Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct
seasons. Winters (December to February) are fairly mild, with
temperatures ranging from 37°F (3°C) to 54°F (12°C) and little
precipitation. Snowfall is rare but there are occasional light
flurries. Summers (June to August) are quite humid and hot, with
temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 92°F (33°C); summers are
also the wettest season in Osaka, with around 10 rainy days per
month between May and September. Spring and autumn are good seasons
to visit Japan, when the weather is mild. Those who visit in late
March or early April should see the spectacular sight of cherry
blossoms in full bloom, while the trees will be wearing their
autumn colours in October and early November.
Osaka Kansai International Airport
Location: Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial
island in the middle of Osaka Bay, 30 miles (50km) from
Osaka.
Time: GMT +9.
Transfer Between Terminals:
The terminals are approximately two and a half miles (4km)
apart, and are connected by a free shuttle service.
Getting to the city:
Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise and other bus operators
offer scheduled express bus services, called "Airport Limousines",
for Kansai International Airport. Trains connect the airport to
Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto Station. Other trains are available
to Kyobashi Station and Namba Station, from which various
connections can be made. There are also high-speed ferry services
from Kansai to Kobe Airport.
Car Rental:
Rental cars are available at the airport from Nippon, Nissan,
Toyota, Orix, and Times Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available and it is possible to book shuttles and
taxis (either single or shared) from several operators at the
airport, however these must be booked well in advance.
Fascilities:
Airport facilities include an airport hotel, banks and ATMs,
currency exchange, baggage storage and delivery, coin lockers,
porters, mobile phone and wifi router rentals, children's play
areas and baby rooms, a post office, medical and dental facilities,
meeting points, battery charging ports, a pet hotel, prayer room,
police services, airport lounges, showers, relaxation areas,
smoking rooms, conference facilities, tourist information desks,
and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Parking
Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, then charged from ¥100
to ¥110 per 15 minutes up to six hours, after which a flat fee of
¥2,570 is charged for the first 24 hours. From the second day, a
daily rate of ¥1,540 applies.
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Visitors to Osaka will find it incredibly easy to get
around, as the city boasts a highly developed public transportation
system that spans the entire area and is particularly accommodating
of foreigners.
A lot of the travel information in Osaka, such as
signs, maps, and noticeboards, is presented in English, which can
make the difference between reaching one's destination quickly and
hours of bewildered wandering.
Osaka's extensive subway network provides easy access
around the city with its discernible colour-coded lines. The Osaka
metro is generally open from 5am until around midnight, and many of
the lines have English as well as Japanese announcements for each
approaching destination.
Visitors in Osaka can also use over-ground trains to
get around the city. The JR Osaka Loop Line circles the main city
districts and can be useful for getting across Osaka while avoiding
the crowded central areas.
A further transport option for travellers in Osaka is
the city's dense network of public buses. While inevitably being
susceptible to heavy traffic, buses do allow visitors to enjoy the
sights and sounds of the city as they travel. Ferries are also a
fun and scenic way for visitors to travel along the coast of Osaka
Bay, stopping at several popular tourist attractions.
Most residents in Osaka get around by bicycle, as the
city is flat and easily navigable. There are numerous places
throughout the city where visitors can rent a bicycle, however it
may be easier and cheaper to simply buy a second hand bike for the
duration of one's time in the city. This can be done either online
or at a bike shop. Prospective cyclists should note that they are
technically required to register their bike with the local
police.
