Osaka International Airport (Itami) (ITM)

Osaka International Airport, commonly known as Itami Airport (ITM), serves as the Kansai region's primary domestic aviation hub, strategically located between Osaka and Kobe. The airport operates with a single terminal building divided into two main sections: the North Terminal and South Terminal, connected by a central security checkpoint and common departure area. Despite being designated as an "international" airport, ITM primarily handles domestic flights with very limited international services, focusing on connecting Japan's major cities including Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. The terminal layout is compact and highly efficient for domestic operations, featuring separate check-in areas for different airlines but a unified security screening process. ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates from the North Terminal area, while JAL (Japan Airlines) and other carriers utilize the South Terminal facilities. The design allows for quick processing and minimal walking distances, with most gates accessible within 5-10 minutes from the central security checkpoint. Domestic flight procedures are streamlined, requiring only government-issued ID for Japanese residents and passport verification for international visitors. Amenities at ITM focus on serving the business traveler market and include comfortable seating areas, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, multiple dining options featuring local Kansai cuisine, convenience stores, and gift shops offering regional specialties. The airport features several airline lounges including the ANA Lounge and JAL Sakura Lounge, both offering views of the runway and Mt. Rokko. Ground transportation connections are excellent, with the Osaka Monorail providing direct links to both Osaka and Kyoto via connections to JR and private railway lines. The monorail journey to central Osaka typically takes 25-30 minutes, making ITM a convenient choice for business travelers despite its domestic-only focus.