Osaka - Kansai, Japan (KIX)

During the 90's, Osaka needed a new airport because of two reasons. Competition with Tokyo and because the current airport was a threat to the neighborhood area. Infact the old airport was only 200m away from an elementary school. Because Japan is really crowded, engineers took a gamble to create a floating island. Today, it is known as one of the most impressive buildings in the world.

The Airport

It's located 50km ...
...excellent services, are very efficient, and can keep you with a smile on your face. Please note that you may have to walk alot within the airport. So, if you have to go to Osaka or connect at Kansai, don't be disappointed!

http://www.kansaiairport.or.jp/english/access/index.htm

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During the 90's, Osaka needed a new airport because of two reasons. Competition with Tokyo and because the current airport was a threat to the neighborhood area. Infact the old airport was only 200m away from an elementary school. Because Japan is really crowded, engineers took a gamble to create a floating island. Today, it is known as one of the most impressive buildings in the world.

It's located 50km south of downtown Osaka. The city is accessable by train, bus, ferry, and taxi. Taxis are expensive and may cost you about $70. Ferries are better at about $40. Bus can $30-50 depending which one. Inside the airport is a clean, and a calm environment. The 1F is the International arrivals and customs. 2F is Domestic Departures and Arrivals. 3rd is the restaurants and shops. Finally, the 4F has the International Check-ins. If you have any confusion, you can visit a help desk that are conveniently located all around the airport.

The Airport provides many services from Financial to Shopping. The 3rd Floor has many restaurants and Gift Stores. Note that these stores only accept Japanese ¥.
Foreign Exchange desks are found throughout the airport but mind you Korean Won, Taiwan Dollar and some other asian currencies are hard to exchange. If you request, an agent can come to help those that are handicapped and/or have health problems. Internet Services are also available.

Security has tightened since Sept. 11, but is still very smooth. You will find the security checks to be fast and you'll be done faster than needed.

Kansai airport provides many destinations. Currently 44 airlines provide International Flights. For all British Readers, Japan Airlines provides flights from London to Osaka. For US readers, many American as well as Japanese Carriers provide flights to San Fransisco, Los Angelas, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Seattle, New York, and many other places.

Kansai provides excellent services, are very efficient, and can keep you with a smile on your face. Please note that you may have to walk alot within the airport. So, if you have to go to Osaka or connect at Kansai, don't be disappointed!

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