Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (関西空港, Kansai Kūkō, KIX) is one of Japan's most important international airports. Located on a man-made island about 40 kilometers south of central Osaka, Kansai Airport was opened in 1994, taking over all international and some of the domestic air traffic formerly handled by Osaka's Itami Airport.

Kansai Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1, the main terminal, is housed in a long, modern building and serves both domestic and international flights by regular airlines. The railway station is located directly adjacent to it. Added in 2012 in a more remote, spartan building, terminal 2 serves low-cost airlines (LCCs). It has fewer bus connections and no train service, and is connected to terminal 1 and the railway station by a free shuttle bus.

Getting to Kansai Airport

By bus
  • Direct
  • 75 min
  • ¥2,200
  • 2 buses/hour

Airport buses directly connect Itami Airport with Kansai Airport in about 75 minutes and for 2200 yen one way.

By monorail and train
  • 2-3 transfers
  • 100 min
  • ¥1,620 - 3,000
  • frequent connections

The journey by rail requires at least two transfers of trains along the way: take the Osaka Monorail from Itami Airport (Osaka Airport Station) for just one station to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, 200 yen) and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Osaka-Umeda Station (15 to 20 minutes, 240 yen). From there you can get to Kansai Airport by direct JR Haruka limited express (45 minutes, around 2500 yen), direct JR Airport Rapid (70 minutes, 1180 yen) or subway and Nankai Railway via Namba (60 minutes, 1730 yen by limited express; or 70 minutes, 1210 yen by express).

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Means of access to/from Kansai Airport

  • JR Limited Express "Haruka"
    About 2000 yen, 30 minutes to Tennoji
    About 2500 yen, 45 minutes to Osaka Station
    About 2700 yen, 50 minutes to Shin-Osaka
    About 3000 yen, 70 minutes to Kyoto
    Departures every 30 minutes
    The Haruka is a comfortable train for travelers to and from the airport, which connects to Tennoji (a large station in southern Osaka), Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka (the shinkansen station of Osaka) and Kyoto. Reserved and non-reserved seats are available. Thanks to the Haruka 1-Way Ticket discount offer for foreign tourists, the Haruka can also be a relatively economical option.
  • JR Kansai Airport Rapid
    1060 yen, 50 minutes to Tennoji
    1180 yen, 70 minutes to Osaka
    Departures every 15 minutes
    The JR Airport Line is the inexpensive JR alternative to the Haruka limited express between the airport and central Osaka, serving Tennoji, Osaka and other major stations on the Osaka Loop Line. It cuts the ticket price in half, but increases the traveling time by about 15 minutes. Unlike the Haruka, it is a normal commuter train which stops a few times between the airport and Osaka and can become crowded during rush hours.
  • Nankai "Rapi:t"
    1490 yen, 35 minutes to Namba
    Departures every 30 minutes
    The Nankai "Rapi:t Alpha" and "Rapi:t Beta" trains are limited express trains which connect the airport with Namba, the heart of Osaka's southern city center. Beta trains stop at two more stations than Alpha trains and are, therefore, slightly slower. Both are comfortable trains especially for travelers to and from the airport. All seats are reserved. Discounted tickets can be purchased through Klook.
  • Nankai Airport Express
    970 yen, 45 minutes to Namba
    Departures every 15 minutes
    The Nankai Airport Express, also connecting the airport with Namba, is the cheaper but slower alternative to the "Rapi:t" trains. Unlike the "Rapi:t" trains, these trains are normal commuter trains which stop more frequently and can become crowded during rush hours.
  • Airport Limousine Bus
    About 1500 yen, 60 minutes to central Osaka
    2600 yen, 100 minutes to Kyoto
    2000 yen, 75 minutes to Kobe
    Airport buses connect Kansai Airport with various places and hotels in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and other places in the Kansai Region. It is possible to purchase tickets online via Klook.
  • Taxi and airport transfers
    Taxi: about 15,000 yen (18,000 yen late night), 50 minutes to central Osaka
    Because Kansai Airport is located about 50 km outside of Osaka, a taxi ride into the city center is rather expensive. Alternatively, there exist a wide range of private and shared airport transfer services, many of which include meet and greet services and English speaking drivers. Among the travel websites allowing for reservations of such services with instant confirmation is Klook.
  • Ferry
    1880 yen, 30 minutes to Kobe Airport
    A high speed ferry connects Kansai Airport with Kobe Airport. A shuttle bus connects the airport terminal with the ferry pier.

Late night and early morning flights

Travelers with flights departing in the early morning (before 8:00) or arriving in the late evening (after 22:00) should take note that all trains and most buses do not operate overnight. Taxis remain available, but are an expensive option with fares to Osaka starting around 18,000 yen. Affected travelers are advised to stay at a hotel in the vicinity of the airport, instead.

Late night transportation

The last train out of Kansai Airport to Osaka's Namba area departs just before midnight, while the last trains with connections to Osaka Station and Kyoto depart already around 11pm. Likewise, most last buses depart the airport around 23:00 or midnight.

Early morning transportation

The first train connections in the morning from Osaka reach the airport around 6:00, while those from Kyoto do so about an hour later. Early morning buses generally also start arriving around 6:00.

Hotels around the airport

Kansai Airport is open 24 hours, and it is possible for budget travelers to spend their first or last night there. Both terminals offer a variety of 24 hour facilities such as convenience stores, fast food and restaurants, while terminal 1 additionally offers showers, a paid airport lounge and an internet cafe.

There are a couple of hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport:

Several more accommodation options are available around Rinku Town Station, a short train (5 minutes, 370 yen) or taxi ride (about 2500-3500 yen) away. Some hotels offer free shuttle bus services to/from the airport:

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is directly connected with the terminal 1 building

Sightseeing attractions around the airport

  • Sky View Observation Hall
    Hours: 10:00 to 17:00, free entry
    Free shuttle bus from terminal 1 departs every 30 minutes
    The Sky View Observation Hall is an airport museum and observation deck. Its close proximity to one of the runways affords visitors excellent views of the planes taking off and landing at Kansai Airport. The hall is located near the ferry terminal building and is accessible in 8 minutes by free shuttle buses from terminal 1.
  • Rinku Town
    Hours: typically 10:00 to 20:00 (shops), 11:00 to 22:00 (restaurants)
    Access by train (370 yen one way) or shuttle bus (300 yen)
    Rinku Town is a shopping district with a large variety of shops, restaurants and other attractions. Some of the larger complexes include Seacle, a large shopping mall with a kids theme park, hot spring and ferris wheel; the Rinku Premium Outlets with over 200 brand name outlet shops and restaurants; and an Aeon shopping mall a little further away from Rinku Town Station.

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Hotels around Osaka

Read our Osaka Hotel Guide
Top rated near Kansai Airport
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Budget:
    •
      Fudoguchikan
      Mid-range
      At Fudoguchikan, guests can bathe in the open air, in a public hot-spring bath that boasts mountain and river views. Tranquil Japanese-style rooms offer river views, some from a private open-air bath. Free WiFi is available, and a free shuttle runs daily to/from JR Hinone Station. Rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor, a low table with seating cushions and a seating area at the floor-to-ceiling window. Amenities include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and an attached toilet. Guests sleep on traditional futon mats. The open-air hot-spring bath at Fudoguchikan is available 24 hours, and separate per gender. The ryokan also houses a lounge, a shop and drinks vending machines. A variety of yukata robes are available for rent, and free parking is on site. Fudoguchikan is a 15-minute drive from JR Hinone Station, and a 30-minute drive from Nankai Izumi-Sano Station. Kansai Airport is a 35-minute drive.
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    •
      Guest House Kominka Nagomi
      Budget-friendly
      Located 1.4 km from Icora Mall Izumisano, Guest House Kominka Nagomi offers 2-star accommodation in Izumi-Sano and has free bikes. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms. All units are equipped with air conditioning, and some have a TV, washing machine, a kettle, completed with a fully equipped kitchen. At the guest house, all units have bed linen and towels. Izumisano-shi Culture Hall is 1.9 km from the guest house, while Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle Shopping Centre is 2.9 km away. Kansai International Airport is 9 km from the property.
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    •
      Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 mins walk to the airport
      Luxury
      Directly accessible within Kansai International Airport, Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 mins walk to the airport features comfortable rooms with free WiFi. The hotel offers free luggage storage services at the 24-hour front desk and free on-site private parking. For overnight guests, free parking for 24 hours for each night stay, and thereafter, the property will charge according to regulation. Rooms at the Kansai Airport Nikko are bright and spacious. They have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle and refrigerator. En suite bathrooms come with a shower, bathtub as well as a hairdryer and free amenities. Facilities at the Nikko Hotel include a business desk, and coin-operated computers with internet access. Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 mins walk to the airport is connected to Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 via a pedestrian walkway. A breakfast is served at the property. Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 mins walk to the airport boasts 4 on-site restaurants including a Japanese restaurant "Hanazato", teppanyaki-grill restaurant "Icho", Chinese restaurant "Toh-Lee" and a Japanese-Western fusion restaurant "The Brasserie". Hotel Nikko is located within the Kansai Airport's shopping mall Aeroplaza. It is a 5-minute walk away Kansai Kuko Station for JR and Nankai lines. Tennoji Station is a 30-minute train ride from the property, while Namba Station is a 40-minute train ride away.
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    •
      HATAGO INN Kansai Airport
      Mid-range
      Providing free WiFi in all areas, HATAGO INN Kansai Airport is located a 7-minute walk from Rinku-Town Station. The property is located within 1.2 km of Rinku Premium Outlets. The ground floor features a large library for staying guests only offering magazines and manga books. Free public baths separated by gender is available for guests to relax in. The rooms is fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a bath or shower, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a hair dryer. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space for guests. Guests can choose from a selection of free amenities in the lobby. A buffet breakfast is served daily at the property. Kansai International Airport is 12 minutes by train from the property.
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    •
      Super Hotel Kanku Kumatoriekimae
      Mid-range
      Set in Izumi-Sano, within 1.1 km of Naka Family Residence and 2.5 km of Icora Mall Izumisano, Super Hotel Kanku Kumatoriekimae offers accommodation with a restaurant and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is situated 2.9 km from Izumisano-shi Culture Hall, 4.7 km from Jigenin Temple and 5.6 km from Wakihama Ebisu Grand Shrine. Natural Education Museum is 6.5 km from the hotel and Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle Shopping Centre is 6.7 km away. The hotel offers 3-star accommodation with a spa centre. Kanda Shrine is 6.1 km from Super Hotel Kanku Kumatoriekimae, while Kaizukagobo Gansen Temple is 6.3 km away. Kansai International Airport is 12 km from the property.
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    •
      REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS
      Luxury
      REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS is set in Izumi-Sano, 1.6 km from Izumisano-shi Culture Hall and 2 km from Icora Mall Izumisano. Featuring a shared lounge, this 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The hotel has a terrace and a sauna. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, and some units at the hotel have a city view. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Staff at the accommodation are always available to provide information at the reception. Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle Shopping Centre is 3 km from REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS, while Naka Family Residence is 4.4 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 9 km away.
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      Guest House Izumi
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Izumi-Sano and within 2.5 km of Rinku Premium Outlets, Guest House Izumi features free WiFi. Nankai Izumisano Station is a 10-minute walk from the guest house. At the guest house, some rooms are fitted with shared toilets and showers. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 7 km from Guest House Izumi.
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      Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
      Luxury
      Washington Hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a buffet restaurant and massage services. An ATM is available, and free Wi-Fi is also provided at the lobby and the restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Washington Kansai Airport offer city or bay views. Each room is equipped with a TV with satellite channels, a fridge and an electric kettle. Washington Kansai Airport Hotel houses a 24-hour convenience store and drinks vending machines. Restaurant waterfront kitchen garden serves buffets with Western, Japanese and Chinese dishes. Kansai Airport Hotel Washington is a 3-minute walk from JR Rinku Town Station and a 9-minute walk to the Rinku Premium Outlets. Downtown Osaka is an hour away by train.
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    •
      OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts
      Luxury
      Situated in Izumi-Sano, 500 metres from Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle Shopping Centre, OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts provides accommodation with a bar and private parking. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a shared lounge, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, an ATM and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Certain rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a microwave and a stovetop. A buffet breakfast is available at OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. Izumisano-shi Culture Hall is 3.4 km from OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts, while Icora Mall Izumisano is 3.5 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 7 km away.
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      EZ HOTEL Kansai Airport Seaside
      Luxury
      EZ HOTEL Kansai Airport Seaside is set in Izumi-Sano, 3.6 km from Aeon Mall Rinku-Sennan and 4.7 km from Izumisano-shi Culture Hall. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.2 km from Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle Shopping Centre. At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a desk. The rooms in EZ HOTEL Kansai Airport Seaside are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The restaurant at EZ HOTEL Kansai Airport Seaside specialises in Japanese and European cuisine. Staff at the 24-hour front desk speak English and Japanese. Icora Mall Izumisano is 4.9 km from the hotel, while Chokei-ji Temple is 5.2 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 8 km away.
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Osaka Restaurants

Recommended in Osaka
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      Oryori Miyamoto
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      Awarded Two Stars in 2024 - A renowned kaiseki restaurant that has earned two stars on a prestigious global gourmet site for over 10 consecutive years. While preserving the traditions of Japanese cuisine, the chef窶冱 unique and innovative touch subtly shines through in the dishes, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world.
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      Kushikatsu
      A restaurant that elevates Osaka's soul food, kushikatsu, to a luxurious level. Skilled chefs meticulously prepare each skewer using carefully selected premium ingredients such as Chateaubriand and foie gras. The skewers are fried in a custom copper pot using a unique oil blend based on cottonseed oil, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
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    • OIMATSU Tempura Suzuki
      Tempura
      A renowned tempura restaurant led by a master chef who honed his skills at prestigious establishments, including The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Guests can savor exquisite tempura made with premium ingredients such as Japanese Black Wagyu fillet and Chateaubriand. The restaurant features a pristine white-wood counter, with lacquered vermillion trays set before each seat, the vibrant hue adding an elegant and festive touch to the entire space.
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    • Sushidokoro Kurosugi Shinkan
      Sushi
      The branch of the star-awarded Sushidokoro Kurosugi offers a more affordable way to enjoy its exceptional flavors. Ingredients are sourced together with the main restaurant, where they are prepared before being brought to this location to be crafted into dishes.Guests can savor outstanding sushi alongside a wide selection of sake that is always available.
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    • Kassen Iritani
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      The head chef honed his skills at the star-awarded Naniwaryori Yu and served as the executive chef at the second branch of the equally star-awarded Oimatsu Kitagawa. He showcases his expertise by sourcing the freshest seafood from across Japan, offering dishes such as fresh sashimi and fragrant charcoal-grilled delicacies. The head chef also holds a sommelier certification, providing a wide selection of wines ranging from classic labels to rare finds.
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    • Konoha
      Japanese(Kaiseki), Tempura
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - The head chef, with 16 years of training at a long-established traditional restaurant, expresses the seasonal flavors of each passing season through dishes based on a broth made from premium kombu (kelp). Their signature tempura stands out with a delicate batter enriched with extra egg yolks for a rich and indulgent flavor. The tableware, carefully selected, includes exquisite pieces such as Kutani porcelain and Wajima lacquerware.
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    • Sushi Hoshiyama
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - This restaurant is popular for offering authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi without modern interpretations or creative twists. The head chef trained extensively at a star-awarded sushi restaurant in Osaka before establishing his own place. The restaurant is also highly regarded among fellow sushi chefs, boasting many fans within the industry.
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    • YUNiCO
      Italian
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - Run by a chef who trained for 10 years at RISTORANTE HiRo, operated by the renowned Hiromi Yamada, featured in numerous media outlets. Guests can enjoy the thrill of watching high-quality ingredients, including Kyoto's traditional vegetables and fresh seafood from Awaji, being prepared right before their eyes across the counter.
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    • Sushi Haku
      Sushi
      In an elegant space that perfectly embodies the term "a hidden retreat for adults," guests can savor exquisite sushi. With presentations that delight not only the palate but also the eyes, each visit offers new discoveries and moments of awe. On the second floor, a bar is available where guests can enjoy a relaxing post-meal time with sake or wine.
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Experiences around Osaka

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