Interesting observations about the Japanese

On the shinkansen with fully reserved seats:

From Sendai to Tokyo, those without reserved seat have to stand or sit beside the doors for 102 mins. This gentleman in his business suit stood & nap for close to an hour as the bullet train raced along the track, occasionally swaying left or right around gentle bends.

The other man in more comfortable jeans just sat down and snored away.

The doors of the shinkansen would not pop open when in motion as I could hear the sound of a heavy metal bar dropping across the doorway. These men could snooze safely.


On the Limited Express to Sapporo with both reserved and free seatings:
                         

 

 The train after leaving Hakodate Station - with seats to spare.

Along the way, many after office crowds boarded the train bound for Sapporo and many have to stand. When we were closer to Sapporo at about 2000hrs, those who got on the train reeked of alcohol.

Important Note for travelling between Shin-Aomori and Sapporo Station

 

If you are taking the train that will arrive at Hakodate from Shin-Aomori at 1701hrs after which you have to switch to next train to Sapporo at 1711hrs, you will not have time to get out of the station to buy your food! The pictures showed clearly that all bento shops on the platform were closed! To make matters worse, there was no sale of food and drinks on board the Super Hokuto to Sapporo.

Therefore, remember to buy your food & drinks from Shin-Aomori Station or on board the train before arrival at Hakodate. Well, I settled with the rice crackers and plain water that I had in my back-pack.

Common sight on board subway trains in Japan:

Many would be looking at their hand-phones, listening to something with ear-pieces, staring blankly or just dozing off.





Safer location for the Gasoline dispenser:

The staff must have done their risk assessment. At least no chance to be rammed by a runaway car and exploding into flame!

Blessing the Japanese people:

My attention was caught by this tree of red leaves 紅葉　which I thought was maple leaves もみじ。

I approached this ojisan who was sweeping the fallen leaves and he told me that this tree　has very hard wood and is used for making stoves in Japanese households of old.

I thanked him and blessed him, "Kami sama no shuku fuku ga arimasu youni" 神様の祝福が有りますように and his face lit up。There is power in God's blessing and like all people, they welcome blessing. Let's not be stingy with our blessings!