Cheap Flights to Kansai International (Osaka) Airport

Cheap Flights to Osaka Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

There are two airports in Osaka, the Kansai International Airport and the Itami Airport. Itami Airport is the premier domestic facility for flights around Japan, but the Kansai International Airport is the one that will welcome incoming flights from Australia, or other long-haul destinations. There are lots of ATMs, as well as foreign exchange, free WiFi, lots of bars and restaurants, as well as a wide selection of duty-free shops, designer retailers and souvenir stores to keep you happy while transiting through this airport.

The Kansai Airport is about 50km south of central Osaka, but the transport into town is very efficient. With rail, bus and ferry services to the CBD, as well as taxis servicing the airport, though be warned, this is an expensive service, and costs about 16,000-20,000JPY ($206-250).

AirAsia, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Air China, ANA, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Virgin Australia and Vietnam Airlines service flights to this airport.

Why visit Osaka?

Osaka is the slick and shiny capital of the South. Effortlessly urban, this city is a beacon of modern living because of its love of contemporary culture, art and of course, cuisine. The vaunted gastronomic city of the country, this town is a feast for the senses.

Things to do in Osaka

Osaka is first and foremost a city of glass faceted buildings, neon lights, flashing signs, and busy commuters, but this glittering, fast-paced city has old bones, and investigating its older side is just as important as discovering its new. Visit Osaka Castle, built in the late 16^th century, and a striking building that looks as if it were a painting in a storybook. The castle is surrounded by parkland, so no matter which season you visit this attraction, you will be charmed by its beauty.

Next up, is the Shitennō-ji, a Buddhist temple and the first of its kind in Japan. The complex consists of a Golden Pavilion and a five-story pagoda, as well as a garden, a hospital and even a lecture hall.

Once you’ve seen the older heart of the city, it is time to embrace its modern one. Head to Dotonbori, the downtown area often featured in movies as the quirky, inner-city Japan, complete with rainbow electronic signs, bustling people, and hole in the wall restaurants and bars. Though for the foodies, Shinsekai is the neighbourhood littered with small eateries that promise gastric delight.

Other highlights include the Osaka Science Museum, and the nearby National Museum of Art, two sides of the cultural coin, and worth a look.

Best time to visit Osaka

· Spring, in particular, the month of April is considered to be the prime time to head to Osaka. This is when the Cherry Blossom festival comes to town and the city is lit with pink flowers.

· Autumn is also a favoured time to go, with days hitting 15-20°C, and the leaves turning yellow, orange and red, in another natural show.

Arriving in Osaka by plane

· Layovers are inevitable on this route, and these are generally in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Guangzhou (CAN).

Currency

· Japanese Yen (JPY).

Visa requirements

· You do not need a visa to travel to Japan if you are an Australian citizen and should be granted entry of 90 days on arrival. Of course, this is worth double checkingbefore you travel, as any entry requirements are subject to change.

Please note that information is correct as of June 2016