We assumed a little too much today that Japanese trains are always on time, rivaling the Germans (the average delay of the Shinkansen last year was 26 seconds!). We traveled from Kyoto to Toyota to get a factory tour and had to be there by 10:30 a.m.--our itinerary got us there by 10:00 a.m.
Problem 1
It had snowed overnight and was snowing when we boarded the Shinkansen. When it snows, the trains go slower. We were over 20 minutes late getting into Nagoya, our first transfer station.
Problem 2
Our second train was 10 minutes late which was good in a way because that allowed us to make our connection. It was bad because we were supposed to take a Rapid Line but found out an hour later we had gotten on the local line and it took over 30 minutes extra for this leg. This was Japan Railways fault because the platform sign said it was a rapid.
Problem 3
It was past 10:00 a.m. by the time we got to the point of our last train transfer. We had our suitcases still because we had planned to store them in Nagoya but the delay on the Shinkansen didn't give us time to do that. So we had another 30 minute train segment and then a 25 minute walk, getting us there around 11 which is too late.
We took a cab, which we NEVER do, but made it by 10:45 to the plant for the tour. It cost $75 but we didn't lose our planned day. Even when we showed up late to the tour (which left at 11 thank goodness), we were greeted by three gracious hostesses who took our bags, told us where to store our other items, and smiled the whole time. The Japanese are so gracious and pleasant--it's a real treat.
No comments:
Post a Comment