Photo source: Kansai International Airport official website

Kansai International Airport (KIX) lounges have undergone major changes between 2025 and 2026. In addition to the three main types — “card lounges,” “membership lounges,” and “airline lounges” — there are also facilities available with Priority Pass.

To get straight to the point: the only lounge you can use after arrival, while waiting to be picked up, is “NODOKA” on the 2nd floor of Aeroplaza. The “NORTH LOUNGE,” newly opened in April 2026, is located in the area after international departure immigration, so it cannot be used after arrival.

Note: The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Prices and business hours are subject to change, so please check each lounge’s or the airport’s official website for the latest information.

[Important] KIX Lounges Underwent Major Changes in 2025–2026

KIX lounges have been substantially renovated over the past one to two years.

• March 27, 2025: Airline lounges were renewed, and the previous individual lounges (Asuka, KAL Lounge, etc.) were closed. They were consolidated into the shared “KIX Lounge Kansai” and “KIX Lounge Premium.”
• May 31, 2025: The ANA Lounge ceased operations.
• March 31, 2026: The card lounges “Rokko,” “Kongo,” and “Annex Rokko” closed.
• April 1, 2026: The new card lounge “NORTH LOUNGE” opened.

If you’re planning your visit based on older information, you may end up heading toward a lounge that has already closed — so it’s important to check the current lounge lineup.

KIX Lounge Basics: Three Categories

Type	Access Requirements	Location
Card Lounge	Gold card or higher, etc.	NORTH LOUNGE (after security, international), NODOKA (public area)
Membership Lounge	GBC membership, etc.	SOUTH LOUNGE (after security, international)
Airline Lounge	Business class or above, elite status	KIX Lounge Kansai/Premium (international), Lounge KANSAI (domestic)

In addition, Priority Pass members can use benefits at NODOKA and at restaurants in the domestic restricted area (such as Botejyu 1946).

Also Recommended After Arrival or While Waiting to Pick Someone Up: NODOKA

“NODOKA” is the only lounge at KIX that can be used after arrival. Located on the 2nd floor of Aeroplaza (outside the passenger terminal building), it’s open 24 hours a day, making it convenient even for early-morning or late-night flights.

• Location: Aeroplaza 2nd floor (public area, before security)
• Hours: 24 hours (open year-round)
• Phone: 072-456-8161
• Main services: free soft drinks, alcoholic beverages available for a fee, 7 shower rooms (3 for men, 3 for women, 1 for guests with disabilities), magazines and newspapers, free Wi-Fi

Presenting an eligible gold card gets you 2 hours of free use. You may also bring in food and drinks purchased elsewhere. With a wide variety of seating types — private booths, reclining chairs, mat seating — it’s also useful for domestic passengers or those with time before international departure.

Card Lounge: NORTH LOUNGE (International, After Security)

• Location: Terminal 1, 3rd floor, north side of the international departure area
• Hours: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM (open year-round)
• Price: Free with an eligible gold card. Companions: ¥2,200 (tax included) for ages 13+, ¥1,100 (tax included) for ages 4–12, free under age 4
• Main services: free soft drinks, free mocktails made with French syrups, alcohol and light snacks available for a fee, newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi, smoking room

This new card lounge opened in April 2026, offering 105 seats across roughly 318 square meters. It features Japan’s first FamilyMart vending-machine convenience store inside an airport lounge, where you can purchase light snacks such as takoyaki.

This lounge is intended for passengers departing on international flights and cannot be used after arrival — a point clearly stated on the official website. It’s also not listed on the Kansai International Airport page of the Priority Pass official website, so note that it cannot be used with Priority Pass.

Airline Lounges: KIX Lounge Kansai, Premium, and Lounge KANSAI

KIX Lounge Kansai (International, Business Class or Above)

• Location: Terminal 1, center of the international gate area
• Seating: 658 seats (approx. 2,970 square meters)
• Hours: 6:00 AM–2:15 AM (varies depending on flight status; opens at security checkpoint opening time, closes at the scheduled departure time of the last flight)
• Access requirements: Business class or higher boarding pass, or elite airline status (Star Alliance Gold, Oneworld Sapphire or above, etc.)

This large lounge features buffet-style dining (hot and cold meals, halal food, desserts), alcoholic beverages, shower rooms (including a wheelchair-accessible booth), 2 massage chairs, 2 booths for online meetings, and 3 private rooms (10 seats each). A duty-free delivery service from KIX DUTY FREE is also available (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, orders accepted up to 90 minutes before departure).

KIX Lounge Premium (International, First Class or Above)

• Location: Terminal 1, center of the international gate area
• Seating: 143 seats (approx. 800 square meters)
• Hours: 6:30 AM–12:30 AM
• Access requirements: First class passengers, holders of top-tier airline status, etc.

This lounge offers a calmer atmosphere than KIX Lounge Kansai, with a staffed bar, a private room (10 seats), a shower room, and a nursing room.

Lounge KANSAI (Domestic)

• Location: Terminal 1, 3rd floor (after security, domestic)
• Hours: 5:30 AM to the scheduled departure time of the last flight
• Features: Eco Mark-certified lounge, open and spacious with large windows

This is the airline lounge available to domestic departure passengers. It’s close to the boarding gates, allowing you to relax right up until departure.

Membership Lounge: SOUTH LOUNGE

• Location: Terminal 1, south side of the international departure area
• Access requirements: GBC membership, etc.
• Main services: alcoholic and other drinks, light snacks, newspapers, free Wi-Fi

This lounge is for members enrolled through corporate or group membership. Since this is a separate membership system from personal credit cards, check your organization’s membership eligibility if you’re considering using it.

Facilities Available with Priority Pass

NORTH LOUNGE is not covered by Priority Pass, but the following facilities are available:

• NODOKA: Free for up to 3 hours. Comes with a benefit allowing you to choose 2 out of 3: one meal item, two canned beers, or a 40-minute shower
• Botejyu 1946, Japan Traveling Restaurant by BOTEJYU (domestic restricted area): ¥3,400 dining discount. Available from 3 hours before departure with same-day boarding pass. Takeout also available

For the Botejyu dining benefit, any amount over ¥3,400 is paid out of pocket, and it cannot be used upon arrival.

For the complete Kansai Airport café guide, click here

Recommendations by Purpose

If You Want Easy Access with a Gold Card

For international departures, “NORTH LOUNGE” is an option; for after arrival or domestic flights, “NODOKA” is the choice. It’s also worth remembering that NORTH LOUNGE has Japan’s first convenience store inside an airport lounge.

If You Have a Priority Pass

For international flights, it’s efficient to use NODOKA’s dining and shower benefits; for domestic flights, use Botejyu’s dining discount. You can combine multiple facilities on the same day.

For Business Class Passengers and Elite Members

KIX Lounge Kansai is recommended, offering halal-friendly meals, massage chairs, and even online meeting booths. First class passengers and those with top-tier status may also consider the quieter KIX Lounge Premium.

If You Want to Use a Shower

Shower facilities are available at NODOKA (7 rooms), KIX Lounge Kansai, and KIX Lounge Premium. NORTH LOUNGE did not list shower facilities.

NearMe Is Also Recommended for Getting To and From Kansai Airport!

When heading to Kansai Airport, be sure to use “NearMe,” which lets you travel directly from wherever you like without transfers.

Overview

NearMe is a flat-rate transfer service that picks you up directly from your home, hotel, or any location of your choice and takes you straight to the airport. Cumulative bookings have exceeded 1.45 million, with a rider satisfaction rating of 4.6/5.0 (based on results from October 2019 to May 2025). For Kansai Airport, pricing pages are split between the Osaka/Hyogo area and the Kyoto area.

• Shared ride: from ¥3,980 per person for the Osaka/Hyogo area, from ¥5,980 for the Kyoto area
• Private (flat-rate hired car): from ¥16,800 per vehicle for the Osaka/Hyogo area, from ¥29,800 for the Kyoto area

With “shared rides,” where you ride together with other passengers, you can save up to 80% compared to a regular taxi.

How to Use It and Pricing

Between Osaka Station and Kansai Airport (Osaka/Hyogo route), you can expect the following pricing and travel times.

Mode of Transport	Approx. Price	Travel Time	Notes
NearMe (shared ride)	Approx. ¥3,980	Approx. 45 min+	Includes highway tolls, door-to-door
Limousine Bus	Approx. ¥1,800	Approx. 65 min+	Requires travel to/from bus stop and waiting time
Taxi	Approx. ¥21,380	Approx. 45 min	Costly for 1–3 people; pickup and highway fees extra
Private Car	Approx. ¥6,680	Approx. 45 min	Pickup and highway fees extra; risk of full parking

To Get Even Better Value

• Early-bird discount: book at least 14 days before your ride for a discounted price
• Shared-ride discount: discounted pricing when there are co-riders or when conditions (date/time and route) make finding co-riders easy
• Group discount: the more people, the bigger the savings — up to about 70% off per person
• Children’s fares are half the adult price, and infants ride free
• One suitcase is free; large luggage is +¥1,000 per item
• Earn ANA, JAL, or StarFlyer miles when using shared rides
• Full refund guarantee in case of flight delays

Who Should Consider NearMe

• Those living far from the airport, such as in central Osaka or Kyoto
• Those who are uneasy about driving or would rather not drive
• Those with a lot of luggage, such as suitcases, who find train transfers burdensome
• Those traveling to the airport with family or friends
• Those taking early-morning or late-night flights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Which lounge can I use right after arrival?

A. “NODOKA” on the 2nd floor of Aeroplaza is open 24 hours and can be used after arrival. It’s the only lounge at KIX available after arrival.

Q. Can I use NORTH LOUNGE after arrival?

A. No. NORTH LOUNGE is intended for passengers departing on international flights and cannot be used after arrival. This is clearly stated on the official website.

Q. Can I still use the former Rokko, Kongo, or Annex Rokko lounges?

A. No. They closed on March 31, 2026. In their place, “NORTH LOUNGE” newly opened on April 1, 2026.

Q. Are there any lounges I can use with a Priority Pass?

A. NODOKA is free for up to 3 hours and comes with a benefit letting you choose 2 out of 3: one meal item, two canned beers, or a 40-minute shower. For domestic flights, you can also use a dining discount (¥3,400) at places like Botejyu 1946. NORTH LOUNGE is not covered by Priority Pass.

Q. When heading to Kansai Airport, which is more cost-effective in the end — parking or NearMe?

A. Between Osaka Station and Kansai Airport, NearMe’s shared ride (from about ¥3,980) costs roughly one-fifth of a taxi (about ¥21,380), and the price gap is even larger for the Kyoto route. NearMe is especially recommended for those with a lot of luggage or who’d rather not drive.

Summary

When choosing a lounge at Kansai Airport, the basic first step is to consider whether you’re after arrival or about to board. NODOKA is the only option available after arrival, while after security your choices include the newly opened NORTH LOUNGE or the airline lounges KIX Lounge Kansai and Premium.

Since the lounge lineup changed significantly in 2025–2026, be sure to check current operating status if you’re relying on older information.

Also, when heading to Kansai Airport, be sure to try NearMe for door-to-door travel. It’s an especially cost-effective option for those living in central Osaka or Kyoto. Give it a try the next time you use Kansai Airport.