How to make the most out of your layover in Osaka

Kansai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and is a common connector for international travelers reaching other cities in Japan or East Asia. While layovers are never fun, the hyper-competent administrators of Kansai Airport and Osaka’s public transportation system make it easy for travelers to enjoy their layovers. There is even a cottage industry that gives tours to travelers on layovers in Osaka. These are great for first-time visitors who want the logistics and planning taken care of. 

One thing that will help you maximize your layover time is to find Osaka luggage storage for any extra bags. Let Bounce take care of everything while you sightsee, shop, and dine no matter how limited your Osaka layover is.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Kansai Airport

Visa requirements in Japan

For a Kansai Airport layover, international travelers will need a visa to enter Japan and a transfer visa to board their connecting flight (even if their destination is another country). Even if you’re not leaving the airport, you’ll need these documents to travel through Kansai International Airport. It’s important to keep all paperwork with you on travel days and be aware of the validity of the visa as it can expire within a few days. 

Minimum layover times in Osaka

If you only have a few hours before your next flight, you’ll have to stick around Kansai Airport as you’ll need a minimum of four hours to leave. A short layover will still be comfortable, the airport has coin-operated showers and a wide variety of amenities like legitimately excellent restaurants and souvenir shops. There’s also the SkyView Observation deck on the third floor of the main terminal. If you’re unfamiliar with Japan, it’s best to stick close to the airport so as to not get lost and miss your connecting flight.

What to do in Osaka during a layover

If you have enough time to head into Osaka, you’re in for a treat. This city’s cultural and historical offerings are world-class, so you’ll have plenty of options for packing in some sightseeing. Japanese cuisine is highly versatile, so you’ll be able to find delicious meals that are quick, or you can lounge for a while at fine-dining institutions. Regardless of your itinerary, Osaka’s restaurants will deliver. 

Airport limousine buses are a common way to quickly get to the city from Kansai Airport, but there are numerous public transportation connections to get you to the hotspots like Shin Osaka Station or Osaka Namba Station. If you have your bags with you, stopping by a Bounce luggage storage facility near Kansai Airport is a great way to lighten the load for quick trips to Rinku. There are also dozens of convenient and secure storage locations across central Osaka, so you’ll be able to stash your bags near Osaka Castle and other top destinations. 

Morning layover in Osaka

You’ll want to use your time wisely if you want to do some sightseeing in Osaka. Plan at least one temple visit and leave time for a quick meal. The best way to get to and from the city for morning commutes will be public transportation so you don’t hit rush hour traffic.  

• Shitenno Ji Temple is one of the most revered temples in all of Japan, and a morning walk provides a contemplative moment amidst the travel rush. The quirky cafe Rikuro Ojisan No Cheesecake is situated near the temple shares the same train station and serves up underrated Japanese sweets. 
• Japanese omelets are all the rage these days, and Osaka’s top brunch spots are CHIBO and Tamago to Watashi in Shin Osaka. 
• To take in the city, head to the Abeno Harukas observation deck for sweeping views of this vast metro area.

Afternoon layover in Osaka

If you have most of the day to explore Osaka, you’ll be able to get some shopping in or even some sightseeing. Plan a geographically sensible itinerary, so if you only have a few hours, head to nearby Rinku. If your schedule is more flexible, take the train to Namba or other central areas. 

• One of the closest attractions to the airport is the Rinku Premium Outlets. You can pop over to Rinku Town Station via the Nankai line. This is ideal for a quick layover. 
• You can also head over to Sen'nan Marble Beach to stretch your legs and enjoy the sea breeze after your long flight. 
• If you have most of the day, head into the city to see the legendary Osaka Castle to explore this revered landmark.
• If you’re with the kids, you can go to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for incredible views of the city.  
• Namba’s Kushikatsu is one of the top yakitori spots for delicious Japanese street food. 

Evening layover in Osaka

Even if you plan on heading into the city, staying at a hotel near the airport is advisable as you’ll have a less stressful time reaching your connecting flight. 

• If it’s cold out and you need something to warm you up, Osaka is home to delicious ramen joints that offer a quick and hearty meal for weary travelers. Kappa Ramen and Noko Tonkotsu Teppei are two of the top spots. 
• Hotel Nikko and First Cabin are two of the more sensible options for staying near Kansai Airport. 

Overnight layover in Osaka

This is the ideal way to have a layover in Osaka as you’ll be able to experience the amazing nightlife of the city and you won’t have to rush through sightseeing at essential spots like Osaka Castle or Amerikamura. 

• Dotonbori should be your first stop if you want to check out Osaka’s nightlife. This neighborhood lines a centuries-old canal and you’ll find lovely bars and street food vendors. It’s highly Instagrammable.
• For late-night bites, head to the Shimbashi area for drinks and street food at Karatto. Chirori near Shin-Osaka Station is a top Izakaya.  

Tips to make the most out of your time in Osaka

• Japan’s currency is the yen (¥) which can be exchanged for a wide variety of currencies at ATMs or dedicated services at each of Kansai Airport’s terminals. Cash is still very commonly used in Japan, especially coins for lockers which can be very inconvenient and difficult to use. Credit cards are widely accepted, just make sure you check in with your bank before traveling. 
• It costs a few hundred dollars a day to eat, drink, sightsee, and find lodging in Osaka. 
• While English is widely spoken in Japan, it is much less common than in European countries. It’s best to familiarize yourself with a few basic phrases so you can get by. 
• Osaka is one of the safest cities in the world. The only thing you need to be worried about is getting lost as many signs are in Japanese and this vast metropolis can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors. 

If you couldn’t tell, Osaka itself is more than worthy as your final destination. But if you’re only here for a few hours or an overnight layover, you’ll be able to put together an epic itinerary to make the most of your time. Of course, finding baggage storage through Bounce is the easiest way to lighten the load and take some of the stress out of your layover in Osaka.