This evening I flew 700 miles from Sendai (Miyagi) to Fukuoka rather than taking three bullet trains. At the time of booking I was happy to pay $66 extra to fly. Current wisdom says flying has advantages over high-speed rail for journeys over about 500 miles (about 800 km). Source: The Geography of Transport Systems.…… Continue reading Bullet Train vs. Plane
Category: Place
Far From Tokyo Crowds
Sendai, about 200 miles northeast of Tokyo, is my base for the next few days. From Sendai, rode a bullet train for 13 minutes, then rural trains to reach trails for some fall color hiking. The rural train line is in this photo.
Traveling with Salarymen
Arrived Tokyo HND, late afternoon Thursday, off a thirteen-hour flight and a +14-hour time difference. Took rush hour trains to a downtown hotel and an early night. Japan only reopened to independent travelers two weeks ago, so I’m expecting to see few westerners on my travels.
Next up: Tokyo
On board UA881 en route to Tokyo HND.
Japan 2022
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In the Heights
Cycled to the highest point in Minneapolis, Deming Heights Park. At one point we dismounted and pushed.
Renewed Places
Explored Downtown with a UK friend, focusing on fine old buildings, many sensitively adapted and reused. This former Milwaukee Road ticketing hall is now a hotel event space. Later, we rode a 21 bus along Lake Street to see how well it has come back after the protests of 2020.
Vicarious Sunrise
Dwight brought coffee to me in bed and showed me this photo he’d taken of the sun rising over Lake Superior.
Poplar River
Crossed the Poplar River on our hike from Lutsen to Oberg Mountain.
The End of a Long Hike
We hiked a long hike. Towards the end, at Cascade River, our nephews still had plenty energy. How the younger one got on that rock, we’ll never know. His brother was being more cautious.