Kansai International Airport (KIX) (Kansai Kuko or "Kanku", and also known as "Osaka Kansai") is the main international gateway to the Kansai region. It's also a much nicer airport to use than Narita (so I've heard, because I've not used Narita). Kansai Airport serves the following cities Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Otsu and Wakayama; and the following prefectures Osaka-fu, Kyoto-fu, Hyogo-ken, Wakayama-ken, Nara-ken and the southern parts of Shiga-ken. However, if your arriving in Kansai via a domestic flight depending on where you're wanting to stay, then Osaka Itami or Kobe airports might be more convenient for you.

Kansai International Airport is built on a man made island some 3kms out to sea from the mainland. Access to the Airport is via a road/rail bridge or ferry services. Two rail companies serve the airport Japan Rail and the private Nankai railway.

If you're going to be staying in Kyoto the most convenient train is the "Haruka" operated by Japan Rail. If you have a Japan Rail Pass you might as well use the Haruka whether your staying in Osaka or Kyoto. If you don't have a Japan Rail Pass then the Nankai railway is cheaper, plus if your heading to Osaka it's faster. Other transport options include Limousine Buses (Coach) slightly more expensive than the regular trains, but cheaper than the Haruka with the added bonus that they stow your suitcases below at no additional charge. MK Taxi (a shared mini bus) which will drop you at your desired destination (but it takes forever to get there!) for around the same price as the "Haruka", but be aware if you have more than one suitcase each additional one will cost you 1,000yen. Unless you're extremely rich or staying very near to the airport forget using a regular taxi. Even renting a car from the Airport will cost you a lot in tolls to get it to Osaka or Kyoto if you use the expressways, otherwise it will take hours to get anywhere by regular roads and you still have pay a toll to cross the bridge.

This gallery is a collection of photos from Kanku taken on various visits I've made there. The newest photos are placed at the beginning of this gallery.

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