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Enjoy a Kansai Airport layover with these 10 day trips

3 Comments
By Matthew Coslett

Facing a Kansai Airport layover can initially evoke disappointment. Being situated in the heart of Japan, it’s natural to worry about the limited time for exploration and still make your flight. However, there’s a golden opportunity to discover Japan through quick day trips around Osaka.

Far from being a miserable experience, a layover at Kansai International Airport offers a unique chance to explore Osaka and its surrounding areas. From culinary adventures and shopping excursions to cultural experiences and moments of relaxation, every traveler can find something to savor.

Here are some fun options to turn your airport stay into an exciting and memorable journey.

1. Rinku Town

Wikicommons-663highland-Rinku-Town-Kansai-Airport-Layover.jpg
Take advantage of the weak yen. Image: Wikicommons/ 663highland

On a short train trip from Kansai Airport, Rinku Town beckons with its accessible and vibrant waterfront district. The area boasts a blend of shopping, dining and entertainment. Bargain hunters will appreciate the Rinku Premium Outlets, featuring over 250 stores offering discounted prices for renowned Japanese and international brands.

Recommended Layover Time: 3-5 hours

Rinkuoraikita, Izumisano, Osaka - Map

Nearest Station: Rinku Town Station

2. Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle

Wikicommons-brian25_tw-Rinku-Pleasure-Town-Seacle-Kansai-Airport-Layover.jpg
Get a better view of Osaka. Image: Wikicommons/ brian25_tw

A trip to Rinku Town can easily be combined with the nearby Rinku Pleasure Town Seacle for more local goods. The shopping area is complemented by a Ferris wheel that is illuminated nightly and an array of restaurants and food stalls.

Recommended Layover Time: 4-5 hours

3 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka - Map

Rinku Town Station

Click here to read more.

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3 Comments
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Nishikinohama and Rinku Marble Beach are awful for laying out. They're made of big round painful pebbles that are difficult to walk on.

Plus, once you leave the airport to these places in Izumi-Sanno, you have to pay to get across and back on the bridge. If they made it free for travellers, I think more of them would more likely check out these places.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Rinku Town is not a fun place to visit.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

If flying Cathay Pacific from Japan you'll almost always transit through HK.

If flying China Airlines or EVA to a far-off destination, you'll transit through Taipei.

If flying to Oceania with Singapore Airlines you'll transfer through Singapore.

But when would anyone have a long layover in Osaka unless they specifically planned it? Osaka isn't a hub for any airline that I can think of. Only Peach is based in Osaka, but even then, you fly into Osaka or fly out of it. Not through it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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