About Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport is the gateway to western Japan with many international and domestic flights. It is one of the largest airports in the Kansai region and is used by both domestic and international travelers visiting Osaka and Kyoto, as well as those traveling overseas. It is also known by the nickname "KIX" from the abbreviation "Kanku" and the airport code "KIX.

Terminal 1 is directly connected to Kansai Airport Station. Terminal 2, on the other hand, is located approximately 4 km away. When traveling to Terminal 2, visitors can use the free shuttle bus that departs from and arrives at Aeroplaza, a Property adjacent to Terminal 1.

The five-story building also houses the "Sky View" observation hall, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the runways and watch airplanes take off and land up close, as well as the "Sky Museum" where visitors can learn about airports and airplanes and have fun. The Sky Museum is a must-see spot for airplane enthusiasts.

The grand opening is scheduled for March 2025! More convenient and comfortable "Terminal 1 Building

Terminal 1 will undergo a large-scale renovation for the first time since its opening in 1994, opening a new domestic flight area in October 2022 and a new international departure area in December 2023. In addition, a new international shared lounge and expanded security checkpoints will complete the major functions, leading to a grand opening on March 27, 2025.

An important aspect of the renovation was the rearrangement of domestic and international flights, which significantly increased the capacity of international flights.
In conjunction with the renovation, the international security checkpoints and immigration checkpoints were completely renewed. The international security checkpoints have been consolidated and expanded, and the latest Smart Lane, which allows passengers to inspect their baggage without removing their computers or drinks, has been introduced to make the process more comfortable and smoother.
In addition, by relocating the departure and arrival areas, an open space and efficient operation will be realized.

In addition, a space will be created where passengers can enjoy themselves after departure procedures until just before boarding. The lounges scattered throughout the airport have been consolidated into a single location, and an international shared lounge has been opened on the 3rd floor. The lounge space has been made more spacious by streamlining the space, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy their time until their flight.

Another major point of the renewal is the "International Departure Area," a commercial area that can be used after departure to enjoy shopping and dining. The airport has been enhanced to an airport where you will want to stay and enjoy your time in the departure area by arriving early.
In addition, the north-south commercial area for international flights is scheduled to be expanded in the summer of 2026.

Osaka's gourmet food at "Tasty Street" (before passport control)

The "Tasty Street" food court on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1 Domestic Flight is located in the general area and can be used before security check or even if you are not boarding a plane. This area is very popular among foreign visitors to Japan as it offers ramen, curry, udon, and other dishes in a casual atmosphere. In addition to the food court, there is a wide variety of Osaka's gourmet food, and it is nice to be able to taste the deliciousness of popular restaurants at the airport.

Here, we will introduce some Osaka gourmet foods that you should not miss.
One is "551HORAI," which is well known for its pork buns.

If you want to eat in, we recommend the "551 Dim Sum Set," which includes the famous pork buns, 551's signature dim sum such as sweet-and-sour dumplings, shrimp yaki-sai, and spring rolls, as well as tanzai noodles, a staple of Taiwanese food stalls. Take-out bento boxes such as "Pork Buns Bento" and "Shumai Bento" are also available.

Business hours: Take-out (7:00 - 21:00 *Only chilled products are available until 10:00)
Restaurant 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30), boxed lunches 11:00-21:00)

Another must-try is "Takoyaki Kappo Takomasa" in Dotonbori, Osaka, where you can enjoy the delicious taste of dashi broth. The takoyaki are made with secret soy sauce and baked in a copper plate takoyaki cooker, which gives the takoyaki a thick texture. Akashiyaki, a soft and fluffy dish dipped in bonito-flavored soup stock, is also a must-try.

Business hours: 7:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30)

Enjoy shopping and dining at the "New International Departure Area" (after passport control)

The "New International Departure Area" is a new area located on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1 after passport control. Popular restaurants and stores selling the hottest souvenirs are gathered here, so you can enjoy shopping and dining while waiting to board your flight.

Here are some of the most recommended gourmet foods and souvenirs.

KIX BEER is an alcohol and food store featuring local craft beers.
You can enjoy high quality beer brewed at Izumisano Brewing, the craft beer brewery closest to Kansai International Airport. The brewery has won numerous awards in its pursuit of beers that you can drink as many times as you like, and you are sure to enjoy the reliable taste. We also recommend the special beef curry set that uses only Dunkel, a black beer, and no water at all.

Business hours: 6:30 - L.O. 23:45

MENSHO" is a famous ramen restaurant that attracts a long line of customers and opened its first branch in the Kansai region.
You can enjoy ramen made with luxurious ingredients such as A5-rank wagyu beef chashu pork, white truffles, and porcini mushrooms. The restaurant has been featured in the "Michelin Guide San Francisco" and is so popular that people line up to get in. Be sure to get through the immigration checkpoint early to try it.

Open from 6:30 to 24:15 (L.O.23:45)

If you are looking for souvenirs of Japan's famous Japanese and Western confections, go to "TASTE OF KANSAI Tabi Nikki".
This store is very popular among foreign visitors to Japan who are shopping for souvenirs at the end of their trip. For Japanese people leaving Japan, it is also a great place to find souvenirs that will be appreciated overseas. You can even pick up some of the sweets you have been eyeing to take with you on your trip.

Here are three sweets that are particularly popular in the store.

First, there is the "Mar Blanche" tea confectionery, whose main store is located in Kitayama, Kyoto, and is synonymous with Kyoto souvenirs.
Uji tea leaves and other carefully selected tea leaves from Uji Shirakawa, Kyoto, are used. It is baked into a melt-in-your-mouth langue d'ocha and sandwiched between two pieces of white chocolate with a rich milkiness.

Henri Charpentier, founded in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, sells 80,000 financiers a day.
The rich aroma of butter made from raw milk from the Nemuro and Kushiro regions of Hokkaido and the savory taste of California almonds are the main ingredients of this popular product.

We also recommend the Castella from Kurofune, which has its manufacturing base in Osaka.
The sponge cake is carefully baked using uniquely blended flour and fresh eggs. It is characterized by its moist, mouth-watering, and fluffy texture.

Business hours: 6:00 - 24:25 (subject to change depending on flight conditions)

Also located in the new international departure area is KIX DUTY FREE, one of the largest walk-through duty free stores in Japan, with a sales floor area of approximately 2,500 m2. The aisles are designed to weave between the sales areas, allowing visitors to easily walk through the store while viewing the duty free merchandise. The store offers a wide variety of products including perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, cigarettes, and confectionery. The store offers a wide variety of popular and talked-about brands and products, including a long-established sake brewer that is opening its first airport duty free store and a brand that is making its first appearance in an airport duty free store in Japan. In addition, there will be event spaces throughout the store to introduce new products and seasonal displays.

Visit the "Terminal 2 Building" dedicated to low-cost carriers (LCCs)

Terminal 2 is dedicated to LCCs and is divided into domestic and international buildings. Peach Aviation, South Korea's JEJU Airlines, and China's Chunqiu Airlines operate international flights. *As of March 2025

To get to Terminal 2 from Terminal 1, proceed from the 2nd floor of the Terminal 1 building to the ticket gate of Kansai Airport Station, and board a bus at the free shuttle bus stop on the 1st floor of the Aeroplaza Property, a commercial facility directly connected to Terminal 1. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes. Buses run every 2 to 7 minutes, depending on the time of day.

After checking in for your international flight, you will be welcomed by a "walk-through" shopping area after completing security and immigration inspection. You can enjoy shopping at the duty-free store and souvenir stores until just before boarding the plane.

Enjoy the fascination of airplanes at the Sky Deck and Sky Museum

If you have time before your flight, we recommend visiting the free admission "KIX Observation Hall Sky View" on the grounds of Kansai International Airport. It takes about 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Sky View.

The KIX Observation Hall Sky View consists of two buildings: the 4th and 5th floors of the Main Hall and the 5th floor of the Entrance Hall, both of which have a "Sky Deck" where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the runway.

This is a must-see viewing spot for airplane lovers, offering a panoramic view of Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 and a close-up look at the powerful planes taking off and landing one after another.

On the third floor of the main hall is the "Sky Museum," an Experience-type Tour and Learning Property where visitors can enjoy learning about Kansai International Airport and airplanes.

The highlight of the museum is the 1/72 scale model of the terminal building and passenger apron. It is a huge model of Kansai International Airport's Terminal 1, which is a precise reproduction of the airport, and is an interesting exhibit that allows visitors to see the various jobs at the airport.

The "cockpit" exhibit is recommended as a photo spot. A full-scale cockpit of a Boeing 777 is reproduced in a flight simulator, and visitors can simulate the experience of an airline pilot's job with realistic images.

Take a break at the NODOKA café lounge

The NODOKA lounge in the Aero Plaza, a commercial Property adjacent to Terminal 1, is open 24 hours a day and can be used before or after a flight. There are various types of seating, including a lawn area, café-type seats, mat seats, and reclining seats, as well as private rooms and shower rooms. This is a spot where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, take a nap, or just relax while waiting for your flight or between trips.

Airport Limousine Bus" is convenient for Direction to Kansai International Airport

The Airport Limousine Bus, which connects major terminals in Keihanshin (Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, etc.) and Shikoku, is convenient to Kansai International Airport. Directions to the airport are smooth, with no transfers, and passengers can leave their luggage in the trunk room and sit comfortably on the bus. Of course, the bus also operates from the airport to major cities. During the Osaka-Kansai Expo (April 13-October 13, 2025), shuttle buses will also be available between the airport and the Expo site (by reservation only).

If you want to spend the night before or after the Expo, go to "OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts" for its excellent Direction and comfort.

For a comfortable stay before or after the Expo, we recommend "OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts," which has excellent Direction from Kansai International Airport. It is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Rinku Town Station, one stop from Kansai International Airport, and a free shuttle bus service to Kansai International Airport is also available. With the concept of "Sorachika, Fun Time," the hotel not only offers convenient functions as an airport hotel, but also provides a fulfilling experience that will raise your spirits before you go on your trip and after you return.

The hotel is equipped with six different types of baths and saunas to relax before and after your flight. There is a Public hot spring with a wide variety of indoor baths, a semi-outdoor hot spring with a pleasant sea breeze, and a dry sauna. The carbonic acid bath is especially recommended. The bubbles on the skin are very foamy, and within minutes you will feel the stimulating sensation of the carbonated water, which is both refreshing and stimulating.

For meals, go to the OMO Dining on the 21st floor. You can enjoy buffet breakfast and cafeteria style meals for dinner. It is available from 6:00 a.m., so you can recharge with a good breakfast even if you have an early flight.

Automatic terminals are also available for smooth check-in and check-out procedures. It turns the hectic time before boarding into a comfortable and relaxing time. Why don't you spend a comfortable time at the "Sorachika" comfortable hotel?

From gourmet food and shopping to tours, experiences, and a break. In the summer of 2026, the international commercial area of Terminal 1 will be expanded and renovations will be completed. As Kansai International Airport continues to increase its power, we cannot take our eyes off the airport in the future.