Today I wanted to highlight something about Tokyo. There are so many interesting things here in Japan. The train situation is one of them. First, I think public transportation is amazing but the Japanese have taken this concept to another level! Melanie and I often joke that you can get anywhere in Tokyo in about 15 minutes, because the trains are always on time and there are an abundance of them! When I say on time, I mean exactly on time!
But there are dark sides to the train system in Tokyo. First, if you have to get on a train between the hours of 7 am to 10 am, be prepared to be smashed! We live at a very busy station, where two lines come together and transfers are common. Thus, the morning 'traffic' is busy! I have heard from Russ that on some instances, he has seen the train conductors push people into the trains so that everyone will fit. Of course, he has also been a part of that morning rush hour for over a year.
Another interesting point about the trains in Tokyo is the ability of the Japanese to fall asleep on the train. Some of my family members have a hard time staying awake in moving vehicles...I won't name them, but you know who you are! :) Anyway, the Japanese take the art of sleeping on trains to another level too! They can fall asleep, head down, eyes shut, and not miss their stop! I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I think it is rare. Also, if I was to fall asleep sitting up - there is no way I would look as good as they do! My mouth would be open, I would be snoring, or worse, I would lean onto the person next to me. The Japanese to make it look good!
The photo above is actually a bullet train, which we took while Reese and Sara were here. Bullet trains are basically Amtrak...but only better! The seats are huge, the trains are super clean, and they go about 250 mph! Don't quote me on that speed, I just know it's super fast! I've so loved being part of the wonderful Japan train system while we've been here! I will miss it!
Wonderful description of a public transport system that is or should be duplicated in other places. It is impressive, as is your learned use of it.
Posted by: mim | December 02, 2008 at 06:30 AM
You two are pros at navigating the train system in Tokyo. It was so nice to have you as our tour guides while we were there:)
Posted by: Sara | December 03, 2008 at 08:58 AM