Check out this super practical transfer guide for Kansai International Airport right now!

International flights ✈ Domestic flights in Japan

Example: Shanghai → Kansai International Airport → Okinawa

Transfer process

*The photo is a reference image of Terminal 1.

International arrivals

Immigration

Baggage claim → Customs

Domestic departure area → Domestic security check → Boarding

baggage

When entering Japan, you must collect your baggage yourself. After that, you will need to declare it to customs. Furthermore, if you are connecting to a domestic flight within Japan, you will need to re-check your baggage.

Information:

After completing entry procedures into Japan and before going through customs, you can also enjoy shopping at the duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport.

Domestic flights in Japan → International flights

Example: Okinawa → Kansai International Airport → Shanghai

Transfer process

*The photo is a reference image of Terminal 1.

Arrival at a Japanese domestic flight

International Departure Area → Check-in

Security check → Immigration procedures → Boarding

baggage

If you're flying with the same airline, you can usually check in your luggage all the way through to your international flight when you check in for your domestic flight in Japan. However, you need to check with the airline to see if they offer this service.

Information:

If available, you can usually use the check-in counter specifically for international connecting flights.

International Flights → International Flights

For the same airline/same alliance

Transfer process

*Please note that Terminal 2 does not have a dedicated security checkpoint for international-to-international transfers.

*The photo is a reference image of Terminal 1.

International arrivals

Proceed to the transfer-only security checkpoint.

International departure waiting area (after passing through the duty-free area)

International departure gate → Boarding

baggage

Normally, you can check your luggage through to your final destination and do not need to pick it up at Kansai International Airport. This is possible even with different airlines, as long as they are part of the same alliance and have a partnership.

However, if you have tickets issued separately (non-through tickets), you cannot have your baggage checked through. You will need to go through immigration procedures in Japan, collect your baggage, and then check in again.

Information:

After clearing security for your international connecting flight and before boarding, you can also enjoy shopping at the duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport.

International Flights → International Flights

Different airlines / Separately issued tickets (not through tickets)

Transfer process

*The photo is a reference image of Terminal 1.

International arrivals

Immigration

Baggage claim → Customs

International departure area → Check-in → Security check → Immigration → Boarding

baggage

If you have a separate (non-through) ticket, you cannot check your luggage through. You will need to enter Japan, collect your baggage, and then check it in again.

Information:

After completing international security checks and immigration procedures, you can also enjoy shopping at the duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport before boarding.

Important points to note!

Regarding transfers between T1 and T2

If you are transferring between Terminals T1 and T2, or vice versa, you will need to take a shuttle bus to the appropriate terminal. We recommend allowing 20-30 minutes for this transfer.

Please pay attention to the regulations regarding liquids.

Liquids must comply with international standards. When traveling on international flights, liquids exceeding 100ml must be placed in STEBs (tamper-evident bags). Other liquids can be checked in.

Important information regarding visa-free entry.

If you are entering Japan during a layover, you will usually need a Japanese visa, so please check in advance.

Precautions during peak hours

During peak seasons, various procedures may be crowded. Delays may occur during immigration checks, check-in, and transfers between terminals. We recommend planning with ample time and allowing 2-3 hours for your layover.