A Japanese Christmas and a Thai New year.

[drron]

I passed an interesting restaurant but it was closed.


Mostly curries but different to the usual Japanese curries with rice and some brown gloop.
Some local decoration.


I am walking the back streets. I find them often more interesting. Next was a small temple.

 

[drron]

I then reached what should have been the river but it was blocked off. I decided to walk upriver and see if I could get to the river that way. Went through an area of high rise apartments many looking the same,


Between the blocks were small gardens most with play areas. This one was different to the usual playground.

 

[drron]

I came to a combined car and train bridge and realised I was not going to see the river as they are obviously building a new expressway along the river.




More planes here.




An interesting building.




It was garbage day here.


I now needed to cross the railway line. Had to do it here which was a narrow road,


Came across another interesting building.


Another sign of mixed up seasons with flower stems appearing on the spring bulbs.

 

[drron]

It turned out to be another temple.












I was now using Google maps after the crossing of the train line. It took me an interesting way but later realised definitely not the quickest way.


And an interesting car park. No driving up to the top floors.


You can see the lift in the middle.
Another little park.


My google translate says that means Flower Prince.

 

[drron]

The road was running alongside the rail line. As I got closer to Osaka station there were a lot of nice looking restaurants but many with western influences. Then came a series of used clothing shops.











I turned into another street to cross back over the train lines. On the corner the Red Cross were collecting blood.


A little later a Taoyaki restaurant on both sides of the road.




I then saw the Hankyu Department store and knew my way back from there so turned off google Maps and wnt the quicker way.
A display in the Underground close to the Hilton.

 

[Seat0B]

Another sign of mixed up seasons with flower stems appearing on the spring bulbs.

Yes it’s mixed up all right - I am amazed at the extent of autumn foliage still around in your photos, and then to see the floral displays you posted earlier too - we usually see those in mid-late February. Plus now the spring bulbs. It’s crazy for sure. Hope we get enough snow to ski.

 

[drron]

Well the family is skiing in Niseko ATM. They report loads of snow and great conditions.

 

[drron]

Moving day. Off to Kanazawa on the 1212 Thunderbird express. Up to see sunrise.


And because Mrsdrron is a classic Type A person we were on the platform to see the 3 limited express trains before ours arrive and depart. First a.
Super Hakuto express.




Then a Kuroshio express.


And the Thunderbird express before ours. They go every 30 minutes.

 

[drron]

After the stops in Shin osaka and kyoto the car was full. Seating is 2-2 but a bit narrow, Reasonable leg room. A Japanese couple wanted to recline as soon as we were underway but first they asked if they could. at first it was boring city views but even before reaching Kyoto there were some rural views.


Then I recognised the Kyoto yards which the Railway museum looks out over.


And also one of the buildings I walked past.


But soon we were leaving the crowded suburbia behind and seeing more old style housing.












We were on the wrong side for Lake biwa but it is a very large lake so could still get a shot. We have spent 3 days there in the past. They have a Marriott that have some rooms with a private onsen one of which we had.

 

[drron]

Then we approached the Mountains and the views changed.

 

[drron]

When we were travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto on the 19/12 they had a massive snowstorm here and all the way to Kanazawa. The train line was closed for the day.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

The last stop before Kanazawa. Still some snow around.




A cemetery beside the line.


We then came upon the new Shinkansen line from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, It is due to open in March 2024.

Timetable announced for opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen extension in 2024

JR East and JR West have revealed the new services that will be introduced when the Hokuriku Shinkansen is extended to Tsuruga next year.

www.railjournal.com

 

[drron]

And finally we have arrived in Kanazawa. Will be interesting to see what effect the Shinkansen will have on the current services. There are 3 Express services running between Fukui and Kanazawa at present.
The extension to Kyoto is running into some community resistance and certainly it is up in the air. The plans call for 80% og it to be in tunnels. not what I would want.

Sign the Petition

We demand a full and complete withdrawal of the plan to extend Hokuriku Shinkansen through

www.change.org

 

[drron]

A short walk and we are at the CP. Checkin was very quick, breakfast selected as amenity and got a higher level room.


Not a great view.




But it least had a car park view with snow.


And you could see the trains.

 

[drron]

that night we walked over to the station to see what we could have for dinner. Basically long waits at most so we ended up here.


As well as beer mrsdrron could get a white wine and they served pizzas. first the beers. I had the tasting paddle.






They were all nice. My favourites were the Yuzu and the stout. their full list.






The pizzas - crab and Margherita.




Both quite nice.
A bit cold on the way back to the hotel.

 

[drron]

The next day Mrsdrron woke feeling terrible with an awful cough. Our grandson had the same in Kyoto 6 days before. She wasn't feeling hungry at all but still went to breakfast. We found that people staying in Kanazawa are big eaters. Many would get 6 - 8 plates of food before they would start to eat. Things kept running out at the buffet.a reasonable selection of western and Japanese offerings.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

And this became my favourite.




And my plate.