We chose the bullet train (known as the Shinkansen) to get
there.
WOW, what a travel experience. You book seats on the Shinkansen just like for a plane, so there’s no jostling for position like on a regular subway system. That was good for convenience, but we were shocked at the cost – about as much as a plane ticket to ride on a TRAIN. However, I quickly learned that it was a vastly superior travel experience compared to traveling by plane. By the end of the ride, I considered it a good value. J If Amtrak was like the Shinkansen, I don’t think I’d ever step foot on a plane for domestic travel again!
Why was it so fabulous?
First, there was no security to go through. For whatever reason, getting through security
saps my energy and patience (especially having to remove my shoes in the US). Second, there was lots of leg room, plenty of
space to stow bags and wide aisles to walk around.
Third, the rules about turning off mobile
phone ringers and not talking on cell phones on the train (because it could
potentially disturb others – what a civilized concept!) were abided. And, finally, it was a very, very smooth
ride. We were standing when it took off
and didn’t stumble or have to catch our balance. During the ride there were no bumps and the
train seemed to operate without making any noise – even when going about 200
mph!
The ride lasted about three hours and we were able to see
the Japan countryside along the way. It
was a great to start to our Kyoto experience!
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