Day 3 - Our first Shinkansen

The afternoon's excitement was our first experience of Japan's 'bullet train'. Because we bought JR Passes to cover our 3 weeks here, all we has to do yesterday was reserve seats. So yesterday we tried to use one of the machines to do just that and I'm sorry to say that we gave up and went to the ticket office instead. Pathetic tourists! 
By hook or by crook, here we are waiting to board our 16:24 to Nagano...
...moments later, the platform was heaving with peeps!
Another local train to Zenkojishito got us to within striking distance of our 'ryokan', a traditional Japanese Inn. We have tatami mats and futons. We have to switch to inn-provided slippers at the door, but it's all lovely and the owner couldn't be more friendly.
OK, I can't resist. Here's another pylon...

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