Photo credit: Itami Airport official website

Itami Airport’s lounges fall into two broad categories — “card lounges” and “airline lounges” — and which facilities you can use also depends on whether you’re before or after security screening.

To cut to the conclusion: the only lounge you can use after arrival, while waiting to be picked up, is “Lounge Osaka” on the 3rd floor of the Central Terminal. It’s free with a gold card, or ¥1,253 without one. After security screening, your options are the JAL and ANA lounges reserved for their respective elite-status members.

Note: The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Prices and operating hours are subject to change, so please check each lounge’s or the airport’s official website for the latest details.

Itami Airport lounge basics: card lounges vs. airline lounges

Itami Airport’s lounges are broadly divided into two types: “card lounges” and “airline lounges.”

Item	Card Lounge	Airline Lounge
Eligibility	Gold card or above, or paid entry	Elite-status members, premium-class passengers, etc.
Location	Before security (Central Terminal)	After security (North/South Terminal)
Soft drinks	Free	Free
Alcohol	Paid	Free

Itami Airport has the following three to four main lounges:

• Before security: Lounge Osaka (Central Terminal, 3F)
• After security: ANA LOUNGE (South Terminal, 4F), JAL Sakura Lounge (North Terminal, 3F), JAL Diamond Premier Lounge (North Terminal, 3F)

In addition, the official website’s list also includes the “ANA Suite Lounge” (North Terminal, 3F). If you’re considering using it, please check directly with ANA’s official website.

Also recommended after arrival while waiting for pickup: Lounge Osaka

Lounge Osaka is the only lounge at Itami Airport that can be used after arrival.

The official website explicitly states, “Please relax before your departure. Arriving passengers are also welcome.”

• Location: Central Terminal, 3rd floor (before security)
• Hours: 6:30 AM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:45 PM)
• Price: ¥1,253 (tax included) per accompanying guest; ¥622 (tax included) for ages 3–17; free under age 3 / free with an eligible gold card
• Seats: 133 total (131 non-smoking, 2 smoking)

Even without a card, anyone flying that day can use the lounge at the same rate. Soft drinks are provided free of charge, while alcohol (beer, highballs) and snacks are paid.

Wi-Fi is available throughout, and a private business room is also available (¥1,000 per 30 minutes, with power outlets, suitable for laptop work or remote meetings, capacity up to 4 people per group). Note that it’s walk-in only on the day — phone reservations are not accepted.

Eligible cards cover an extremely wide range, including TRUST CLUB, Diners Club, JCB (The Class, Platinum, Gold, etc.), the VJA group (Visa Gold, Platinum, etc.), American Express, Mitsui Sumitomo Card (Visa Infinite, Platinum, Gold, etc.), Rakuten Card, and d Card. Starting October 1, 2025, it also began accepting the Nikkei Office Pass (weekdays only).

JAL’s airline lounges

Itami Airport’s JAL lounges are located on the 3rd floor of the North Terminal.

Lounge Name	Location	Eligibility	Price (general admission)
Sakura Lounge	North Terminal, 3F (after security)	JAL status members, First Class passengers, etc.	¥3,000
Diamond Premier Lounge	North Terminal, 3F (directly connected to dedicated security checkpoint)	Diamond, JGC Premier, First Class passengers, etc.	—

Even those without elite status can use the Sakura Lounge for ¥3,000 per person. Built around a “Japanese ambiance” concept, this modern Japanese-style space lets you relax while watching parked aircraft and the runway. It also offers a generous selection of free alcoholic drinks.

The Diamond Premier Lounge ranks as the top-tier domestic lounge at Itami Airport, serving light meals throughout the day. Past the dedicated Diamond/JGC Premier security checkpoint, the elevator hall features a digital art installation by teamLab titled “Sora Kaki: Reversed Chaos and Cranes – Itami,” giving the space a museum-like atmosphere. JAL’s signature baked curry bread is a popular item here.

ANA’s airline lounge

• Location: South Terminal, 4th floor (after security)
• Hours: 6:00 AM until the last flight departure
• Eligibility: Passengers flying under an ANA flight number on ANA Group-operated or codeshare flights (AIRDO, IBEX Airlines, Oriental Air Bridge, Solaseed Air, StarFlyer, Japan Air Commuter, Amakusa Airlines)

Designed under the supervision of architect Kengo Kuma around the concept of “Ichigo, Ichie” (one time, one meeting), the space features “Yamato-kabe” walls using wooden pegs to create a bright, airy atmosphere. The lounge also connects directly to the indoor “ANA PREMIUM CHECK-IN” counter. Amenities are extensive, including restrooms, an accessible restroom, a nursing room, diaper-changing tables, a smoking area, a phone booth, copy/fax facilities, and baggage lockers, along with drinks such as beer, shochu, coffee, and tea.

Beyond lounges: Priority Pass perks at Osaka Airport Winery

Itami Airport also offers a Priority Pass perk beyond its lounges. At “Osaka Airport Winery” — home to a rare in-airport winery — Priority Pass members can enjoy a meal set normally worth ¥3,400 for free.

• Location: Central Block, 3rd floor (before-security area)
• Hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Eligibility: Priority Pass members (departing flights only)
• What’s included: A main dish (choice of meat, fish, or an appetizer platter) plus either unlimited house wine (60-minute limit) or one soft drink

Since this is located in the before-security area, keep in mind that you can’t go back once you’ve passed through screening. It’s best to stop by after checking in and dropping off luggage, but before going through security.

Recommendations by purpose

If you want easy access with a gold card

Lounge Osaka is your option. It’s usable both after arrival and before departure, and covers an extremely wide range of eligible cards, so it applies to most travelers.

If you want to enjoy alcohol

The JAL Sakura Lounge and ANA LOUNGE both offer free alcoholic drinks. Even without elite status, the JAL Sakura Lounge is available for ¥3,000.

If you want a luxurious experience with a Priority Pass

The special menu at Osaka Airport Winery is a great choice. With a meal and wine worth ¥3,400 provided for free, it can feel even more satisfying than a lounge visit.

If you need to work or join a web meeting

Lounge Osaka’s business room (private, with power outlets, suitable for laptop work or remote meetings) is available. Since it’s walk-in only on the day, be sure to ask early.

NearMe is also a great option for getting to and from Itami Airport!

When heading to Itami Airport, be sure to try “NearMe” — a service that takes you directly from any location of your choice, with no transfers.

Overview

NearMe is a flat-rate transfer service that picks you up directly from wherever you are — home, hotel, or elsewhere — and takes you straight to the airport. It has served over 1.45 million cumulative bookings, with a rider satisfaction score of 4.6 out of 5.0 (based on results from October 2019 to May 2025). Pricing pages for Itami Airport are split between the Osaka/Hyogo area and the Kyoto area.

• Shared ride: from ¥1,980 per person for the Osaka/Hyogo route, from ¥3,980 for the Kyoto route
• Private ride (flat-rate hired car): from ¥8,980 per vehicle for the Osaka/Hyogo route, from ¥20,800 for the Kyoto route

With “shared rides,” where you ride alongside other passengers, you can save up to 80% compared to a regular taxi.

How to use it and pricing

Between Osaka Station and Itami Airport (Osaka/Hyogo route), here are the approximate rates and travel times:

Transport Method	Approx. Price	Travel Time	Notes
NearMe (shared ride)	Approx. ¥2,980	From approx. 15 min	Includes expressway tolls, door-to-door
Limousine Bus	Approx. ¥650	From approx. 35 min	Requires travel to/from the bus stop and waiting time
Taxi	Approx. ¥5,700	From approx. 15 min	Costly for 1–3 people; pickup and expressway fees extra
Private Car	Approx. ¥4,090	From approx. 15 min	Pickup and expressway fees extra; risk of full parking

For the Kyoto route (Gion-Shijo Station ⇔ Itami Airport):

Transport Method	Approx. Price	Travel Time	Notes
NearMe (shared ride)	Approx. ¥3,980	From approx. 45 min	Includes expressway tolls, door-to-door
Limousine Bus	Approx. ¥1,660	From approx. 70 min	Requires travel to/from the bus stop and waiting time
Taxi	Approx. ¥19,760	From approx. 40 min	Costly for 1–3 people; pickup and expressway fees extra
Private Car	Approx. ¥5,580	From approx. 45 min	Pickup and expressway fees extra; risk of full parking

How to get even better value

• Early-bird discount: Book at least 14 days before your ride for a discounted price
• Shared-ride discount: Get a discounted price if you have or can easily find fellow riders (based on date/time and route)
• Group discount: The more people, the bigger the per-person savings — up to about 70% off
• Children ride at half the adult fare, and infants ride free
• One suitcase is free; larger items cost an extra ¥1,000 per piece
• Shared rides earn ANA, JAL, or StarFlyer miles
• Full refund guaranteed in case of flight delays

NearMe is especially recommended if you:

• Live near the airport in Suita, Ikeda, Toyonaka, or Itami City
• Feel uneasy about driving, or simply don’t want to drive
• Have a lot of luggage, like large suitcases, and find train transfers burdensome
• Are heading to the airport with family or friends
• Are flying on an early-morning or late-night flight

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Which lounge can I use right after arrival?

A. “Lounge Osaka” on the 3rd floor of the Central Terminal can be used both before departure and after arrival. It’s the only lounge at Itami Airport available after arrival.

Q. If I have a gold card, is my companion free too?

A. Some cards do cover companions for free, but in most cases, an accompanying guest is charged ¥1,253. Please check with your card issuer for details on your specific card.

Q. Is there a lounge with shower facilities?

A. The sources we were able to check for this article did not mention shower facilities. If you’re hoping to use a shower, please contact each lounge directly.

Q. Can I use a lounge even without a card?

A. Lounge Osaka can be used for a fee (¥1,253) even without a card, as long as you’re flying that day. The JAL Sakura Lounge also accepts general admission for ¥3,000.

Q. When heading to Itami Airport, is parking or NearMe the better deal in the end?

A. Between Osaka Station and Itami Airport, NearMe’s shared ride (from about ¥2,980) is cheaper than a taxi (about ¥5,700), and on the Kyoto route (Gion-Shijo Station ⇔ Itami Airport), it can cut costs to roughly a fifth of a taxi fare (about ¥19,760). NearMe is especially recommended if you have a lot of luggage or would rather not drive.

Summary

When choosing a lounge at Itami Airport, the key first step is to consider whether you’ve just arrived or are about to depart. Lounge Osaka is the only option after arrival, while after security, your choices become the JAL and ANA lounges for their respective elite members. If you hold a Priority Pass, be sure to also check out the hidden option of the special menu at Osaka Airport Winery.

And when heading to Itami Airport, don’t forget to try NearMe for door-to-door travel. Whether you’re coming from Osaka Station or from the Kyoto area, it offers better value than a taxi. Give it a try on your next trip to Itami Airport.