Part I: Getting out of Kansai Airport

I think you probably got out of the airplane, OK, then made it through the first part of customs, standing around with all the other passengers. Once you get past that, you go down the stairs to where the turnstiles are and get your luggage. Sorry, but no photos allowed before the turnstiles, so I guess you will have to be on your own for that part of the journey.

Once you get past that first part, I'll show you how it's done.

Pick up your bags at the appropriate belt. You can tell which one you need to go to by looking at the sign above the belts. Also you could follow the other people that you recognize from your flight. Go through the "Nothing to Declare" section. If you are carrying gifts, etc. and are asked what is in the suitcase, then just tell them it is gifts for us! We love gifts.

Once you get through customs you will come out of an exit and see one of these kind of signs. It might be the North Exit, or it might be the South Exit. It doesn't matter because the sign you are searching for is in the middle of that one room you will exit into. The room isn't really that large as you will see.

Before you go up the escalator or elevator below, I think that if you go to the far left or right of this area you will find a little stand at which you can send your suitcases to us here. You need to write down the address and everything, so please be sure to have it ready to fill out the little form. I think the cost is about JPY 2,000 per suitcase, but am not quite sure. You'll need to pay cash if you desire to use this option. They should be able to help you. Just don't get too frustrated if they are getting frustrated because they can't understand your English. It isn't your fault, really! Suitcases will arrive usually 24 hours later.

This is the sign that you want to find. Look straight ahead and up on the wall and you should see it. This is where the elevator or escalator will be.

Here is the elevator going up one level. If you are tired from your long flight and don't feel like standing on an escalator, you can stand on the elevator.

Here is the escalator going up to the same place that the elevator goes up to. Either one, your choice. That is Mr. Uno, by the way. He and I went to Malaysia together on an exploratory job.

See this sign? It has a nice little arrow that leads you to the second floor. If you went up the elevator or escalator, you will now be on the second floor.

Follow this arrow to this direction and you can't get lost. See the little picture that looks like a train? The other one I think is a ... wing maybe. They are both in the same direction so don't worry. It is a tad blurry, but I was in a hurry to get out and into fresh air.

Once you go out the doors on the second floor you will see a causeway. Across from the causeway is the Kansai-airport Station. This is where you want to escape to.

Congratulations! You hit fresh air! Take a deep breath, enjoy the season; we have all four of them.

Now you are ready to really start your adventure:

Part Two: Getting Into JR Station

Cam Switzer
October 4th, 2003