Traveling to Osaka

Arriving by Air

Osaka is served by two main airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (Itami, ITM).

1.1 Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the primary international gateway to the Osaka/Kansai region, offering direct flights to and from major cities worldwide. It is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.

Transportation from Kansai International Airport to the Conference Venue

  1. JR Haruka Limited Express
    • Travel time from KIX to Osaka Station is approximately 50 minutes.
    • From Osaka Station, you can:
      • Take the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line from Nishi-Umeda Station (adjacent to JR Osaka Station) to Higobashi Station (1 stop, about 2 minutes), then walk 9 minutes to the venue.
      • Or 20 minites walk
  2. JR Kansai Airport Rapid
    • A direct service from KIX to Osaka Station, taking about 65–70 minutes.
    • Less expensive but slower than the Haruka Limited Express.
    • Once at Osaka Station, connect to the subway or take a taxi to the venue.
  3. Nankai Rapi:t Express (to Namba)
    • Runs from KIX to Namba in about 35–40 minutes.
    • From Namba, transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station (about 8 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes walk to the venue.
  4. Airport Limousine Bus
    • Provides direct service from KIX to major areas of Osaka, including Osaka Station.
    • Typical travel time is 60–70 minutes, depending on traffic.
  5. Taxi
    • Travel time ranges from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.
    • Fares typically range from 16,000–20,000 yen (or more).

1.2 Osaka International Airport (Itami, ITM)

Osaka International Airport (Itami) only handles domestic flights. Despite the name "international," Itami does not generally receive direct international flights. However, many foreign visitors arrive here after connecting through Tokyo's Haneda or Narita Airports, which often have more frequent or cost-effective international flights.

Itami Airport is closer to central Osaka than KIX, which can result in shorter travel times to the downtown area or the conference venue.

Transportation from Itami Airport to the Conference Venue

  1. Airport Limousine Bus
    • Buses run directly from Itami to Osaka Station in about 30 minutes (depending on traffic).
  2. Osaka Monorail + Osaka Metro
    • Take the Osaka Monorail from Osaka Airport Station to Senri-Chuo Station.
    • Transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line at Senri-Chuo to reach central Osaka.
    • Total travel time is typically 40–50 minutes.
  3. Taxi
    • A taxi from Itami to central Osaka takes about 30 minutes.
    • Fares generally range from 5,000–7,000 yen, depending on traffic and exact destination.

Public Transportation within Osaka

Once you are in Osaka, extensive and efficient train and subway networks make it easy to travel around the city.

2.1 Osaka Metro (Subway)

  • Osaka Metro covers most of the city.
  • The conference venue is a 9-minute walk from Higobashi Station on the Yotsubashi Line.
  • If you are coming from Osaka Station, walk to Nishi-Umeda Station (Yotsubashi Line), go one stop to Higobashi, and then walk.

2.2 JR Trains

  • The JR Osaka Loop Line (Kanjo Line) circles central Osaka.
  • Osaka Station is a major JR hub connecting many regional lines.

2.3 Buses

  • City buses exist but may be less convenient for visitors compared to the subway or JR.
  • Timetables and routes can be more complex, so trains and the subway are often recommended.

2.4 IC Cards

  • ICOCA is the regional rechargeable smart card for JR trains, subways, and buses in the Kansai region.
  • Other cards like Suica or PASMO (from the Tokyo area) are also accepted on most services in Osaka.

Rideshare and Taxi Apps in Japan

Getting to the Conference Venue

Osaka University Nakanoshima Center
Address: 4-3-53 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005

Nearest Stations

  1. Higobashi Station (Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line): ~10-minute walk
  2. Yodoyabashi Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line): ~15-minute walk
  3. Watanabebashi Station (Keihan Nakanoshima Line): ~5-minute walk

Additional Tips

  • Peak Hours: If traveling during rush hour (typically 7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on weekdays), trains and buses may be crowded.

Disclaimer: The travel times, fares, and services mentioned are estimates and may vary based on traffic, time of day, and schedule changes. Always confirm the most up-to-date information directly with the transportation providers or official websites.