The train from Tokyo to Osaka was very enjoyable- like all Shinkansen trains – I just love the experience. Comfortable seats while you are watching the scenic views of Japan go by.

However, I find it hard to be considerate to fellow tourists with lots of luggage.. who do not book the seats at the rear of the carriage and the storage space.

Yesterday when we caught the train, Kym exhibited un-Kym like behaviour – he pushed in the queue to get on the train ahead of other tourists. We had been on the platform for a good 25 minutes before the train was due to leave. The train had arrived and the cleaners were going through and cleaning as they do, and Kym observed the group of four tourists each with two large bags. As soon passengers were allowed on… he quickly went into action and got on the train soon after the group. As he suspected he found they had put their bags in the area we booked for our bikes. He politely pointed out the space was ours, they claimed it was for oversized luggage (based on the sign) and then Kym stated yes for people who had reserved the area with seats – also based on the sign. They then removed their luggage. By the time I got on I could put my bike in the reserved area and calmly sat down… with Kym speaking to me in a hushed tone about his interaction with fellow tourists.

Unfortunately for the train conductor, after much discussion, their luggage was left in front of a door on the side which was not going to be opened, in addition to lifting couple of bags to the luggage space above the seats.

So fellow tourists, if you are to travelling in Japan, when planning be mindful of the luggage you take especially if you are catching the Shinkansen…. and do your research before you travel on what you can and can not do.