Introduction: My girlfriend was always telling me that we want to do a train trip so I do not need to drive. Since she has an erranda in Toyama, I have bought tickets for two, and also decided to go visit Takaoka a nearby city where my dad lived for a short period, to check out how it looks like.
Waking up at 4:45am, stretched my body and come down to have a breakfast and take shower before leaving at 6:25am. I made the plan forwarded by 5 minutes so I can account for the slower walking under rain. As I expected, she was late just over 5 minutes so we walked in a little fast pace under rain and made it to the platform as the train came into the platform.
The outside was slightly rainy, the train was not so crowded due to early travel hours so we were able to take seats and relax. The outside looked quiet, maybe because of the weather, or just it's Saturday morning. The train moved under rain without trouble and arrived at Nagoya on time. Since we hopped on at the last minute, we were at the south end of the station. Walking zig-zag in an underground hallway to proceed to the platform for the bullet trains.
We have tickets for non-reserved car because the train is expected to be less crowded in this early. Walking toward the front of the train, and we picked the car No 3 as it was coming in from Shizuoka. The train left on time and we watched the rice fields and buildings passing by under clooudy sky. The train made a stop at Gifu Hashima for one minute, then arriving on time at Maibara which is the next stop at 7:34am.
As soon as we get off, we moved upstair to make a transfer. The express train used be the only quick way to Toyama, but since Hokuriku Shinkansen has extended its route to Tsuruga, the train only take us there and need to switch to the bullet train to reach Toyama. It is faster but pricier so many criticized the change.
The train departed on schedule. The seats were about 70% occupied and it moved slowly under cloudy sky. The train only stopped at Nagahama, and finished short 40 minutes ride.
Walking out the express train and followed signs on the hallway. The bullet train was at the platform since this is the starting point of operation. This train station opened back in March so everything looked brand new. We took seats and waited for the train to depart. The train began moving on time. It started from frequent tunnels but the second half was mosly over open field. The train made several stops, and finally reached Toyama..
After bidding a farewell and wishing good luck to my girlfriend, I walked back into the station building and proceeded to the local train tracks. The train runs to Takaoka, which is my destination. I hopped on the half filled cars and the train left on time. The train is driven by electricity so the operation was smooth. It took only 20 minutes, and the track was mosly straight I could see far as the train moving in not so populated area. It made a few stops, then came into the platform at Takakoka under cloudy sky.
7074 was made in 1967
After passing the gate, I moved to the ground floor, located the stop for the tram. When I stepped in the old looking car, I can sense the moldy smell inside but otherwides it looks just fine, its a monitor to show the train schedule and even has video recording equipment to monitor the cabin. The exception is the many wirings added over the time running all over the place. Taking a tram which left the station on time. The cool feature about the tram is it is on the same place as the cars. The recorded announcement was done by a local Rakugoka, Shinosuke Tachikawa, so it was fun listening. (I found out this service is only for the weekends)
The railway itself was tranferred to a local organization since the original owner of the system determined it is economically unfeasible. So many local parties and groups are supproting financially. In the area like this, people needing a mean of public transportation so I like the way how things work here. The tram moved smoothly, making stop at road traffic signals, picking up and dropping off a few people. I get off at Yoshiyama, only to find a nearby road is damaged from the earthquake back in January.
Yoshihisa Histrical District (1850s-1930s) was originally a place where taking orders for the rice from other places. The function is shifted to modern day system but some building are still remain this small area.
After checking out the place, I walked to the major street and took a short walk to nearby tram station. I hopped on the one coming at 11:41am and checked on the net about other historical interests in this area. I get off at Sakashita Machi stop so I check check out another traditional landmarks.
7073 was also made in 1967
This part of town has residences with mud filled walls. Usually Japanese houses have wooden walls. So this is a region of wealthy people.
Museum to the right
Suganoke Residence
Ikadaike residence in a far
Before head back to Takaoka, I have decided to visit another location.
Kanayamachi, where used to be a foundry area technicians gathered from the region back in 1600s.
Nambu Foundry Cupola
After returning to Takaoka, I moved to the south side and saw very much nothing to eat again. I was thinking of how I eat my lunch today. I checked on the timetable and saw an opportunity to check out the place where my dad used to live so I headed out at very fast pace, made it to the site, took a few pictures and began my returning trip back to the train station. I cannot miss it because the train only runs every half hour and I could use the time to check out Toyama city more once I get back.
KIHA47 Series train, build back in 1970s still serving
I made it back to the station, crossing the gate and it was 4 minutes before departure time. Returning to Toyama was just an ordinary ride. Both cars were filled with many people, I was lucky to have a seat since some people are standing. The train made a few stop as it came to this way, and arrived at Toyama on time.
After coming back to Toyama station, it was after 1:30pm, but I have not decided what to eat Black Ramen
Evening Walk with my girlfriend in Toyama
After coming back
We met around 4:30pm at Toyama station and walked around.
We were back in Toyota station after 6:00pm. We get ready for the returning trip and moved up to the platform. The train was already there and we took our seats. The 1.5 hours ride began on time, and the evening sun was shining through the opposite side windows. We opened up Masu-sushi, a famous meal in this area.
After getting off the bullet train, we have about 10 minutes for connection. At the platform, I took a pictue of the train then hopped into the car to take a seat. It did not leave at 8:15pm as scheduled, it says something about issue with the connection and we waited for 5 more minutes. Thunderbird express train bound for Osaka departed first then we followed as soon as the signal says clear. While we are on the train, several announcements were made and I was concerned if the connection will be still made. The Hikari 666 schedule was adjusted finally and I am glad, but also told there is very short period of time window avalable. The train was moving under dark sky so I could not tell how the outside look like.
After getting off the express train, all the passengers were guided to proceed to the bullet train slowly but swiftly. Everybody was quiet and just followed the instruction like school kids being evacuated in a fire drill. I am pretty sure my heart rate went up pretty well while moving. I did not have time As a result, all the transition was completed at amazing pace, and we were able to find seats and waited for departure. The train left just 6 minutes behind, I can tell the train is moving in the dark at very fast speed by hearing the noise of the wind to make up the time, and arrived at Nagoya in time.
After getting off from the train, we are certain that it is possible to catch the local train leaving in 6 minutes so we hurried to the connecting platform. The train left Nagoya on time and moved smoothly. When we get to Ozone station the outside was raining so we used umbrella to walk home.
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