The big downside of local train travel in rural Japan is a distinct lack of actual trains. On the plus side, however, when they do run, the journeys are quiet, contemplative and really quite relaxing.
Photographs from a small group of islands
The big downside of local train travel in rural Japan is a distinct lack of actual trains. On the plus side, however, when they do run, the journeys are quiet, contemplative and really quite relaxing.
Coli says
Absolutely beautiful pictures. I definitely agree with you, just looking at these is peaceful and relaxing. Rural Japan does have its own special beauty doesn’t it?:)
Lee says
Thank you. And yeah, I couldn’t agree more. As much as I love Tokyo, getting away to, and travelling through, rural Japan, is always an absolute pleasure.
Jenn says
The guy sleeping with his shoes off is just priceless! 🙂
Lee says
The shoes are a lovely touch, aren’t they? A man who really knows how to travel, and, I suspect, really knows that particular journey as well.
cdilla says
A great set of photographs. The row of seats have a strange artistic beauty to them looking at the same time futuristic and retro. And see how the depth to which their feet have sunk into the tarmac shows which ones are sat on first/most.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It was a great journey.
Yeah, there was something about those seats that I liked too. And cheers, well spotted. Hadn’t noticed them sinking like that. That really does add a nice little extra.
YTSL says
Great set of pics! I often think that one doesn’t really know a place until one has visited its rural areas. It’s amazing how so many people can feel that they know Japan after visiting just Tokyo, Britain/England after visiting just London, the USA after visiting just New York or Los Angeles, etc.
On the subject of train travel: I’ve ridden on a single carriage train in Japan that stopped at lots of stations without a single staffer. It was quite the experience — actually more memorable to my mind (for its rarity, etc.) than the rides on the shinkansen, in fact (though those can be pretty cool too in their own way)! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you! Yes, that’s very true. Outside the big cities, Japan really is a very different place. An absolute joy to travel around because of that too.
Yeah, that laid back nature of local train travel is great. A world away from usual journeys here. Makes it a pleasure, rather than just an unpleasant necessity.
Can’t disagree there. I don’t ride on them that often, so even after all these years, there’s still something special about being on a shinkansen !
DavidT says
Dude knows how to travel! 😉
Lee says
He does, arriving at his destination thoroughly rested!