I love Japan. I love the collision of the modern and ancient worlds coming together in that place. It’s so high-tech and cool.
John Lasseter
The day was predominately about travel as we had a 2 legged train trip. The first had us going on what I have named Thunderbird 8 (the train was actually named Thunderbird) from Kyoto to Kanazawa. The second leg was between Kanazawa through to Nagano on a bullet train. Both journey’s (in particular the last) was incredibly picturesque with the snowcapped mountain vistas spectacular. Once we got to Nagano you could feel the mountain air kick in. While their was no snow, you could see why this place was selected to hold the 1998 Winter Olympics. We found our way to our hotel and just enjoyed the brief rest. On the TV was World Cup Speed Ice Skating event being held over the weekend. Well when you haven’t been to see a single speed skating event in your life, what better opportunity can you receive? I have watched these events before on TV but you really don’t get an appreciation of how quickly they go. The actions are so rhythmical that it seems effortless. Dinner was a rice omelette which was surprisingly nice. The food so far this trip has been brilliant and while this was different, it was really enjoyable. Off to Matsumoto tomorrow as the snow monkeys are without snow and the 3/4 hour trek can wait till another trip.
Images – Day 11 Nagano
2019 December Japan 