Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (IATA Flight Code: KIX); 関西国際空港 Kansai-kokusai-kūkō) is the main international airport of Japan's Kansai region, including the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.

Halal Travel Guide

Kansai International Airport was opened in 1994 on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, 40 kilometers to the south of the city of Osaka.

Unlike Tokyo's Narita, Kansai has fairly good domestic connections throughout Japan, making it a good choice for transiting onward. However, if you're flying domestically and your final destination is in Kansai, it probably makes more sense to fly to the more centrally-located Osaka (Itami) or Kobe airports instead.

The main terminal, Terminal 1, is designed by star Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is reputedly the longest building in the world at 1.7 kilometers, over one mile, from end to end. For international flights, arrivals are on the 1st floor while departures are from the 4th floor. Domestic flights are handled on the 2nd floor.

Terminal 2 is a terminal designed for low-cost airlines (LCCs), with no jet bridges and no A/C. Interestingly, when it rains, passengers are lent umbrellas for their walk to to their plane. Most LCCs prefer to stay at Terminal 1 despite higher operating costs, leaving only Peach Aviation and Spring Airlines as the only tenants.

The Aeroplaza (エアロプラザ Earopuraza), across from Terminal 1, contains restaurants, shops, and a hotel (Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport), and is the place to go if you have time to spend before entering security.

Kansai Airport's operations were affected for several weeks in September 2018 because of a strong typhoon. A portion of the bridge connecting the airport to the mainland was severely damaged, and is not expected to be fully repaired until April 2019. In the meantime, public transit links are operating normally, with vehicular traffic using the side of the bridge that was not damaged. Private cars and rental cars are not allowed to travel to or from the airport until bridge repairs are complete.

Muslim Friendly Flights from Kansai International Airport

Terminal 1 - Served by full service carriers such as ANA and JAL as well as most LCCs such as AirAsia and Jetstar

Terminal 2 - Served by LCCs Peach Aviation and Spring Airlines

Ground transportation

**Recommendations**
	Fast	Cheap
Osaka	Nankai rapi:t	Nankai Rapid Service
Kyoto	JR Haruka	JR Rapid Service
Kobe	Limousine bus	Ferry and AGT line
Kobe Airport	Ferry	Ferry
Itami Airport	Limousine bus	Limousine bus

By Rail

The most practical means of getting to Osaka and Kyoto is by train. All trains leave from the Kansai Airport station across the road from the arrivals hall; there is a clearly marked walkway on the 2nd floor. ICOCA/PiTaPa smart cards are valid for travel to/from the airport, and can be purchased from and returned to its ticket offices; see Kansai for more details. You have a choice of two companies operating a total of four services:

JR Haruka

The JR West Haruka limited expresses run from the airport every 30-60 minutes. The major stops on the Haruka are Tennoji (30 min, ¥2710), Shin-Osaka (50 min, ¥2330) and Kyoto (75 min, ¥2850). The fares listed are for non-reserved ordinary seats.

The Haruka is the easiest and quickest way to reach Kyoto, and you can connect to the Shinkansen (bullet train) at Shin-Osaka.

The Japan Railway Pass can be used for the Haruka. You can exchange your rail pass voucher for the pass at the JR ticket counter. Short range and regional passes are also available that include travel on the Haruka. An example is the Kansai Area Pass that covers all JR commuter trains in Kansai and the immediate vicinity, and also includes the use of Haruka unreserved seats. A one-day pass costs ¥2300, which if used in conjunction with the Haruka is a cheaper way to reach cities such as Kyoto, Maibara, Kobe and Himeji.

JR West sells the ICOCA & Haruka discount ticket to foreign tourists. This consists of a ¥2000 ICOCA card (includes ¥1300 deposit) for use on JR lines and most other public transit in the area, and a one-way "open" ticket that includes an unreserved seat on the Haruka connecting to one of four zones served by conventional JR trains: Osaka (¥13100-3300), Kyoto (¥13600), Kobe (¥13500) and Nara (¥13400). Round-trip discounts are available if the return trip to Kansai Airport is made within 14 days.

JR Rapid Service

The JR Rapid Service runs along the same tracks to Tennoji (50 min, ¥2060), but then diverges along the Osaka Loop Line to Osaka station (70 min, ¥2190) and terminus Kyobashi (80 min, ¥2190). All seats are non-reserved and trains depart every 20 minutes; the trains can get crowded at rush hour.

The Rapid Service is convenient for connections onward towards Kobe or Kyoto; change trains at Osaka station. The Rapid Service does not go to any Shinkansen stations; to get to Shin-Osaka, you must transfer at Osaka to a local or rapid train bound for Kyoto.

If heading on the rapid service from Osaka to Kansai Airport, be sure to board one of the first four cars of the train. At Hineno station and the train will split with the front four cars heading to the airport and the last four heading to Wakayama.

Nankai rapi:t

The Nankai rapi:t is an all-reserved train service that runs to Namba station in Osaka in around 35-40 minutes. Trains run every half hour throughout the day (on weekdays, service is hourly in the mornings until 09:00). All services to Namba call at Tengachaya (change to the subway) and Shin-Imamiya (change to the JR, subway and Hankai tram lines), with a few additional stops depending on the type of run. The fare is ¥2430 yen each way for regular seats, and ¥2640 for premium "super seats". Nankai sells advance tickets on its website for a discount (¥2130 regular seat, ¥2340 super seat).

The rapi:t and Rapid Service are the recommended means of going to central Osaka.

Nankai Airport Express

Nankai Airport Express trains run along the same tracks to the same destination, but like their JR counterparts stop more often and may get crowded. The trip to Namba takes 45 min and costs ¥1120, making this the cheapest of the four options, unless your final destination is a JR station in Osaka (e.g. Universal City). If you are considering a multi-day Kansai rail pass, consider this before buying your ticket, as it includes transport on the Nankai Airport Express (it was previously known as "rapid", do not confuse it with more expensive rapi:t). You can buy multi-day Kansai rail passes at the information desk at the airport.

Nankai offers discounted tickets traveling between Kansai Airport and the Kansai region's major cities.

To Osaka and the Kanku Chikatoku Ticket (¥2000) includes travel on the Nankai Rapid Service to Namba station, and from there to any station in the entire Osaka Subway system. The Yokoso! Osaka Ticket (¥2500) covers a trip on the Nankai Rapid Service to Namba and also includes a one-day unlimited pass for Osaka city subways and buses to be used the same day or the next day.
To Kobe and the Kobe Access Ticket (¥2130) includes travel on the Nankai Rapid Service to Namba station, and from there to any station on the Hanshin Railway as far as Sannomiya and Motomachi.
To Kyoto and the Kyoto Access Ticket (¥2230) includes travel on the Nankai Rapid Service to Tengachaya station. From there you are permitted to transfer to the Osaka Subway Sakaisuji Line; these trains continue on to the Hankyu Railway. A second change of trains at Awaji will allow you to continue on to central Kyoto on the Hankyu Main Line. Using this ticket you can reach Karasuma and Kawaramachi stations in roughly 1 hours 45 min.
To Nara and the Nara Access Ticket (¥2230 one-way or ¥2460 round trip) includes travel on the Nankai Rapid Service to Namba station, and from there to Nara on the Kintetsu Railway. This ticket can only be purchased at Kansai Airport.

Travel on a Bus

Airport Limousine buses leave for various destinations throughout Kansai. Buses leave from the 1st floor of Terminal 1, directly outside the arrivals hall, with select buses also leaving from Terminal 2. The cost is comparable to or slightly higher than the train, but some buses go directly to major hotels.

Some of the main destinations in the area include:

Wakayama (40 min, ¥2150)
Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) in Namba (50 min, ¥2050)
Hotel New Hankyu, near Umeda and JR Osaka stations (1 hr, ¥2550)
Kyoto Station (1 hours 30 min, ¥2550)
Nara (1 hours 30 min, ¥2050)
Kobe Sannomiya (1 hours 5 min, ¥2950)

The bus is also the only practical option for connecting to Osaka's Itami Airport for domestic flights (1 hours 45 min, ¥2950).

By ferry

The Bay Shuttle is a high-speed ferry service that runs to and from Kobe Airport. Ferries run once per hour for most of the day and make the run in 31 minutes. A free bus at Kansai Airport shuttles passengers between the two terminals and the boat pier. The regular fare is ¥2850, but foreign tourists can ride for just ¥1300 each way by presenting their passport. Via the ferry, shuttle bus and the Port Liner AGT line, Sannomiya (central Kobe) can be visited in about one hour.

Best way to travel in Kansai International Airport by a Taxi

Flat-fare taxis to Osaka city depart from designated taxi ranks and cost ¥23000-17000. Expect a taxi ride to Kyoto to cost in the range of ¥132000. Consider getting into the cities by public transport (i.e. train, limousine bus) and then take a taxi to your destination.

By shuttle van

Shared shuttle van services are provided by taxi companies at reasonable rates, offering door-to-door service. MK Taxi offers reservations in English, with fares starting at ¥2500 per person to Kobe and a flat ¥11200 to Kyoto. Round-trip and group discounts are available. Each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one carry-on for free (extra charge for additional luggage). Allow 2-3 hours to reach your final destination since other travelers will be picked up or dropped off. Trips must be arranged at least two days before your journey to or from the airport.

By car

Private cars and rental cars are not permitted to travel to or from Kansai Airport because of typhoon damage to the bridge linking the airport to the mainland. Two-way traffic is in place on the side of the bridge that was not affected, with traffic limited to other vehicles such as limousine buses, taxis, and cars carrying passengers with disabilities. Car restrictions will be in place until April 2019, when bridge repairs are expected to be complete.

Get Around

Free shuttle buses (outside security) connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at regular intervals between 5AM and 11PM, departing every 2-10 minutes and which takes around 7 minutes.

Wait

The Sky View (tel. 072-455-2082) is open year round. Shuttle buses run from the passenger terminal building, and take about 6 minutes (¥100 adults, ¥50 children). There is an observation deck (8AM Monday - 10PM), an amusement floor (weekdays 10AM Monday - 6PM, weekends 10AM Monday - 8PM), a restaurant floor (11AM Monday - 10PM, last call 8PM), and a shopping floor (10AM Monday - 8PM).
Kanku Lounge (tel. 072-455-2092, open 24 hours), On the second floor. Basic lounge open to all visitors, offering massage, PC desks, shower booths (¥500), women's room, kids' play room and business center. ¥300 for the first 30 min and then ¥600/hour.
Refresh Room (tel. 072-455-2792, open 9AM Monday - 9PM, reception to 8PM), in the international departure area (4F), offers coin-op electronic massage chairs (¥200 for 10 minutes), regular massage chairs for ¥500 per hour, shower rooms (¥600 for 30 minutes, towels and soap included) and personal lounges with beds for ¥1,000 per hour (¥500 per hour thereafter).
The Kids Room (tel. 072-455-2791 open 9:30AM Monday - 6:30PM), also in the international departure area (4F), has facilities for children from infants to seven years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian. The playroom, infant room and nursing room are free, and complimentary baby food and diapers are offered (one per child).

Shopping

ATMs for cash withdrawal are available throughout the airport. Machines that accept International ATM cards include Seven Bank (First Floor near the International North Arrival Gate, Second Floor concourse and Fourth Floor the international Departure Lobby), Japan Post (Second Floor concourse) and AEON Bank (Second Floor concourse). If you have a Maestro-issued EMV chip card (i.e. IC, chip-and-pin), you can only use the Seven Bank and AEON ATM machines.
Currency Exchange facilities are available around the airport, with most open from the early morning until the late evening.
The Aeroplaza (3F) features several stores, including Uniqlo for cheap, foreigner-sized clothing.
Rinku Premium Outlets / Aeon Rinku Shopping Center - 3-28 Rinku-ourai-minami, Izumisano 072-458-4600, 10AM to 8PM. There are over 150 shops and restaurants. A shuttle bus runs from the north end of the international arrivals area outside the first floor of the airport. It takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥100. By taxi,it is about ¥3,000 from airport.
Sky Shop Town, on the same shuttle bus route, is in the Sky View (see above) area.
Hotel Nikko Kansai (see below) also features an upscale gift shop.
Numerous duty-free shops populate the international departures gate area.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of Japan’s most important gateways for international travelers and stands out as a Muslim-friendly airport. It has made significant efforts to cater to the needs of Muslim passengers, ensuring that their travel experience is both comfortable and accommodating. With facilities such as Halal-certified restaurants, prayer rooms, and even lounges offering Halal food, KIX is a model of inclusivity.

Located conveniently near two of Japan's most popular destinations, Kyoto and Osaka, Kansai International Airport serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the Kansai region. The airport is well-connected by various transportation options, including frequent buses that provide direct routes to Kyoto and Osaka, making it easy for travelers to reach their destinations.

Food is an essential part of the travel experience, and Kansai International Airport ensures that Muslim travelers have access to authentic and Halal-certified dining options. Some notable restaurants include:

Oraga-soba

Located in the Aeroplaza, this restaurant specializes in soba noodles, offering Halal-certified dishes to ensure Muslim travelers can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors.

The Udon

This restaurant features a variety of udon dishes, made with Halal ingredients and meticulous preparation to meet Halal standards.

Sojibou

Another Halal-certified restaurant offering a range of traditional Japanese dishes, including soba noodles, rice bowls, and more. These restaurants not only cater to Halal requirements but also provide a chance to savor the unique taste of Japanese cuisine.

Sakura Lounge

For passengers flying with Japan Airlines (JAL), the Sakura Lounge at Kansai International Airport has introduced Halal food options. This is a significant step in ensuring Muslim passengers can enjoy premium services without compromising on their dietary needs. The lounge’s attention to detail reflects the airport’s commitment to inclusivity and world-class hospitality.

Understanding the importance of prayer in the lives of Muslim travelers, Kansai International Airport has designated prayer rooms equipped with facilities such as ablution areas and prayer mats. These spaces offer a peaceful and private environment, ensuring travelers can perform their religious duties with ease and comfort.

Kansai International Airport’s dedication to Muslim-friendly services has positioned it as a leader in accommodating diverse travelers. From dining to prayer facilities, every aspect is thoughtfully designed to ensure a seamless travel experience for Muslim passengers.

Cope in Kansai International Airport

There are nursing rooms on the second, third and fourth floors, inside the womens' restrooms, and near the domestic and international gates.
Business Center (tel. 072-456-7151, open 8AM Monday - 8PM) 4th floor.
Prayer room, in the international departure area (4F), near "Refresh Room".
Post Office , 2nd floor. The ATM here accepts international credit cards. Monday to Friday 8AM Monday - 9PM, Saturday Sunday holidays 9AM Monday - 5PM.
If you're feeling unwell there is a health clinic (tel. 072-456-7185; 9am - 5PM regular hours, emergency treatment available 24 hours) on the second floor provided by Kinki University Hospital.
There is a hospital at Rinku-Town (about 10 minutes by car), Rinku General Medical Center, with English, Portuguese, Chinese and Spanish-speaking staff. (tel. 072-469-3111)
But if the ill feelings are confined to your teeth and then see the dental clinic (tel. 072-456-8601; open weekdays only, 9:30AM Monday - 1PM, 2PM Monday - 7:30PM) on the third floor. Walk-ins are welcome.
On the other hand, if you've had it with your good health there are plenty of smoking rooms once you're through the international departures gate (4F) and on the domestic level (2F).
There is a Police office in Kansai airport, 2nd floor North Area. English, French, (German), (Spanish), Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sign Language are understood.

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Nearby

Rinku Town (りんくうタウン Rinkū Taun) is a shopping complex right across the bridge. It's the first train stop after you leave the airport.

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