I very much enjoyed the landside KIX Airport Cafe Lounge NODOKA. I wasn't expecting much but it turned out to be one of the best Priority Pass lounges I've ever been to. Private seating, quiet, good food, shower, slippers, and you don't even need BP to enter. It's perfect if you're at the airport early and/or don't have lounge access airside.

Like JapanFlyerT mentioned, flight info on my phone was sufficient to get in (no BP needed). Was flying JAL to LAX, was a bit surprised that's their only flight of the day in the international terminal and they don't staff the counter till T-3 hours. We used this lounge before getting BP. I loved that there's a variety of seating options (pictured). Was initially offered the open area for 1 person, but when found out I had a travel companion, offered a "mat seat". These are semi-private pods that easily fit 2 people with carry-on. It felt like a good business class seat on land I saw people by themselves occupying these too. It's much more private than the totally exposed (still pleasant) open area.

The Dakgalbi fried rice (pictured) that you can order with Priority Pass was excellent. There are several drink machines; was fun to try everything. I loved that they provide slippers, making it easy to get in and out of the mat pod. They also provide yoga mat and blankets in the free rental counter (pictured).

As usual in Japan, I found the temperature hot and opted to switch to t-shirt and shorts. Overall, really enjoyed this lounge, more so than the airside JAL lounge.