Hello everyone! I’m a travel blogger focusing on travel and lifestyle, and I’m here to share the Europe series on my blog. The journey began in France, starting in Paris, then traveling around the South of France with stops in Cannes and Nice, followed by the Netherlands. Now, we’re heading to the final destination—Finland.
Although Finland is just a transit point on the way back to Japan, Helsinki Airport turned out to be an interesting experience, so I’ll be sharing some insights about the airport.
This marks the beginning of the long-haul flight that wraps up the journey.
・Departing from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
I took a taxi from the hotel I stayed at in Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport. My friend mentioned that train delays are quite common, and since I was leaving in the morning and didn’t have too much time to spare, I decided to take the taxi to ensure I made it to the airport on time.
It ended up being €60, which was expensive since it was arranged through the hotel, but if you’re familiar with Amsterdam’s public transportation, the train would be a good option.
The taxi was luxurious, and I enjoyed the scenic ride, soaking in the last moments of my stay in the Netherlands.
At the airport, I accidentally bought sparkling water, which I don’t usually drink, but it turned out to be pretty tasty!
I think it depends on the store, but the SPA REINE water I bought in the city was €3.50 for 750ml, which is definitely on the pricey side.
I saw an unfamiliar airplane at the airport called Air Baltic, which turns out to be Latvia’s national flag carrier, though it’s also considered a low-cost carrier (LCC).
Another option could have been flying from the Netherlands to Germany, touring around, and then returning from Frankfurt. However, my return route takes me from Amsterdam to Helsinki Airport in Finland, then on to Haneda, and finally to Okinawa.
・Inside the Finnair flight
It’s my first time flying with Finnair.
Finnair is Finland’s national airline and a member of the Oneworld alliance, so you can earn JAL miles with it. For this Europe trip, I was able to use a reward ticket thanks to the miles I’ve accumulated. Collecting miles can be really beneficial for travel, so I highly recommend being mindful of building up your miles!
The cabin was simple, and I flew in an economy seat from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, with a flight time of about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
During the in-flight service, I had blueberry juice—a choice I made on purpose since it’s something you wouldn’t typically get with Japanese airlines. It seems blueberry picking is quite famous in Finland.
Like KLM, Finnair also has a convenient space in front of the seat where you can store your phone or small items. It’s really functional—perfect for placing your phone and watching videos during the flight.
Onboard, there was a paid service offering snacks and drinks for purchase.
・Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is a must-visit for Moomin fans!
I’ve arrived at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport.
This is the last airport before returning to Japan on my European tour, and I’ll go through the exit immigration check here. Due to the Schengen Agreement, which applies to 29 participating EU countries, travel between the Netherlands and Finland was smooth, almost as if I were traveling domestically.
・The atmosphere inside Helsinki Airport.
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport had a clean atmosphere and plenty of shops.
The design definitely feels Scandinavian—simple and efficient, but with elements like graceful curves and natural materials, making it likely to appeal to Japanese tastes.
In Japanese airports, there’s usually a touch of Japanese culture incorporated, so it’s quite interesting to observe how each country’s airport reflects its own style.
As far as I could see, there were two smoking areas available before boarding. One was easy to find, as it had signs in Japanese, and the other was located next to Burger King.
・Moomin coffee
At Gate 40 inside the airport, there’s a café called “Moomin Coffee,” where a life-sized Moomin welcomes you.
Moomin fans should definitely stop by, as the presence of Moomin, Snufkin, Little My, and other characters will give you a cozy feeling before your long flight.
In addition to coffee, they also offer light meals.
There are power outlets available inside the café, but since they are designed for international use, a travel adapter is a must when traveling abroad.
Aside from the café, there were also souvenir shops selling Moomin merchandise, so I picked up some cookies in a tin as a gift for my friends.
At Helsinki Airport, there are two Moomin Shops—one outside the Schengen area and another inside the Schengen area.
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is a must-visit for Moomin fans! The airport has various Moomin-themed items and displays, making it a delight for those who love the famous Finnish characters. Whether you’re looking for Moomin souvenirs or just enjoying the cute decor, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Moomin Shop Flagship Airport Lentoasemantie 1, Departures, 01530 Vantaa, Finland
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is a must-visit for Moomin fans! The airport has various Moomin-themed items and displays, making it a delight for those who love the famous Finnish characters. Whether you’re looking for Moomin souvenirs or just enjoying the cute decor, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.