Japan > Farewell Japan

I start the day by sorting out my luggage. My carry-on is free of liquids, and I also throw away the various sightseeing brochures I’ve collected. Over the course of the trip, you accumulate quite a lot of tickets, information folders, and city maps. Leisurely, I walk to Osaka Station one last time. In a small restaurant, I order coffee and a sandwich. By train, it’s about an hour to Kansai International Airport near Osaka. As Japan passes by outside the window, I reflect on two amazing weeks in this country. At the airport, everything is again well organized. Signs clearly indicate where I need to go. I try to check in at the machine, but the process stops. I receive a slip stating the login failed. A staff member tries as well, but gets the same result. At the check-in counter, it works without issue.

Japan - The hustle and bustle in the streets of Shibuya

“Would you like a window seat by the emergency exit? No extra charge.” That sounds perfect to me. It remains unclear why the machine couldn’t complete the boarding process, but I don’t worry about it. At security, there are only a few people ahead of me, and customs goes quickly. I order a drink at a small bar and wait for my flight. A group of Japanese women sits next to me at the gate. When they want to take a photo, I joke, “Should I be in it too?” They say yes. Immediately, they surround me, and a photo is taken with every camera. They are going on a tour of Canada, and I show them my itinerary. I’m promptly offered some candy. On the plane, I sit next to Keith. He has been to Japan with his family. His wife is originally Japanese. He lives near Los Angeles and gives me tips on what to see. During the meal, you have to pay extra for alcoholic beverages. Many airlines practice this, but rarely on long-distance flights. Air Canada does. It’s odd, because any airline can operate the plane and slightly tighten the seat spacing to save costs, but the real difference should be in service. Why sacrifice customer satisfaction for perhaps a one-euro savings on a can of beer? In Vancouver, it’s eight hours later than in Osaka. This means it’s already the middle of the night. After eating, I put in my earplugs, put on my sleep mask, and go to sleep.