Travelling from Tokyo to Osaka: what you need to know
Start your travels at one of Tokyo's main airports, Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT). Check out your options for booking a flight from Tokyo to Osaka jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to landing in Osaka, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a major gateway. Another is Itami Airport (ITM).
Book a direct Tokyo to Osaka flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 1 hour 20 minutes.
Tokyo and Osaka share the UTC+9 timezone. This means you won't need to account for any time differences.
With 209 flights a week between the two airports, Haneda Airport (HND) to Itami Airport (ITM) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Tokyo to Osaka with ANA at 06:20. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the last departure from HND to ITM is with ANA at 19:15.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Tokyo to Osaka flight.
Flying during a peak time such as June? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Osaka
R 528 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Osaka. Return flights start from R 1,058. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
To score cheap Tokyo to Osaka flights, reserve your journey six months before your departure.
Schedule your trip for September. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Tokyo to Osaka. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across every month.
You don't need to search every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Tokyo to Osaka.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Tokyo to Osaka flights.
Flying from Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Take off from Haneda Airport (HND) on a direct flight from Tokyo to Osaka. You can land at these Osaka airports from HND:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Itami Airport (ITM)
Kobe Airport (UKB)
You can choose from a range of carriers offering direct Tokyo to Osaka plane tickets with departures from HND, including:
HND is about 14 kilometres from central Tokyo. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Have an early flight from Tokyo to Osaka? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near Haneda Airport:
When it comes to Haneda Airport's on-time performance, 73.52% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find HND at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Direct flights from Tokyo to Osaka operate out of Narita International Airport (NRT), so consider flying out of this hub. NRT offers nonstop services to Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM).
NRT has a variety of airlines that offer direct Tokyo to Osaka plane tickets. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat with any of these:
NRT is around 64 kilometres from central Tokyo. It takes 1 hour or so to reach the terminal driving from the city centre.
You're going on holiday, so why not extend it with another night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Narita International Airport the day before your flight from Tokyo to Osaka:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Narita International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 70%.
You'll find NRT at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The distance from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka is roughly 40 kilometres. It'll take you about 45 minutes to get to the centre driving.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Tokyo to Osaka. Book one of these accommodation options near KIX instead:
Follow your own route with a Kansai International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and discover more of Osaka and beyond.
Reserve your vehicle from Kansai International Airport a few weeks before your departure to secure the best deal. If you're planning to travel during a peak period, it's smart to book your Tokyo to Osaka flight even earlier.
The address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
Itami Airport (ITM) is about 13 kilometres from central Osaka. After your flight from Tokyo to Osaka, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to UKB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Tokyo to Osaka:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Grab an Itami Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare offers from Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Secure your ride from ITM in advance so you can just grab the keys and get going.
Itami Airport can be found at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Tokyo to Osaka has landed. Central Osaka is about 26 kilometres from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by car.
Whether you're looking for an economy for solo travel or a spacious SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right Kobe Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the types of wheels available here from companies such as Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from UKB a few weeks ahead of your flight from Tokyo to Osaka. A little planning can save you money.
Kobe Airport is located at 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
June is the busiest month for flights from Tokyo to Osaka. To skip the crowds, visit Osaka in April.
The warmest month in Osaka is August, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Lock in your Tokyo to Osaka ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Tokyo to Osaka in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Osaka
Start your Osaka trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Tokyo to Osaka, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are major attractions which should feature on every Osaka itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
Osaka has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Japan just waiting to be explored. About 386 kilometres east of Osaka, a visit to Yokohama will keep you busy. Start with attractions like Teishoin, Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji.
If you want to check out another great destination in Japan, head for Nagoya, roughly 137 kilometres north-east of Osaka. Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple are key highlights.
