Japan is famous for its high-speed trains, but did you know you can sometimes fly across the country for less than the price of a Shinkansen ticket?
On this trip, I traveled from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) aboard Peach Aviation, one of Japan’s most popular low-cost carriers (LCCs). Thanks to a deal I found on Trip.com, the flight cost only ¥7,000 (around $43 USD).
If you’re planning a budget trip around Japan, this route is one of the best values you’ll find.
Watch the Full Journey
From Namba to Kansai Airport
My journey began at Namba Station in Osaka.
Since the goal of this trip was to keep costs as low as possible, I skipped the faster Nankai Rapi:t Limited Express and took the regular express train instead.
The trip to Kansai Airport took about 45 minutes and cost ¥970, making it an easy way to save even more money before the flight.
Sometimes the cheapest part of the trip isn’t the flight—it’s getting to the airport wisely.
Kansai Airport Terminal 2
Unlike the modern and luxurious Terminal 1, Peach Aviation uses Terminal 2, a much simpler building dedicated primarily to low-cost carriers.
After arriving at Kansai Airport Station, I took the free shuttle bus from Aeroplaza to Terminal 2.
The terminal feels more like a warehouse than a traditional airport, but everything is easy to understand.
Facilities include:
- Convenience store
- Souvenir shop
- Free Wi-Fi
- Self-service check-in kiosks
It’s simple, efficient, and perfectly suited for budget travelers.
Checking In with Peach Aviation
Check-in opens 90 minutes before departure.
Since I booked through Trip.com, I simply entered my six-digit reservation number into the self-service kiosk.
Within a minute, I had my boarding pass complete with QR code.
Carry-on baggage up to 7 kg is included free of charge.
As someone who often flies with low-cost airlines, I always carry a small luggage scale to make sure my bag stays within the weight limit.
Boarding the Airbus A320neo
Unlike many large airports, passengers walk directly to the aircraft after boarding.
Today’s aircraft was an Airbus A320-200neo, one of the newest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in Peach’s fleet.
The cabin has a standard 3-3 seating layout.
Seat pitch is admittedly tight, but for a two-hour flight, it was perfectly manageable—especially considering the ticket price.
One thing to note:
- No seatback entertainment
- No USB charging ports
- No power outlets
If you plan to use your phone or camera throughout the trip, bring a fully charged power bank.
Flying to Hokkaido
Takeoff is always my favorite part of flying.
Within minutes, Osaka disappeared beneath the clouds.
The flight lasted approximately two hours, making it dramatically faster than traveling by train.
For comparison:
| Transportation | Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Aviation | 2 hours | ¥7,000 |
| Shinkansen | Over 7 hours | Around ¥35,000 |
Flying saved both time and money.
That’s hard to beat.
Snacks and Drinks Onboard
As expected with a low-cost carrier, no complimentary drinks or meals are included.
Peach sells a surprisingly interesting menu onboard, including:
- Peach juice
- Osaka-style okonomiyaki
- Instant noodles
- Coffee
- Original Peach merchandise
I skipped the food because I had something much better waiting for me in Sapporo.
Instead, I bought a cup of coffee.
Somehow coffee tastes much better when you’re 10,000 meters above the ground.
Arriving at New Chitose Airport
After landing at New Chitose Airport, passengers were transported to the terminal by shuttle bus.
Even without checked luggage, reaching the terminal was quick and easy.
The cooler Hokkaido air was immediately noticeable compared to Osaka.
It finally felt like I had arrived in northern Japan.
Taking the Train to Sapporo
The JR station is conveniently located beneath the airport.
Even first-time visitors can find it easily thanks to clear English signage.
The Rapid Airport train runs roughly every 10 minutes.
Journey details:
- Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Fare: ¥1,230
Before long, I arrived at Sapporo Station.
Now came the real purpose of this trip.
Is Peach Aviation Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to travel between Osaka and Hokkaido, Peach Aviation offers incredible value.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable fares
- Modern Airbus A320neo aircraft
- Easy online booking
- Fast travel time
- Great option for budget travelers
Cons:
- Tight seating
- No free drinks
- No in-seat power outlets
- Terminal 2 is more basic than Terminal 1
None of these drawbacks felt significant considering the incredibly low fare.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s domestic flights are often overlooked by visitors who automatically choose the Shinkansen.
However, if you can find promotional fares like this ¥7,000 ($43) ticket, flying can be both faster and much cheaper.
For this trip, the destination wasn’t just Hokkaido.
It was one perfect bowl of miso ramen waiting in Sapporo.
Sometimes that’s all the reason you need to travel.
Happy travels, and I’ll see you on the next journey.