Shinkansen

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Writing this from the “Super Hakucho Limited Express 9” train. Probably about an hour out from the Seikan Tunnel, a 54km tunnel that goes 240m below sea level. Last time I was in Tokyo I was fortunate enough / smart enough to never have to ride the Tokyo trains during peak times... this time I've been caught twice, and trust me when I say the stories are all true. Once you get on you'll be pushed up against each other, sometimes rather forcefully I might add. It's tight enough that if someone picked my pocket not only would I be unable to act, but unable to turn around and see who was doing it. There's no personal space bubble whatsoever... I don't recommend it.

I left Tokyo this morning at 9am, and won't be arriving in Sapporo until about 7pm. Then I get the joy of trying to find the Youth Hostel there. Sapporo is Japans largest city on the island of Hokkaido, and is a good hub to check out the rest of the island from. Going to be taking a day trip as well to Otaru, the self-styled “Venice of Japan” while up here to check out the sights. On the way back I plan to check out the Seikan Tunnel tour, although the limited number of trains that stop at the undersea train station in there and my travel times may not quite work out.

Took a short video showing the speed of the Shinkansen, pretty impressive.

That's it for now, back to sightseeing...

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Photos

River and farms
North of Tokyo things get a bit more green.

Tokyo Government Offices
Those two towers house the city officials... just a TAD bigger then city hall back home.

Big House
Got a kick out of that sign the last time I was here... when I think big house I think Jail... they think of it as... a big house.

Morioka
View of Morioka on the train ride going past it. Nice little city, will be staying in a capsule hotel here on the way back.

Seikan Tunnel
A small picture showing the basics of this very impressive, and dark, tunnel.

Tunnel
Random shot from the train.

Bridge over green
Just a really big bridge going over some impressive farmland.

Garden
Thought this was a cute picture of a woman tending her garden near the tracks.

More green
After Tokyo this green space was a very welcome change.

Shed
More randomness.

Graveyard
A graveyard just off center

Hokkaido
Looking out over I THINK either the Sea of Japan or Pacific.. too lazy to check right now.

Crabs
Apparently these guys are proud of their crab industry.

Always something in the way
It:s almost impossible to take a picture here without some sort of man made structure in the way, shame.

Fishing VIllage
Lots of these along side the tracks.

Sea side
Lots of industry here

Not exactlly a sea side resort
Guessing the water up here is pretty chilly, too.

Nice city
Not sure where this is exactly but it looks like a nice little town.

Random ship
Yup, it:s a boat.

Comments

[Sharon]

fast fast fast
Hey there, Liked the video of the train. Gives a good sense of how fast you were going. I hope Sapporo is fun! Also liked the ryokan info and pics. Looks so cozy and relaxing. Here's hoping you remain un-crushed for the rest of your trip. -Sharon