeda Sky Building is popular for its floating garden observatory that is filled with local flowers and plants. This also gives visitors a view of Osaka from every angle.