ITM vs KIX Airport: Complete Comparison Guide for Osaka Travelers

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area, is served by two major airports: Osaka International Airport (ITM, also known as Itami Airport) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Choosing between these two airports can significantly impact your travel experience, costs, and convenience. This comprehensive guide examines both airports to help you make the best decision for your trip.

Overview: ITM vs KIX at a Glance

Osaka International Airport (ITM/Itami):

• Location: 15 km (9 miles) north of Osaka city center
• Type: Domestic-only airport (international flights ended in 1994)
• Annual passengers: Approximately 17 million
• Runways: 2
• IATA code: ITM (also called Osaka-Itami or simply Itami)

Kansai International Airport (KIX):

• Location: 50 km (31 miles) south of Osaka, on an artificial island in Osaka Bay
• Type: International and domestic hub
• Annual passengers: Approximately 30 million (pre-pandemic levels)
• Runways: 2
• IATA code: KIX

Location and Geography

Osaka International Airport (ITM)

Despite its name, Osaka International Airport is located in Itami City, technically outside Osaka proper but within the greater Osaka metropolitan area. The airport sits in a densely populated urban area, which is both an advantage and a limitation.

Proximity to major destinations from ITM:

• Osaka (Umeda): 30 minutes by bus
• Kyoto: 55 minutes by bus
• Kobe: 40 minutes by bus
• Nara: Approximately 90 minutes

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

KIX is built on an artificial island specifically constructed to serve as Osaka’s international gateway. This offshore location was chosen to avoid noise pollution issues that plagued Itami Airport and to allow 24-hour operations without disturbing residential areas.

Proximity to major destinations from KIX:

• Osaka (Umeda/Namba): 45-70 minutes by train
• Kyoto: 75-90 minutes by train
• Kobe: 70 minutes by train
• Nara: Approximately 90-120 minutes

Transportation and Access

Getting to/from ITM (Itami Airport)

By Bus:

The primary transportation option for ITM is the comprehensive limousine bus network:

• To Osaka Station (Umeda): ¥640, 25-30 minutes
• To Kyoto Station: ¥1,340, 50-55 minutes
• To Kobe (Sannomiya): ¥1,070, 40 minutes
• To Namba: ¥640, 30 minutes

Buses depart frequently (every 15-20 minutes during peak hours) and offer direct service to major hotels and destinations throughout the Kansai region.

By Monorail and Train:

The Osaka Monorail connects ITM to the rail network:

• Take the monorail to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, ¥200)
• Transfer to Hankyu Railway for Osaka (Umeda) or Kyoto
• Total time to Umeda: 35-40 minutes
• Total cost to Umeda: ¥470

By Taxi:

• To Osaka city center: ¥3,500-5,000, 20-30 minutes
• To Kyoto: ¥10,000-12,000, 40-60 minutes

Getting to/from KIX (Kansai Airport)

By Train (Recommended for speed):

KIX offers multiple rail options:

Nankai Railway:

• Rapi:t Limited Express to Namba: ¥1,450, 34 minutes
• Airport Express to Namba: ¥930, 43 minutes

JR West:

• Haruka Limited Express to Kyoto: ¥3,430, 75 minutes (direct)
• Haruka to Tennoji/Shin-Osaka: ¥1,710-2,380, 30-50 minutes
• Kansai Airport Rapid to Osaka Station: ¥1,210, 65 minutes

By Bus:

• To Osaka (Umeda): ¥1,600, 50-80 minutes (traffic dependent)
• To Kyoto Station: ¥2,600, 85-120 minutes
• To Kobe: ¥2,000, 65-90 minutes

By Taxi:

• To Osaka city center: ¥15,000-20,000, 50-70 minutes
• To Kyoto: ¥20,000-25,000, 90+ minutes

Flight Options and Destinations

ITM (Itami) Flight Network

Since 1994, ITM has been exclusively a domestic airport. Major destinations include:

• Tokyo (Haneda): Extremely frequent service (30+ flights daily), primarily JAL and ANA
• Sapporo (New Chitose): Multiple daily flights
• Fukuoka: 10+ daily flights
• Okinawa (Naha): 5-7 daily flights
• Sendai, Kagoshima, Matsuyama, and other regional cities

ITM serves approximately 30 domestic destinations with around 200 daily departures. The airport is a major hub for Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) domestic operations.

KIX (Kansai) Flight Network

KIX handles both international and domestic flights:

International Destinations (100+ worldwide):

• Major Asian hubs: Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei
• North America: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Honolulu
• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Helsinki
• Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne
• Middle East: Dubai, Istanbul

Domestic Destinations:

KIX also serves domestic routes, though fewer than ITM:

• Tokyo (Haneda and Narita): Multiple daily flights
• Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and other major cities

Airlines operating at KIX include JAL, ANA, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, plus dozens of international carriers.

Airport Facilities and Amenities

ITM (Itami) Facilities

ITM is a compact, efficient domestic airport with two terminals:

North Terminal: JAL and affiliated airlines
South Terminal: ANA and affiliated airlines

Amenities include:

• Restaurants and cafes (approximately 20 options)
• Shopping (duty-free shopping not available as it’s domestic-only)
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Prayer rooms
• Children’s play areas
• Observation decks with excellent aircraft viewing
• Business lounges (JAL Sakura Lounge, ANA Lounge)

The airport is known for being easy to navigate, with short walking distances and efficient security screening.

KIX (Kansai) Facilities

KIX is a large international airport with two terminals:

Terminal 1: International and domestic flights (JAL, ANA, major international carriers)
Terminal 2: Budget airlines (Peach, Jetstar, Spring Airlines)

Amenities include:

• Extensive shopping (200+ shops including duty-free)
• Dining options (100+ restaurants and cafes)
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Shower facilities
• Capsule hotels and rest areas
• Multiple observation decks
• Children’s play areas
• Prayer rooms and multi-faith facilities
• Numerous airline lounges
• 24-hour operation (restaurants and facilities available overnight)

KIX’s Terminal 1 features a distinctive architecture and extensive retail options, making it a destination in itself for shopping enthusiasts.

Cost Comparison

Transportation Costs

To Osaka City Center (Umeda/Namba):

• ITM: ¥640 by bus (cheapest), ¥470 by train
• KIX: ¥930-1,450 by train, ¥1,600 by bus
• Savings with ITM: ¥290-1,000 per person

To Kyoto:

• ITM: ¥1,340 by bus
• KIX: ¥3,430 by Haruka Express, ¥2,600 by bus
• Savings with ITM: ¥1,260-2,090 per person

Flight Costs

Domestic flights from either airport are competitively priced, with minimal difference between ITM and KIX for the same route. However:

• ITM sometimes offers slightly higher fares due to its convenience
• KIX’s Terminal 2 (budget airlines) can offer significantly cheaper domestic options
• International flights are only available from KIX

Overall Trip Cost

For domestic travel, ITM typically results in lower total costs due to: