Nagoya to Kyoto on the Shinkansen

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After taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagoya, we now embark on our second trip using our Japan Rail pass. The first trip was such an adventure, and made us wish that such travel was available in the United States. The seats and ride were so comfortable. The seats recline in a fashion much better than the airline seats. And an adjustable footrest helps the shorter passengers get comfortable.

The windows have a pull down shade for those that want to sleep. People are respectfully quiet, and turn their cell phone ringers to silent. When they talk, they generally speak softly, or move to the back of the car. We also had seats in a no smoking, first class car, with only about 10 people in it.

We have just a short ride to Kyoto today. But we may take a side trip to Nara tomorrow, just because we enjoy the train so much. The rail cars are not new, but are so well cared for. There are no food or drink stains anywhere, and the windows are spotless, The toilets are in a separate car, and offer both the Japanese and American versions. It makes the BART system back home look and feel like a garbage dump.

Even better, is that we can walk from our hotel, directly to the gate. Our hotel is part of this huge complex at the Kyoto Train Station, that includes hundreds of shops and restaurants, as well as designer stores, and depatos. Rush hour is quite a sight, making navigating from one side to the other akin to floating downstream to get to the other side of the river.

We enjoy seeing the school girls and boys gathering at the clock tower. Graduation is next month, and the kids are very excited. Their uniforms are so cute, prim and proper. They begin their work or college careers next month as well. By the way, it is hard to differentiate the hookers from the well dressed young ladies and girls. And a surprising number of women wear kimonos, we assume to work or as perhaps a tour guide or hostess.

We met Charlie, an Indonesian chef here at the hotel. He was practicing his English with Sheri. Much of the staff are multi-lingual, and all are very helpful. We encountered many familiar Japanese food items, such as burdock root, and taro, as well as pickled radish, French Fries, and raisin (thank you) bread.

We do receive a daily English print paper, the Asahi Shimbun, that keeps us current. The TV is mostly in Japanese, but their is a translation button for CNN. But too much news while on a vacation is not a good thing. But the World Baseball Classic is a big deal here. But I do miss info on March Madness, and my Cal Bears. Since we are a day ahead, it feels like much of the events back home are re runs.

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Photos

We Love The Shinkansen
I could have ridden the rails every day here.

Train Attendants
They offer a wet towel and refreshments during the train ride.

Better Than Coach
The shinkansen seats are better than coach on the airlines