Originally opened on September 4, 1994, Kansai International Airport is Japan’s first offshore airport, built on an artificial island 5 kilometers off Senshu in Osaka Bay. It is widely known as “Kankuu” and by its airport code, KIX.

Along with Osaka International Airport and Kobe Airport, it serves as one of the main gateways to Kansai. It is Japan’s second-largest international hub after Narita International Airport, based on international passengers and flights. In 2023, approximately 19 million travelers arrived in Japan via Kansai Airport.

Major renovations are underway through fall 2026. The new Domestic Area in Terminal 1 opened in October 2022, followed by the renovated International Departure Area in December 2023.

Kansai International Airport is served by the JR Group and Nankai Electric Railway lines, offering direct rail access to major cities across Kansai. The airport also connects to the expressway network, making travel by taxi or rental car convenient.

Limousine Bus services run to key stations and city centers throughout the region. As an offshore airport, it also offers a high-speed ferry option, the Kobe Bay Shuttle, which provides direct service to Kobe.

To travel from Kansai Airport to Kobe’s Sannomiya area, you have two main rail options. There is no direct train, so all routes require at least one transfer, usually at Osaka Station.

Both JR and Nankai Railway operate Rapid, Express, and Limited Express services. When choosing, compare transfer ease, total travel time, and overall fare to your final destination.

You are now at Kansai Airport Station, where you can catch the JR and Nankai Electric Railway. It is attached to the connecting passages of Terminal 1 (2F). You can purchase tickets from the ticket vending machines, or from the ticket offices.

First timers may want to use the offices, where you can speak with staff members directly if you have any questions. There are English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese speaking staff members at the JR Office, while the Nankai Electric Railway office has a portable interpreter for customer use.

But be careful! The ticket offices for JR and Nankai Electric Railway look similar, so don’t mistake them. The JR office sign is all blue, while the Nankai Electric Railway is orange and blue.

Rapid and express tickets are available from both railway companies. Limited Express Tickets and Reserved Seat Tickets (separate fare from your regular ticket) are also available.

Ticket vending machines are available in four languages (English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese), which you can easily toggle on the start screen. Staff members are also sometimes available on the floor to help visitors use the machines, as well.

As before, be sure to note the color differences between both companies to avoid mixing them up!

Once you purchase your tickets, head to the appropriate ticket gate to board your train.

Careful! The ticket gates to both the JR and Nankai Lines are right next to each other, so again, be careful not to mistake them.

From Kansai Airport to Sannomiya (via JR)

From Kansai Airport to Kobe Sannomiya (via Nankai Express)

Getting through the airport and traveling to your destination with large suitcases can be a challenge. For those times, let the staff take your luggage with and travel more easily via limousine bus. There are many bus departures from Kansai International Airport to major stations.

Keep in mind, travel time will vary depending on road conditions such as traffic and weather, so this option is recommended only if you're not in too much of a rush.

Below is an outline of how to get from the Arrival Gate to the Bus Stop. You can also follow the signs on the information boards.

The bus stop is relatively easy to find, as it is right in front of the exit.

From Terminal 1:
Take 1F exit, located on the same floor.

From Terminal 2:
Take the front exit, and use the pedestrian crossing to the other side.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket vending machines located right near the bus stop. The Limousine Bus ticket counter is also on the same floor.

Ticket vending machines are available in Japanese and English. There are also always Japanese and English speaking staff at the ticket counters, and occasionally, Chinese and Korean speaking staff, as well.

Limousine Buses from Kansai Airport:

*Prices and schedules are subject to change; please see official websites for the latest updates and information.

If convenience is your top priority, taking a taxi or private transfer is the simplest option. Airport taxis offer flat fares by destination, and the price is per vehicle, making it easier to split among families or groups.

This option is especially convenient for travelers with young children, older family members, or a large amount of luggage. With door-to-door service and no transfers, you can head straight to your hotel without navigating stations or stairs.

Expect to pay around 22,000 to 30,610 yen total to Kobe Sannomiya Station, depending on whether you take a taxi from the stand or reserve a fixed-rate vehicle in advance. The journey takes about 70 minutes.

(Information as of February 2026, according to the official KIX Website.)

Taking the Airport Taxi to Kobe Sannomiya Station

*Note that fares are approximate, and include bridge/expressway tolls. Prices may increase due to traffic, tolls, etc. Please see official website for the latest updates and information.

To travel around the large Kansai Area with more freedom, it is recommended to use a rental car. This method is recommended for those traveling with small children or the elderly, or for those who prefer a more leisurely sightseeing trip.

Rental car shops are located on the first floor of the Aeroplaza, a complex connected to Terminal 1 Building and Kansai Airport Station.

The reception counter is just a 3-minute walk from the Terminal 1 Building 2F passage, or 7 minutes from Terminal 2 Building via free shuttle bus.

The route to the rental car reception is outlined below. Note that there are also signs you can follow to the Rent a Car area, as seen in the photos.

*Travel time from Kansai Airport to Kobe-Sannomiya Station Area by rental car is approx. 1 hour 10 minutes.

Get 10% off when you book via the special site. (Coupon code: iUzM2RfVlJ）

The Kobe/Kanku Bay Shuttle is a high-speed ferry connecting Kansai International Airport and KobeAirport, and is recommended for those planning to sightsee in Kobe.

This high-speed ferry and port liner can get you to Kobe-Sannomiya in less than one hour. While ferry conditions are dependent on the weather, those with reservations will be notified in advance of any cancellations due to inclement weather, in which case alternative buses will be operated.

Important to consider:
This route requires several transfers between shuttle buses and two ferries. The ferry ride itself can also be quite noisy and bumpy. Please be aware if traveling with large luggages or small children, or if you/someone in your party is sensitive to loud noises/motion sickness.

Follow the signs on the information board from your terminal to the High-speed Ferry Ticket Counter.

Japanese and English Speaking staff are always available at ticket counters. Occasionally, Chinese and Korean speaking staff are available, as well.

Once at Kobe Airport Port, board the Bay Shuttle high-speed ferry. It begins operation at 6:30 AM, and runs until 12 AM, almost hourly, with almost 15 rides per day.

For the latest updates and information, or to make a reservation, visit the official website.

While reservations are not required, you may want to consider booking ahead of time if traveling during peak seasons for convenience.

Once at Kobe Port Terminal, take the shuttle bus right outside the terminal, or walk to Port Liner Kobe Airport Station, attached to Kobe Airport Terminal. From there, ride the Port Liner to Sannomiya.

*For the latest updates and information, or to make a reservation, visit the official website.

Now that you know how to get from the Kansai Airport to the Hyogo/Kobe Area, it's time to do some sightseeing! Here are some recommended spots to see.

Kobe Harborland
A landmark of the Kobe Bay Area, located on the opposite shore of Meriken Park where the Kobe Port Tower stands, there are the large, trendy shopping complexes full of delicious food and specialty shops. You can also ride the Umie Mosaic Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view of Kobe City, Mount Rokko, and the Seto Inland Sea.

Accessible by Limousine Bus and the JR Line.

Kitano Ijinkan-Gai
Kitano Ijinkan-gai is a cultural attraction with many old, Western-style buildings built for foreigners between the Meiji and Taisho Periods. There’s also Kitanozaka and Tor Road, dotted with stylish cafes, variety stores, and sweets shops.

Accessible by Limousine Bus, Kobe Municipal Subway, and Bay Shuttle/Port Liner.

Himeji Castle
HimejiCastle is a World Cultural Heritage site and the largest surviving castle, standing for nearly 400 years. This beautiful white castle and its surrounding gardens are definitely worth seeing in any season!

Accessible by JR Limited Express and Shinkansen Bullet Train.

Arima Onsen Town
Arima Onsen is part of the Three Ancient Springs of Japan, rich in iron and high-quality water. This historic, atmospheric hot spring town, surrounded by the great nature of Rokko, is also full of delicious Arima gourmet and unique souvenirs.

Accessible by JR Line and private railways (Kobe Municipal Subway, Shintetsu Arima Line).

Sasayama Castle Town (Tamba-Sasayama)
Sasayama Castle was built in 1609 by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the surrounding castle town, old townhouses and samurai residences still remain. Enjoy chic cafes, shops, and local food and pottery crafts.

Accessible by Limousine Bus, JR Line, and Shinki Bus.

If you plan to stay in the Kansai area for several days or extend your trip to other areas like Tokyo, please refer to the links below.

The best transportation for you to use during your travels will depend on many factors, such as age, schedule, amount and size of luggage, who you are traveling with, and experience.

The methods introduced today seek to provide as much convenience with as little cost as possible. Whether you're an experienced traveler or Japan first-timer, we hope you will find this guide of great use. Enjoy your stay in Japan!

(*This article has been updated as of February 2026. For the latest information, please check the official websites of each store or facility.)