Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan

Kansai International Airport near Osaka, Japan was opened to great fanfare in 1994.  It is considered an engineering masterpiece for the complexity of the construction project which required the creation of a man-made island.  It hasn’t been easy as the island is sinking.   Efforts are continually made to keep the island above sea level.  Needless to say, the cost to build and maintain this airport have been high.

The design itself is interesting in that the roof trusses are curved, apparently an effort to make the flow of air in the building more efficient.  The trusses are the signature feature that I find interesting.  The rest of the airport appears a little dated, being outshown by the airports in Seoul, Korea, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

One interesting aspect of the design is the difference in light from one side of the structure to the other as can be seen in the photographs.

More scenes from the beautiful Inchon International Airport, Seoul, Korea

I enjoyed this airport so much, I’ve posted more photos.  See the posting below for information about this airport.

Beautiful Inchon International Airport, Seoul, Korea

Since its opening in 2001, the Inchon International Airport (ICN) has ranked among the best airports in the world.  It has received the 5-Star rating from Skytrax, a ranking shared with Singapore Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.

The airport shares many modern design features such as exposed trusses, vaulted ceilings, and exposed columns.  The only uninteresing area of the airport is the check-in area, which is rather ordinary and simple.  However everything changes once you clear immigration.  Then the true beauty of the airport shines through.

It’s design has more in common with the Hong Kong International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport than Singapore Changi or Bangkok’s Suvannabhumi International Airport.  Singapore Changi is more conservative in design; Bangkok’s airport is edgier.

Random scenes from Singapore Changi Airport

Candyland

The Singapore Changi Airport design, except for the new Terminal 3, is not that interesting to look at design-wise although it has aged pretty well.  And the decor is stylish and modern.  This concentration on the finishing flourishes more than makes up for the conservative approach to design.  And there are lots of shops there to browse while awaiting your flight.  It is very comfortable and well-laid out.  In fact, this airport is exceptional.

Espresso or latte?

Down below

 

Shopping at the Narita Airport in Tokyo

Shopping for ...?

There aren’t very many shops in the transit area.  In the airport itself, there are lots of shops.  Inside the transit area there are a few designer boutiques.  However the most interesting is the Akihibara store.  The store has lots of electronics, watches, cosmetics etc.  The shops at Bangkok and Singapore airports are much better for variety and sheer number of stores.  Nevertheless, it’s still interesting.

A crowd looking for gifts

Nearby

Air Canada Business Class Lounge at Vancouver Airport

Sunny day

Sitting here having a light breakfast and I have to say that the lounge is quite nice.  Spacious with good sightlines in all directions.  At this time of day there are hardly any customers so that makes it even nicer.

The blob

The curve

Dinosaur at the Chicago O’Hare International Aiport

Very large dinosaur

This airport picturesque with somewhat of a art deco feel.  It is one of the major hubs in the US.

Flashy

Art Deco

Narita International Airport – Four hour delay

Well, here I am at the Narita Airport outside of Tokyo.  My continuing plane is delayed for four hours!  Oh well,  maybe I’ll take some photos.

United Airlines First Class Lounge

Moving cargo

Islands on the tarmac

Touchdown

Which one? Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok Airport

The tube

There are many great airports in Asia.  From the mega airport in Beijing to that little jewel of an airport in Kuala Lumpur.  These photos show some of my favorite airports at their finest.

The underground

Flowers along the path

The sign

Best Way Back To Hong Kong Airport – Airport Express

One of the most efficient and convenient ways back to the airport from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is the Airport Express train. At the Central Station, you can even check in your luggage. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach the airport. And all for 90 HKD one way.