Ditto on the Japan railway system. I'd base myself in/near a major CIty such as Tokyo for a few weeks and travel everywhere by train. Shinkansen (bullet train) -> express train -> local/commuter train. Just don't get on a commuter train during commute time.The US is an automobile centric society. Most trains in the US carry bulk goods shipments. It doesn't seem there will ever be a time when the US shifts from cars to trains for large scale personal transportation. But the Europeans do have it down pretty well and the Japanese have truly perfected rail transport. Their shinkansen are fast and on time. And the rail stations are spectacular!
This is in part due to the Rail Companies.The US is an automobile centric society. Most trains in the US carry bulk goods shipments. It doesn't seem there will ever be a time when the US shifts from cars to trains for large scale personal transportation. But the Europeans do have it down pretty well and the Japanese have truly perfected rail transport. Their shinkansen are fast and on time. And the rail stations are spectacular!
I recently watched a documentary on the Chunnel, quite amazing.The Chunnel ( rail tunnel under the channel to France) has rail cars you drive into and you stay in your car for the short journey to/from Calais
It's been many years since I rode a train in Europe or Scandinavia. My last recollection was getting off a train in IIRC Stockholm 10.00 at night, and tramping through the snow dragging my luggage. No sign of a cab and trying to find my way to the hotel.We have travelled extensively in Europe by train. Anything shorter than a 6 hour train ride is faster than taking a plane. Security is super fast and you arrive right down town as opposed to an hour outside of town and then have to take a cab. North America is still living in 1955 as far as transportation technology.
Free parking, them were the days. We even have to pay to park at a hospital now, even if you're having out patient treatment. On rare occasions, they might issue a car park waiver ticket but it's like winning the lottery.We have taken the Chunnel on several occasions. Brought snacks and coffee. Very relaxing and fast. We lived in Cambridge and took the train to London many times. I think it was about 20 pounds at the time. Free parking too.
Profits before patients every time.Free parking, them were the days. We even have to pay to park at a hospital now, even if you're having out patient treatment. On rare occasions, they might issue a car park waiver ticket but it's like winning the lottery.