Kansai International Airport has long been touted as the leading gateway for visitors to Japan’s Kansai region and beyond, not only because of its convenient location in Osaka, but also because of its proximity to the sightseeing hotspots of Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. This busy international hub is now undergoing an extravagant transformation in preparation for the Osaka-Kansai Expo (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai) due to be held in Osaka in 2025. Check out some of the new features in the international departure area, which were partially opened in December 2023!
About Kansai International Airport
Since its opening in 1994, Kansai International Airport has thoroughly established itself as an advanced international hub. This bustling airport acts as one of Japan's leading international and domestic flight networks, boasting multiple 4,000-meter runways which are fully operational 24 hours a day. It is also the world's first international airport built on the sea - quite the architectural feat. As one of the largest airports in the Kansai region, Kansai International Airport oversees a daily influx of foreign and domestic tourists on their way to the famous cities of Osaka and Kyoto. The airport is currently undergoing its first ever large-scale renovation since its opening in 1994 in preparation for the Osaka-Kansai Expo (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai) to be held in 2025 and to cater to further growth in demand. With a grand opening scheduled for 2025 and expansion of the north-south commercial area for international flights scheduled for 2026, the evolution of Kansai International Airport continues as eager travelers look on.
Introducing the brand new international departure area
The newly reopened international departure area spreads out for a colossal 10,000 square meters. It offers the largest "walk-through duty-free store" in any international airport in Japan, a spacious "Plaza Area" modeled after traditional Japanese architecture, and four different "Mood Areas" containing a variety of themed stores.
Enjoy splendor and sophistication at KIX DUTY FREE, a walk-through duty free store
The first store to greet travelers after completing immigration procedures is KIX DUTY FREE, a walk-through duty-free haven. Covering an area of approximately 2,500 square meters, it is the largest walk-through duty free shop at any international airport in Japan.
Some of the brands available in store are fully exclusive to Kansai International Airport and can’t be found in any other duty-free stores in Japan! Cosmetics, perfumes and confectionary can also be ordered and paid for on dedicated terminals and picked up in store on the same day, eliminating the need to queue at a cash register while juggling heavy bags and baskets full of products.
Immerse yourself in traditional Japan at the Plaza Area
After passing through the walk-through duty-free store "KIX DUTY FREE”, visitors will enter the calming "Plaza Area”. This picturesque rest area is modeled after traditional Japanese architecture, utilizing iconic Japanese materials such as tatami mats for tired travelers in need of a break. Soak in this iconic Japanese atmosphere before your departure and feel free to make use of the handy power outlets spread around the area.
Shop until you drop and feast on gourmet delights at the four Mood Areas!
The four "Mood Areas" house a total of 17 stores. Each area has a different atmosphere, or “mood”, conveyed through contrasting interior design. This is the place where Kansai International Airport’s unique creativity really shines! Visitors can shop and eat here to their heart’s content. A visit to the "Mood Area" is a must for those who want to get their hands on Kansai International Airport exclusive items or enjoy Japanese food one last time before boarding the plane!
“Kansai Tabi Nikki" offers unique souvenirs not only from Osaka, but also from Kyoto, Kobe, and other areas in the Kansai region. The store is divided into sections titled "KYOTO”, "KOBE”, and "OSAKA”, clearly displaying which item comes from where. They boast a wide selection of delicious treats, from traditional Japanese sweets to modern confectionary and exclusive collaborations with popular brands. Don’t miss out on their airport exclusive snacks!
Anime lovers, be sure to check out “Anime hunt” – the ideal place to find character goods. Shoppers can find popular names such as Super Mario and Pokemon, as well as a wide variety of anime, manga, and video games.
“Soup Gogyo” sells delicious soup made from carefully selected premium ingredients. Their "Beef Bone Soup” is made by slowly simmering beef bones to infuse the broth with rich flavor, and their "Chicken Soup" boasts an incredible meaty aroma. The restaurant also offers Wagyu beef bento box lunches prepared with a special sauce created by the popular Japanese yakiniku restaurant "Tendan”.
If you want to taste delicious Japanese ramen one last time before leaving the country, head to “MENSHO”. This ramen joint’s signature dish is "White Truffle Toripaitan Ramen" – a creamy chicken noodle soup with an earthy kelp and porcini mushroom broth base, decadently flavored with white truffle. Classic Shoyu Ramen topped with a flavored egg is also available.
“OnigiriBurger” is famed for its creative “onigiri burger” combinations of luxury rice and seaweed with premium Kobe beef and other carefully selected ingredients. For their most popular dish, the finest Kobe shoulder loin steak is sandwiched between tasty rice in an onigiri burger so luxurious that it is limited to just 55 servings per day. Try this unique fusion of Japanese and American culture and see what you think!
For a light but tasty meal, venture to “Nippon no Shokudo”. In addition to popular udon and sushi dishes, diners can also try mineral water and tea produced in various regions of Japan.
Facility Information
- Facility name: Kansai International Airport
- Address: 1 Senshu Kuko Kita, Izumisano-shi, Osaka
- Business hours: 24 hours *May differ depending on the store or facility
- Access: Short walk from "Kansai Airport Station" on the JR Kansai Airport Line, Nankai Airport Line, or Limousine Bus.
Visit the Kansai Tourist Information Center Kansai Airport to purchase transportation tickets essential for your trip
A tourist information counter is located on the arrival floor of the Terminal 1 building for visitors to the Kansai region. The counter provides the latest tourist information, information on tourist facilities and places to stay, sales of special train passes and various transportation tickets for foreign visitors to Japan, SIM cards, shopping information, and other services. Why not stop by the Kansai Tourist Information Center upon arrival at Kansai International Airport to start your trip equipped with useful information?
Facility Information
- Facility Name: Kansai Tourist Information Center Kansai Airport
- Location: Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 Building 1st Floor (South)
- Hours: 9:00 - 19:00
Comments