@thatjohn.bsky.socialIt is, as you might say, atmospheric out here in the marshes on a wet May day.
But you'll still find me at the front of the train looking out the front at the single track, even if there's a rail safety person there in his natty hi-viz harness.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialThere are very few Japanese trains I don't love.
But a rural single-unit diesel railcar, marked wanman (that's Japanese importing the words "one man" for "driver-only operation) — these are some of my absolute favourites.
This KiHa 54 sits just behind my all-time fave, the KiHa 40.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialLet's visit Japan's easternmost railway station! We start at the industrial port city of Kushiro, in late May 2017.
See "Station Diner 946"? Japan loves doing this: 946 is kyu-shi-roku, which shortens to something rather like "Kushiro".
@thatjohn.bsky.socialNever let it be said that I am not an absolute ham.
Nor that I am not better at MarioKart arcade version than @airlineflyer.net.
💅
@thatjohn.bsky.socialIn the restaurant floors at the top of the easternmost tower of the Nagoya station building is a Starbucks.
It has this view.
A #JohnDoesJapan must-visit.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialA #JohnDoesJapan tale…
@airlineflyer.net's and my subsequent visit to Utsunomiya, Japan's gyoza capital, in three photos.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialOh yeah, this was the #JohnDoesJapan trip, before I spoke as much Japanese as I do now (still not a lot!) and before camera-translate worked well, where @airlineflyer.net and I went to a ramen restaurant and I managed somehow to order a meal without any actual ramen
@thatjohn.bsky.socialthis is just a list of things that i am during a #JohnDoesJapan trip, really
@thatjohn.bsky.socialA happy belated Bi Visibility Day to all Shinkansen who celebrate!
@thatjohn.bsky.socialYou might not know this about travelling to Japan, but when the baggage staff put your bags on the belt?
The handle is always facing you, the customer.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialSorting through some #JohnDoesJapan photos (from nearly ten years ago, lolsob).
Still marvelling at this Sapporo departure for Tokyo of a 375-seater Boeing 777-200 in high-density domestic configuration, scheduled for boarding to take 15 minutes.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialI did *not* have to delve very deeply into my #JohnDoesJapan folder of Japanese train pictures to find a Shinkansen, long-distance or even medium-distance train platform with bins.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialHate the terrible YouTube-click-psychology thumb with AI slop seats SO MUCH… but #JohnDoesJapan cosign on the travel advice:
• head for lunch at destination restaurants
• do big name temples in Kyoto super early
• Japan's most important word, "sumimasen"
• the best (free!) Shinkansen seat
@thatjohn.bsky.socialStaying on the Yamanote Line (the ring line around lots of central Tokyo) is a really smart idea, for sure, and I highly recommend it.
Just not at one of the big six stations, especially if you're not familiar with Tokyo. #JohnDoesJapan
@thatjohn.bsky.socialThese two (and as comments say, Ikebukuro) are absolute mazes, so if it's your first (or even fifth) time in Tokyo, I'd genuinely advise against staying there if you can.
I have absolutely missed trains (including a last train once) because I got lost. #JohnDoesJapan
@thatjohn.bsky.socialI even think the morning light at Ryoan-ji, with the tree shadows falling on the karesansui, and the sunlight on your face as you sit contemplating, is one of the most beautiful and tranquil Kyoto moments you can have.
@thatjohn.bsky.socialOne of the biggest #JohnDoesJapan gifts you can give yourself in Kyoto is to start at dawn:
• enjoy neighbourhoods and outdoor spaces like these before the crowds
• arrive at Big Name Temples a good 20-30 minutes before they open so you're in before the tour buses
• have a nice nap after lunch