Flight-Watching at Osaka International Airport (ITM)

Having lived in Kansai for more than 7 years now, you'd think I've at least been to the airport at Itami at least once. Actually, it wasn't until recently, where I had to send some students off for study abroad that I actually had the chance to step foot inside it.

You're probably thinking, "Hey crazy Panda girl, it's just a dumb airport".

And you're not wrong. Honestly, it's small. Unless you're flying with ANA or JAL, mostly domestically, it's not something to write home to your mom about. Unless you really like airplanes and love watching them, kind of like bird-watching. Because there is a pretty sizeable observation deck at Osaka International Airport (also known as Itami Airport), and I have to say I have a new found love for this... hobby, if you will.

If you've never been to ITM, then let me explain the airport a little bit - there's a South Wing and a North Wing. The South side is mostly ANA flights, while JAL dominates the North side of the airport. This observation deck spans the entire building, and connects both north and south side together. It's pretty big!

It is located on the 4th floor of the airport, accessible by elevator if needed.

If you take the escalator from the South side (ANA departure/arrival), you will be greeted by Sorayan - the mascot of ITM - and his little garden oasis!

The north side of the observation deck has a gift shop and a Tully's. It even has a play area for children and a small "waterpark" (it's like.. those water spouts from the ground that shoots water out) for young children to cool down in the summer heat.

If you're close by, it might be a good place for you and your family to get some fresh air without being around too many people (especially now during the pandemic).