July 20 - One of the most user-friendly airports in Japan, undoubtedly, is the Central Japan International Airport in Nagoya. I recently visited this airport because it links the Central Japan region via direct flights to U.S. destinations including Hawaii, Guam, and Detroit. An express train from Nagoya Station brought me straight to the Airport Station, itself connected to the airplane terminal building via a short passageway.
(Photos courtesy of Central Japan International Airport)
After receiving a briefing from airport officials, I enjoyed watching airplanes take off and land from the outdoor sky deck. Many photographers were there to take photographs of airplanes. I was told that soon the airport would host a "bon odori" dance on this outdoor deck.
I also enjoyed strolling through the "renga dori" (brick street) on the fourth floor of the passenger building. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of a European shopping street, and many of the shops sold western food and souvenirs.
On the opposite side of the plaza was Chochin-Yokocho (Lantern Lane) that evoked the feel of a Meiji period Japanese town.
After a bit of window shopping, I spied a Japanese-style "sento" bath. The bath entrance signs were in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese, and according to the cashier at the entrance, many foreign customers enjoy Japanese bath culture during their stops at this airport.
How about a nice hot bath right in the airport?
Intrigued, I decided to go in and see this airport bathhouse for myself. Inside was a modern and luxurious Japanese-style bath and sauna. After washing off, I entered the wooden tub to soak. It was very relaxing. The bath also had a large window allowing bathers a panoramic view of the busy airport runway. I have bathed at outdoor baths in Japanese forests, in mountain rivers, even in a cave bath, but never before had I soaked in a Japanese tub while watching flights come and go from around the world.
I will certainly recommend to my friends that they visit this Japanese bath inside the Central Japan Airport.
Until next time,
Jim
What an interesting site. I am a member of the baby boomers generation caring for elderly parents in the US. When I find interesting sites like this, my senior mom really enjoys looking at them. The airport looks great. I love Portland because it is so nice and easy to use. I've never been overseas, but through the powers of the internet, it's fun to get a "birds eye view." Thank you :)
