Sleeping in Airports

Osaka Kansai Airport Guide

sleeping in osaka kansai airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / March 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Osaka Kansai Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

A staff told me that the safer place to stay would be next to LAWSON (a convenience store), near a police station, the left side on the 2nd floor. – steek

KIX Airport Overview

Osaka Kansai Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of Prakash /29Jan2014)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Osaka Kansai Airport.

What to Expect

Osaka Kansai Airport (Code: KIX) is situated on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. An architectural ode to modernism, Terminal 1 is home to traditional international airlines. Terminal 2, connected by free shuttle buses, handles low-cost domestic carriers.

The Aeroplaza, located adjacent to the Kansai Airport Station, houses a variety of shops and eateries, a hotel, a rest zone, and even a pet hotel. Dining and shopping options are also available in both terminals, with an eatery or two and a few convenience stores staying open 24 hours in each. Travellers appreciate the free WiFi and coin-operated showers. For added comfort, while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter one of three airport lounges, including one that has showers.

Sleeping in Osaka Kansai Airport

This efficient airport offers plenty of seating and soft chairs, including armrest-free benches throughout Terminal 1, the more modern of the two terminals. Late-night arrivals with departures early the next morning can head to the rest zone in the Aeroplaza (Floor 2) for nighttime shuteye and free blankets. The rest zone is open 24-hours, with coin-operated showers nearby. The real bonus is that free blankets can be borrowed between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

For uninterrupted sleep, head to the on-site Hotel Nikko. Other nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kansai Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

An overnight rest area is available for late-arriving travellers departing early the following day. Five coin-operated showers are nearby. Blankets are available for free from 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM. Location: 2nd Floor of the Aeroplaza restaurant and shopping area. Hours: open 24 hours.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels at Kansai Airport:

  • First Cabin Kansai Airport – Location: Aeroplaza, 3rd Floor. Offering four types of cabins ranging from Premium Economy to First Class cabins.   » Check Rates
  • Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport – Connected to Terminal 1 by a pedestrian walkway on the 1st Floor. From Terminal 2, take the free shuttle to the “Aero Plaza”. » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Osaka Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Café Lounge NODOKA – Location: Aeroplaza, 2nd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Credit card loyalty programs. Hours: 24 hours.
  • KIX North Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, North, 2nd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door. Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Mon-Fri) & 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Sat)..
  • KIX Airside Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, South, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the door. Hours: 7:15 AM – 10:00 PM.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Korean Air Lounge (Location: Terminal 1, North, in between gates 4 & 5) • Asuka Lounge (Location: Terminal 1, North, by gate 4) • Lounge Pacific (Location: Terminal 1, North, by gate 3) • ANA Lounge (Location: Terminal 1, North, by gate 1) • JAL Sakura Lounge (Location: Terminal 1, South, by gate 38).

Related Pages: Kansai Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does Kansai Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

foodFood & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
» Terminal 1, Landside: Family Mart • Lawson • McDonald’s • Sukiya.
» Terminal 2, Landside: Lawson.
» Aeroplaza/Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport: Lawson.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

There are a few options for storing your bags:» Storage: On-site luggage storage is available at the airport. Rates are ¥620 per suitcase/day, with prices varying depending on item size. Locations: JAL ABC, Terminal 1, South, 1st & 4th floors. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM • Kansai Airport Baggage Service, North, 4th Floor. Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM.
» Lockers: Self-service coin-operated lockers are also available. Lockers use a daily charge systBased on luggage size, ratesage, are ¥400 – ¥800Locations: Multiple locations throughout both terminals and Aeroplaza.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

There are power outlets throughout the terminals and five ChargeSPOT mobile charging stations. The airport also offers workstations where you can plug in and work from your own laptops. Charging stations are available, with at least ten locations throughout the airport.

showersShowers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Coin-operated showers can be found in these locations: Terminal 1, North, International Gate Center • Café Lounge NODOKA, Aeroplaza. Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are provided. Rates are from¥600/15 minutes. Additionally, there are showers in the KIX Airport Lounge [see airport lounges above].

wifiWiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Connect to one of the “_FreeWiFi-KansaiAirports” networks.

alertSecurity & Safety

Airport staff are generally quite tolerant of airport sleepers, both during the day and overnight.

At the time of this update, travellers report feeling very secure and safe at Osaka Kansai Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Copy services – Locations: Terminal 1, Family Mart • Terminal 2, LAWSON • Aeroplaza, LAWSON • Aeroplaza, NODOKA.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing facilities, nursing area (women only), hot water dispenser, microwaves and more are available in the airport’s Baby Rooms. Locations: Terminals 1 & 2, all floors.
  • Children’s Play Area – Fun and colourful play areas for children aged six and under. Five airside locations: Terminal 1, International Gate area • Terminal 1, International Gates North Wings • Terminal 1, International Gates South Wings • Terminal 1, Domestic Gates area • Terminal 2, International Gates area.
  • Strollers – Loaner strollers are free of charge from any Information Counter for use in the airport.

Fax services – Locations: Terminal 1, Family Mart • Terminal 2 LAWSON • Aeroplaza, LAWSON.

Information Desk – Information Counters can be found on the 2nd and 4th floors of Terminal 1 and the public area of Terminal 2. For information about Osaka, there is a Tourist Information Center. Location: Terminal 1, South, 1st Floor. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout the airport. Locations: Terminals 1 and 2, the airport train station and the parking lots.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Your Wrap offers luggage wrapping service. Rates start at ¥1500. Location: Terminal 1, North & South, 4th floor. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Porter Service – A Porter service is available in Terminal 1 at a basic charge of ¥530. A prior reservation is required. For more information, visit the Kansai Airport website.

Massages – If you would like to have a massage, there are coin-operated massage chairs on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1. Ginza Body Care also offers various treatments. Location: Terminal 1, landside. Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available in the Doctor’s Clinic. Location: Terminal 1, North, 2nd Floor. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. KIX Dental Office provides onsite dental care. Location: Aeroplaza, 3rd floor. Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (closed Thurs, Sun and public holidays).
  • Pharmacy – A variety of medications are available at Cocokara Pharmacy, both landside and airside.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Multiple locations throughout both terminals, the Aeroplaza and the airport station.
  • Currency Exchange – Many foreign exchange offices are located throughout the terminals, both landside and airside. You can also access 24-hour foreign currency ATMs in the International Gate Area and Terminal 1.

Pet Hotel – While on vacation, your pets can be too! You can leave them at the Kankuu Pet Hotel Promenade. Location: Multi-story Parking Building 2. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Photo services – Coin-operated photo booths. Locations: 1st Floor, North & South • 2nd Floor, North.

Police – Location: Terminal 1, North, 2nd floor. Hours: open 24 hours.

Post Office – Mailboxes are located in four areas: Terminal 1, 1st, 2nd & 4th floors • Terminal 2, public area.

Prayer Room – Prayer/ablution rooms are available within the airport and are separated by gender. Location: Terminal 1, 3rd floor.

Shopping – Duty-Free is available in both terminals. Numerous other shops are available throughout the airport to pass the time. You will find a few convenience stores open 24 hours a day for any last-minute snack or drink needs. See Food & Drinks above.

SIM Cards – SIM cards for networks GLOBAL WiFi, JALABC and Parrot beak can be purchased from various SIM card vending machines throughout the terminal buildings.

Smoking – Locations: Multiple locations throughout both terminals and Aeroplaza.

Things to do & see

  • Observation Area – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation area. The Sky View Observation Hall is close to the Ferry Terminal. To get there, take the shuttle bus from stop 1 outside the Passenger Terminal Building (the same bus links the Terminal and the Rinku Premium Shopping Outlets).
Airlines
Osaka Kansai Airport is served by the following airlines: Aero K • Air AsiaX • Air Busan • Air Calédonie • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air India • Air Macau • Air New Zealand • Air Seoul • American Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Asiana Airlines • Bangkok Airways • Batik Air Malaysia • Beijing Capital Airline • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Czech Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Eastar Jet • Emirates • Etihad Airways • EVA Air • Finnair • Garuda Indonesia • Greater Bay Airlines • Hainan Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • HK Express • Hong Kong Airlines • Japan Airlines • Japan Transocean Air • Jeju Air • Jetstar Airways • Jetstar Asia • Jetstar Japan • Jin Air • Juneyao Airlines • KLM • Korean Air • Loong Air • Lucky Air • Lufthansa • Malaysia Airlines • Okay Airways • Peach • Philippines AirAsia • Philippines Airlines • Qantas • Qatar Airways • S7 Airlines • Scoot • Shandong Airlines • Shanghai Airlines • Shenzhen Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • Singapore Airlines • South African Airways • Spring Airlines • SriLankan Airlines • Star Flyer • STARLUX Airlines • Swiss International Air Lines • Thai Airasia X • Thai Airways • Thai Vietjet • Tianjin Airlines • Tigerair Taiwan • T’way Air • United Airlines • VietJet Air • Vietnam Airlines • Virgin Australia • Xiamen Air • 9 Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Several bus lines operate in and out of Kansai Airport. For schedules, fares, and further information, go to the Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise website or inquire with bus staff at the airport.

Bus stops and ticket vending machines are outside the building on the 1st floor. Buses arriving at Terminal 1 go to the International Departures Lobby on the 4th floor. Some buses also continue on to Terminal 2.

Car Rentals

Five car rental agencies are available onsite: Nippon Rent-A-Car • Nissan Rent-A-Car • Orix Rent-A-Car • Toyota Rent-A-Car • Times CAR. Their reception desks are in the Aeroplaza, just a three-minute walk from Terminal 1. Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

High-speed Ferry

A high-speed ferry runs between Kansai Airport and Kobe Airport. The total trip time is 30 minutes, and the fare is ¥1,880 for adults (¥940 for children). Tickets can be purchased from the High-Speed Ferry Ticket Counter located in Terminal 1. From there, passengers can take a 10-minute ride on a courtesy shuttle bus to the Ferry Terminal bus stop 12. Passengers arriving at the Ferry Terminal from Kobe can take that same shuttle back to Terminal 1 at Kansai Airport or continue on that shuttle to Terminal 2. Shuttle buses are timed to meet each arriving ferry. For further information on this service, consult the Om Kobe Co. Ltd website.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide an airport shuttle: Star Gate Hotel Kansai AirportHotel Aston Plaza Kansai AirportKansai Airport Spa Hotel Garden PalaceHotel Sun Plus YutakaHotel New Yutaka.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Shared-Ride Airport Shuttles

Shared ride airport shuttles are an economical and relaxing way to travel to or from the airport. Fares start at ¥4300 per person. Contact MK Taxi (SkyGate shuttles) or Yasaka Kanku shuttles for information and reservations.

Taxi

Taxi stands can be found outside the 1st floors of both Terminals 1 and 2. At the time of this update, standard taxi fares from KIX airport to central Osaka start at ¥19,180. Contact Kansai International Airport Taxi Association for further information on fares, service area, and travel times.

Train

JR-West (West Japan Railway Company) and Nankai Electric Railway operate railway lines to/from the Kansai Airport Station, directly connected to the 2nd Floor or Terminal 1. Passengers can take trains from that station to reach neighbouring cities such as Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and Kyobashi.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.