The Five Yen of Happiness! Shinkansen to Tokyo

The Five Yen of Happiness! Shinkansen to Tokyo

With my time in Kyoto coming to an end, it was time for the last big trip on the Shinkansen – back to the madhouse of Tokyo.

Well – Tokyo would seem nuts after the cities I’ve been in which have been a bit saner. Thankfully, the walk from Tokyo Tower Hotel to the station is a short one.

Off we go!

The biggest trick for those of you who are heading for the Shinkansen is to head to the “Shinkansen Gates” as opposed to heading through the main gates – mainly as you’ll find the Reservations office (The Midori-no-madoguchi). If you’re using a JR Rail Pass – you’ll need to do this.

Besides, you’ll miss out on some stunning architecture.

Shrines? We got your shrines. Shrines… Shrines… Shrines…

Local displays.

Once in the queue for the reservations, it’s a matter of waiting. On the plus side, it was air-conditioned. Which is nice after carrying my backpack in the heat of Kyoto.

Noooo! A delay on Japanese Railways – they do happen!!!

With a ticket issued, it was time for priorities to be sorted. Yes, time for another Ekiben.

Ekiben time!

With that done, it was time to face the growing heat as Japan transitioned from the rainy season to the summer season – and head up to the platforms.

Sellers trying to sell local Omiyage.

Onto the platform, it was time to raid another vending machine for a drink and see what was going on. And to my delight, there were two people in traditional dress on the platform, heading for the next Nozomi.

Vending machines are still important.

Tradition and Technology. A way to sum up Japan.

After this Nozomi departed, my Hikari arrived for the trip to Tokyo… or more precisely – Shinawaga. Another N700 train to take me onwards.

Or rather I would have had. The reservation agent that I had booked my ticket on was running down the platform. What had I done wrong now?

Apparently, the agent made a mistake, and instead of issuing me with a Green Car reservation, I had been issued one for an ordinary car!

The horror and shock – honestly – I didn’t notice the ticket until the agent pointed it out.

I was escorted to the correct carriage, and the ticket agent waited until I boarded the train before they left.

That’s what I call customer service.

4C and D for me.

Seat controls

As usual, the Shinkansen arrived on time, and shot out of the station on time. Which meant it was time to break open this Ekiben.

What’s in this box of delights…?

Well these are cute. Collapse-able chopsticks. They maybe disposable.. but they’re coming home…

Another lovely mix, featuring lots of things I’m useless at identifying. It’s still a better option than a sandwich on a cold British railway station. Then again, anything is better than a sandwich on a cold British Railway station.

With the train accelerating away, I sat back with my Ekiben and watch the scenery unfold. During the past few days – the weather had been less than ideal. Now… it was lovely out in the world.

Some more local trains in the distance

The train slowed for Shin-Osaka as the urban sprawl took over the landscape.

Slowing down…

I really need to double-check my focusing some days. The image works though.

The train came to a stop as it dropped off and picked up passengers for the trek to Tokyo – and soon enough, we were off again.

Ooh. I was onboard one of them the day before…

A Local train stopping as we zoomed off.

The urban jungle changed back to the mixture of countryside and towns as the train headed on its way to Tokyo, making a few more stops on the way.

This was also the perfect time to see how fast I was going. And as usual, it was pleasing to see the speedometer broken.

Ah. 176mph. A nice speed to be going at.

Grey clouds came… and thankfully went.

Again, I love this perspective of Japan – the traditional rice paddies in the foreground, the towns growing up around them.

The grey clouds dissipated as the train sped on.

Eventually, the countryside dissipated as we neared Shin-Yokahama.

From here on, the train was on gentler speeds, and the final sign for me to get ready to get off the train. Trains don’t tend to hang around at stations in Japan, so its good manners to get up and get ready to get off when the first announcements are made for your destination.

Closing in on Shinagawa…

Thinking of pulling that emergency release? Don’t.

With the train arriving in Shinagawa, I took my leave of the train (mainly as I didn’t fancy a trip up to Tokyo station, to go all the way back to this station) – and also because my hotel was a short walk from the station.

Thank you N700!

Overall: The Shinkansen network is a wonderful form of inter-city travel, getting you from A to B with the minimal possible fuss, and with great customer service. On routes that are less than 3 hours (even 4 hours), I’m not sure I would even consider flying at all, when there’s a frequent service like this competing.

I’ve said that High Speed Rail is a valid option a few times already in different circumstances – and when high-speed rail is done right (with dedicated lines, proper infrastructure and timings), it works and gives any other form of transport a run for its money.

Next: I’m back in Tokyo – which means its time to head to my usual digs. So far we’ve had tiny rooms and medium-sized rooms. Time for some Intercontinental sized rooms as I head to the Strings by Intercontinental

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