Trains, trains and buses

Today was pretty much a travel day but we did have a few highlights. Checked out of the hotel to cold but sunny weather. As we drove to our destination, again on twisty, up and down roads, we spotted Mt. Fuji, gorgeous and sparkling in the morning light. Our delightful driver made a special stop just so we could take memorable photos of this very special Japanese icon. As we continued our drive we passed many glistening trees and bushes because the rain at our hotel was snow at the higher elevations. Pretty to look at but awfully cold for mid March!

Hakone is known for its woodwork and we stopped at a store for a demonstration on this world class marquetry talent. The shop owner is 6th generation in his family to make these gorgeous works of art. Learned some very interesting techniques about how marquetry is made and was suitably impressed with the "secret" boxes so I bought one.

Next stop was the train station to buy lunch and get ready to board the bullet train. All went exceptionally smooth and we settled in to enjoy the one hour super fast travel to the next train station. The bullet train feels like a jumbo airplane ready for take off but never leaving the ground. Awesome! Next station we switch to a "local" train that still travels at amazing speeds in a quiet and relaxing mode. Most of the group took naps but I did a few origami lessons to those who wanted to make a crane, then made more of my own and watched the scenery. 

Mountainous, with plenty of snow, big, industrial cities and small villages interspersed with farm land. All the homes in the smaller towns seem to have tile roofs and be two story. Many have traditional Japanese gardens but some had large vegetable growing areas. In the rural areas you could see plenty of fallow fields including many dormant rice paddies. As we passed through larger cities I finally noticed garbage and litter but still no graffiti. Overall, the train ride was interesting and gave a better perspective of the Japanese countryside.

Arrived in Kanazawa for a three night stay in this west coast thriving industrial city. The hotel was just a couple blocks from the station so we walked, feeling good to stretch after 3 hours on the train. The hotel is a bit upscale and huge with a big convention going on with hundreds of suit and tie clad attendees. A few minutes to unpack and back downstairs to leave for dinner. We took a local bus to a quaint Italian restaurant, our first non-Japanese meal! Delicious with a good time had by all as we talked and laughed and shared travel stories. The walk back to the hotel was brisk and a perfect ending to a long day. Very sleepy so time for "fushido"!