If you’ve got an early departure or late arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX), you might want to stay in a hotel at or near the airport. Here are the best and most convenient KIX hotels.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport: Tooykrub / Shutterstock.com
Kansai International Airport (KIX) Hotels Introduction
Staying at an airport hotel before or after your flight is a trick used by many seasoned travelers. If you’ve got an early departure and want to get as much sleep as possible, then staying at or near the airport is THE best hack.
Likewise, if you’re arriving late from a long flight, it’s great to spend your first night at an airport hotel and then travel to your first city refreshed and clean in the morning. It makes your first impressions of the country so much sweeter. And if you’re traveling with kids, you know that a rested kid is a happy kid.
Night view of KIX: Sudpoth Sirirattanasakul / Shutterstock.com
Since KIX is built on an island, there’s not much room for hotels. But, there are two of them and we introduce them here. Your next option is to stay in Rinku Town, which is across the bridge from the airport. These generally offer free shuttles to the airport. And, one final option is to stay near a train station in Osaka or Kyoto and we introduce two good options for this.
Kansai Airport train station: Coward Lion / Shutterstock.com
Hotels at KIX
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This hotel is the best choice for those who want to stay at the airport. It’s about 200 meters from the main terminal (Terminal 1) via an easy pedestrian bridge. The hotel is efficient and comfortable and has large rooms. Compared to airport hotels of similar quality in other parts of the world, it’s a great deal. This is where we stay when we fly via KIX.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport – image © Booking.com
First Cabin Kansai Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If the Nikko is out of your budget range, then your only other choice at the airport is this iteration of the First Cabin chain. The concept here is “upscale capsule hotel.” The rooms are very small, but comfortable enough and the sento-style spa is very nice. It’s perfectly adequate for a night before or after your flight.
First Cabin Kansai Airport – image © Booking.com
Hotels Across the Bridge from KIX
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Washington Hotel across the bridge from the airport is probably the best choice for those who can’t get a room at the Nikko. It’s a standard Japanese business hotel with very competitive rates. It’s at Rinku Town, which is a popular shopping and dining center, so you won’t be stuck for things to eat.
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel – image © Booking.com
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Star Gate Hotel is another hotel in Rinku Town, across the bridge from the airport. The hotel is in a high tower and rooms offer great views. Otherwise, it’s merely an acceptable place for a quick night before an early flight.
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport – image © Booking.com
Other Hotels Convenient to KIX
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Staying in Osaka might not seem like a good idea for an early flight, but the private Nankai Line’s Rapi:t express runs from Osaka’s Namba Station to KIX in 34 minutes. The Swissotel Nankai Namba is one of the best hotels in Osaka and it’s located right above Nankai Nambe Station. The views from the rooms are absolutely stunning and in the morning, you can simply stroll down to the station and be at the airport in barely more than half an hour. It’s a great choice.
Swissotel Nankai Osaka – image © Booking.com
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Another option for those who want an easy trip to the airport is the Hotel Granvia Kyoto, which is located directly above Kyoto Station. The JR Haruka Airport Express runs from Kyoto Station to KIX in 75 minutes. So, you can get a good night’s sleep in a proper hotel and have a smooth and comfortable trip to the airport in the morning. And, best of all, the Granvia is a great hotel!
Hotel Granvia Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Other Useful Information
- Kyoto Hotels
- Osaka Hotels
- Guide to Kansai International Airport.
- Kyoto Airport Transport
- Osaka Airport Transport
- Kansai International Airport Hotels
- Narita Airport Guide
- Haneda Airport Guide
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
