Azmi Mahamad
Google
We arrived at Kansai International Airport (KIX) just before noon on 13 August 2025, the summer heat shimmering over the vast expanse of Osaka Bay. The approach to the airport is a scenic experience in itself — this is no ordinary terminal sitting on land, but a marvel of engineering built entirely on a massive man-made island about 50 Km southwest of central Osaka. Linked to the mainland only by the 3.75 Km Sky Gate Bridge, it stands isolated yet striking against the water.
Opened in 1994, KIX was designed to operate 24 hours a day, something its predecessor, Osaka’s Itami Airport, could not do due to strict noise regulations and capacity limits. Its offshore location solved that problem, allowing it to serve as the primary international hub for the Kansai region — covering not only Osaka but also Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. Over the years, it has become a symbol of connectivity for western Japan.
The drive in was smooth and almost cinematic, with the turquoise water of the bay on both sides as we cruised across the long Sky Gate Bridge. The sleek Terminal 1 building came into view — a long, gently curved structure designed to be both functional and easy to navigate.
Our first stop was Toyota Rent-A-Car in the Aeroplaza, the airport’s dedicated complex for rental cars, hotels and related services. It’s a short and well-signposted drive and returning the car was effortless.
With the keys handed over, we wheeled our luggage into Terminal 1, heading straight for Row H where AirAsia X operates its check-in counters. The process was refreshingly straightforward: baggage drop, a few quick security questions and we were done.
Hunger led us to Tasty Street on the 2nd Floor, a lively cluster of eateries offering a variety of Japanese comfort food, snacks and drinks. There’s something satisfying about grabbing a hot meal before clearing security, especially when you know the airside options can be pricier. The atmosphere was busy but friendly, with the chatter of travellers, the clatter of cutlery, and the smell of freshly cooked noodles in the air. We have to weave through crowds and wait for a table — a common theme throughout the airport.
Back upstairs in the departure hall, we joined the river of passengers flowing toward carry-on inspection. The security staff were efficient but thorough, and despite the length of the queue, we moved forward at a steady pace. Next was immigration clearance, which was similarly busy yet well managed, with automatic clearance using the scanning machines.
Once through, the airside concourse revealed itself — a bright, spacious area lined with duty-free boutiques, luxury brand stores, souvenir shops, and a selection of cafes and restaurants. The design is practical: two long wings, North and South, branching off from the central concourse. Our gate, Gate 15, was located at the end of one of these stretches, and the walk was pleasant thanks to the clear signage and moving walkways.
On the whole, Kansai International Airport is well-managed. The flow from car rental to check-in, security, immigration, and boarding feels logical, and the facilities are modern and well maintained.
However, there’s no escaping the fact that in the peak of summer travel, crowds are everywhere It’s not chaotic in the sense of being disorganised, but the sheer number of people can make certain stages of the journey feel like a slow shuffle.
If you’re planning a trip through KIX, my advice is simple: arrive early, especially for international flights, and give yourself enough time to navigate the people traffic without stress. The airport is a fascinating blend of polished Japanese service and the bustling energy of global travel. That mix — efficiency paired with the hum of humanity — is what makes passing through Kansai International Airport not just a transit point, but a memorable part of the journey itself.
