24 New Reasons to Visit Osaka's Kansai International Airport

2026.06.02

The large-scale terminal renovation project, which began in 2022, is finally complete. Before you leave Japan, why not experience "another Japan" at Kansai Airport?

With the completion of the renovation, Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 has been transformed from a mere transit point into a space that encapsulates the essence of the Kansai area, encompassing Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Luxury brands and anime shops coexist, local cuisine and international gourmet food coexist, and spacious corridors create a comfortable environment for travel. It stands in stark contrast to the previously crowded departure lobby.

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What's new?

At the heart of the new departure area is Japan's largest walk-through duty-free shop. This area is comprised of zones: "FUN," "PEACEFUL," "ACTIVE," "CURIOUS," "MAGNET," and "WALL SIDE." It's a unique space where you can choose your shopping and dining experience to match your mood before departure.

Each zone now features a diverse range of new tenants, including luxury brands, local restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment boutiques.

WALL SIDE area: A collection of luxury brands

The Wallside area is the most upscale new area within the airport. In addition to international luxury brands, it features several stores making their debut in a Japanese airport.

MAGNET Area: Your "Last Japanese Experience" Before Departure

The Magnet Area brings together famous Kansai sweets, Japanese food, and casual dining concepts, creating a space where you can experience "Japaneseness" right before departure.

Furthermore, numerous restaurants and food concepts making their debut at Kansai Airport will be featured, and the airport boasts an open and calming design that avoids the feeling of crowding and hustle and bustle.

FUN Area: Enjoy anime and pop culture

One of the most striking aspects of this renovation is the active incorporation of Japanese pop culture.

In the FUN area, you can enjoy a colorful and highly entertaining shopping experience, mainly featuring character goods and anime-related shops.

PEACEFUL area: A space of calm and healing

In contrast to the FUN area, the PEACEFUL area is a quiet and peaceful space.

The area features shops where you can enjoy Japanese tea and matcha, restaurants incorporating Japanese elements, beauty and lifestyle shops, pharmacies, and travel goods stores, allowing you to spend a relaxing time.

Other

In addition, you can enjoy a wide variety of 27 shops, including duty-free stores.

Not just new stores, but the entire airport is evolving.

This change is not limited to just renovating the stores. The large-scale redevelopment project, which has been underway since 2021, proceeded in the following four stages:

Phase 1 (2022): Reorganization of the domestic flight area

Phase 2 (2023): Opening of the new international departure area.

Phase 3 (2025): Significant enhancement of airport functions

Phase 4 (2026): Expansion of the commercial area and full completion

This project has significantly improved passenger flow, enhanced international flight capabilities, comfort, and ease of navigation. For travelers, the changes are simple.

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Airports are becoming "part of the journey."

In recent years, airports have been competing not only on efficiency but also on "experiential value." The new Terminal 1 at Kansai International Airport was designed with the idea that "the time before departure should also be part of the experience in Japan." Therefore, instead of rushing to the gate as before,

- The last bowl of ramen

Another luxury shopping experience

・Choosing souvenirs

A moment to experience the atmosphere of Kansai

These and other reasons arose even before departure, making guests want to stay a little longer. And perhaps that is the biggest change brought about by this renovation.