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How to Get to Amagasaki

How to Get to Amagasaki

Amagasaki Hyogo, Japan Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Flights

Amagasaki is well-served by two main airports in the Kansai region.

Airport Details

  • Kansai International Airport (KIX): Main international gateway, 60-70 km south.
  • Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Mainly domestic flights, 10-15 km northeast.
  • Direct flights from major global hubs are available via KIX (e.g., La, Paris, Seoul, Sydney).

Airport Facilities & Pricing

Both airports have extensive services, while flight prices fluctuate seasonally.

Traveler Services

  • KIX Facilities: Duty-free shops, diverse restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi.
  • ITM Facilities: Shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi.
  • Seasonal Prices: High season (spring the blooming of cherry trees, autumn foliage, summer holidays) means higher prices. Book months in advance for peak times.

From KIX to Amagasaki

Take JR Haruka Express to Osaka Station, then local JR train to Amagasaki (60-80 min, ¥2,000-¥3,000).

From ITM to Amagasaki

Take a Limousine Bus to Osaka Station, then JR train to Amagasaki (40-60 min total).

Taxi Option

Taxis from KIX are expensive (¥18,000-¥25,000+). From ITM, taxis are around ¥5,000-¥7,000.

Airline & Price Research

Airlines Operating at KIX

  • Major international carriers: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta, United.
  • Asian carriers: Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways.
  • Budget airlines: Peach, Jetstar Japan, AirAsia X.
  • For best deals, explore Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Airlines Operating at ITM

  • Domestic carriers: JAL, ANA, Ibex Airlines, Amakusa Airlines.
  • Connects to major Japanese cities: Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa.
  • Booking: Booking flights several booking months ahead is recommended, notably for peak travel times.
  • Flight prices and availability vary by season; high season means higher prices.

Airport Services at a Glance

KIX - Kansai International Airport

Extensive facilities including duty-free, diverse restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage services, and hotels. Free Wi-Fi available.

ITM - Osaka Itami Airport

Good facilities for domestic travel including shops, restaurants, and lounges. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the airport.

Tourist Information

Tourist information centers are available at KIX to assist travelers with onward journeys and local information.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Amagasaki functions as a major railway hub, with excellent connections throughout Kansai.

Stations & Lines

  • JR Amagasaki Station: Serves JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe), Fukuchiyama Line (north Hyogo), and Tozai Line (central Osaka).
  • Hanshin Amagasaki Station: Operates on Hanshin Main Line (Osaka-Umeda, Kobe-Sannomiya) and Hanshin Namba Line (Osaka-Namba, Nara).
  • These networks make Amagasaki a convenient base for exploring Kansai.

Driving & Buses

Options for car rentals and long-distance buses.

Road Travel

  • Self-Driving: Requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license. Japan drives on the left. Tolls apply on highways. Car rental via DiscoverCars.com.
  • Long-Distance Buses: Connect from major Osaka coach terminals (e.g., Osaka Station, Namba OCAT) to Amagasaki via local trains.
  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained and safe. Parking is limited and expensive in urban centers.

Sea/River Arrivals

Amagasaki lacks direct ferry or cruise port facilities for passenger arrivals.

Connecting from Ports

  • Nearest Major Ferry Ports: Osaka Port (international ferries) and Kobe Port (domestic ferries).
  • From Osaka Port: Connect to Osaka-Namba/Umeda via subway/bus, then Hanshin or JR line to Amagasaki.
  • From Kobe Port: Connect to Sannomiya Station via bus/Portliner, then JR or Hanshin line to Amagasaki.

Departure Information

Plan your departure smoothly by understanding exit fees and airport procedures.

Departure Essentials

  • Exit Fees: Japan charges a ¥1,000 "Sayonara Tax" included in ticket price.
  • Departure Procedures: KIX (international flights) 2-3 hours prior. ITM (domestic flights) 1-1.5 hours prior.
  • Airport/Station Facilities: Both airports and major train stations offer shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Driving Requirements

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary.
  • Carry your valid home country's driver's license with the IDP.
  • Obtain your IDP in your home country before departure.
  • Without an IDP, it's not possible to legally drive a rental car in Japan.
  • Obtain this before your trip.
  • Ensure your rental car agency accepts your IDP for a smooth pickup.

Departure Checklist

Before You Leave for the Airport

A final check of these points ensures a stress-free departure.

Pre-Airport Verification

  • Confirm your departure terminal and flight status.
  • Ensure passport and any travel documents are readily accessible.
  • Check luggage weight restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

At the Airport/Station

Smooth navigation through departure procedures.

Departure Day Tips

  • Arrive with ample time for check-in, security, and immigration (2-3 hrs for int'l, 1-1.FIVE hours for domestic).
  • Locate your gate or platform comfortably.
  • Utilize duty-free shopping or restaurants if time permits.

Passport & Visa

Ensure passport validity and any necessary visa documentation are in order.

Baggage & Belongings

Confirm all belongings are packed, and no prohibited items are in carry-on or checked bags.

Currency & Payments

Convert any remaining yen or ensure you have funds for final purchases/transport.

Airport Transfers

From Amagasaki to KIX

The most efficient transfer involves using the JR network.

Route Details

  • From JR Amagasaki Station, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Osaka Station.
  • At Osaka Station, transfer to the JR Haruka Express or JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service.
  • Journey time is around 60-100 minutes, depending on the train service.

From Amagasaki to ITM

For domestic flights, Osaka Itami Airport is closer and with easy access.

Route Details

  • From JR Amagasaki Station, take a JR train to Osaka Station.
  • From Osaka Station, take an airport limousine bus directly to ITM.
  • This route typically takes 40-60 minutes total.

Alternative Departure Points

Long-Distance Buses

From major Osaka coach terminals to various cities across Japan. Connect to Osaka terminals from Amagasaki by train.

Kobe Port Ferries

Domestic ferries to Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Connect to Kobe Sannomiya Station from Amagasaki.

Osaka Port Ferries

International ferries to Korea and China. Connect to Osaka-Namba or Osaka-Umeda from Amagasaki.

Final Confirmation

Confirm your departure terminal and flight status before heading to the airport.