Travelling from San Diego to Osaka: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with working out where you'll leave from in San Diego. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for reserving a flight from San Diego to Osaka jetting off from here.
Step off your plane in Osaka at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kobe Airport (UKB).
Osaka is 16 hours ahead of San Diego and is in the UTC+9 timezone.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your San Diego to Osaka flight.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Osaka
To pick up cheap San Diego to Osaka flights, book early. Airlines usually offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across the month when searching for your plane ticket from San Diego to Osaka.
Snapping up a cheap flight from San Diego to Osaka couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your San Diego to Osaka flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
We make it a cinch to find a San Diego to Osaka flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from San Diego International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Travelling from central San Diego to SAN takes around 20 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 3 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from San Diego to Osaka or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to San Diego International Airport's on-time performance, 71.38% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The distance from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka is approximately 40 kilometres. It'll take you around 45 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you have a late flight from San Diego to Osaka, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near KIX:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Kansai International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar to explore Osaka and beyond.
Book your vehicle from Kansai International Airport several weeks before your departure to get the best possible rate. If you're planning to travel during a busy period, it's a good idea to book your San Diego to Osaka flight even earlier.
The street address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
Itami Airport (ITM) is about 13 kilometres from the centre of Osaka. Once you've hopped off your flight from San Diego to Osaka, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near UKB. Unwind after your San Diego to Osaka flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Europcar, Times and Rakuten make picking up an Itami Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from ITM in advance so you can simply grab the keys and go.
The address for Itami Airport is 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from San Diego to Osaka has landed. Central Osaka is around 26 kilometres from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
Whether you're after a zippy mini for a solo getaway or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Kobe Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available from names such as Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
If you'd like a certain make or model, booking early increases your chances of getting your first choice. Reserve your ride from UKB a few weeks ahead of your flight from San Diego to Osaka.
The address for Kobe Airport is 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from San Diego to Osaka. June is the busiest month for a trip to Osaka. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in April.
Before locking in your San Diego to Osaka tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 34ºC.
Look for cheap flights from San Diego to Osaka in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Osaka
Start your Osaka trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Osaka, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are must-do's during your Osaka adventure.
Explore more of Japan
You've done Osaka, now it's time to explore more of Japan. Travel around 386 kilometres east to Yokohama to check off its popular sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 137 kilometres north-east of Osaka, Nagoya is another essential stop in Japan. Experience major highlights starting with Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.