Aerial Photograph of Kansai International Airport at JAPAN in 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kansai International Airport, also known as Osaka Airport or KIX, is located outside of Osaka on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It serves both international and domestic airplane routes. The facilities are modern and well set up for the international traveler. There are two terminal buildings, so confirm which one your flight arrives in while making plans. The two buildings are joined by a free shuttle bus.
Finnair MD-11 with Moomin colours at Kansai International Airport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As well as currency exchange, business centers, and a full complement of restaurants and duty-free shops, KIX strives for a barrier-free environment. There are elevators between levels, wheelchair and stroller rentals, play rooms and areas for children, nursing rooms and baby rooms with microwaves. The information counters have a wealth of information and fliers about the surrounding areas, printed in a variety of languages. Information counter staff may have limited English, but are used to dealing with foreigners and try to be very helpful. If you plan to travel to your destination by highway bus, you can purchase your ticket there. KIX can be reached by car, bus, train, or ferry.
English: Kansai International Airport, Izumisano, Osaka prefecture, Japan 日本語: 関西国際空港, 大阪府和泉佐野市 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
KIX is a convenient airport for reaching destinations in the middle of Japan, such as Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. The JR Haruka Express train takes about 75 minutes to reach Kyoto. Osaka and Kobe are closer. The airport is smaller than Narita so has less options for international flights, but on the other hand, is less overwhelming to navigate than that major hub.
The official airport website in English is: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp
