Wednesday 6 May 2015
Highlights:  Shinkansen Bullet train to Osaka

I realised how super efficient the Japanese are as I watched them clean the arriving Shinkansen train in 10 minutes turning all the seats around, getting rid of the rubbish etc and we were ready to go which a very clean train.  

The Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Osaka leave every 20 minutes.  It only took 2 hours 26 minutes for the 600 km journey (Melbourne to Canberra is about 640 kms for reference).  Fast, efficient & clean, we could learn something from the Japanese about trains.  

I enjoyed watching the countryside as well, seeing snow capped mountains and rice fields and forests along the way in seats with enormous leg space.  It cost approximately $150 AUD one way but I consider it a bargain compared to flying a similar distance and for the fast train experience.

I finished the day exploring the local area around my hotel, lots of lights and people!