Since high school, visiting Japan has been a dream of mine, and I’ve finally made it to the place I had always longed for.
While I was there, I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia, as it brought back memories of the anime series that once leaped off the TV screen and filled my childhood with joy and laughter.
Watching those beloved shows and singing along to their catchy theme songs had been the soundtrack of my childhood.
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| Kyoto, Japan - Photo on Adobe Stock |
Why Kansai?
I chose to visit Kansai because of its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, and in this review, I’m excited to share my personal experience.
If you’re someone who loves exploring rich traditions and nature, Kansai is the perfect destination, especially for your first visit to Japan.
This photo was taken above the clouds as I was getting close to Kansai Airport. The view was stunning, and at that moment, I couldn’t believe I was finally arriving at a place I had always dreamed of visiting.
Don’t be surprised if you spot an adorable detective dog! This cutie patootie is trained to sniff out items like sambal ikan bilis or similar goods during luggage inspections. But no worries, as long as you declare it on the form, your precious sambal will be safe. Haha. 😆
If you’re someone who loves exploring rich traditions and nature, Kansai is the perfect destination, especially for your first visit to Japan.
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| Passport in hand. Ready to fly! |
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| My flight was transited at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. Mabuhay! |
Kansai region
So here is a quick introduction to Kansai. It's located in the central west of Honshu, Japan's largest island. This vibrant region consists of several prefectures, including Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. Mie is also included, and together, this area is referred to as the Kinki Region.
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| Kansai region - Photo on Matcha |
Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport, or KIX, is Osaka’s main international airport. It is built on a man-made island in Osaka Bay.This photo was taken above the clouds as I was getting close to Kansai Airport. The view was stunning, and at that moment, I couldn’t believe I was finally arriving at a place I had always dreamed of visiting.
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| Snapshot of Kansai from above |
Airport Arrival Guide
When I first stepped into Kansai Airport, I was immediately impressed by how clean and well-organized everything was. Since I’ve just gone through this experience, I thought it would be helpful to share what to expect upon arrival and give some tips to make your journey smoother.
1. Immigration Procedures
Once you're off the plane, your first stop will be immigration. If you hold a non-Japanese passport, you will need to go through immigration control. Make sure to fill out a disembarkation form, which is available in both paper and digital formats.
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| Immigration area - Photo by Live Japan |
2. Baggage Claim
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Check the information boards to find the carousel number assigned to your flight. Stay alert so you can promptly collect your luggage when it arrives at the designated carousel.
3. Customs inspection
After picking up your luggage, head to customs inspection. You can go through the green channel for a quick check. If you have items to declare, use the red channel for a more detailed inspection.Don’t be surprised if you spot an adorable detective dog! This cutie patootie is trained to sniff out items like sambal ikan bilis or similar goods during luggage inspections. But no worries, as long as you declare it on the form, your precious sambal will be safe. Haha. 😆
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| Customs inspection area - Photo by Live Japan |
Airport Arrival Lobby
Lastly, once you've cleared customs and immigration, you'll enter the arrival lobby. And these are the things you can expect to find in the arrival lobby.
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| Kansai Airport arrival lobby |
1. Currency exchange
You will find currency exchange services at the airport, where you can easily convert the money into Japanese yen. However, I recommend exchanging some cash in Malaysia before your trip because the conversion fees can be quite high.
Personally, I exchanged ¥10,000 ahead of time since I mostly relied on my card during my stay. If you prefer cash, you can consider exchanging a larger amount to cover your expenses.
Note: Not all places in Japan accept cards, so I recommend you to have some cash handy.
I chose to use the Wise card because of its low fees. You can apply for one online here: Wise Card.
If you need a physical card, make sure to apply at least a month before your trip to ensure it arrives on time, as it can take 2-4 weeks. I ended up paying extra for express delivery (around RM50++) because I needed it urgently, with just a week left before my departure. To avoid this hassle, try to apply earlier.
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| Wise website |
2. Public transportation
There're a variety of transportation options available at Kansai Airport such as buses, trains, and taxis. I’ll dive into each of these options in more detail in Part II.
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| Transportation Board |
3. Tourist information
Tourist information desks are located throughout the airport, where you can get advice on destinations, accommodations, and more. Feel free to approach them for assistance.4. Lounges and restrooms
You'll find comfortable lounges and clean restrooms where you can relax and freshen up before leaving the airport.5. Wi-Fi and SIM card services
Staying connected is essential during your trip, and you have a couple of convenient options:
Pocket Wi-Fi:
You can use this handy device to connect multiple gadgets to the internet through a mobile phone network. It's convenient if you have several gadgets to connect.
SIM Card:
SIM Card:
If you prefer not to carry an extra device, you can opt for a SIM card for data access. I found that the GOGO SIM card offered reliable connectivity during my stay in Kansai.
You can purchase it online through their official website or platforms like Shopee. I bought mine from Shopee, and you can find it using this link: GOGO SIM card.
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| GOGO SIM card |
6. Lost and found
The airport has a reliable lost and found service, which can be a real lifesaver if you accidentally misplace any personal items during your travels. They will help you retrieve what you’ve lost, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
7. Hotel shuttles
If your hotel offers shuttle services, make sure to check with them at the designated meeting points in the arrival lobby.
Halal Udon
One of the must-try dishes in Japan is Udon, and here’s some great news for Muslim travelers, you can enjoy it as soon as you land. Check out Homemade Udon Kineya Mugimaru on the airport’s second floor.
I had their udon with sweet potato fried tempura, and it was delicious! The noodles were thick, soft, and chewy, while the rich, flavorful broth paired perfectly with the tender beef. I highly recommend it!
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Homemade Udon Kineya Mugimaru |
I had their udon with sweet potato fried tempura, and it was delicious! The noodles were thick, soft, and chewy, while the rich, flavorful broth paired perfectly with the tender beef. I highly recommend it!
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| Udon noodles with sweet potato fried tempura |
Kansai Airport Station
To get to Kansai Airport Station, just head to the second floor. Look for the clear signs guiding you to the exit and make your way toward the connecting passage near Exit 2F/D. As you walk through, you'll find Kansai Airport Station directly across the connecting passage.
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| The connecting passage from Terminal 1 KIX to Kansai-Airport Station |
To be continued...
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