Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
September 8, 2026
When traveling to Osaka from Hong Kong or Taiwan on an international flight, you will usually arrive at Kansai International Airport. Itami Airport mainly handles domestic flights within Japan. While renting a car is not recommended if you are only sightseeing in Osaka city, it is recommended if you are heading to Wakayama, Awaji Island, Lake Biwa, or accommodations in southern Osaka. This article summarizes the differences between Kansai Airport and Itami Airport, rental car counters in Osaka, how to pick up your rental car, and suitable routes for road trips. We will also introduce two luxury accommodations in Osaka that are easily accessible after renting a car at Kansai Airport.
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When travelers from Hong Kong rent a car in Japan, they generally need to bring their original official Hong Kong driver's license, a paper international driving permit that meets Japanese requirements, their passport, a rental car reservation confirmation, and a credit card in their own name.
The current application fee for an International Driving Permit listed on the Hong Kong Transport Department's application form is HK$80. Fees and application requirements are subject to change, so please check with the Hong Kong Transport Department for the latest information before applying.
Hong Kong Transport Office:https://www.td.gov.hk/filemanager/common/td51_e-fillable_eng.pdf
Travelers from Taiwan generally need to prepare their original Taiwanese driver's license, a Japanese translation that is accepted in Japan, their passport, a rental car reservation confirmation, and a credit card in their own name.
If you hold a Taiwanese driver's license and wish to drive in Japan, you will need to use your original driver's license and a valid Japanese translation, rather than a general international driving permit.
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
For travelers using Osaka, the two most common airports are:
official:https://www.kansai-airports.co.jp/en/business/airlinepartners/
| Kansai International Airport (KIX) | Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main routes | International flights and some domestic flights | Mainly domestic flights within Japan |
| Main users | Tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other overseas countries | Travelers on domestic flights in Japan |
| Distance from Osaka city | Relatively far | Relatively close |
| Car Rental Counters | Aero Plaza | Inside the passenger terminal |
| Recommended driving destinations | Southern Osaka, Wakayama, Awaji Island | Northern Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe |
| Is it suitable for sightseeing within the city? | It's more convenient to travel to the city after returning the rental car. | If you're only sightseeing within the city, you generally don't need a rental car. |
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
Rental car services are available at both Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport.
The rental car counters at Kansai Airport are located on the 1st and 2nd floors of Aero Plaza. From Terminal 1, it's about a 3-minute walk using the connecting walkway on the 2nd floor. From Terminal 2, you will need to use the free shuttle bus. After completing the procedures, you can pick up your car inside the airport.
The following are the car rental companies in Osaka that are currently listed on their official websites:
Kansai International Airport:https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/tw/access/from-airport/rental-car
Rental car company counters at Osaka Itami Airport are located inside the passenger terminal. Depending on the rental car company, you may need to proceed to the actual rental car pick-up location after completing the check-in process at the counter.
Osaka Itami Airport:https://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/tw/access/to-airport/rental-car
This property offers several uniquely designed accommodations, the first of their kind in Osaka Prefecture, featuring Russian-made tent saunas and well-equipped private barrel saunas. Each room also includes a private garden, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and private toilet and bathroom. For meals, a variety of options are available, including Naniwa Black Beef sirloin steak and chicken hot pot.
By train or bus
From Hakozaki Station on the Nankai Main Line, take the Nankai Wing Bus (Southbound) and get off at Momono-kidai Elementary School bus stop, then walk for 15 minutes.
Reservation site:https://www.resort-glamping.com/accommodation/skydome/
This accommodation offers ocean views from every room, allowing guests to enjoy the sunset. Five rooms have private pools, and the remaining three rooms have spacious jacuzzis. Guests can also enjoy authentic marine activities such as SUP, canoeing, and jet skiing. For meals, guests can enjoy Miyazaki beef sirloin steak and a seafood BBQ platter.
For Public Transportion
Get off at Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Line. Exit the east exit of Kaizuka Station, turn left, and head towards the bus terminal.
Reservation site:https://www.resort-glamping.com/accommodation/umi-terrace/
| hotel | Osaka area | Major features | Recommended Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKY DOME HANNAN | Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture | Night view, dome tent, BBQ | Couples, friends, families on a road trip |
| Umi Terrace Nishikinohama | Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture | Ocean view, private pool, jacuzzi | Families, groups, and travelers with pets |
Generally, you will need to carry your original Hong Kong driver's license, a paper International Driving Permit that meets Japanese requirements, and your passport at the same time. For official rental car pick-up conditions, please check the latest regulations from the rental car company and Japanese government agencies.
Generally, you will need to carry your original Taiwanese driver's license, a valid Japanese translation, and your passport. This is not the same as using a standard international driving permit.
While not legally required, renting an ETC card is convenient when using expressways. Using ETC allows you to pass through dedicated lanes and pay expressway tolls electronically.
Some rental car companies offer drop-off services at different locations, but this may incur an additional charge, and it is not available for all vehicle types or locations. Please select your actual return location when making your reservation to confirm availability.
While not always necessary within Osaka city, snow and icy roads are possible when traveling to mountainous areas such as northern Lake Biwa, northern Kyoto, and Mount Koya. Depending on your route and the weather, reserve snow tires, and if you are not used to driving on snowy roads, do not attempt to enter mountainous areas.
Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport. International travelers usually use Kansai Airport, while domestic travelers use Itami Airport. If you plan to go to Awaji Island or northern Kyoto, renting a car at the airport will be more convenient.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
