Walking Where Worlds Meet: Part Two

The elevator descends to the first floor. I know I’m travelling in the wrong direction, but I’m relieved to get away from the sea of people weaving their way between the check-in counter and international customs. I had the lift all to myself. Just me and four steel walls for about twenty seconds.

Gently, the elevator stops. I’m not just lost directionally, but also mentally. I stare into nothingness as people pile in and I forget that I was actually supposed to be leaving. Of course, as I step out into the hallway, I catch a glimpse of friends we were staying with, heading upwards for their slightly later flight. It’s an awkward, rushed, and incomplete goodbye. I wasn’t prepared for it at all. Anyway, goodbyes are never perfect even at the best of times.

I see some desks partitioned by frosted glass down the corridor. I head there and pull out my computer to open a terminal map. After waiting patiently, I remember that the airport Wi-Fi sucks. Hotspot it is.

I walk up to a stationary escalator and it starts rolling again on my arrival. Quite cool. Would I probably have assumed it was broken though? Yep, if not for a spur of curiosity. It takes me to a barren floor. Allegedly a function hall and hotel live here. I can confirm their existence. Not much else though. Certainly not an obvious walkway over to the domestic area. Back in the elevator.

Returning to the main level, Smile Road lights my way. The neon, toy-themed corridor of delight blasts millions of colours into my eyeballs as soon as I turn the corner. A wry smile escapes. This place often might annoy me, but right now I actually find it amusing, perhaps reluctantly. It feels so out of place and over-the-top, but is completely innocent. It reinforces the uniqueness of airports and the joy of just wandering around aimlessly in them.

If you like Hello Kitty, visit Sapporo. There is Hello Kitty merchandise, a mini Hello Kitty airline and boarding gate, a Hello Kitty café, a Hello Kitty theatre…

I keep walking and am then greeted by Chocolate World? There is a chocolate factory in the Airport. But of course!

Finally reaching domestic departures transports me back to the chaos of Tokyo station. I walk out to the very middle of the square, look up in every direction, and then decide to turn around. Too many people. My flight isn’t for seven more hours!

I try finding a different way back to international, where it seemed more peaceful. I ride an escalator to a dead end, opening out to the street. I walk outside briefly, take in the freezing air, and step in the snow. It feels wonderful. I step back inside and decide to return back to the original desk I was stationed at temporarily about an hour ago. Truly aimless wandering. Time well spent.