Kansai Airport Tips Every First Timer Needs to Know!
Hello everyone! Welcome to your complete
guide to Kansai International Airport, or KIX for short—Osaka’s gateway to the sky.
Kansai Airport is a unique place. It was Japan’s very first 24-hour airport, built right on
an artificial island in the ocean. Inside, you’ll find tons of great shops,
restaurants, and cool spots like observation decks to make your wait time fly by.
But let’s be honest, for many first-time visitors, a big, busy airport can be confusing.
It’s easy to waste a lot of time and money just trying to figure out where to go.
This video is here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. We’ll give you all the
information you need to navigate KIX like a pro and start your trip off right.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide: * A quick overview of the
airport and its terminals. * The first things you should do when you arrive.
* How to get to Osaka, Kyoto, and more. * A detailed look at the airport terminals.
* Fun spots and facilities around the airport. * And finally, some super
important tips for your trip home. So, let’s jump right in and break down
everything you need to know about Kansai Airport. Part 1: KIX Overview
Kansai Airport is one of the world’s most unique airports, built on an artificial island
in the middle of the ocean. It opened in 1994 and operates 24/7, with two main terminals.
Kansai Airport is split into Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most international
travelers will use Terminal 1, as Terminal 2 is mainly for low-cost carriers
like Peach, Jeju Air, and Spring Airlines. Terminal 1 has two exits, North and South.
You’ll find everything you need right here in the arrivals area, including currency exchange,
SIM cards, and baggage delivery services. A quick heads-up: while planes fly in
and out 24 hours a day, many shops, restaurants, and transportation services
like trains and buses don’t operate late at night or in the early morning.
So, be sure to keep that in mind. Part 2: Your First Steps After Arrival
Once you get through customs and immigration, here’s what you need to do first.
Internet & Wi-Fi Kansai Airport offers free Wi-Fi called “Kansai
Free Wi-Fi,” but it can be a bit slow or unstable, and it only works inside the airport. For
reliable service, a pocket Wi-Fi router or a local SIM card is your best bet.
You can rent pocket Wi-Fi routers and buy sim card at counters in the arrivals
lobby on the first floor. In the area between the North and South exits, you’ll find
counters for WIFI BOX, NINJA WIFI, ANYFONE, Japan Mobile, and Sakura Mobile. Japan Sim
is located to the right of the North exit. If you arrive late at night after
the counters have closed, don’t worry. You can buy a SIM card from a vending
machine on either side of both exits. This means you’ll have internet the moment you land.
If you want to know which service is the fastest, check the video description. We’ve got a
video where we tested 17 different providers to find the best one.
Currency Exchange There are several currency exchange
counters in the arrivals lobby. You’ll find Travelex to the left of the South
exit. To the left of the North exit is Kiyo Bank, and to the right is KIX Currency. There’s also
another Travelex just before the airport station. Here’s a look at the rates from when I filmed
this video. If you need to exchange money in Kansai airport, we recommend you to use Kiyo
bank, or KIX currency. Feel free to take a screenshot for reference. Just remember, these
rates can change daily, so they’re just a guide. We have another video that goes into more
detail about exchange rates, where we compared rates at airports and in downtown Tokyo.
You can find the link in the description. Baggage Delivery Service
This is a service I highly recommend! You can have your large bags
delivered to your hotel on the same day. The two main services are KDS and JAL ABC,
located on opposite ends of the arrivals lobby. To help you choose the right one, here’s a
comparison of their services as of August 2025. JAL ABC Same-Day Delivery Fee: A standard
fee plus an additional ¥1,000. Sizes: They handle bags from 120 to 200 cm. Cutoff Time: You must drop
off your luggage by 12:30 PM. KDS
Same-Day Delivery Fee: A flat rate of ¥2,980 to Osaka City and
¥3,980 to Kyoto City, regardless of size. Cutoff Time: 2:00 PM for Osaka
City, 12:00 PM for Kyoto City. So, if you want same-day delivery to a hotel
in Osaka City, KDS is your best and cheapest option if you drop off your bag by 2:00 PM. For
hotels in Kyoto, if your bag is under 160 cm, JAL ABC is your best bet if you make
the 12:30 PM cutoff. For larger bags, KDS is the way to go. Just be sure to call ahead
and confirm your hotel accepts same-day delivery. This service is a lifesaver. You can
start sightseeing right away without being weighed down by heavy luggage, and
your hotel transfer will be so much easier. Tourist Information
For maps and information on sightseeing in the Kansai area, head to the
Tourist Information Center. You’ll find it by walking left from the arrivals exit. The staff
there are bilingual and can help you in English. Part 3: Getting to Your Destination
Once you’ve got your bags and internet, it’s time to head to the city. Kansai Airport
offers several ways to get to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
Trains Accessing the train station is easy. Just
go up to the second floor from the arrivals hall and walk straight outside. You’ll
see the station right in front of you. There are two train companies here: JR and Nankai.
If you’re going to Kyoto or Osaka, use JR. If you’re heading to Namba, use Nankai.
Both companies have an express train service: HARUKA for JR and Rapi:t for Nankai.
HARUKA (JR) You can buy your ticket from a vending machine before you board.
There’s plenty of luggage space on the train. Here’s a comparison of travel times and
costs for the HARUKA and local trains If you’re going to Nara, you’ll need to transfer
at Tennoji Station. For Kyoto and Shin-Osaka, the HARUKA is much more direct and smoother than
the local train, which requires transfers. A free seating option is available for less money,
but trains can get very crowded right after a plane lands or on weekends.
Rapi:t (Nankai) Unlike HARUKA, you need to buy your express ticket
from the counter on the platform. The train also has dedicated luggage space.
To Namba, the Rapi:t costs ¥1,490 and takes 48 minutes. A local train is ¥970 and takes 55
minutes. Since the time difference isn’t huge, you can choose based on which train is departing
sooner or how crowded the local train looks. Buses Buses are another great option. They can take
you to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and even Kobe. The fares are a bit higher than local
trains, but you’re guaranteed a seat, which makes for a relaxing ride.
However, I don’t recommend taking the bus to Kyoto. The highway from Osaka to Kyoto often
gets very congested, especially in the evening. The bus can take much longer than expected, so
it’s best to stick with the train for Kyoto. Ferry
For those heading to Kobe, you can take a high-speed ferry. It’s incredibly
fast, crossing Osaka Bay in about 30 minutes. If you sit on the left side, you might even get
a glimpse of the famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. You can buy a ticket at the ferry counter
and take bus number 12 to the ferry terminal. Just keep in mind that the ferries run on
a limited schedule. If the timing doesn’t work for you, taking a bus will likely get
you there faster. The ferry costs ¥1,880, but children’s tickets are half-price at
¥940, making it a great option for families. Part 4: A Closer Look at the Terminals
Now let’s explore the terminals themselves so you know your way around.
Terminal 1 The first floor is where all the arrivals
are. As we covered in Chapter 2, this is where you’ll get your Wi-Fi, exchange
money, and arrange baggage delivery. For a quick break, you’ll find a DOUTOR
on the north side and a Starbucks on the south side. There’s also a convenience
store named Lawson near the south exit. Here’s a tip that even many Japanese travelers
don’t know: there are restrooms in the basement. They’re usually empty, so if you need
a quick break, that’s the place to go. The second floor is a great spot
to grab a bite or do some shopping. You’ll find drugstores, convenience stores,
and a wide variety of restaurants, including a large food court in the center.
Just a heads-up before you head up: it’s not easy to go back down. The escalators
from the second to the first floor are only in the center of the building, so be
sure you’ve taken care of everything you need on the first floor before you go up.
The fourth floor is the departures lobby, which you won’t need unless you’re
catching a connecting flight. Terminal 2
Most flights arrive at Terminal 1, but if you’re flying with a low-cost carrier
like Peach, Jeju Air, or Spring Airlines, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
From Terminal 1, walk past the train station, go through the Aero Plaza building, and
turn left. You’ll find the shuttle bus stop there. The bus runs every 5 minutes
and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Terminal 2 is very small, with only a few
shops and a convenience store. If you need to buy something or grab a meal, it’s best to
do it in Terminal 1 before you take the bus. Part 5: Nearby Fun & Facilities
If you have some extra time to spare before your flight, KIX has
some great spots you can check out. Rinku Premium Outlets
Just one train stop away from the airport at Rinku-Town Station, you’ll find
Rinku Premium Outlets. With around 250 stores, you can find great deals on famous brands,
and many shops offer tax-free services, which is a big bonus for international visitors.
You can take either the JR or Nankai train. Both cost ¥370, so just hop on whichever
train leaves first. From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the outlets.
There’s also a shuttle bus from bus stop number 12 at the airport. It costs ¥300 one-way
and drops you off right at the outlet entrance, which is more convenient if you don’t mind waiting
for it to arrive. It runs about once an hour. Sky View
For families and aviation fans, Sky View is a great observation deck where you
can watch planes take off and land up close. A free shuttle bus runs from bus stop
number 1, and the ride takes about 7 minutes. Admission to Sky View is free, and
there’s a cafe where you can grab a snack. Just remember, you can only get there
by this shuttle bus. Be sure to check the bus schedule and your flight time
carefully if you have a connecting flight. Aero Plaza
Aero Plaza is a complex connected directly to the airport train
station, on the opposite side of Terminal 1. It has restaurants, cafes, and a convenience
store, along with plenty of space to relax. If you want to escape the crowds in Terminal
1’s restaurants, Aero Plaza is a great place to find a quieter spot to rest. It also has
two hotels—the Hotel Nikko and a capsule hotel—making it a convenient place to stay if
you have an early morning or late-night flight. Part 6: Final Checks to Avoid Getting Lost Late-Night Flights
Even though Kansai Airport operates 24/7, trains, buses, and ferries do
not run late at night or early in the morning. If you arrive after midnight, you’ll either have
to wait at the airport for the first train or bus, or stay at one of the hotels in Aero Plaza.
Likewise, if your flight departs very early, make sure you get to the airport before
the last train or bus leaves. Taking a taxi can be very expensive.
Don’t Pick the Wrong Airport! This is a super important
point for your return trip. In the Kansai region, there are two major airports
with similar names: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport
(ITM), which is also called Itami Airport. They are in completely different locations.
It can take over 90 minutes by train to travel between them. I’ve personally seen travelers
at Osaka Airport looking for their flight, only to find they were at the wrong place.
To avoid this terrible mistake, always double-check your flight reservation
to confirm which airport you’re flying out of. Conclusion Kansai Airport is so much more than just a
place to catch a plane. If you use this guide, you can make it a comfortable
and memorable part of your trip. If you found this video helpful, please hit
the subscribe and like buttons. And if you have any questions about places you want to
visit in Kansai, let us know in the comments. Thanks for watching, and have
an amazing trip to Japan!
Planning your trip to Kansai? Don’t let your first moments be confusing! This ultimate guide will show you exactly how to navigate Kansai International Airport (KIX), find the best Wi-Fi and money exchange spots, and get to major cities like Osaka and Kyoto with ease. This is the ultimate guide for a smooth arrival!
0:00 Intro
01:13 KIX Overview (Terminals 1 & 2)
02:06 Your First Steps after Arrival (Wi-Fi, SIM, Exchange, Baggage Delivery)
05:35 Getting to Your Destination (Train, Bus, Ferry)
08:24 A Closer Look at the Terminals (Shopping, Outlets, Sky View)
12:00 Final Checks to Avoid Getting Lost
📊 What You’ll Learn
✅ How to get from KIX to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe
✅ The best ways to get Wi-Fi, exchange money, and handle luggage
✅ How to use Japan’s public transport, including the best express trains
✅ Key highlights of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
✅ Fun things to do around the airport, including a large outlet mall!
📍 Locations Covered
・Kansai International Airport (KIX)
・Rinku Premium Outlets
・Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe (Transportation)
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