Osaka Kansai International Airport

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka bay. Its construction caused major problems: due to the softness of the ground, the island has sunk a number of meters. This is a process that continues, although by now it has been reduced to a few centimeters a year.

With a length of 1.7 kilometres, the terminal building of this airport is the longest in the world. A so-called 'people mover' connects the various piers.

Rates mentioned here are in the Japanese yen. 1 euro is worth almost 155 yen (March 2008).

Local transport

Train

The Kansai Airport train station is located opposite the Arrivals Hall.
The JR West Haruka departs 30 minutes to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka (45 min) and Kyoto (over 70 min).
A cheaper option is the JR Rapid Service, which also goes to Tennoji, but then to Osaka station (over 60 min), where you can switch trains to Kobe or Kyoto.
The Nankai rapi:t trains go to Namba Station in Osaka (30 min).
The cheapest way to get to Osaka by train is the Nankai Rapid Service, which also stops at Namba Station, but which takes a little longer (over 40 min).

Car and bus

The airport is located at 50 kilometres to the south-west of Osaka. Because the airport is located on an artificial island, there is only one entry point, across a toll bridge (depending on the size of the car, 1200-1800 yen, information via tel: +81(0)72 455 2278). The bridge connects to the Hanwa Expressway.

In front of the Arrivals Hall there are buses from Airport Limousine (tel: +81(0)72 456 6280), which take you directly to the hotel area and other destinations in and around Osaka (including to Kobe and the domestic airport Itami).

Kaijo Access (tel: +81(0)72 456 6458) provides a fast boat connection to Kobe airport (travel time about 30 minutes). A shuttle bus connects the terminal to the departure point of this ferry.

Car rental

In the Arrivals Hall, there are desks from the car rental companies Japaren, Mazda, Nippon, Nissan, Orix and Toyota.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis, but they charge a hefty rate. A ride to the center to Osaka may costs as much as 16,000 yen!
The taxi minivans of MK Taxi and KIX HP are a cheaper option, but they need to be booked at least two days in advance (tel: +81(0)75 702 5489).

Parking

The two car parks (P1 and P2) have a direct connection to the terminal building. The parking rate is 500 yen per 30 minutes, after 5 and a half hours the half-daily rate starts (3000 yen), after 12 hours the daily rate (4000 yen). Three days parking costs 8000 yen. For more information about parking, call: +81(0)72 455 2337.

Services

Hotels

There is one hotel at the airport: Nikko Kansai Airport (tel: +81(0)724 551 111). This hotel is connected directly to the terminal building. Immediately across the toll bridge, the city of Rinku, are ANA Gate Tower Hotel Osaka (tel: +81(0)724 601 111) and the Ramada Kansai Airport Hotel (tel: +81(0)724 691 112. In the Arrivals Hall, there is a desk for hotel reservations. For more hotels and online booking, visit Booking.com. They offer a wide range of hotels at very reasonable Internet rates.

Shops and restaurants

Osaka Airport offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and snack bars. The possibilities to order alcoholic beverages are, however, limited. In the Aeroplaza, there is a Japanese style café, and the only alternatives are the bars in the Hotel Nikko Kansa. There are plenty of duty-free shops.

Luggage

Luggage safes are located on the second floor of the terminal building, both on the north and on the south side. Porters can be ordered via: +81(0)724 553 450. For information about lost and found objects, call: +81(0)724 552 500.

Information

There are in total six general information desks on Osaka Kansai International Airport. They are spread around the terminal building. The main desk is situated on the north side of the first floor (call: +81(0)724 552 500). Kansai Tourist Information Centre (call: +81(0)724 566 025) can be found on the ground floor.

Business

On the third floor, there is a business center with a meeting/conference room (open from 08.00-20.00, tel: +81(0)72 456 7151), with telephone and fax facilities and Internet computers. In addition, this center offers secretarial support and and catering services. More extensive business facilities, including a conference hall for up to 500 people, are offered by the Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport (see under Hotels).

Disabled

Osaka Airport is very accessible to disabled people. There are marked routes from the parking spaces to the terminal and to the information desks. Most elevators and toilets have been modified to accommodate wheelchair users and the visually disabled. In addition, there are handicapped parking spaces. Hearing-impaired people can send free faxes at the information desks, which can be contact by people who want to rent a wheelchair as well.

Other services

Throughout the terminal building, there are exchange offices, ATM's and banks. There is also a post office. Wireless Internet is available. In addition, there are various Internet kiosks, which are free behind the customs check point. Kinki University Hospital has a medical clinic at the airport (tel: +81(0)72 456 7185). There is also a dental clinic (tel: +81(0)72 456 8601, open on workdays from 09.30-13.00 and 14.00-19.30). Te Sky View – separate from the terminal building, which can be reached by shuttle bus – offers a great view on incoming and departing airplanes. Adjacent to the observation platform there is an amusement hall, as well as shops and restaurants. In the Departure Hall of the international terminal, there is a children's play area, Kids Room (tel: +81(0)72-455-2791, open from 09.30-18.30).

Contact

Address

Osaka Kansai International Airport
1-banchi
Senshu-kuko Kita
Izumisano-shi
Osaka 549 8501
Japan

Telephone, fax, e-mail

Telephone: +81(0)72 455 2500
Fax: not available
E-mail: via the Website

Airport codes

IATA airport code: KIX
ICAO airport code: RJBB