Traveling by Train in Japan – JR Rail Pass

Traveling by train is definitely an easy, clean, convenient and very reliable way to go. The biggest plus, of course, is seeing the scenery along the way, the small towns and villages, and the people traveling with you.

The stations are very well organized with entry points and the platforms well displayed in Japanese and English – not to say we didn’t sometimes get confused! Buying tickets from the machines is easy with an English option. Best of all are all the markings on the platforms indicating where to stand, which queue to get in, and the direction of the queue. Lines are not to be crossed! not that anyone says anything!

From cruise ports we caught JR express and regular trains to visit some of the sights. Most of these local trains are used by school kids in their navy or black uniforms with their backpacks and ubiquitous smart phones. It is fun to watch them giggle, debate, flirt and interact with one another. Also commuters and others traveling locally.

We caught a Shinkansen (bullet) train from Toyko to Toyama which was quite a thrill and difficult to believe that we were traveling at almost 200mph. The Hida Express from Toyama to Tokayama took us up and through the mountains at a much more sedate pace.

From Takayama back to Toyama we took a couple of local trains which stopped at every station, but gave us the opportunity to see people’s back yards, their gardens, the scenery. The scenery was beautiful, even on a rainy morning where the mountain tops were bathed with clouds and fog hung in the valleys. Even though the architecture is different, from the very beginning Japan has reminded me very much of Germany or Switzerland.  Nothing seems to go to waste; land is not wasted by growing grass. Where there is a patch of soil, it is planted with either vegetables, rice or flowers  (more of the former). Shrubs and trees are pruned and formed. Garden implements are neatly stacked beside the house, firewood is neatly stacked, and washing dries on lines. Also the people – the women, especially, dress very fashionably and smartly, and in the cities, the uniform for men is slim-legged dark suits. There is NO trash laying around ANYWHERE! and it is also very difficult to find a trash receptacle. One carries it. Even though there are many eateries, most people seem to sit and eat their food, rather than walking around drinking and eating as one sees in the U.S.

And then there are the toilets! Spotless – everywhere! Warm seats, bidets, you name it! These are on one of the Shinkansens.

…and the cleaning squad who bow to the Shinkansen as it arrives, and to the passengers when they get off the train after cleaning it.

We took the Thunderbird express from Toyama to Kanazawa,  the Shinkansen Tsurugi from Kanazawa to Kyoto, and the Shinkansen Hikari (“light”) from Kyoto back to Shinagawa (Tokyo). Because we hadn’t had enough train travel, and because I didn’t buy the very first fans I saw, we jumped a local train from Shinagawa back to Kamakura to find the little shop selling the best fans I saw during our time in Japan!

Kyoto-Arashiyama-Fushimi-inari

Our first stop was Nishiki market, just a short walk from our hotel. I have rarely seen so many food items that I don’t recognize!

…and some unusual characters…

Pounding sesame seeds

Using our JR pass we took the train to Arashiyama to see the bamboo forest which wasn’t quite as dramatic as I’d imagined, but it was pleasurable to walk through the towering bamboos on a hot day.

We didn’t make it to Fushimi-inari during the golden light, but it was lovely to see the shrine illuminated. The next day, I made the short train trip back to see it during daylight.

Fushimi shrine is an important  Shinto shrine just two train stops south of Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates which straddle a network of trails leading into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and sake. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794.

These torii are mesmerizing. I would have liked to spend the day, but we are onward to Tokyo.

Kyoto tower by night.

Kyoto and Myako Odori

Once again – arriving by train is quite incredible; the magnificence of the train station in Kyoto is breathtaking. From  www.japanguide.com:

“The Kyoto Station (京都駅, Kyōto-eki) building was constructed on the 1200th anniversary of the capital’s foundation in Kyoto. It was opened to the public in 1997 and stands in perfect contrast to many foreign tourists’ image of Kyoto as the capital of traditional Japan.

The building’s futuristic design and atmosphere was conceived by the Japanese architect Hara Hiroshi. Hara’s design attempts to convey historical Kyoto through a modern aesthetic. The station’s large main hall with its exposed steel beamed roof, called the Matrix, is meant to reflect both the structure of the station and the grid like layout of Kyoto’s street network.”

In stark contrast, the Gion district is Kyoto’s best known geisha quarter where Japanese men come for the company of professional geishas in private inns and tea houses. Gion’s history started in feudal times, with stalls catering to pilgrims and visitors. In the late 16th century these evolved into teahouses and theaters.

We bought an all-day bus pass so that we could easily get around town and to the sights. We started off at the Shimogama-jinja Shrine in the northern part of the city. It was fairly early and all was peaceful and quiet.

From there we made our way across town to the Kyoto University of Art & Design Theater for the Myako Odori show that I had booked from home. These performances only take place during the months of April and October. The first Miyako Odori was held in 1872 during the Kyoto World Exposition.  The beautiful performance by Geiko (the Kyoto word for Geisha) and Maiko of a tea ceremony, dancing, and music has been shown continuously ever since. Through dancing they express spring, summer, autumn, winter, and return to spring during the cherry blossom season. Unfortunately no photography was permitted during both the tea ceremony and the performance, but the following photos are taken from pictures in the theater. See You Tube.

Onward to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (which is currently shrouded with a mesh tent and undergoing renovation!) However, the magnificent pagoda was enough for me with its vibrant orange and beautifully decorated beams. The view from atop this hill across Kyoto is stunning. For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have climbed the slope to pray to the temple’s 11-headed Kannon image and drink from its sacred spring.

On our way up to the temple we passed the magnificent Ninna-ji Temple’s pagoda.

Kanazawa

Arriving by train at Kanazawa, one is struck by the immense size and the beautiful structure of the railway station.

Eateries are plentiful and especially heavy on sweets and bakeries. We found this little fast-food place that served bowls, but only after being there a while did I notice that I was the only female in the fully packed place (other than the staff!) Maybe not fine enough for Japanese women. Reminded me of the days when pubs had public bars and lounges – I always felt more comfortable in the public bar!!!

Huge, well-spaced, bright shopping areas with lovely merchandise are right there within the station and enjoyed by well dressed pups!

The castle

Kenrouken gardens.

Another newly wed couple having photos taken.

Old Kanazawa

Omichi market.

Mostly a huge variety of seafood.

My new best friends – a group of Junior High kids wanted to practice their English! Not quite sure about this guy’s head gear – I think it has some significance??!

Hida Villages

We took a bus excursion from Takayama to a couple of the Hida villages in the Shokawa valley.

The houses – named Gassho-zukuri houses (gassho coming from the word for “praying hands”) – have steep thatched roofs. The roofs in the first village we visited had a 60 degree pitch, while those in Shirakawa-go were 45 degrees making for a larger base. The climate demands strong, steep roofs able to withstand heavy snow and shed rain quickly so that the thatching doesn’t rot. Typical snowfall in the valley is two to three meters a year, and winter can last for six months.

The houses are generally three or four floors and traditionally accommodate extended families (much like the farmhouses in Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland). The living accommodation is all on the first floor with a hearth in the center and no chimney – the smoke rises and blackens all the timbers above! The hearth is used for cooking and heating. The upper floors housed silkworms. Traditionally, the men farmed the land and the women worked with the silk worms and silk in the home. The houses are all situated with the gable ends facing north-south, and the openings allow for ventilation from the prevailing winds in the valley.

Early Morning Market in Takayama

This lovely market on the banks of the river had plenty of interesting offerings – many edible!

Deliciously juicy apples and the sealed red item is (I think) some kind of pickle. We’ve seen it often.

This sweet lady was making and selling marshmallows. Dennis tried one, but ate it before I could capture the moment!

Meanwhile, I tried this delicious custard.

Buckwheat noodles and rice cakes.

These were some kind of egg puffs that these Japanese ladies were enjoying.

And then there were craft items and flowers.

Takayama

We took the Kagayaki Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Toyama with a switch to the Hida line from Toyama to Takayama. Beautiful mountainous scenery with snow capped peaks.

After passengers disembarked, the cleaning crew went onboard to clean and swivel the seats in opposite direction. When they got off they gave a bow (which I wasn’t quick enough to catch) and then proceeded on their way)

Takayama is a charming town nestled in the “Japanese alps” with unspoiled Edo-period streets lined with small shops, pubs and eating places. The homes are mostly built of timber (Japanese cedar) and the windows to the streets are mostly shuttered or louvered. The Miya River runs through the town; water runs in channels along all the streets and everything is immaculate.

Lunch time. Miso soup and good draft beer!

A cute “fast food” stall in Takayama

Another lovely pagoda with massive and ancient willow tree.

It was alongside the river that we saw our first abundance of cherry blossoms.

…..and then more …

Now I am satisfied!

These tots seen on a school bus late afternoon! School can be just too exhausting.

Yokohama and Kamakura

This morning we arrived in Yokohama, Japan – the end stop on our part of the cruise. Many do back to back cruises, but two weeks is enough for us.

First impressions of Yokohama are very favorable, even though we won’t get to explore this mega city – second largest in Japan.

We took the train to Kamakura – a smaller town about 20minutes away. It is clearly a popular destination for the locals, and we especially enjoyed the walking streets with some lovely small shops selling items I am mostly unaccustomed to.

The rolls of paper are for origami. We see people using the wash towels (top right) all over the place!

Confections

We ended up at the Shinto Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine where we observed a wedding taking place. It was very interesting and quite a solemn occasion.

Yokohama at night from our balcony.

Shimizu and Mount Fuji

Shimizu is a port where many cruisers took trips and excursions to visit Mt. Fuji, but low-key cruisers like us opted to hang out in the small and friendly town of Shimizu where locals stood on each corner and directed us to any points of interest.

Fish drying on racks in the sunshine.

We visited a couple of shrines and cemeteries that were peaceful and interesting.

We spent an hour or so on the bow of the ship, on the helipad, this morning as we entered the port and had the first possible sightings of Mt. Fuji. She was elusive, as is often the case, but the snow capped peak became visible amongst the clouds which gradually dropped and showed her outline.

We could see the mountain’s position behind the clouds from our balcony and during late afternoon she shyly showed herself for a brief time, but never fully exposed.

Shimizu waterfront.

Himeji Castle

Himeji castle is an imposing structure built on a high bluff in the city of Himeji. It dates back to 1333. It is the grandest of the 12 remaining feudal castles in Japan. Among the Japanese, it is better known as the “white heron castle” and one can see why.

Its military architecture with (formerly) three moats qualifies it as the ultimate samurai castle. It has seven levels, including the basement and each floor is designed to ward off any attack. There are chutes for dropping stones on anyone attempting to scale the massive dry stone constructed walls. There are 997 openings in the walls – called Sama -oblong slots for bows and arrows, square, round and triangular ones for the guns. One floor is the armory with built in racks for the guns. We climbed right to the very top in our socks, careful not to slide on the well worn Japanese cypress wide plank floors. At the very top is a shrine – one that was relocated from the hilltop.

A scaled model of the castle. Timbers are Japanese Cypress.

In former times up to 40,000 samurais lived within the outer moat to protect their Lord. The castle was handed down from family to family over its long history until it became a military barracks in the 19th century. Selection of the family depended upon their strength. Restoration started in 1910 and in 1993 it was named a World Cultural Heritage site.

We also enjoyed a Japanese tea ceremony in a tea house within the beautiful and serene Kokoen gardens. We were served green matcha tea in a bowl with a small bean curd sweet (similar to marzipan) covered with a cherry blossom flavored wrapping.

Kobe and Nara

The ship docked conveniently downtown and next to a light rail service. On the first morning we opted to walk the 30-Minutes to Sannomiya station in order to activate our JR rail passes and book our seats and trips for when we disembark on Sunday. We then hopped on a rapid rail train (not a bullet) for Nara via Osaka.

(1) An elevator car park with turntable (2) street in Kobe (4) colorful vending machine

Markings on the station platform that everyone dutifully observes.

Nara Park, on the north end of the city, contains most of the treasured and ancient buildings from 5he time that Nara was the capital. Back then, in 710, it was known as Heijo-kyo (citadel of peace) and was one of Asia’s most splendid cities. The city was at the far eastern end of the Silk Route and was an important Buddhist mecca.
The grand Todaji temple was constructed in 752 to house Nara’s great Buddha and to cement the position of the city as the capital and powerful center of Buddhism.
The park is also home to hundreds, if not thousands, of very tame deer who are completely at home with the locals and tourists and pose very kindly for selfie shots!
Kofuku-ji temple was founded in 669. Of the 175 original buildings, only precious few remain. The five storey pagoda burned to the ground at least five times, but the current one dates from 1426.


Unfortunately, due to warmer than usual Spring weather in Japan, the cherry blossoms peaked about two weeks ago; luckily we are able to find a few stragglers!
We walked back to the train station via a semi-pedestrian shopping street that had some interesting windows and was great for people watching.

A day onboard Millennium

A spectacular day of sailing in the calm, blue waters off the southern coast of Japan. Dolphins jumping and diving, views of mountains and chalk cliffs lining the coastline of one of the islands. We saw no evidence from the eruption of Mount Shinmoedake.

So far we’ve had a very enjoyable time meeting people from many different countries and walks of life. Some we meet in passing over a meal, others we reconnect with.

…and an interesting tour of the galley. We discovered that all waste is collected, reduced and sold at a receiving port. Food waste is kept in barrels with a bacteria that removes all moisture so that it ends up like pellets and is sold to companies that recycle such waste for fertilizer, animal food, etc. Cans, plastic and cardboard are crushed and packaged. Broken glass and dishes are ground and recycled. Proceeds from the sale of these recycled materials go to a fund that is used for crew members for emergency travel or parties!

The chef on the left is the Executive Chef and is responsible for all the menu planning based on passenger demographics, cruise location, etc., for all the galley staff, and just about everything involving food on board. The man in the black shirt is responsible for all the breakfast food and works from 2-10a.m.

It is a mammoth operation and seems to work quite seamlessly despite the need for adhering to USDA regulations and the need for absolute sterility.