Japan Trip, Day 8
I get up early to shower and prepare. We have a breakfast of eggs and toast again, and are shortly on our way. We take a total of two buses to get the airport, the first of which is on the crowded side, but it works out. At the airport, I check in, hand them my luggage, and then seek out a Japan Airlines counter to purchase a ticket from Obihiro to Tokyo/Haneda for the return flight. After that, we get ice cream and coffee, and part ways.
It was an enjoyable week, so Brandon can lay any fears aside. I give southern Japan a strong B+. The historical aspect is quite nice with all the temples and castles and such, and that is one of my big things. Additionally, the train system is nice, if difficult to navigate at times. However, there are usually some people around to help you find your way to your immediate destination, so long as you know the next stop anyway. Bicycles are everywhere, and it is somewhat expensive in the day-to-day, but I managed to escape unscathed.
My airplane bound for Sapporo left on time, much to my delight and we were soon in the air, bound northward. Early on the flight attendants made an announcement that it was snowing at the New Chitose Airport for which we were headed, so there was the possibility that we would be diverted to another nearby. Thankfully that did not happen and we were only delayed in our landing by about half an hour. Upon landing, much to my delight, I saw that snowplows were busily scurrying across the runway, which was mostly white. It seems that air travel is not my friend this year.
I made it easily to the baggage claim, collected my suitcase, and found my way down to the bottom level of the airport where the train station was. Not being able to read the sign, I went to an information desk and purchased a ticket there. Here came the part where the train system is not quite so obvious. While the man who sold me the ticket did show me where it said the origin and destination on the ticket, it was written in Japanese. Further, there was no inkling that I could discern of which track would take me on my way. Enter the helpful Japanese women who pointed me in the direction of Minami-Chitose. I quickly boarded the train, sat down next to a man who was clearly unhappy that I had sat down next to him, and was on my way again. Thankfully for my companion in the seat, Minami-Chitose, the station where I had to change trains, was the very first stop and no more than about 5 minutes away.
I exited the train onto the platform and looked around. I was suddenly in Siberia with snow blowing, white as far as the eye could see. I make my way into the station and see another person manning the counter. I show him my ticket and simply say, Obihiro. He comprehends, and begins to tell me something in Japanese, which I make quite clear that unfortunately, I do not understand. He then says 16:17, and I smile, and resign myself to waiting. There is approximately an hour wait and the train arrives, and I make my way down to the platform and get in. Once again, I must sit next to someone, but I do not think that this is greatly offensive to her. At least she did not seem so displeased. This train ride takes almost two hours exactly and I make my way out to the ticket gates to await Grey’s arrival.
I spy a Coca-Cola machine and I decide to wait there, seeing as that would probably make sense. A few minutes later I hear a female voice say my name, and I know instantly that Grey has been delayed. Enter Sarah, one of Grey’s friends who lives in Obihiro, who has been dispatched to collect me since Grey will be later than expected. We go back to the apartment she and her husband Brett share, in her car, and proceed to wait for the illustrious Greybee.
Much to my surprise, most people here drive cars, instead of riding on trains or buses. This seems incredibly more familiar to me, and this, coupled with the snow, and local architectural styles, really brings this part of Japan closer to home. Grey arrives shortly, as does Katie, followed afterwards by Gwendolyn, and we ultimately head off for a weekend party, based out of another friend’s house, Vivianne. The night is spent talking and drinking and we eventually fall asleep.
It was an enjoyable week, so Brandon can lay any fears aside. I give southern Japan a strong B+. The historical aspect is quite nice with all the temples and castles and such, and that is one of my big things. Additionally, the train system is nice, if difficult to navigate at times. However, there are usually some people around to help you find your way to your immediate destination, so long as you know the next stop anyway. Bicycles are everywhere, and it is somewhat expensive in the day-to-day, but I managed to escape unscathed.
My airplane bound for Sapporo left on time, much to my delight and we were soon in the air, bound northward. Early on the flight attendants made an announcement that it was snowing at the New Chitose Airport for which we were headed, so there was the possibility that we would be diverted to another nearby. Thankfully that did not happen and we were only delayed in our landing by about half an hour. Upon landing, much to my delight, I saw that snowplows were busily scurrying across the runway, which was mostly white. It seems that air travel is not my friend this year.
I made it easily to the baggage claim, collected my suitcase, and found my way down to the bottom level of the airport where the train station was. Not being able to read the sign, I went to an information desk and purchased a ticket there. Here came the part where the train system is not quite so obvious. While the man who sold me the ticket did show me where it said the origin and destination on the ticket, it was written in Japanese. Further, there was no inkling that I could discern of which track would take me on my way. Enter the helpful Japanese women who pointed me in the direction of Minami-Chitose. I quickly boarded the train, sat down next to a man who was clearly unhappy that I had sat down next to him, and was on my way again. Thankfully for my companion in the seat, Minami-Chitose, the station where I had to change trains, was the very first stop and no more than about 5 minutes away.
I exited the train onto the platform and looked around. I was suddenly in Siberia with snow blowing, white as far as the eye could see. I make my way into the station and see another person manning the counter. I show him my ticket and simply say, Obihiro. He comprehends, and begins to tell me something in Japanese, which I make quite clear that unfortunately, I do not understand. He then says 16:17, and I smile, and resign myself to waiting. There is approximately an hour wait and the train arrives, and I make my way down to the platform and get in. Once again, I must sit next to someone, but I do not think that this is greatly offensive to her. At least she did not seem so displeased. This train ride takes almost two hours exactly and I make my way out to the ticket gates to await Grey’s arrival.
I spy a Coca-Cola machine and I decide to wait there, seeing as that would probably make sense. A few minutes later I hear a female voice say my name, and I know instantly that Grey has been delayed. Enter Sarah, one of Grey’s friends who lives in Obihiro, who has been dispatched to collect me since Grey will be later than expected. We go back to the apartment she and her husband Brett share, in her car, and proceed to wait for the illustrious Greybee.
Much to my surprise, most people here drive cars, instead of riding on trains or buses. This seems incredibly more familiar to me, and this, coupled with the snow, and local architectural styles, really brings this part of Japan closer to home. Grey arrives shortly, as does Katie, followed afterwards by Gwendolyn, and we ultimately head off for a weekend party, based out of another friend’s house, Vivianne. The night is spent talking and drinking and we eventually fall asleep.