Because I wanted to buy gifts for my friends, I headed for the airport 3 hours before my departure. Finnair operated an airport bus connection between the city and Helsinki International Airport. There was a big bus terminal right next to the station and you can get on the airport bus from there.

There were several cracks in the front windowscreen and it was a bit of a surprise for me. I was afraid it was dangerous....

Polar bear at an entrance of the airport. It was very Finnish.

Departure lobby at the international terminal was crowded with people! It took me one hour to check-in my baggage. I needed more time than I'd imagined. It was a good thing that I arrived at the airport in plenty of time.

When I finally went throuth the pasport control, it was already after 4 p.m. It was a relief that my trip was coming to an end! All that was left was to board a plane to Japan.

left, center, right:
Many people took souvenir pictures here.

I headed for the boarding gate while I was buying some good souvenirs. There were lots of duty free shops only for passengers in the gate area. I got 4 coffee mugs at a popular shop with a Moomin theme and I bought many boxes of sweets. So when I boarded the plane, I had several heavy bags in my hand. The idea of bringing these heavy bags back to my house made me sick!!!