Kansai International Airport
関西国際空港
Osaka, Japan · Since 1994
Last updated:
About KIX
Built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, serving the Kansai region.
Why "KIX"?
KIX is derived from Kansai International eXpress. The K stands for Kansai (the region), I for International, and X was chosen as a distinctive identifier since KAN was already taken.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The main terminal designed by Renzo Piano, built on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. Handles all international flights and most domestic carriers. Features a distinctive curved roof spanning 1.7 km.
Terminal 2 (LCC Terminal)
Budget terminal opened in 2012, primarily serving low-cost carriers. Located across the airfield from Terminal 1, connected by free shuttle bus. Simpler facilities but efficient operations.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at KIX
Showing 8 of 66 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
JPY 14,000-20,000 (to Osaka/Namba)
50-70 minutes to city center
Public Transport
JPY 1,210 (Nankai Rapid to Namba)
45 minutes (Nankai Rapi:t express) to city center
Parking at KIX
P1 Multi-Story Parking
P2 Parking
P3 Economy Parking
P5 Rinku Long Stay
Airport Lounges
JAL Sakura Lounge
Elegant lounge with traditional Japanese design elements. Features JAL original curry, beer servers, and shower rooms.
ANA Lounge
Spacious lounge with excellent runway views. Japanese snacks including onigiri, miso soup, and curry rice. Premium sake and beer selection.
KIX Airport Lounge
Located on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1. Offers Japanese and Western snacks, soft drinks, beer, sake, shower facilities, and massage chairs.
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Compact but well-appointed lounge with noodle bar, drinks, and comfortable seating. Good views of the apron.
Korean Air Lounge
Lounge offering Korean snacks, ramyeon, beverages, and quiet seating area for Korean Air premium passengers.
Card Members Lounge Annex Rokko
Domestic-side lounge with basic amenities including soft drinks, newspapers, and comfortable seating.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
KIX Refresh Square
Terminal 1, 3rd floor Aeroplaza
Rest facility with private booths, showers, and massage services. Available for short naps or longer stays between flights.
Connected Hotels
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
Directly connected to Terminal 1 via walkway
The only hotel directly connected to the terminal. Ideal for early departures or late arrivals. Soundproofed rooms with runway views.
Nearby Hotels
Comfort Hotel Kansai Airport
Rinku Town, adjacent to train station
Budget-friendly hotel in Rinku Town with complimentary breakfast. Steps from the Rinku Town Station.
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
Rinku Town, one stop on JR or Nankai Line
Tall hotel in Rinku Town with spectacular views of the airport island and Osaka Bay. Connected by train in minutes.
Capsule Hotels
First Cabin Kansai Airport
Inside Terminal 1, 2nd floor
Japanese capsule hotel concept with first-class airline cabin-style pods. Includes shared shower facilities and lounge area.
Food & Dining
Yoshinoya
Japanese (Gyudon)
Famous Japanese beef bowl chain. Quick, affordable, and satisfying meal option available early morning.
06:30-22:00
McDonald's
Fast Food
Standard McDonald's with Japan-exclusive menu items like Teriyaki McBurger.
06:00-22:00
Marugame Seimen
Japanese (Udon)
Self-service udon noodle chain with freshly made noodles. Choose your toppings and watch them being made.
07:00-21:00
Botejyu
Japanese (Okonomiyaki)
Authentic Osaka okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and yakisoba. A must-try Osaka specialty before departing.
07:00-21:30
Sushi Choushimaru
Japanese (Sushi)
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant serving fresh sushi at reasonable airport prices. Popular with both locals and tourists.
07:00-21:00
Town Gate Burger and Grill
American/Burgers
Western-style burgers, steaks, and craft beers. Popular with international travelers wanting familiar food.
07:00-21:00
Car Rental
Toyota Rent a Car
Aeroplaza 1F, Terminal 1
Japan drives on the left. International Driving Permit required. ETC card for toll roads available.
Nippon Rent-A-Car
Aeroplaza 1F, Terminal 1
Major Japanese rental company with English-speaking staff at KIX branch. GPS navigation in English available.
Times Car Rental
Aeroplaza 1F, Terminal 1
Good value rentals with comprehensive insurance options. Compact cars ideal for Japanese roads.
Orix Rent a Car
Aeroplaza 1F, Terminal 1
Wide selection of vehicles including hybrids. Good English support online and at counter.
Budget Rent a Car
Aeroplaza 1F, Terminal 1
International brand with familiar booking process. Smaller selection than Japanese brands.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Sky Gate Bridge R Observation Deck
Free observation deck on the rooftop of Terminal 1 with panoramic views of aircraft, Osaka Bay, and the airport bridge. Great for plane spotting.
Japanese Souvenir Shopping
Terminal 1 has extensive duty-free shopping with Japanese specialty items: matcha products, sake, wagashi sweets, electronics, and anime merchandise.
KIX Refresh Square Spa
Relaxation facility with massage chairs, shower rooms, and private rest booths. Available 24 hours in the Aeroplaza.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Rinku Premium Outlets
Large outlet shopping mall in Rinku Town, one train stop from the airport. Over 200 stores with international and Japanese brands at discounted prices.
Explore Dotonbori
Take the Nankai Rapi:t to Namba and explore Dotonbori, Osaka famous food street. Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and street food. The Glico Man sign is iconic.
Visit Osaka Castle
Take the train to Osaka and visit the iconic Osaka Castle. The castle museum and surrounding park are spectacular. Allow at least 5 hours total.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●●
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (Japan standard, 100V)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From JPY 400 (small locker) to JPY 1000 (large) per day
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Exchange: Travelex and other exchange counters in both Terminal 1 (1F Arrivals, 4F Departures) and Terminal 2. Seven Bank ATMs accept international cards.
- Hours: 05:30-23:30 daily
- Tipping: Tipping is NOT customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms available in both terminals, both landside and airside
Lost & Found
- Phone: +81 72-455-2500
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+81 72-455-2500
Traveler Reviews
Leave a Review
Compare with Nearby Airports
See how KIX compares to other major airports in the region.
Kansai International Airport
Osaka, Japan
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Nagoya, Japan