Trying Japan's Weirdest Intercity Train to Tokyo | Limited Express Azusa

Introduction

The video begins with a greeting from Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The narrator mentions that they are on a local train from Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station.

Riding the Local Train

• The train ride from Nagano to Matsumoto offers beautiful views, including one of the "Top 3 beautiful train window views in Japan" at Mt. Obasute.

• Chikuma City can be seen from the train.

• The train makes a brief stop at Obasute Station, which is like an observatory.

• The narrator decides not to get off at Obasute Station due to the long wait for the next train.

Arrival at Matsumoto

After about an hour from central Nagano, the narrator arrives at Matsumoto and transfers to another train.

Transfer and Train Information

• The narrator transfers to Azusa Limited Express train bound for Shinjuku, Tokyo.

• This train travels approximately 225.1km/139.8mi in around 2 hours and a half.

• There are various bento (boxed meal) options available for purchase at the station.

Boarding Azusa Limited Express

The narrator boards Azusa Limited Express and describes its unique features.

Features of Azusa Limited Express

• Azusa Limited Express has a completely new type of train face that looks futuristic.

• It is made up of 12 cars, giving it a long appearance.

• Recent Japanese express trains have a driver room on an upper deck for driver protection against collisions.

Standard Class Cabin

The narrator provides details about the Standard Class cabin and its amenities.

Standard Class Cabin

• The narrator is seated in Standard Class.

• The fare from Matsumoto to Shinjuku is 6,620JPY/46.3USD.

• The cabin has a 2-2 seat layout with comfortable seats, good legroom, and neckrests.

• Power outlets are available for each seat.

• The table is large and stable.

• There are A.C. vents like buses and curtains for privacy.

• Large windows offer dynamic views.

Lunch Time

The narrator enjoys a beef sukiyaki bento for lunch on the train.

Beef Sukiyaki Bento

• The narrator purchases an expensive Beef Sukiyaki Bento (1,300JPY/9.1USD).

• The bento uses Shinshu Northern Alps Beef, a local expensive beef brand.

• It comes with konjac (root vegetable), rice, half an egg with Dashi taste, pickled bamboo shoot-like item, and salted plum.

• Overall, the bento is delicious and satisfying.

Scenic Views in Yamanashi Prefecture

After Nagano Prefecture, the train enters Yamanashi Prefecture, offering beautiful views of mountains and valleys.

Scenic Views

• As the train runs through mountain and valley areas in Yamanashi Prefecture, passengers can enjoy stunning scenery.

Catering Service on Board

There is a catering service available on board the train.

Catering Service

• There is a catering service on board the train; however, no further details are provided in the transcript.

Tully's Coffee and Shinkansen Ice Cream

The transcript discusses the availability of Tully's coffee and ice cream on trains, specifically the Shinkansen.

Tully's Coffee and Ice Cream

• Tully's sells alcohols like beer and wine.

• The speaker mentions having a coffee (170JPY/1.1USD) and ice cream (340JPY/2.3USD).

• The ice cream is called "Shinkansen very-hard ice cream" and usually takes around 10 minutes to melt.

• The speaker describes the Shinkansen ice cream as super creamy and rich, their favorite anytime.

Kofu Station and Yamanashi Prefecture

This section highlights Kofu Station in Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its vineyards and good wines.

Kofu Station and Yamanashi Prefecture

• When leaving Kofu Station, the speaker suggests not missing Kofu Castle.

• Yamanashi Prefecture has many vineyards and offers a variety of good wines.

Azusa Train Route

The Azusa train route is praised for its scenic views through mountain areas in Yamanashi.

Azusa Train Route

• The view from the Azusa train route never gets boring, making it an underrated train route in Japan.

• The speaker expresses excitement about the timing of their journey.

Train Facilities and Restrooms

This section focuses on the train's facilities, including restrooms and washrooms.

Train Facilities and Restrooms

• The hallway of the train is described as chic, resembling a luxury hotel.

• There are both men's and women's restrooms, which are not very roomy but clean.

• The speaker mentions the presence of a mirror and mini washbasin in the restroom.

• The flushing sound is slightly loud.

• There is also a men's exclusive toilet where one can dispose of their bento (packed lunch).

Arrival in Tokyo

This section highlights the arrival at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, known for its high population density.

Arrival in Tokyo

• After passing through mountain areas in Yamanashi, the train enters urban areas and arrives in Tokyo, the world's most populated city.

• Shinjuku Station is mentioned as the capital of Tokyo and one of the busiest train stations globally, with approximately 3.5 million passengers per day.

Shinjuku Exploration

This section discusses the various attractions and activities available in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Shinjuku Exploration

• The speaker mentions that there are many things to do in Shinjuku.

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, known as "Tocho," is suggested as a place to visit.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

This section focuses on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and its observatory.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

• The speaker describes the appearance of the building as futuristic and mentions it being a famous tourist spot.

• Visitors can go up to the 45th floor for a free observatory experience at a height of 243m/797.2ft.

• The building is noted as the fourth tallest structure in Tokyo.

Observing from the Observatory Deck

This section discusses observations from the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Observing from the Observatory Deck

• The speaker mentions that if there are no clouds, one can see Mt. Fuji from the observatory deck.

Conclusion

The transcript covers various topics related to train travel in Japan, including Tully's coffee and Shinkansen ice cream availability, Kofu Station and Yamanashi Prefecture, scenic views along the Azusa train route, train facilities and restrooms, arrival in Tokyo at Shinjuku Station, exploring Shinjuku, visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with its observatory deck offering panoramic views, and observations from the observatory deck.

New Section You are a very good boy

The speaker is complimenting someone and calling them a good boy.

Compliment and Apology

• The speaker says "You are a very good boy" .

• The speaker apologizes for something .

New Section Pub owner showing love

A pub owner is expressing affection towards someone.

Pub Owner's Affection

• It seems like a pub owner is showing love to someone .

New Section Thank you for watching

Expressing gratitude to the viewers.

Gratitude

• The speaker thanks the audience for watching the video .

New Section Rock, Scissors, Paper

Playing the game of Rock, Scissors, Paper.

Game Instructions

• The speaker mentions playing Rock, Scissors, Paper .

• They count "1 2 3" before saying "Rock" .