Kansai Airport Guide: Start Your Japan Journey on the Right Foot

(Updated on 2024-10-16)

Kansai is a really rich region in terms of culture, architecture, and landscape. It is also home to the most vibrant cities Japan has to offer. It is no wonder that many travelers go through its International Airport (KIX), making it one of the busiest airports in Japan and even Asia.

This Article is for whoever is going to or is interested in Kansai and its main cities (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe…). For those who prefer Tokyo, you can check out our Complete Guide to Narita Airport or our Complete Guide to Haneda Airport.

Kansai is a more rural region than Kanto. We bet you are confused and have many questions about the area and the best ways to spend a smooth, stress-free time here, starting from Kansai International Airport.

You might be wondering:

How can I get around Japan without speaking Japanese?
Can I travel solo in Japan?
How can I make my short time in Japan amazing?
Can I use my phone in Japan? What about internet?

Don’t panic! We have these answers and more to help put your mind at ease. Keep reading to learn what you need to start your journey off on the right foot with this complete guide to Kansai Airport.

Available Kansai Airport Services
Special IC Card and Airport Ticket Bundle Offer
Free WiFi in Japan
Useful Apps for Navigating Japan
Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Kansai Airport & Leave Your Stress
The Sakura Mobile Difference

Available Kansai Airport Services

Skip to what you need to know:

Kansai Airport WiFi
Recharging Spots
Free Internet + Computer
Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards
Information Counters
Transportation Between Kansai Terminals
Train Transportation out of Kansai

Kansai Airport WiFi

Likely, one of the first things you will want to do after landing at Kansai Airport is to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely and post a selfie!

How to Connect to Kansai Airport Free WiFi

From your device’s “Settings” menu, set “WiFi” to ON and select “FreeWiFi@KIX” SSID or an SSID that starts with “FreeWiFi@KIX”.
The WiFi connection screen will automatically be displayed, and you will be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use and Security Caution.
Once you agree, you have access to the internet — no extra steps required.

If your laptop does not have a wireless LAN card, you may still connect to the Internet using one of the LAN cables installed at the computer desks.

Recharging Spots and PC Desks

Recharging spots for your devices are available in a number of locations throughout the terminals and are free of charge. Also, if for some reason you need use a computer with internet, Kansai Airport offers access to computers at the Recharging Spots for a fee of 100 yen per 10 minutes.

Location
Terminal 1	1st Floor	>Map
	2nd Floor	>Map
	4th Floor	>Map
	International Gate Area Center:	>Map
	International Gate Area North Wing:	>Map
	International Gate Area South Wing:	>Map
	Domestic Gate Area:	>Map
Terminal 2	Public area (International):	>Map
	International Gate Area:	>Map
	Domestic Gate Area:	>Map

Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards

Various companies offer portable WiFi and SIM card services inside Kansai Airport. Savvy travelers will make sure to rent either of the two before leaving the airport because staying connected is essential for any visitor to Japan.

We cover more on this service later in this guide, but you can jump ahead here.

Information Counters

The 8 Information Counters at the airport can be identified by their question mark “?” signs.

The staff generally speak English and will help you with your needs while letting you experience Japan’s world-famous hospitality.

Information counters can provide you with a variety of information, such as:

Transport to and from Japan’s main domestic and international airports
Trains
Subways
Taxis
Buses
Flight arrival and departure
Hotels near airports
Terminals

Transportation Between Kansai Airport Terminals

There are many ways to get from one terminal to another. While you can walk or take a taxi, the most convenient way is to catch a free shuttle bus.

A free shuttle bus is available to travel between Aeroplaza (the building next to Terminal 1) and Terminal 2. (Time required: 7 to 9 minutes)

Kansai Shuttle Bus Timetable

Timetable

Important: Be sure to allow plenty of time when using the shuttle service, as buses may be delayed or canceled due to traffic congestion. Also, compensation is not available for missed connections to other means of transport (aircraft or rail, etc.) resulting from delayed or canceled bus services.

Bus Stop: Aeroplaza, 1F

Bus Stop: Terminal 2 Building

Train Transportation out of Kansai Airport

If you are leaving Kansai Airport, the line you take will heavily depend on your first destination, as Kansai is full of very popular cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe, to name a few.

Don’t hesitate to ask the Travel desk of the Kansai Tourist Information Center on the 1st Floor of Terminal 1 about everything related to transportation in and out of the airport, tickets, and hotel booking.

Downloadable maps are also available if you do not plan to get a portable WiFi or SIM right from the airport.

Destination	Name	Time	1 adult (est.)
Osaka (Shin-Imamiya)	Nankai-Kuko Line	45 mins	$9
Kyoto Station	Ltd Exp. Haruka	90 mins	$30
Kobe (Sannomiya)	Bay Shuttle (Ferry Service)	45 mins	$19
Nara	Nankai-Kuko Line to Shin-Imamiya + Change to Osaka Loop Line to Nara	90 mins	$15

Get a Rechargeable Train Card (IC Card)

※As of September 21, 2023, the sales of certain Suica and Pasmo IC cards have been temporarily suspended due to a shortage of IC chips. Specialized PASMO (PASMO Passport) IC cards, JR’s (Welcome Suica) cards, and ICOCA cards appear to be available for purchase.

Japan is often regarded as the king of convenience, and this is clearly evident in its public transportation system. Have you ever heard of an IC card? If you haven’t, you need to get one for your trip, as it will save you a lot of time and headaches. IC cards look like credit cards and act as rechargeable train tickets that can be recharged at train stations throughout Japan.

It doesn’t matter which card you get because Suica and Icoca can be recharged at each other’s ticket terminals and can be used at train stations in Japan.

Where can you use an IC card?

Public transportation
Vending machines
Some shops and convenience stores
Some restaurants

The card costs around $5 USD, plus the amount you decide to add. You can return the $5 and any remaining credit by returning the card to a train station clerk (go to a JR station for Suica and JR West station for Icoca).

Special IC Card and Airport Ticket Bundle Offer

Icoca and Haruka Line teamed up to offer a bundle pack for visitors. If you’re a tourist, the Haruka Pass is the cheapest, most straightforward, and fastest way to get from KIX to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

“ICOCA & HARUKA” is a bundle set containing an Icoca IC card (pre-charged with 1,500 yen) and a discounted ticket for the Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA.”

The Icoca can be used on JR, subway, private railway, and bus transportation, as well as for shopping in the Kansai Area and beyond.

The Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA” provides direct access from Kansai Airport Station to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto Stations.

If you already have an Icoca card, you can purchase the “HARUKA discount ticket” without buying a new Icoca.

Earlier, we mentioned Portable WiFi and SIM Card rental services at Kansai Airport. Having internet on the go is lifesaving and can offer you a side of Japan you might never have experienced without it. Let’s dig in a bit more on how the internet can make your trip to Japan easy and stress-free.

Free WiFi in Japan

Free WiFi exists in Japan, but its reliability and accessibility for international travelers on a tight schedule is another story. Here is a short list of places that usually offer free WiFi hotspots in Japan (though you may need to buy something to sit down):

Starbucks
Seven Eleven
Lawson
McDonald’s
Some train stations

Useful Apps for Navigating Japan

A lot can get lost in translation, but the digital age makes it easy to travel to countries without knowing the language. Here’s our list of apps that can help you communicate, save time, and save money during your travels in Japan.

Click the image below to enlarge it.

Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Kansai Airport & Relieve Your Stress

Using any or all of our recommended apps will likely make your trip to Japan much more enjoyable and relaxing, but trying to find a free hotspot to use those apps won’t! This is why there are some great deals at Kansai Airport on Pocket WiFi and compatible SIM Cards that international travelers can take advantage of right after they land.

The easiest way to rent a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card is to order online before traveling to Japan. That way, you can easily compare plans from the comfort of your home, fly to Japan with peace of mind knowing that you will be able to get connected once you land, and then head straight to the designated counter at Kansai Airport to pick it up — no contracts, no long lines!

Operating hours: 6 AM – 11 PM (everyday)

Location: Kansai International Airport Arrival Lobby (Terminal 1, 1F), Sakura Mobile Counter

The Sakura Mobile Difference

You have places to go and all of Japan to experience! Don’t waste your time getting lost in confusion.

At Sakura Mobile, we understand that international travelers and long-term residents need to make their stay in Japan stress-free, so we have simplified the process of getting a short and long-term Pocket WiFi or SIM Card.

With our rental devices, you can travel across Japan — from Tokyo to Osaka and beyond — without worrying about losing a connection. We’ve made it even simpler for you with our easy Kansai Airport pickup option that gives you both the Freedom and Quality of Service you deserve!