Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a major hub for exploring the Kansai region and serves as the main international gateway to western Japan. Built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, it is one of the three key airports in the area, alongside Osaka International Airport and Kobe Airport.

In 2024, the number of international travelers passing through KIX reached a record-breaking 18.92 million—up 45% from the previous year. It ranked third in Japan for international passenger traffic, following Narita and Haneda, and second for international landings after Narita, underscoring its role as one of Japan’s largest international airports.

Kansai International Airport is made up of two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving as the main hub. As of March 2025, all airlines except Peach Aviation and Jeju Air operate from this terminal. The first floor is for both international and domestic arrivals, the second for domestic departures, the third houses VIP lounges and a prayer room, and the fourth is dedicated to international departures.

After check-in and passing through security, passengers enter the duty-free zone, which is divided into the Main Building, North Wing, and South Wing. This area features a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, and luxury brand boutiques.

One highlight is the massive "KIX DUTY FREE" store, spanning roughly 2,500 square meters. It offers an extensive selection of cosmetics, perfumes, liquor, tobacco, sweets, and more—perfect for some last-minute shopping before departure.

Terminal 2 is used exclusively by Peach Aviation for both domestic and international flights, and by Jeju Air for international routes (as of March 2025). While smaller in scale compared to Terminal 1, it is fully equipped with essential facilities.

Within the duty-free area, you’ll find “TASTE OF JAPAN Kansai Tabinikki,” a shop offering a wide selection of iconic Japanese sweets and souvenirs—not just from Kansai, but from across Japan. Popular picks include ROYCE’, Tokyo Banana, and Shiroi Koibito.

Terminals 1 and 2 are about 4 km apart, so it's best to use the free shuttle bus for transfers between them. The ride takes around 7 to 9 minutes and connects Terminal 1, the Aero Plaza commercial complex, and both the domestic and international boarding areas of Terminal 2.

Renovations to Terminal 1 have been underway since May 2021, with major upgrades rolling out in stages. The new domestic area opened in October 2022, followed by a revamped international departure zone in December 2023. Most recently, in March 2025, the terminal saw expanded security checkpoints, a relocated immigration area, 13 new shops including convenience stores and currency exchange counters, and the addition of lounges in the international area.

The final stage is set for summer 2026, when even more shops and facilities will open in the international departure zone.

Don't get them mixed up—Osaka International Airport (ITM), also known as Itami Airport, is a separate airport located across parts of Hyogo and Osaka prefectures. Despite its name, it currently handles only domestic flights as of March 2025. Its name may sound similar to Kansai International Airport (KIX), but the two serve different purposes, so be sure to double-check when planning your trip.

Here are the main ways to reach Kansai International Airport from major areas in the Kansai region:

By Train
・From Kyoto Station: About 1 hour 15 minutes via JR Limited Express Haruka
・From Shin-Osaka Station: About 50 minutes via JR Limited Express Haruka
・From Osaka Station: About 1 hour 15 minutes via JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service
・From Namba Station: About 34–39 minutes via Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t α, or 43 minutes via Nankai Airport Express
・From Tennoji Station: About 30 minutes via JR Limited Express Haruka, or 45 minutes via Kansai Airport Rapid Service

Kansai Airport Station is directly connected to the 2nd floor of Terminal 1 and the Aero Plaza, making it easy to enter the airport from the train station.

You can reach Osaka from Kansai Airport via JR or Nankai Railway. If you take the JR Limited Express Haruka or the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t, you’ll need both a regular fare ticket and a limited express ticket. Limousine buses also run to Osaka Station, but travel time may vary due to traffic—so they’re best for those with a flexible schedule.

To reach Kyoto, you can take either JR or Nankai Railway. If using local train services, a transfer is required—usually at Osaka Station for JR or at Namba Station for Nankai. There’s also a direct limousine bus to Kyoto Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

To travel from Kansai Airport to central Kobe (Sannomiya area), JR or Nankai Railway are recommended. You’ll need to transfer at Osaka Station when using JR, or at Namba Station if taking Nankai. A direct limousine bus to Kobe Sannomiya is also available and takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

After arriving at Kansai Airport, proceed through quarantine, immigration, baggage claim, and customs inspection before reaching your arrival gate. Pre-registering with the Visit Japan Web service can make the process smoother—just be sure to have a smartphone or tablet handy to display the required QR code.

After clearing immigration, take advantage of convenient services within the airport such as SIM card and Wi-Fi router rentals, currency exchange, luggage delivery, and travel passes. These services can help you start your trip in Japan with ease and comfort.

Located in the South Area of Terminal 1, the Kansai Tourist Information Center offers multilingual support in English, Chinese, and Korean for sightseeing across Kansai and the rest of Japan. It’s equipped with the “Touch & See Translation” mobile interpretation service, and provides ticket sales for transportation passes like the Keihan Kyoto-Osaka 1-Day Pass for international visitors, as well as other train tickets, day tours, and even hotel bookings.

・Phone: 072-456-6160
・Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM

Currency exchange counters are located throughout Kansai Airport for your convenience.

In Terminal 1, you’ll find five on the first floor, two on the fourth floor, and two more inside the international gate area after security. Terminal 2 has one in the international departures area, one in the arrivals area, and one inside the post-security gate area.

Many counters operate from early morning until late at night to match flight schedules, and some areas offer 24-hour automated exchange machines.

Staying connected is easy at Kansai Airport, with rental services available from providers like Telecom Square, WiFiBOX, and Global WiFi. Some companies offer staffed counters, while others use unmanned pickup machines for quick and easy service.

Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout most of the airport, including all areas of Terminal 1 (except part of the international arrivals path), bus stops, train stations, the entire Aero Plaza, Terminal 2, and the KIX Observation Hall—no registration or fees required.

Visitors can pick up their Japan Rail Pass—a discounted ticket for JR trains, buses, and ferries—at the ticket counter inside Kansai Airport Station.

You can send your luggage from Kansai Airport directly to your hotel or other designated locations within Japan—even with same-day delivery, depending on the drop-off time.

In Terminal 1, services are available at JAL ABC, Kansai Airport Baggage Service, and Lawson. In Terminal 2, you can send luggage via Lawson.

LIVE JAPAN also offers a same-day delivery service from select hotels in Osaka, Kyoto, and near Kansai Airport to the airport. See the link below for details.

In celebration of the 2025 Osaka–Kansai Expo, a dedicated booth has opened on the first floor of Terminal 1, near the international and domestic arrivals area. The space showcases daily features from different regions, a digital Kansai Area Map, and an immersive Vibloscape display that lets you explore tourist destinations through sight, sound, and touch.

・Location: Terminal 1, 1st Floor (International & Domestic Arrivals)
・Period: October 11, 2024 – October 13, 2025
・Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

A high-speed ferry called the Bay Shuttle connects Kansai International Airport to Kobe Airport via the Marine Access Terminal. The first ferry departs from Terminals 2 and 1 at 6:20 AM and arrives at Kobe Airport at 7:01 AM. The final ferry departs at 11:50 PM and arrives at 12:31 AM the following day.

There are two hotels located on the airport island: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport and First Cabin Kansai Airport. You’ll also find a range of additional hotel options in the surrounding area.

For those arriving late or departing early, restaurants like COCO'S Airport Dining (Terminal 2) and Sukiya (Terminal 1) open before 7 AM, while some shops and eateries remain open past 10 PM.

After checking in at your airline’s counter or a self-service kiosk, proceed to the departure area. For international flights from Terminal 1, head to the 4th floor. Complete security screening and immigration procedures, and if you've purchased duty-free items in town, be sure to present your “Record of Purchase of Consumption Tax-Exempt for Export” form at customs. After that, proceed to your boarding gate.

Kansai Airport offers a wide variety of dining options, from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine to fast food, cafés, bars, izakaya, and food courts. Some restaurants boast great views of the runway, and others offer halal or vegetarian-friendly menus.

Dining locations vary by area—before security, after security in domestic zones, after security in the international departure zone, and in the international arrivals area. If you have a specific place in mind, be sure to plan ahead for the best time to visit.

After passing through the newly opened walk-through duty-free store, you'll reach the central Plaza area, divided into four themed zones: “FUN,” “CURIOUS,” “ACTIVE,” and “PEACEFUL.” Each mood zone offers a unique shopping experience with stores that match its vibe.

Highlights include “TASTE OF KANSAI Kansai Tabinikki,” offering a wide selection of Kansai regional sweets, and “Anime hunt,” a specialty shop featuring figures, model kits, and other hobby goods.

Just across the bay from Kansai Airport lies Rinku Town, a resort-like area packed with shopping and entertainment. Highlights include the “Rinku Premium Outlets,” home to many top international brands, the “AEON Mall Rinku Sennan,” and the “Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle,” a large complex featuring a giant Ferris wheel as its landmark.

Just a short walk from Rinku Town Station—one stop from Kansai Airport Station—Rinku Park offers a spacious, open setting with scenic views. On clear days, you can spot planes taking off and landing at the airport, as well as catch sight of Awaji Island and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

With the Osaka–Kansai Expo kicking off on April 13, 2025, Kansai International Airport is set to welcome even more travelers. Thanks to recent renovations, the airport is now more convenient and enjoyable than ever.

From the adjoining Aero Plaza to the massive KIX DUTY FREE shop, there's plenty to do beyond catching a flight. Whether you're shopping for souvenirs or savoring local Osaka flavors, make the most of your time at the airport!

(Note: This information is current as of March 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.)