Kaiji 101 to Kofu
Sometimes it’s good to step back and look at the ordinary, everyday life and the things we tend to ignore around us. So I’m planning on giving you a break from fantastic art, funky design, wild monkeys and lush islands and instead just show you this snapshot of one of my recent early Saturday mornings; getting out of Tokyo on the Kaiji 101 to Kofu (someone should remake the old Glen Miller 1940 classic Chatanooga Choo Choo to fit this train line). The name Kaiji comes from the famous grape of Yamanashi – the 甲斐路 grape, bright red and big.
The Kaiji 101 train is bascially the best way to get to the completely mountainous prefecture north-west of Kanagawa, Yamanashi (don’t be fooled by it’s name – there’s nothing but mountains in this place) from Tokyo.
The Kaiji 101 started running in 1961 (and the train designs seems to collaborate this) and uses the same train line as Chuo Line, going from Shinjuku to Kofu. I was on my way to Yamanashi one early Saturday morning and since I relied on the Jiyuseki (tickets without booked seetings) I wanted to be early to be able to make sure I got a decent seat – window, always. Usually when you travel on express or Shinkansen trains in Japan you can ask for jiyuseki and save a little bit on the very expensive tickets (trivia: I could have taken a round trip London-Stockholm for the same price as this train ticket).
Naturally, arriving early at the station means meeting the remains of last night. This young man had decided to use the stairs as a convenient resting place having probably missed his train last night. Respect goes out to the kind station wardens who let him sleep in peace.
Other than that, I just waited for the train to arrive under the watchful eyes of the station wardens (who do they get to work I wonder…) and then it’s just to wait an hour and I’m out of Tokyo once again! Lovely bit of countryside to see on this trip to Yamanashi. Enjoy a bit of slow paced every day life in Japan!
Obviously you enjoyed the journey though,
Two correction, ——- original meaning of Kaiji is ” Road to Kai” but having a
meaning of Road of Kai as well. Grape was named after this. Obviously, the name
of train was not from Grape, of cause.
Yamanashi is the name of wild pare ( Nashi) plant, otherwise called Saru-nashi.
Fruits is less than inch big and not fit to eat but having beautiful sweet smell.
Nashi = nothing is just a pan.
—— regrettably to say.
Well, the train, the road, the grape, many names for the one thing! Thanks for the info!
Yes, it is just my pun, I didn’t think anyone would get it! Yamanashi – no mountains, or Yamanashi – Mountain pear.
I didn’t know yamanashi was the same thing as saru nashi? Maybe you mean something else, as saru nashi is one of my favorite fruits? Perhaps there are several kinds of this fruit.
I’ve started to sell my photos while working in the Makino Herbarium in TMUni’.
At least, Yamanashi = Sarunashi is from Encyclopedia Botanics, though I’m not
necessary know the current misuse of the name in the shops. Such as the name
Monkey Banana (small variety of Banana) is just a popular nick name.
In order to sell out of standard products, shop might have put funny name to
attract attention.
I love your “normal Tokyo” shots too! They make me miss Tokyo even more. :”"( Actually, the stairs look pretty comfy and ergonomic! Hahaha
Thank you Julie! I have never tried sleeping on these stairs, but I do envy this Japanese ability to sleep anywhere and anytime! And make sure you come back soon. (^-^)
I totally wish I could meet you when I go back there! You are such a great and wonderful photographer, and your blog gives me daily happiness! XD
Thank you Julie! Anytime you come over, just let me know! The job situation is hard these days but if you are willing to start small there should be something!
As much as I hated getting lost in the JR and Subways in Japan, I do miss these stations some how.