Transit

We’ll be making a brief stop in Osaka…

Posted on by helenhmk

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.

Laview back to Tokyo

Posted on by helenhmk

Returning from Chichibu meant catching the Laview train back to Tokyo. It’s a wonderfully comfortable train. It has large windows for watching the scenery change from countryside, to out suburbarn Tokyo back to Ikebukoro station.

Inside the seats are like a comfy couch. The colour is yellow, and the environment on the inside feels fresh and warm. While seated, if you can tear yourself away from the view, there is also a screen which shows the footage the driver is seeing.

The ride back to Tokyo takes approximately 80 minutes.… and it’s so good you just don’t want it to end.

Can it be adjusted..?

Posted on by helenhmk

Travelling with Brompton’s overseas is always an experience. Today it’s the second leg of the journey from Sydney to Tokyo. Checking-in for the flight is a liberating moment as you finally get rid of the suitcase/s, and take that fateful look at the weight of what you packed.

Our bike cases, which contain bike, helmet, poncho weigh around 21-23. Kym’s bike case is lighter than mine, but I have the added advantage of four wheels, and easier manoeuvrability. My case is on the heavier side… now I know there are people with Brompton who travel with soft bags and find they work well (your faith at the care baggage handlers have in Australia is admirable). These cases enable us to effectively get the bikes to the hotel in Tokyo and we don’t touch the cases until we are coming back (thank you hotel!). We have learnt over the years to avoid, where possible, taking large bags on trains in Tokyo.

My bike bag was 23.6kg… ‘can you adjust the contents of the suitcase? We want to ensure luggage is 23 and below’. Was the question asked… explanation of travelling from Adelaide previous day and indication we would remember and modify for the next flight. Minor hesitation from the counter attendant…. and the heavy bag was accepted and case sticker was applied. Weph! On the upside the next bag placed on was 9.6kg!

Door needs charging…

Posted on by helenhmk

We checked in ✅

Had drinks at bar with view of airport ✅

Return to access room 🙅‍♀️

After a couple of attempts, and resetting the room key, a staff member (chief charging officer) came to our room door and had to recharge the swipe key access. It took less than ten seconds, and the swipe keys worked again enabling room to access.

Highlighting every industry has its technical issues…

… and we are go!

Posted on by helenhmk

This holiday feels like it’s been a long time coming, but I’m so happy it’s here.

After a morning running around completing small jobs, we were packed and managed to watch the last episode of Slow Horses 🫣 before setting off for the airport.

Surprisingly we managed to bump into a couple of Bromptoneers (without their bikes 🚲) 👋 after being dropped off – sooo Adelaide!

After checking in we managed to sneak in a quick drink….and by the time we were at the gate we spotted our bags on the trolley prior to it being loaded on the plane. Can you spot them…?

Winter is coming to Tokyo

Posted on by helenhmk

While the forecast for the next week in Tokyo highlights the cooler temps are beginning to set in… Our last Monday in Tokyo was a high of 20 degrees. It was pleasantly sunny and warm.

We finished packing (arugh… always painful because it takes a long time), went for a walk, and enjoyed a lovely lunch with our friends in Hibya Midtown. Oh.. the chocolate mousse!!

From there we thought about seeing a view of Mt Fuji from Bunkyo Council but it was closed for renovations for the 12-15 months. In the end we headed to our favourite local garden Koishikawa Korakuen. The autumn leaves were stunning.

We were able to enjoy one last coffee, before heading to the airport, with one of our long time Japanese friends.

Overall… was it a great trip… yes, loved it as always. We really value the friends we’ve made in Japan over the years (both Brompton and non cycling friends), and you’ve made our experiences in Japan richer – thank you… and hopefully we will see you next year 🙌

People often ask.. what’s the best time to come… autumn, it’s really the best season in Japan.

Transiting with Bags..

Posted on by helenhmk

Unfortunately suitcases are a necessity when travelling to Japan, especially when taking our Bromptons. While packing last weekend Kym said ‘I just want to travel without this stuff..!’, but I highlighted we would not get the experiences of cycling in fabulous places without the Bromptons so we have to put up with a very short term problem for long term happiness. To be fair I think he would like someone else to do all the packing (don’t we all!).

The Brompton suitcases themselves are large, but small enough to fit within the size requirements for normal luggage by the airlines. They are easy to move… but annoying from the perspective of travelling from ADL to SYD collecting them, getting on a bus to the international terminal side to the hotel and the next day checking in for the international flight to Japan.

In lifts people look at our suitcases with a quizzical look on their face… and I usually pipe up ‘they’re folding bikes’… which is usually met with ‘ah that’s so wonderful… I did wonder what amount of clothing would be inside..’.

Transiting is a necessary part of the journey… but we are always pleased to have checked in… seen off the bags, got through the gates and made it to the lounge… oh and find a seat. With just enough time to ensure there are enough ebooks/audiobooks on my phone for the plane journey.

Back home

Posted on by helenhmk

Adventure no more. We managed to finally get home today. I mean that as the flight to ADL from SYD decided to take another loop around Adelaide plains and hills as the first attempt to land was aborted.

Two weeks ago Takero, our Brompton friend lead a ride to a park to watch planes from Haneda take off. That day there were a lot of planes taking off and landing. However there was this one that tried to land a couple of times… and I remember saying at the time “I would hate being on that plane…”. Well today that was my experience. 😞

The pilot attempted to land from the sea approach due to the winds, and unfortunately the wind was change direction so we got an extra loop ride no one wanted. I was glad when we landed.

Somewhere between SYD and ADL