Nagoya

Sake, the wine of Japan.  It is served both hot and cold and as you can see is available in many brands.  I love the graphics on the bottles.  This is typical of all things Japanese.  They are unfailingly polite, and things are very well presented.  The cities are very clean as well.

It was raining in Nagano, the first rain I have had this trip.  The shuttle from the ship took us into the center of town to a train station.  We went underground, and pretty much stayed there for the duration of our trip into town.  Great little shops and restaurants, so plenty to amuse us.  

The Japanese are so efficient.  These bike racks are set up everywhere, and are set up so that the key is in when the bike locks in, and then is returned when the person comes to take the bike out.  Slick.

The shops and restaurants are very neat.  The little displays of food are done up in plastic, so the meal is displayed as it is.  Easy to choose from what is in the window.  There are little stools outside, so when the restaurant is full, someone comes out and bows, and then takes your order, and so when you come in, the food is already ordered and almost ready.  How cool is that!

Nagoya is very modern and has some very modern architecture.  It is the fourth largest city, and is the home of all the auto industry giants.  There is a big Toyota museum and factory here.

There is a trend in Japan that they have large buildings that are dedicated to one product.  This is a four story drug store, but there are electronic shops and sports stores that are huge, and have a variety of that one product.

Instead of parking meters, the cars just back into, or drive over this little rig in green, which then locks and again, is released when the money is paid.

Everything is so well-organized, and there is no horn honking, and no swearing.  I have not seen anyone cutting in or being rude, and not a lot of speeding.  The drivers are polite, and obey the rules, so things run like clockwork.  What happened to us?

We are in Nagoya again tomorrow and leaving at 8pm in the evening for Shingu which is a small island.  If the weather clears up we will go off and get the shuttle to  twon again to explore.    Otherwise it might be laundry and catch up day.  Ciao for now!!

Dale