Japan is partially open to international tourism
Japan continues its slow reopening. Students, business travelers, and relatives of long-term residents are now allowed to enter the country. Independent travelers are permitted if they visit Japan on a package tour booked via a travel agency. Fully vaccinated travelers don’t need to present a PCR test result on arrival. In all cases, visitors must apply for visas in advance.
Transiting through Japanese airports to another country is allowed, and you are not required to submit any documents.
Arriving in Osaka
- If you are flying to Osaka from abroad, you will most likely land at its main international airport — Kansai International Airport
KIX, the main international hub for the region, located 45 km (28 miles) south of the city of Osaka.
The second Osaka airport — Itami AirportITMis closer to the city center, just 20 km (12 miles) north. It is also known as Osaka International Airport; however, despite the name, it currently only serves domestic destinations. - Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Scoot, Tigerair Taiwan, and VietJet Air. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.
Airports of Osaka
KIX, located 45 km (28 miles) south of the city of Osaka, or Itami Airport ITM (also known as Osaka International Airport), which is much closer to the city center, just 20 km or 12 miles north.
What is the best time to book flights to Osaka?
The best time to book flights to Osaka is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) for Osaka flights is 4–6 months before takeoff. During this period, you should monitor airfares by setting alerts on popular flight search websites. Book when you notice a significant drop in price.
Why do prices fluctuate?
Airfare prices for Osaka flights fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches. The airlines use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales. Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Most airlines start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – airlines typically start by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights to Osaka, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. It is the “Prime Booking Window” – after some seats have already been sold, airlines start dropping prices to stimulate demand. They may also offer promotions and sales. This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. Airlines charge higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
To save on airfare, select a late night or early morning (1–5 am) flight. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights tend to have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Set alerts
Track flight price fluctuations for your desired routes to Osaka using email alerts on search sites like Google Flights to catch price drops. These drops will be your chance to book the flight at its best price.
Avoid last minute
Avoid booking flights to Osaka less than 30 days before takeoff. Prices spike sharply then, as airlines are taking advantage of any last-minute travelers who have no choice but to pay up (learn more about last-minute pricing).
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by airlines for dates they expect to be popular. Try to avoid the high season during summer and major holidays (including holidays in Japan), and check the best time to fly to Osaka. If you must travel during peak times, book a bit earlier – 6 to 8 months in advance.
Join ATC
A useful way to find discounted airfare is to sign up for a deal newsletter such as Air Traveler Club. The ATC team is constantly looking for price drops on popular routes, and we share them with our members free of charge.
Book cheap flights in the region
The cheapest time to fly to Osaka
During the peak summer months, all of Osaka’s top attractions get rather busy. If you plan to do some sightseeing, aim for the quieter “shoulder” months between the seasons – from March to May and from September to November. It is an ideal time to visit the country to avoid peak-season flight prices and tourist crowds. You’ll also be rewarded with the things other visitors will miss out on: amazing warm fall colors and shorter queues at entrances to museums and temples.
However, if you are looking for the cheapest flights, fly to Osaka in the low season – December, January and February. You will have the chance to see the city in a whole new light, often under a layer of snow. A special event – hanami (the flowering of plum trees) – bloom as early as February in Osaka. In addition, you will see low prices everywhere, namely the accommodation and flights.
Osaka Kansai or Itami airport?
Osaka is served by the airports of Kansai KIX and Itami ITM.
Kansai International Airport is the main international hub for the region, serving over 30 airlines and 17 international destinations. It is located 45 km (28 miles) south of the city of Osaka, situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, purpose-built for the airport. Getting to Kansai by car will take at least 40 minutes. KIX is an ideal choice for travelers coming from overseas, as it offers more flights and destinations, including long-haul international flights. In fact, if you are flying internationally, then Kansai is the only option.
Itami Airport is closer to the city center, just 20 km (12 miles) north, and it primarily caters to domestic flights by Japan Airlines and ANA. While Itami is also known by the name Osaka International Airport, it currently only serves domestic destinations, with a strong network of routes to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Sendai, Fukuoka, and many more. Itami is also less crowded and easier to navigate than KIX. If you are flying domestically or looking at the distance from Osaka’s city center alone, then Itami would be the winning airport.
Avoid Osaka during the Golden Week
Prices skyrocket during holidays in Osaka – consider adjusting your travel dates to avoid high ticket prices. Golden Week, a cluster of public holidays in April and May that often fall on weekends, is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Japan. Many establishments, including cafes and restaurants, shut down during Golden Week as locals travel to be with their families. Be prepared for crowded flights, trains and fully booked hotels as the demand is high and reservations fill up quickly.
In addition to Golden Week, it is also wise to avoid other high-traffic holidays such as New Year (January 1-3), Obon (August 11-19), and Silver Week (September 16-23). If you must travel to Osaka during these times, booking your flights as early as possible is advisable.
Ship your extra baggage via Kuroneko Yamato
Yamato Transport (aka “kuroneko” – literally “black cat”) is the largest door-to-door delivery company in Japan. Conveniently located at the Osaka airport and many other places in Japanese cities, Kuroneko Yamato will ship your extra baggage to your next destination – at a very reasonable cost.
Enjoy hands-free travel, shopping, and sightseeing!
Flights to Osaka from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Osaka. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Osaka, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. Direct flights from the US (Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco) to Osaka are operated by Japan Airlines, ANA, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Canada to Osaka. - Osaka is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Osaka with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL, DallasDFW, DenverDEN, ChicagoORD, Los AngelesLAX, Las VegasDFW, MiamiMIA, SeattleSEA, HoustonIAH, New YorkJFK, and San FranciscoSFOin the United States and TorontoYYZ, VancouverYVR, CalgaryLAS, and MontrealYULin Canada. - The best airlines to fly to Osaka from the US and Canada are: ANA, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, and Singapore Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
- For long-haul flights, the type of aircraft you choose can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board – especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, WiFi, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin in general. When booking a flight to Osaka, look for the airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as Airbus A350 (best choice), A380, A320neo, or Boeing 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.
Osaka from US & Canada
plane ticket prices in 2023/24
Real-time economy class airfares to Osaka from the US and Canada. See the top deals for flights departing from June to February:
Hacker faresto Osaka
Airfares airlines don't want you to see:
Shinkansen, Japanese bullet train
Japan’s famous train lines are some of the best ways to see the country on a budget. Trains are punctual, comfortable, safe, and clean. The best of these is the Shinkansen Bullet Train: with a front car that resembles a space rocket, it can travel at a maximum speed of 320kmph making a trip such as Osaka to Tokyo – 515 km (320 miles) away – in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Be sure to pick up your Japan Rail Pass – which allows unlimited travel – before departure to ensure savings (you can’t purchase a JRP inside of Japan).
Save on local fares with JAL and ANA passes
ANA and Japan Airlines have an interesting “special fares” option for foreign tourists visiting Japan.
JAL Japan Explorer Pass is a fare that can be used to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network. The pass provides an easy solution to traveling beyond Osaka and the well-trodden tourist routes. You must already have a return ticket (out of Japan) to be eligible for JAL Explorer Pass three price points: JPY 5500 ($40/A$60), JPY 7700 ($58/A$85), and JPY 11000 (~$82/A$120).
ANA Discover Japan Fare is a discounted fare explicitly aimed at foreign visitors. It can be used across ANA’s entire domestic flight network; however, the pricing has been structured to encourage the exploration of Japan’s diverse islands. With different fare rules, you can choose between two fare types – Value and Super Value.
Know your time zone
When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure/arrival times on your plane ticket and boarding pass are based on the time zone of the departure/arrival airport – this also applies to the connecting (layover) airports.
Japan has only one time zone, despite being a large country that stretches almost 2400 kilometers through the western North Pacific Ocean and over 30 degrees longitude. It observes Japan Standard Time (JST) all year, which is UTC/GMT+09 time zone. As a result, clocks in Osaka are 9 hours ahead of London and 14 hours ahead of New York. JST does not have an associated daylight saving time.
Use coin lockers for your luggage
Nearly every train station and department store in Japan is equipped with wall coin lockers that offer temporary storage. Costing around ¥500 ($3.8/A$5.5) they are ideal for day trips. However, be careful as they usually have 24-hour limits and will charge you extra for overtime.
Flights to Osaka with stopover
Direct flights to Osaka are, of course, much less hassle than flights that require one or more connections. However, they tend to be more expensive. In a trade-off between convenience and cost, the best option is often to opt for a flight with one layover.
So if you’re looking at a long-haul trip with at least one connection, rather than simply transiting an airport, why not take this opportunity to plan a longer stopover? A stopover is a prolonged layover — more than 24 hours — and it won’t only break up your long journey but will also become a legitimate part of your vacation. If you’re prone to severe jet lag, a one or two-day stopover would help minimize its adverse effects.
When booking flights, many airlines allow you to include a free stopover en route to your final destination in Osaka. Those flights are usually cheaper than non-stop (direct) flights, and you can often choose your stopover at no additional cost — just by looking for multi-city flights with longer layovers.
Some airlines openly advertise stopovers and offer significant discounts and travel perks for passengers to break up their trips: free luxury hotel stays, complimentary domestic flights, or exclusive rates for activities. Start checking for stopover deals to Osaka with government-owned airlines (as they are looking to attract tourists to give the country economic benefits) — such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. Almost every airline’s website has multi-city search functionality, often hidden inside the one-way/return/multi-city switch.
A well-chosen stopover will not only turn one vacation into many but also save you several hundred dollars in airfare. The available stopovers to Osaka will depend on your initial destination (Europe, North America, Asia, etc) and the airline you are flying with. For most airlines, the best free stopover offer will be at their main hub.
Flights to Osaka from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Osaka — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Direct flights from Europe to Osaka are about 11-15 hours long. Only some of the largest European hubs have a nonstop connection to Osaka (arriving at Kansai International Airport
KIX) - among them are Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt, Helsinki, and Paris. Those flights are operated by ANA, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, Finnair, KLM, and Lufthansa - Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Osaka include ANA, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Osaka from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Use European low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Eurowings to fly to the hub, then save hundreds of euros by taking a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination.
We recommend checking prices for flights to Osaka from these European airport hubs: LondonLHRand ManchesterMANin the United Kingdom, FrankfurtFRAand MunichMUCin Germany, ParisCDGand NiceNCEin France, AmsterdamAMSin the Netherlands, MadridMADand BarcelonaBCNin Spain, RomeFCOand MilanoMXPin Italy, BrusselsBRUin Belgium, CopenhagenOSLin Denmark, OsloOSLin Norway, StockholmARNin Sweden, ZurichZRHin Switzerland, LisbonLISin Portugal, ViennaVIEin Austria, WarsawWAWin Poland, PraguePRGin Czech Republic, and DublinDUBin Ireland.
European airports with the cheapest flights to Osaka
Find the lowest prices for flights to Osaka Kansai and Osaka Itami in Osaka from the major airports in Europe — London, Dublin, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Stockholm, Geneva, Helsinki, Zurich, and others.
Can't finda good deal?
Europe to Osaka, up to 80% off.
How to book SuperDeals?
At the Air Traveler Club, our go-to solution for finding cheap airfares to Osaka is Google Flights. Every time we send SuperDeals to our 110,000 members (see some examples), we include links to Google Flights so that each deal can be booked immediately.
Google Flights then showcases various options for booking the deal: you can almost always book directly with the airline (by cutting out the middleman) or – alternatively – with an OTA that offers the same flight at a similar price. Once you have chosen your booking option, you will be redirected to the external website where you can finalize your ticket purchase.
One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar that appears underneath the booking options. It provides a visual representation of the price in comparison to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline) – indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher.
If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”) don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly – 40% to 80% – cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.
If you are not Air Traveler Club subscriber yet, you’re missing out on SuperDeals (we often send deals to Osaka). Sign up now to start saving 40–80% on flights. It’s free!
For more details on how to book deals on Google Flights, check out this video:
Last-minute flights to Osaka. The real cost of convenience.
Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Osaka almost always never works out. The convenience of being able to book a flight on the fly is a dangerous game of chance, and you will most likely end up paying significantly higher than booking in advance.
The common perception may be that airlines decrease ticket prices to fill empty seats as the departure date approaches. However, the truth is that airfares depend on demand. Based on years of research and current customer data, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. They are also well aware that people are willing to pay a premium for flights they need to take immediately. To make the most money, the airline will sell its cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of business travelers and others who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.
Occasionally, airlines can put some seats on sale to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates around peak travel times tend to sell out quickly.
Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Osaka is 2-8 months before the takeoff.
Domestic air travel from Osaka
Most domestic routes in Japan are operated by local airlines. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Naha, Kagoshima, Nagoya from Osaka Kansai and Osaka Itami, you’ll be flying with one of these domestic air transport companies: ANA, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Skymark Airlines, Spring Airlines Japan, and StarFlyer. In most cases, it is the best (the fastest, the most convenient, and the cheapest) way to travel around the country.
If you plan to fly domestically from Osaka check the latest prices here, then book your flight ticket online.
Flights to Osaka from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Osaka. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australia/New Zealand to Asia are operated by large regional carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
Direct flights and flights with one layover to Osaka are available from all major airports in Australia – SydneySYD, BrisbaneBNE, MelbourneMEL, PerthPER, AdelaideADL, CairnsCNS, Gold CoastOOL, CanberraCBR, and in New Zealand – AucklandAKL, WellingtonWLG, ChristchurchCHC, QueenstownZQN, DunedinDUD. - In terms of cost-savings, we recommend flying from Australia and New Zealand to a major Asian hub and then booking a flight to your final destination in Osaka with a regional budget airline. Among the low-cost airlines that fly into Osaka are AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Scoot, Tigerair Taiwan, and VietJet Air.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Osaka. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia.
Direct flights from Australia (Cairns) to Osaka take 7-8 hours of flight time. Currently there are no direct flights from New Zealand to Osaka. While choosing a flight with connections can save money, it will also add from 2 to 10 hours (sometimes more) of travel time. If you opt for an indirect route, some of the best options include routing through Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Ho Chi Minh/Hanoi.
Prices of flights to Osaka from Australia and New Zealand
Real-time economy class fares to Osaka from major airports in Australasia — from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand.
Curated dealsfrom flight experts
Fly half-price (or less!) to Osaka:
Best way to upgrade to Business Class for cheap
A growing number of airlines are auctioning upgrades to their business class seats. Once you book your economy ticket to Osaka, you can offer to pay a bit more in an attempt to get a premium seat. 2-3 days before your flight, an airline will send you an email with a link to their website where you can place a “blind” bid. Alternatively, you can go to the website directly and check if your seat qualifies for an upgrade by providing the Booking Reference number.
There’s usually a minimum bid amount. If you win the auction, you’ll be informed via email, and your seat will be upgraded.
How to choose the right bid amount? Just check the airline website for the regular cost of a business class seat to Osaka, then subtract what you paid for the economy fare. Place your bid for around 10% to 30% of that price. The alternative strategy is to bid slightly above the competition. If, for example, the minimum bid is $500, try to bid $550-$600, as most people will offer the baseline amount required.
The more available business class seats the airline has on your flight, the lower bid can be successfully used. Check the airline’s daily schedule for flights to Osaka – if there is more than one flight on your chosen route (more available seats), you can safely bid close to the minimum required amount.
Among the airlines that allow bidding for seat upgrades are: Air Canada (AC Bid), Air New Zealand (OneUp), Cathay Pacific (Upgrade Bid), Etihad Airways (Bid To Upgrade), Fiji Airways (Bula Bid), Garuda Indonesia (BidUpgrade), Hawaiian Airlines (Bid Up), LATAM (Cabin Upgrade), Lufthansa (Bid Upgrade), Royal Jordanian (Go Crown), Qantas (Bid Now), SAS (SAS Upgrade), Singapore Airlines (mySQupgrade), SriLankan Airlines, and Virgin Australia (UpgradeMe).
How much is Premium Economy to Osaka?
Heading for a long-haul or overnight flight to Osaka? The premium economy could be a worthwhile investment, ensuring you arrive rejuvenated.
Positioned between economy and business class, premium economy provides enhanced comfort (5–7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats with 2–3 extra inches recline, adjustable headrests and leg rests, larger personal TV screens) and extra perks (superior meals, larger baggage allowances, priority boarding, access to airport lounges). It’s a favored option for those seeking comfort without the cost of a full-fledged business-class ticket.
The majority of Asia Pacific carriers now feature premium economy class. According to Skytrax’s World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines Awards, the best premium economy is offered by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, ANA, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
However, the Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats Award recognized Emirates as the top contender. Their premium economy class, currently available on A380 aircraft, exudes a business-class ambiance and occupies the front of the main deck of the superjumbo.
Premium economy class fares typically range from 25% to 100% more than standard economy tickets on the same flight. For instance, a round-trip economy ticket from the US to Osaka might be priced around $700, whereas a premium economy ticket on the same route could be $1,000 to $1,500. In contrast, business class tickets for an identical itinerary may run between $3,000 and $5,000 or higher.
When booking closer to the departure date, premium economy is generally only 10–30% more expensive than standard economy fare. If premium seats aren’t filled, airlines might offer discounted upgrades at check-in.
To find the current prices of premium economy tickets to Osaka, use our search form (choose “Premium Economy” in the cabin class drop-down menu).
Is the premium economy to Osaka worth the extra cost? This decision hinges on individual priorities. For long-haul and overnight flights, the enhanced comfort can significantly improve the travel experience. If your journey consists of two or more connecting flights, opting for a premium seat on just one leg can still provide a superior journey compared to the standard economy throughout.
However, if the price gap for premium economy appears too steep, consider another viable alternative: hot seats.
Looking for the best deals for Osaka? Check different departure airports.
Airlines often have varying prices for flights to Osaka from different airports – even if they are in close proximity to one another. So don’t limit yourself to just your nearest airport. The neighboring cities may have lower-priced flights that include a layover at Osaka, or may even have direct flights that are more budget-friendly.
For example, if you’re looking to fly from Paris to Osaka, it may be worth checking prices for flights departing from London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Rome. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to these hubs, but domestic low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for less than €100.
The same goes for long-haul flights to Osaka from anywhere in the world. By broadening your search to include neighboring airports, you may discover lower-priced options that can save you hundreds of euros!
“Hot seats” on long-haul flights
Those days seat selection is considered an optional, extra paid service – seats with extra legroom (front and exit rows) are usually priced higher. However, if you’re about to take a long-haul flight to Osaka, those “hot seats” are worth considering – expect to pay $50-$100, which is much less than upgrading to Premium Economy.
If you want to choose your seats, do this early (ideally during the booking) for a more extensive selection of available options.
Flights to Osaka from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia
- Osaka is well-connected with other large hubs in the Asia Pacific. There are direct flights to Kansai International Airport
KIXairport from BangkokBKK, BeijingPEK, DubaiDXB, HanoiHAN, Ho Chi Minh CitySGN, Hong KongHKG, Kuala LumpurKUL, ManilaMN, ShanghaiPVG, SeoulICN, SingaporeSIN, and TaipeiTPE - Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Osaka look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Osaka will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting Japan and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
Flights from major Asian airports to Osaka
Most major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Osaka — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.
Fly half-price(or less!)
Get curated deals to Osaka:
Fly now, pay later
Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans for flights have become a popular trend in the travel industry, allowing travelers to book flights and pay in installments. Among the airlines that offer this option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. They partner with external financial companies to offer their loan services on the checkout page.
The BNPL plans come with varying terms and fees. Some may be interest-free but have fees for late-payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR).
When considering BNPL financing for your flight to Osaka, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions.
Proof of onward travel – a simple hack
Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from Japan to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.
The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of Japan and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.
Booking group flights to Osaka
Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights to Osaka can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.
To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the airline, group size, and travel dates, and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.
Airlines and flight search websites typically limit automatic group bookings to 10 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline or a travel agent directly.
If you’re open to different airlines or want more personalized service, a travel agent may be a better choice. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates to Osaka and can help with logistics and scheduling.