Discover the charm of autumn travel in Europe
- Mike
- Oct 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 18
【October 22】
To Kansai Airport
Self-check-in machine
After a long time, I checked in at Kansai Airport and found automation had advanced significantly.
Self-service check-in kiosks and self-service baggage drop machines lined up in rows beyond them.
I later realized it took less than ten minutes to complete both steps.
👈Self-service check-in kiosk
Select your airline and scan your passport.
Own boarding pass will be printed.
👈Baggage Drop-off Machine
Place own baggage in the designated area and scan own boarding pass.
A tag will be issued; attach it to own baggage.
👈Security Checkpoint Entrance
*Unfortunately, the automated machines at the security checkpoint were out of order, so we had to wait in line.
It took several minutes.
Kansai Airport: Compared to overseas airports, it's straightforward and easy to reach your gate by simply turning right or left after security. Having experienced overseas airports, transferring from one gate to another after disembarking can often be quite a hassle.
・Singapore Airlines flight routes
I'm worried China might shoot down passenger planes carrying passengers...
・Confirming connecting flights
This time, unusually, it's a budget flight, but the layover time is only 1 hour and 10 minutes. So, after hurriedly double-checking the gate, I headed there, but it was the farthest one, and I was in a panic until I reached it.
【October 23rd】
The arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport was E4 in Terminal 2, while the transfer boarding gate was A16 in Terminal 3. They were quite far apart, so I hurried over.
As expected of a hub airport, it has an automated Skytrain and moving walkways, making travel relatively easy.
The map above is simplified, so it doesn't look too far, but the actual walking distance was considerable. I ended up going the wrong way partway and wasted time.
Singapore Airlines Flight Route
A 12-hour flight is exhausting, as expected.
During the flight, I alternated between sleeping and waking. Since it was a Minimal Allergen Meal, they brought it to me before the general meal service began, and by the time I finished eating, the regular meals were being served.
Arrival at Munich Airport, Germany
The atmosphere of a modern airport
Munich's station was undergoing major renovations, and I wandered around aimlessly trying to find a restroom.
The restroom required payment, so I withdrew 40€ (including a 6.50€ fee) from an ATM.
I paid the 1€ fee to enter, but only after getting in did I realize the payment machine accepted both cash and cards. Oh well.
Convenient Limousine Bus
While trains and taxis are good options, limousine buses are affordable and convenient, so I highly recommend them.
I purchased round-trip tickets in advance through online booking.
【Travel Time】Approximately 45 minutes
【Service Frequency】Every 20 minutes
【Round-Trip Fare】€19.30 when purchased online
*I believe the return ticket was valid for one month.
From Munich station to Berchtesgaden, my lodging for the night, I had to transfer twice by train and once by bus.
Despite this being my first train ride since arriving in Munich, the scheduled train changed, causing me some panic.
When I went to the information desk and explained I couldn't board my reserved train, they reassured me that I could take the next train without paying an additional fare.
It also seems that minor train delays are accommodated for connections.
On the train from Munich to Salzburg, I saw a woman around 40 years old using her laptop. I couldn't tell if she was working or doing something personal, but she seemed approachable, so I struck up a conversation.
She was the woman behind the Instagram account “the-elfs” and was on her way to work.
At the intermediate station, Freilassing, I transferred to a local train bound for Bad Reichenhal station (originally headed for the terminus, Berchtesgaden station). It was a two-car train, and many students boarded and disembarked at intermediate stations. It was the same scene as in Japan, but the young people were making a lot of noise.
At Bad Reichenhal station, I transferred to a replacement bus for the final destination, Berchtesgaden station.
Berchtesgaden station is a very small station. Normally, you could reach it without transferring to a bus, but since the tourist season had passed, the regular service was suspended for track maintenance or construction, and buses were providing substitute transportation.
It was a 20-minute walk to the youth hostel, but I didn't want to drag my heavy suitcase along the snow-covered road. So I decided to take the bus to the bus stop near the youth hostel. Since I had about 40 minutes until the bus departure time, I killed time eating a hamburger from a nearby burger shop in the station waiting room.
Upon arriving at the Brechtengaden youth hostel, I immediately met and chatted with Vhisyhny, a friendly 23-year-old Singaporean.
There, too, by exchanging Instagram accounts (just as I'd planned), his name became easy to remember.
He seemed to be traveling all over Europe, having come from Singapore.
His purpose for being here was to sightsee at the picturesque Königssee.
Summary
An autumn trip to Europe offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy natural beauty, cultural events, and local cuisine. Plan ahead and have a wonderful experience. Use this as a reference for your next trip and make the most of autumn in Europe.
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