Review: Brand New KIX Lounge Osaka Kansai (First Class)
- Konrad Tillman
- 1 minute ago
- 5 min read
Intro
After a lovely flight onboard the domestic Japan Airlines 767 in Business Class, and a long transfer from Itami to Kansai, it was time to head off to the 4th lounge of this trip: the KIX Lounge.
Now, heading into this, I had done some research surrounding this lounge, and it didn’t seem great. However, I am pleased to report that this lounge has gone under extreme renovations recently and has opened up a beautiful space as of May 2025. Honestly, I could easily spend a couple of hours/I did. Let’s jump in.
Location+Access
The KIX Lounge is sort of difficult to find at first, especially if your brain cells are non-operational for a 1 am redeye to Bangkok 😅. However, for those looking for it, simply head right to the center of the main international terminal and head up the escalators. If you get really lost, find the Dior sign, and it will be opposite.
Side note: I walked around the escalator three times, and I am pretty sure half of the airport was looking at me, wondering if I should be in a mental asylum.
Anyways, once upstairs, you will find two lounges, one is a “business lounge” and the other is a “first lounge” per se.
When it comes to access, I am not entirely sure. Based on this sign I found, none of the Lounge cards, such as Priority Pass or DragonPass, get you in. However, here is my thinking of what grants you access:
Japan Airlines Business Class passengers are sent to the “first side” (at least for me)
Those flying on a same-day operated OW flight with Saphire will get access to the “business side”
Those flying on a same-day operated OW flight with Emerald will get access to the “First side”
I am also guessing that other airlines that fly here have struck a deal with this lounge to allow those seated in premium cabins access. To which lounge? I have no clue. I even asked, and the agents didn’t tell me. Remind me to take some Japanese so I can get some better answers next time 😅
Please, this is not an affirmative guide; this is what I presume based on experience with lounges and what I saw on the sign. This Lounge also closes at 12:30 am, and I heard it opens around 6:30 am, but do not quote me on opening, please.
Seating
Stepping inside, I was a bit worried after seeing the review. Scratch that, it was more of the line of, “I can’t wait to get on board the flight”. However, once navigating a small corridor, I came face-to-face with a drop-dead gorgeous lounge. I mean, just look at some of these photos. Not only were there relaxing chairs, but there were modern dining room tables, workrooms, and pretty much all you could desire for an outstation lounge.
You can tell this place has just been done up properly, so big ups to the Kansai Lounge.
Food+Drink
Not only was the seating extravagant, but the food and drink selection were up to par, if not better than most Asian business class lounges. At least presentation-wise, as all the items on the menu, including the croissants, said “contain peanuts” (at least they are honest about allergens here). Here was everything on offer for today:
Now, now, settle down, because I did enjoy the variety of drinks, as per usual. I put the A in Alcoholic at times 😅/. Looking for those traditional Japanese beer dispensers? Look no further with a couple of different options. Of course, the standard soda, coffee, water, and tea were available for those seeking the non-alcoholic stuff.
Tickle me in a funny way like I have never been tickled before, because where the lounge truly shines is with the bar located in the back. Not only was there a champagne on offer (I’m tasting notes of, well, when I think about it, well, CHAMPAGNE 😅 (honestly, it’s a crisp pearish taste this one)), but a decent one at that. Staff are happy to prepare you cocktails as well.
Amenities
While we have touched on the fundamentals of the lounge, where this place truly shines is with its amenities on offer. Now I smelled like a skunk had escaped another skunk's skunk, so I was pleased to find 2 showers in the lounge. Although they closed at 11:30 pm, the staff were extremely kind to let me use them a few minutes after closing. Basic, but clean…
Moving along, off to the side of the lounge is where you will find a couple of bits and bobs. Enjoying a few drinks on that day, I was more than happy to indulge in a few Japanese cigarettes in the smoking room.
Side note: there is this huge stigma around smokers and planes and yada yada yada. So what if someone enjoys a smoke, as long as they don’t smoke on the plane…
Aside from free wifi, the last amenity you can find upon walking in is lockers. Now, this used to be more common in lounges, so it’s nice to see that this lounge was just renovated and came with it. Remember the old BA Lounge at JFK T7, and now the Horizons Lounge at T7 has ripped those out? Yeah…
Oh yeah, obviously, bathrooms are available as well.
Final Thoughts
I am pleased to report that the new First Class Lounge at Kansai is a huge improvement from what I have read previously. With champagne flutes, lockers for storing belongings, modern seating, nice showers, friendly staff, a wide selection of food, a clean smoking room, and made-to-order cocktails, I would seek to come back here. Qatar Al Mourajn Lounge level? No, but for an outstation on a business class ticket in SE Asia: one of the best in the world.
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