Since I’m married to a trainiac, I have to tell you about the incredible trains in Japan. Wow is an understatement.
Kelly and I rode the bullet train yesterday from Tokyo to Kyoto. The train looks like a sleek spaceship and rides along as smooth as silk. We boarded in Tokyo and took 2.5 hours to get to Kyoto. In a car, the trip would take six hours.
The interior and exterior of the train was spotless and the most amazing thing is how efficiently the trains run. The average late time is 36 seconds! Yes, that’s seconds, not minutes or hours. These guys are into punctuality and it is truly something to see.
Our train rolled into the station two minutes ahead of schedule. We had a couple of minutes to get on board and then off we went.
I bought two 7-day passes on the JR train system in the US. When we got to Tokyo we went to the train station and they converted our paperwork into an official train pass with the dates we specified. We rode the train the whole time we were in Tokyo and then took the train to Kyoto. When we leave Kyoto, we will take the train back to Tokyo and then out to Narita airport for our departure to Bangkok.
Everything is labeled in English, as well as Japanese and announcements are made in English on the trains. Maps are located all over the train stations, so you can easily figure out which lines to take. Of course, I had Kelly to lead the way, but anyone with good map-reading skills will be fine.
All in all, a fabulous way to get around. I know Ken would have loved riding with us!
I loved reading about the train. Your comment about English everywhere is very interesting. Odell and I were in Japan probably 30 years ago–did ride the train to Kyoto; but little English signage, etc. We carried a card with out Hotel address on it in Tokyo so we could be directed how to get there (sign language). Great trip you and your niece are having.
Yes, it is nice to have English everywhere! We are loving our trip so far. Lots to see and do!