Itami is a city in Japan's Kansai Region, set close to Osaka and best known as the home of Osaka International Airport. For many travellers it is the first Japanese place they pass through, and it is worth a short stop rather than only a transfer.
Getting around
Itami works well as a transportation hub. Its airport connects the wider Kansai area with domestic destinations, and the city sits within easy reach of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. Visitors using it as a base can explore those cities by rail while keeping their accommodation here.
Sake and traditional industry
The city has a long association with sake brewing, and this heritage remains part of its identity. Alongside sake, Itami is known for its traditional cultural industries. If you are interested in how regional crafts and drinks are made, the city offers a quieter look at them than the larger centres nearby.
Itami suits:
- travellers with a layover or an early or late flight who want a gentle introduction to Kansai
- visitors interested in sake and the local brewing tradition
- those who prefer a calmer city as a base while day-tripping to Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto
The city is also written ไผไธน in Japanese, which you will see on signs and maps around the region.
