If you've booked a flight to Japan arriving at Kansai International Airport, it's a good idea to start by registering with the "Visit Japan Web" service, which streamlines the entry process, including quarantine, immigration, and customs procedures.

While paper-based procedures are still available, using Visit Japan Web for pre-arrival registration is recommended. Create an account, log in, and enter your details, including those of any accompanying family members, along with your entry or return schedule. You can then proceed to register for immigration (foreign entry records) and customs declaration (for carried and unaccompanied items).

1. Quarantine and Immigration Procedures
After disembarking, follow the signs to complete quarantine and immigration procedures. At immigration, display the QR code from your application screen at the immigration counter.

2. Baggage Claim
Check the information board in the baggage claim area for your airline and flight number to collect your luggage. If you are bringing items like fruits, vegetables, or meat products, you will need to undergo animal and plant quarantine as well.

3. Customs Declaration and Inspection
Generate a customs QR code using the "Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles" form from Visit Japan Web. Scan this code at an electronic terminal in the customs area along with your passport to complete the declaration electronically. (You may still be subject to questioning or inspection by customs officers.)
For paper-based declarations, proceed to customs with your luggage and submit the paper form for inspection.

4. Arrival Lobby
Once cleared, proceed to the arrival lobby and officially enter Japan.

After arriving in Japan, it's a good idea to gather information before leaving the airport.

On the first floor (south) of Terminal 1, you'll find the Kansai Tourist Information Center at Kansai International Airport. The staff can assist you in English, Chinese, and Korean, and they offer the mobile translation service "Touch + See Translation."

You can find travel information not only for the Kansai region but also for all of Japan.

They also sell various transportation passes, such as the JR-WEST RAIL PASS, and tickets for other transportation options. If you're planning to travel around, buying these passes here will be convenient.

You can also purchase tickets to Universal Studios Japan®—which can be a bit complicated to buy elsewhere—as long as you’re aware they are date-specific and cannot be changed or canceled after issuance. Feel free to ask staff for help planning your trip.

In addition to the Kansai Tourist Information Center, there are several other information counters marked with a "?" symbol. These counters are available to assist with any questions you may have within the airport, including flight details, access information, and facility guidance. They also handle lost child reports and offer wheelchair and stroller rentals. If no staff is present, you can use a dedicated phone for assistance.

Floor maps and signs are available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese! The floor map clearly displays your current location and nearby facilities.

To ensure smooth transportation from Kansai International Airport, access guides are available. These provide English information on train services (JR or Nankai), Limousine Bus, and high-speed ferries, along with maps of boarding locations.

By scanning the QR code at the bottom of the access guide, you can access "KIX ACCESSMOOTHIE," the airport’s route search site, which helps you find the most efficient way to reach your destination.

If you're worried about your phone's battery life, we recommend using Charge SPOT, a mobile battery-sharing service in Japan. You can charge your device on the go, even while heading to your hotel. These batteries can be returned at partner locations such as convenience stores near your accommodation or destination.

Additionally, WiFi router rentals are available at various locations in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Please check the list below for specific rental counters.

Be sure to complete check-in at your airline’s self-service machine or counter before the deadline. Then proceed to the 4th floor of Terminal 1, where international departures are located. After the security check, complete customs and immigration procedures.

At customs, you must show your passport and purchased goods. If you plan to check tax-free items in your luggage, be sure to have them inspected by customs before handing them over at the airline counter. If you cannot present tax-free items, you may be required to pay consumption tax.

Afterward, head to your boarding gate before the time indicated on your boarding pass. Kansai International Airport has a large departure area, and some gates require taking the Wing Shuttle to reach the north or south wings. Once check-in is complete, confirm your gate location and allow plenty of time to get there.

In December 2023, Kansai International Airport opened its new international departure area, featuring 27 new restaurants, retail shops, and service stores. After passing through security and immigration, take advantage of your waiting time before boarding to explore the various shops.

For shopping, we recommend visiting the walk-through duty-free shop, one of the largest in Japan, covering about 2,500 square meters. You can also place orders online in advance. At "TASTE OF KANSAI KANSAI TABINIKKI," you'll find a wide selection of souvenirs, including traditional Japanese sweets and specialty products from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Additionally, the drugstore Cocokara Fine is located within the departure area, so if you forgot essentials like medications, motion sickness pills, energy drinks, or earplugs, you can easily pick them up before your flight.

If you'd like to shop or grab a meal before checking in but find it difficult to move around with too much luggage, the temporary baggage storage service is a convenient option. Dedicated counters are available on the 1st floor (north) and the 4th floor (both north and south) of Terminal 1, where you can leave your bags.

The "Sky Deck" at Kansai International Airport is a unique observation area that even features a rooftop park. It includes a play area where children can enjoy playground equipment, and a rest area where you can relax and have a snack. If you have extra time before your flight, it’s a great spot to get some fresh air and recharge before your journey. There’s also the interactive "Sky Museum," where you can learn about airports and airplanes through hands-on exhibits.

Kansai International Airport offers a wide range of services perfect for tourists, ensuring a pleasant start and end to your Kansai adventure.

*This article was originally published in September 2024 and updated in June 2025. Please check the official websites for the latest information.