Osaka: Getting there & around

Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a state-of-the-art virtual city built on an entirely man-made island, the first of its kind. 50km (30mi) south of downtown Osaka, KIX handles all international and some domestic flights, while the ageing Itami airport (10km/6mi northeast of Osaka) only handles domestic traffic. All international carriers fly to and from KIX; departure tax is US$20.00 . The flight from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita airports) is only an hour or so.

Limousine airport buses shuttle passengers direct from Itami to Osaka (Namba, Umeda or Tennoji stations). KIX has every known transport possible into Osaka including limousine bus, taxi, ferry, shuttle bus and passenger train, but by far the most convenient and fun is the sleek Nankai Railways Rapito, a great introduction to the joys of bullet-train travel that takes only 29 minutes. It really is the only way to go.

Osaka is also on the main shinkansen (bullet train) route through Japan. The Tokaido shinkansen (Hikari) makes the sprint from Tokyo to JR Shin-Osaka in three hours, passing through Yokohama and Shizuoka on the way. Most trains coming from the north of Japan pass through Tokyo on the way to Osaka.

For water babies there's a ferry service between Shanghai and Osaka (Nanko International Ferry Terminal).

The tongue-twisting names of the city's subway system are a challenge; thankfully it is also colour coded and so fairly simple to use. Wherever you need to go in Osaka the subway system usually has it covered. There is also a JR Loop line which links in well with key subway stations. There is a handy prepaid day card available for unlimited subway and city bus travel. Private and JR train lines also run through town. The names of JR, subway and private railway stations are displayed in both Japanese and English.

Although trains are more convenient for getting around, Osaka does have a bus network, which uses the same ticketing system as the subway. There's also a sightseeing bus, with a range of different tours available. It leaves from Umeda train station.

Osaka operates a range of ferries and sightseeing cruises around its bay. Most of these originate or stop around the Tempozan Harbour Village (Chuo subway line, Osakako station). The Aqua-bus Aqua-liner travels on the Okawa River in northern Osaka and takes in Osaka Castle, Tenmabashi, Yodoyabashi and Osaka Amenity Park (OAP).

Taxi stands can be found in front of most train stations and it's possible to hail a cab on heavily trafficked streets. Having your destination written down in Kanji will be a help as many drivers don't speak English. Whatever you do, don't try to open the left rear door - only the driver has this privilege. There's no need to tip.

There are several car rental agencies based at both Itami and Kansai International Airport (KIX). You can hire a car on presentation of an International Driving Permit. Note: Osaka's roads aren't cheap, with steep levies applied on all major tollways through the city.

The best means of exploring Osaka's inner-city warrens is on foot. Although cycling in Osaka is very popular with locals (the city is completely flat) there are no bike paths.