For Osaka and Kyoto from India, fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX). Kyoto has no commercial airport of its own, and Osaka Itami (ITM) is a domestic airport, so international flights use Kansai. From there the JR West Haruka limited express runs to Kyoto Station in roughly an hour and a quarter. Air India plans non-stop Delhi to Osaka Kansai flights from 2 February 2027.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Many Indian travellers plan one trip around both cities, and the airport choice is where the confusion starts. Here is how to pick.
Which airport should I fly into for Osaka and Kyoto?
Choose Kansai International Airport, code KIX. It opened in 1994 on an artificial island, and nearly all of Osaka’s international flights moved there. Osaka Itami, code ITM, is the other Osaka airport, but despite its old name of Osaka International Airport it is used only for domestic flights.
Kyoto does not have a commercial airport that airlines use for international arrivals. Itami is nearer to Osaka city, but because it is domestic only, it is not where your flight from India will land. If you see a cheap fare to Itami, check that the itinerary does not need an extra domestic connection in Japan.
Did you know? Kansai airport sits on an artificial island, built from scratch for international flights.
How do I get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?
The usual rail link is the Haruka limited express, operated by JR West. Travel guides describe it as the main rail service between Kansai Airport and Kyoto Station, taking about 75 minutes and stopping at Shin-Osaka and Tennoji on the way. Guides differ a little, with figures between about 70 and 80 minutes, so treat it as roughly an hour and a quarter and look up the current JR West timetable close to your travel date.
Plan the first day with a buffer. After a long flight, immigration, baggage and a train, it is easy to underestimate how long it takes to reach a hotel. If you land in the morning and your hotel check-in is in the afternoon, you can still leave your bags at the hotel and start sightseeing.
If you are staying in Osaka first, the same airport is the easiest to use, and you can reach Kyoto by train later as a day trip or a change of base.
Which airlines fly from India to Osaka and Japan?
Air India has announced non-stop flights between Delhi and Osaka Kansai starting 2 February 2027, with four weekly flights on a Boeing 787-8, according to its press release dated 15 October 2026. Reports say Osaka will be Air India’s second Japanese destination after Tokyo Haneda. Until that service starts, most travellers to Osaka from India will use a connecting itinerary, either through another Asian hub or through Tokyo. Check an airline’s own schedule page before you build a trip around a route, because start dates and timings can change.
Air India already flies to Tokyo Haneda from Delhi, and from Mumbai, according to reports of the Osaka announcement. Tokyo is a longer rail ride from Kyoto, so many people do an open-jaw trip, arriving in one city and leaving from the other. Compare fares in both directions before deciding, because pricing for one-way and multi-city itineraries can differ from a simple return.
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa for tourism in Japan. Japan introduced an eVISA for Indian residents from 1 April 2024, as a single-entry short-term tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Reports say applicants still go through the designated visa application centres, and the approved visa is issued as a digital document. Rules for documents, fees and processing change, so check the Embassy of Japan in India or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan before you apply. Apply well before your trip, and do it before paying for non-flexible tickets if you can.
How should I plan the trip around both cities?
- Fly into Kansai and out of Kansai if you can, to keep things simple.
- Use Osaka or Kyoto as a base, since the two are connected by frequent trains.
- Book flights once your visa plan is clear, and use a fare with free or low-cost changes if dates might shift.
- Check the arrival time against train times if you land late at night.
Common Questions
Does Kyoto have an airport?
No commercial airport that serves international passengers. Travellers to Kyoto normally fly into Osaka Kansai and take the train.
Can I fly into Itami from India?
No. Itami handles domestic flights only. International flights use Kansai.
How long does it take to get from Kansai to Kyoto?
The Haruka limited express takes about 75 minutes according to travel guides, though sources vary. Check the JR West timetable for the current schedule.
Is there a non-stop flight from India to Osaka?
Air India has announced non-stop Delhi to Osaka Kansai flights from 2 February 2027. Before that date, expect a connection.
Do I need a visa for Japan as an Indian citizen?
Yes, a tourist visa is needed. An eVISA has been available to Indian residents since 1 April 2024, but check the Japanese embassy for the current process.
Should I book Osaka or Tokyo first?
If Kyoto and Osaka are your main stops, arriving at Kansai avoids the long transfer from Tokyo. If you want both, consider arriving in one and leaving from the other.
Looking at flights to Japan? Compare options on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, and ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help narrow down routes. You may also consider travel insurance for the trip.
Rules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, the Embassy of Japan or the airport before you travel.
