Traveling from Chicago to Osaka: what you need to know
Chicago has a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Osaka flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
When it comes to working out where to arrive in Osaka, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Airport (UKB) are the primary gateways.
Osaka is 14 hours ahead of Chicago and follows the UTC+9 timezone.
To ensure you get on your Chicago to Osaka flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Osaka
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap Chicago to Osaka flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Chicago to Osaka across each month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Osaka is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Chicago to Osaka flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
We make it a cinch to find a Chicago to Osaka flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Haneda Airport (HND)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located around 16 miles from the center of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Osaka or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
74.85% of flights taking off from O'Hare International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Break up your Chicago to Osaka flight with a stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A main stopover between Chicago Midway International Airport and Osaka, it's a good opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
You can get to MDW from the center of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes to travel the 9 miles or so.
Kick off your vacation early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Osaka, take it easy in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 78%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is approximately 25 miles from the center of Osaka. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Osaka. Check in to one of these accommodation options near KIX instead:
Follow your own route with a Kansai International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and chase adventure across Osaka and beyond.
Reserve your vehicle from Kansai International Airport at least a few weeks before your departure date to secure the best deal. If you're traveling during a peak period, it's a good idea to book your Chicago to Osaka flight even earlier.
The street address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
Itami Airport (ITM) is roughly 8 miles from the center of Osaka. Once you've disembarked your flight from Chicago to Osaka, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to UKB. Tuck yourself in after your Chicago to Osaka flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with an Itami Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Europcar, Times or Rakuten and set off in the blink of an eye.
Typically, the sooner you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from ITM once you know your travel dates.
You can find Itami Airport at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Travel to the center after your flight from Chicago to Osaka has arrived. Central Osaka is about 16 miles from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by car.
Begin your trip without worrying about how to get to where you're going with a Kobe Airport rental car. You can book your wheels with reliable companies here like Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Chicago to Osaka is a good move. Along with more affordable prices, you'll likely have a better variety of makes and models to choose from at UKB.
Kobe Airport can be found at 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Osaka. June is the busiest month to visit Osaka. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in April.
When booking your Chicago to Osaka tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 70ºF to 93ºF.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Osaka in January when temperatures average between 32ºF and 50ºF.
More about Osaka
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Osaka, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Osaka:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are leading attractions which should be on every Osaka itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've visited Osaka, now it's time to discover other parts of Japan. Travel about 240 miles east to Yokohama to check off its top sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Japan, consider Nagoya, about 85 miles north-east of Osaka. Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple are among its highlights.
