Kansai region airports: your guide to KIX, Itami (ITM) and Kobe (UKB)
- japansophy
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
Are you ready to explore cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara? Then you might well decide to fly into or out of the Kansai region. Unlike many other regions, Kansai is served by three major airports that operate under a single management group: Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), and Kobe Airport (UKB). Choosing the right one depends entirely on your itinerary: are you arriving internationally? Traveling domestically? Headed straight to Kyoto or staying in central Osaka?
Here's our overview of Kansai's airports, so you can plan your trip with confidence and not end up on the wrong side of Osaka with an hour before your flight!
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Kansai International Airport (KIX)
If someone refers to Osaka Airport, this is the one they probably mean, even though Osaka is home to two airports. KIX is your most likely point of entry if you are arriving from overseas. It is the largest airport in the region and one of Japan's most important international hubs, operating 24 hours a day.
Kansai International Airport is built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and, despite sinking several inches each year, is considered something of an engineering marvel. It also regularly receives international awards for comfort and customer services. Despite its location, travelling to and from Kansai International Airport is fast, convenient and even quite scenic!
KIX handles all but a few international flights in and out of the Kansai area and numerous domestic routes.
Are you flying into or out of Kansai International Airport? Click here to go to our dedicated KIX article, where we'll tell you all about how to get to central Osaka and Kyoto from the airport.
Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
Itami is the OG of Kansai airports, located in the north of the city. You might still see it referred to as "Osaka International Airport" even though it handles only domestic flights - much to the confusion of many a traveller, who turns up to check in for their international flight, only to be sent all the way back down to Kansai International Airport in the south!
ITM is the closest airport to Kyoto (and to the northern Osaka hub of Umeda), making it a popular domestic gateway, not just from Tokyo but also to wider Japan. It is cheap and easy to reach by bus, train or taxi.
Check out our full guide to Osaka Itami Airport here, including comprehensive info on transportation links between Itami and central Osaka, Kyoto and the rest of Kansai.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Kobe Airport is the new kid on the airport block but is a growing domestic air hub, and restrictions are being loosened on international flights (which currently only operate on a charter basis to certain Asian destinations). Kobe Airport is a base for low-cost carrier Skymark, which offers flights to Tokyo-Haneda, Hokkaido and Okinawa, for example.
Like KIX, Kobe Airport is located on a man-made island and is linked to downtown Kobe by an automated transit system, but also to Kansai International Airport by high-speed ferry.
Are you thinking of using Kobe Airport as an access point into or out of Kansai on your trip to Japan? Click here to find out more about how to get to and from the airport and what to expect in terms of facilities.
Which Kansai airport is best for your travel plans?
Here's a breakdown of which airport you're likely to find most convenient for your Japan vacation.
Flying into or out of Japan? KIX is Kansai's international hub
Heading straight to Kyoto? Itami is closest to Kyoto
Basing yourself in central/northern Osaka? Itami is the easiest airport to access
Staying in southern Osaka (Namba area)? KIX is closest and has excellent transport links
Connecting to a domestic flight? Itami is the easiest to access and has the most extensive timetable, but you might find some bargain flights from Kobe
Using western Kansai as a base, for example for Hiroshima? Kobe is a good bet
Planning your journey beyond the airport
Now that you know which airport is right for you, you can focus on the specific journey to your final destination. Click on the airport links below for our full guides on schedules, ticket prices, and the best transportation options to Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond.
Kobe Airport (UKB) access guide
If your trip to Japan also includes a visit to Tokyo, have a look at our guide to Tokyo Narita vs Haneda airports or click here to read our article on taking the Shinkansen for a comparison of train and plane on domestic routes.
Kansai airports FAQ
Is Kansai Airport the same as Osaka Airport?
Not quite. The confusion arises because Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). They are at opposite ends of the city so make sure you know which one you need before setting off to check in!
How far is Kansai Airport from Osaka Airport?
Kansai International Airport is in the south of Osaka, whereas Osaka Itami is around 70km away in the north. The easiest (and only direct) way to travel between the two is by limousine bus. The journey takes around 70 minutes, depending on traffic and tickets cost around 2200 yen (2025; subject to change).
What's the difference between Kansai Airport and Osaka Airport?
When people talk about Kansai Airport, they mean Kansai International Airport, also know by it's airport code KIX. Osaka actually has two airports, so there is no official "Osaka Airport". The other airport in Osaka is Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). The biggest difference between the two is that Itami handles only domestic flights. KIX is Kansai's big international hub but also handles domestic traffic.
Why is Osaka called KIX?
It's not the city itself but its biggest airport that is called KIX. "KIX" is the airport code and stands for "Kansai International Airport". Kansai is the name of the region around Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. The airport code for Osaka's second airport, Itami, is ITM.
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