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I’m in Japan. First train ride on the “Hello Kitty” express from Kansai to Kyoto. LOTS OF FUN!

Arrived in Japan yesterday, Sunday, Aug. 27. It is disconcerting to fly following the sun and lose a day. It was about 11 pm San Francisco time, when we arrived, the next day.

The smartest thing I did was arrange for a guide to meet us at the Osaka Airport (Kansai). Remy helped us purchase IC cards and train tickets. 

First night was in Kyoto. The most efficient way to travel is by train. There’s an express. The Haruka express operated by JR West. We bought first class tickets which gave us assigned seats. We swiped our tickets through the fare gates and took the escalator down to the platforms. I’m not sure how many trains call at Osaka. I saw our express and an Osaka Loop train. (See photo)



The closest thing we have in the U.S. to this kind of service is in Chicago. In Osaka and Tokyo, the JR urban railroads have loop trains that circulate around the central city core. I’m planning to ride the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. 

Japanese trains sometimes have special paint schemes. Ours had a “Hello Kitty” scheme. It was totally fun.  



The train even has a bathrooom. Which is really nice. 
Love and kisses to all from Hello Kitty and me on the Haruka express!!!

Remy was totally into the fact that I’m a big train fan. He offered to check with the train operator to see if I could get a look in the cab. At the end of the run, we asked. Nope, not allowed for safety reasons. But the  operator was cool with the fact that I was a train nut.

More to come.

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  1. Ken KorenAugust 29, 2023 at 4:28 AM

    Hey Clif. I couldn't comment on my phone but I can comment with my computer. It doesn't look like these trains have those 'pusher' guys who cram everyone in like sardines. Is that more a Tokyo thing? I wonder if the Hello Kitty Company pays to sponsor the cars?

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