Aomori: The Train Ride
I swear that I'm not in Japan anymore.
TrainrideAfter the Kantou Matsuri, the next morning I hop on the train to go to Aomori, where the Neputa Matsuri is held. I'm traveling across Japan on the cheapest ticket I can, aka the Seishun Juhatchi Kippu, or the 18 year old student ticket.
THe ticket is available to everyone, even those who are neither students or 18 years old. For about 100 dollars, you get 5 days of unlimited travel. The only catch is you have to take the slowest trains in Japan.
And I mean ass slow.
I have probably spent a total of 5 days on trains in Japan. No joke. During this time, I listen to poetry or study Japanese or read books I've stored away on my iPod. This day though, I notice that at the other end of the train car is a line of backpacks. Much like the one that I carry.
Four people sitting together, with multiple copies of the Lonely Planet Japan guide open among them. I come over, introduce myself. We hang out.
Sometimes, I do love my wandering life.
* Plums deify.
TrainrideAfter the Kantou Matsuri, the next morning I hop on the train to go to Aomori, where the Neputa Matsuri is held. I'm traveling across Japan on the cheapest ticket I can, aka the Seishun Juhatchi Kippu, or the 18 year old student ticket.
THe ticket is available to everyone, even those who are neither students or 18 years old. For about 100 dollars, you get 5 days of unlimited travel. The only catch is you have to take the slowest trains in Japan.
And I mean ass slow.
I have probably spent a total of 5 days on trains in Japan. No joke. During this time, I listen to poetry or study Japanese or read books I've stored away on my iPod. This day though, I notice that at the other end of the train car is a line of backpacks. Much like the one that I carry.
Four people sitting together, with multiple copies of the Lonely Planet Japan guide open among them. I come over, introduce myself. We hang out.
Sometimes, I do love my wandering life.
* Plums deify.