2016/12/16

🇯🇵 2016 Christmas Special: Post-GCE 'A' Level Examination End-Of-Year Winter Vacation To Tokyo & Hokkaido, Japan, In December 2016 ~ Section 5 🇯🇵

Welcome to the fifth sub-segment of my 2016 Christmas special trip report detailing my post-GCE 'A' Level examination end-of-year winter vacation to Tokyo & Hokkaido, Japan, in December 2016. This section of the trip report will be covering a total of two focus topics. They will mainly be the long late afternoon return journey back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo via the Hokkaido Shinkansen line and spending an entire afternoon of Christmas shopping in Nagoya in the central part of the country.

Part 1 ~ The Journey Back To The Hilton Hotel Tokyo

After spending approximately five days worth of snow, food, sightseeing and railways around Hakodate, it was finally time to return to Tokyo for the final segment of the entire vacation. On the morning of Friday (9 December).

As for the return trip back to Tokyo, we would be catching the Shinkansen HAYABUSA Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, which would be scheduled to be departing from Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station at 2.44 p.m., and arrive at the Tokyo terminal station at 7.04 p.m. later that evening. We were lucky as my family had entrusted me to make our return Green Car (first class) seat reservations at Hakodate Station a few days in advance before my long early morning railway journey to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).

After spending almost 20 minutes of anticipated waiting on the southbound platform, a 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, which would operate as the Shinkansen HAYABUSA Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, ultimately entered Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station at 2.25 p.m. on Track No. 11. Once the train doors were opened, I boarded the train via Car No. 9, which was the Green Car (first class) coach, and settled into my assigned Seat No. 13D for the long mid-afternoon return trip of 4 hours 20 minutes back to the busy and lively modern hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo via the undersea Seikan Tunnel. My family also joined me on board the train 10 minutes later.

The train would be scheduled to operate in conjunction with the Shinkansen KOMACHI Superexpress No. 26 from Akita beyond Morioka. At precisely 2.44 p.m. sharp, all the train doors were closed, and the Shinkansen HAYABUSA Superexpress No. 26 finally pulled out of Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station for its long early morning trip of 4 hours 20 minutes across the Seikan Tunnel to the lively and ultra-modern hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo. We were then on my way for a long mid-afternoon trip of 4 hours 20 minutes back to the modern and colossal metropolitan capital city of Japan via the undersea Seikan Tunnel.

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 新函館北斗駅に入線シーン

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

The LED destination panel of the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

Getting ready to board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

The logo of the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

Another front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

Another rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

A view of my seat, 13D, during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 10-car E5 Series Shinkansen Set No. U1, operating as the Shinkansen "HAYABUSA" Superexpress No. 26 bound for Tokyo, from my seat during the boarding process on Track No. 11 at Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

My Green Car (first class) Shinkansen ticket for the return segment between Shin-hakodate-hokuto and Tokyo

Awaiting departure from Shin-hakodate-hokuto Station

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 新函館北斗駅から木古内駅間

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 新青森 (発車) ~ 七戸十和田 (通過)

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き いわて沼宮内 (通過) ~ 盛岡 (到着)

E6系新幹線 Z7編成 こまち26号 東京行き 盛岡駅ではやぶさ26号と連結シーン

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 盛岡 (発車) ~ 一ノ関 (通過)

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 福島 (通過) ~ 郡山 (通過)

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 新白河 (通過) ~ 宇都宮 (通過)

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 大宮駅から上野駅間

Making a brief stop at Ueno Station

E5系新幹線 U1編成 はやぶさ26号 東京行き 上野駅から終点東京駅間

After a long mid-afternoon return journey of 4 hours 20 minutes from the seaside port city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, we finally arrived back at the Tokyo terminal station at 7.04 p.m. on Track No. 21. Checking to see that there was absolutely nothing left behind on board the cabin, we quickly alighted from the train and took the nearby elevator down to the Tohoku, Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen concourse, thus reaching there by 7.10 p.m.. We then headed to the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen interchange ticketing gates, where we showed our Japan Rail Passes before heading over to the JR Line interchange ticketing gates near the Yaesu Central Entrance of the station.

Room No. 2101 and 2123 on the 21st floor.

eleven o' clock.

In a nutshell, I can safely say that our rides on the HAYABUSA service on the Tohoku & Hokkaido Shinkansen lines have been pleasant, especially on my luxurious Gran Class trip to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) on Wednesday (7 December). Just like my past railway experiences, I can say that the HAYABUSA service on the Tohoku & Hokkaido Shinkansen lines is indeed better than the Korea Train Express (KTX) in South Korea, particularly with the Gran Class service. If I were to get the chance to travel to Hakodate on a day trip from Tokyo in Gran Class in future, I would gladly seize the chance to do so.

Part 2 ~ Christmas Shopping Trip To Nagoya In Central Japan

In the wee hours of the next morning, which was Saturday (10 December), I woke up early at precisely 5.15 a.m. after my mobile phone alarm blasted off loudly. The first thing I did was to have a hot shower and change up into my attire before preparing the remainder of my required belongings for the day. Given that my younger brother was still sleeping, I prepared my belongings as quietly as possible so as not to wake him up at this time of the morning. According to my annual Japanese railway itineraries, I was scheduled to be undertaking a central-bound Christmas shopping trip to Nagoya today.

For the in-bound early morning trip to Nagoya, I would catch the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, which would be scheduled to depart from Tokyo Station at 8.03 a.m., and then arrive at Nagoya Station at 10.09 a.m.. I was quite lucky since I had managed to make my Green Car (first class) seat reservations at the JR Ticket Office at Hamamatsucho Station a week earlier. I had also requested the hotel concierge to pre-arrange a cab to transport me to the Yaesu Central Entrance of Tokyo Station at seven o' clock the night before the trip.

Soon enough, I was officially ready to go at six o' clock. Since it was still quite early before my cab to Tokyo Station, I decided to head up to the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor for some breakfast before departing. With that, I quietly departed my Room No. 2123 with my belongings and took the nearest elevator up to the 37th floor, eventually reaching the entrance to the Executive Lounge at 6.05 a.m.. Entering the lounge, one lounge receptionist greeted me and told me that I could choose any table for breakfast.

Securing a table by the window, I went over to the chef's fresh egg-making counter, where I requested for some fresh and fluffy scrambled eggs as the main course. With my eggs being cooked by the chef to my liking, I also went to the self-service buffet food corner, where I took some pieces of bacon and smoked salmon to be enjoyed with my scrambled eggs, together with some milk and orange juice. This breakfast was good and mouthwatering, and it tasted very much like the complimentary à la carte breakfast service at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, thus making it one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever eaten in Japan.

The view of my Room No. 2123 at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo shortly after I woke up in the wee hours of the early morning

The view of the streets of downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, from my Room No. 2123 at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo as dawn begins to break over Tokyo

The interior of the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo during the early morning breakfast hours

The self-service buffet breakfast corner in the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo during the early morning breakfast hours

Watching my scrambled eggs being cooked by the lounge breakfast egg chef in the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo during the early morning breakfast hours

The view of the streets of downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, from the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo as dawn begins to break over Tokyo

A refreshing glass of orange juice for myself in the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

A plate of scrambled eggs with bacon and smoked salmon for myself in the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

An overall view of my breakfast in the Executive Lounge located on the 37th floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

After a short early morning cab trip of just 15 minutes from the Hilton Hotel Tokyo in downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, via the Tomei Expressway, I finally arrived at the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station at 6.50 a.m.. Checking to see that I had everything with me, I quickly paid up my cab fare while the driver got out and helped me in unloading my baggage from the cab boot. Thanking the cab driver for his services, I quickly headed into the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing concourse before heading over to the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gates, where I showed my Japan Rail Pass to the ticketing officer at the staffed Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gate.

Upon clearing the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gates successfully, I went to check which platform number the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama would depart from. According to the departure information screens, the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama would depart at 8.03 a.m. from Track No. 19. Since it was still quite early before my train to Nagoya, I went over to the other Tracks No. 14 to 17 first to do some Shinkansen train-spotting first before heading over to Tracks No. 18 and 19, eventually reaching there at 7.15 a.m..

HIKARI (ひかり) is a major high-speed Shinkansen train service operating on the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines in Japan. Slower than the limited-stop NOZOMI service but faster than the all-stations KODAMA service, the HIKARI is the fastest train service on the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines that can be used with the Japan Rail Pass. The service mainly stops on the stretch of smaller cities between major cities on the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, with an average journey between Tokyo and Shin-osaka taking three hours. The service is capable of reaching a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

The service commenced on 1 October 1964, in conjunction with the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-osaka, using 0 series sets at top speeds ranging between 210 km/h (130 mph) and 220 km/h (140 mph), until they were retired on 14 December 2008 after 44 years of service. From 1985 and 1992, 100 series and 300 series sets were phased in on these services at top speeds ranging between 230 km/h (143 mph) and 270 km/h (170 mph), replacing the 0 series sets used on these services, until they were retired from revenue passenger service on 16 March 2012.

From 1 October 2000, 700 series sets were introduced on these services at a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph), replacing the earlier 100 series sets once used on these services by 1 October 2003. From 15 March 2008, N700 series sets were introduced on these services at a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), starting with a one-way daily return working between Shin-yokohama and Hiroshima. There is no smoking permitted on these train services, except in segregated smoking areas located in Cars No. 3, 7, 10 and 15. All regularly scheduled HIKARI services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line are scheduled to operated by N700 series train sets from the start of the revised timetable on 4 March 2017.

A special service by JR West, HIKARI Rail Star (ひかりレールスター), was also introduced exclusively to the Sanyo Shinkansen line from 11 March 2000. The service was designed to provide competition for domestic airliners between Osaka and Fukuoka, and uses 8-car monoclass 700 series sets painted with a grey body featuring a black stripe running across the windows and a sunny yellow stripe running below the window bands. However, with the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen line from 12 March 2011, several HIKARI Rail Star services were gradually replaced with newer SAKURA services. From the start of the revised timetable on 17 March 2012, HIKARI Rail Star services using 8-car 700 series sets became entirely non-smoking.

The exterior view of the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station on a bright and clear early winter's morning

The Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing concourse located near the Yaesu Central Entrance at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

Approaching the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gates located near the Yaesu Central Entrance at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

The Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen concourse at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

Tracks No. 14 and 15 serving some of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

A 16-car JR West N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. F4, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 461 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 16 at Tokyo Station

The logo of a 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z32 (X32), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 153 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 14 at Tokyo Station. I still remember riding on this train as Set No. Z32 as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 212 bound for Tokyo from Shin-osaka in celebration of my 19th birthday in June 2014

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z32 (X32), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 153 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 14 at Tokyo Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z32 (X32), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 153 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), during the boarding process on Track No. 14 at Tokyo Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z32 (X32), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 153 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), during the boarding process on Track No. 14 at Tokyo Station

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z63 (X63), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 205 bound for Shin-osaka, on Track No. 15 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z63 (X63), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 205 bound for Shin-osaka, on Track No. 15 at Tokyo Station

Overlooking Tracks No. 14 and 15 serving some of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour before heading over to Tracks No. 16 and 17

Tracks No. 16 and 17 serving some of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

The departure information screens for Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains departing from Tracks No. 16 and 17 at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z60 (X60), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 9 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z60 (X60), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 9 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z60 (X60), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 9 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The logo of a 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C43, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 635 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 16 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of a 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C43, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 635 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 16 at Tokyo Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C43, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 635 bound for Nagoya, during the boarding process on Track No. 16 at Tokyo Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C43, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 635 bound for Nagoya, during the boarding process on Track No. 16 at Tokyo Station

The Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen concourse at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour as I head over to Tracks No. 18 and 19

Finally arriving at Tracks No. 18 and 19 at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

The logo of a 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z61 (X61), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 11 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of a 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z61 (X61), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 11 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The departure information screens for Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains departing from Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour, indicating that the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama would be the second train to depart from Track No. 19

The logo of a 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N11 (K11), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 101 bound for Hiroshima, on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N11 (K11), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 101 bound for Hiroshima, on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

A 16-car JR Central N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. G19, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 503 bound for Shin-osaka, on Track No. 17 at Tokyo Station

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. G19, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 503 bound for Shin-osaka, on Track No. 17 at Tokyo Station

A 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), which would operate as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 13 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), entering Tokyo Station on Track No. 18

The logo of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 13 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 13 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 13 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), during the boarding process on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 13 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), during the boarding process on Track No. 18 at Tokyo Station

The departure information screens for Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains departing from Tracks No. 18 and 19 at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour while waiting for the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama

Tracks No. 18 and 19 serving some of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station during the early morning rush hour

Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station shortly before the the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama arrived at the station

After spending almost half an hour of anticipated waiting on both Tracks No. 18 and 19, a 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, which would operate as the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, finally entered Tokyo Station at 7.43 a.m. on Track No. 19. Once all the train doors were opened, I boarded the train via Car No. 8 and headed into Car No. 9, which was one of the Green Car (first class) coaches, before securing my assigned Seat No. 16D for the early morning trip of 2 hours 06 minutes to the lively hustle and bustle of downtown Nagoya located in the central part of Japan.

The seat next to me, 16C, would remain vacant for the entire morning trip of 2 hours 06 minutes from Tokyo to Nagoya. Once the clock struck precisely 8.03 a.m. sharp, all the train doors were closed, and the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 463 finally pulled out of Tokyo Station for its long early morning trip of 4 hours 17 minutes to the Shikoku gateway city of Okayama in the Chugoku region. I was then on my way for an early morning trip of 2 hours 06 minutes to the lively hustle and bustle of downtown Nagoya in the central part of Japan.

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり463号 岡山行き 東京駅に入線シーン

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

Getting ready to board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

The logo of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

Another front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

Another rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

A view of my seat, 16D, during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, from my seat during the boarding process on Track No. 19 at Tokyo Station

My Green Car (first class) Shinkansen ticket for the in-bound segment from Tokyo to Nagoya

Awaiting departure from Tokyo Station

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり463号 岡山行き 東京駅から新横浜駅間

Making a brief stop at Shin-yokohama Station

Bypassing some hillside housing areas in downtown Asahi-ku, Yokohama, shortly after departing Shin-yokohama Station

Bypassing more housing areas in downtown Asahi-ku, Yokohama, shortly after departing Shin-yokohama Station

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Fujisawa

Bypassing some farming fields in the suburban city of Atsugi

A breathtaking and scenic view of Mount Fuji on a bright and clear winter's morning

Bypassing some small warehouses in the suburban city of Isehara

Another breathtaking and scenic view of Mount Fuji on a bright and clear winter's morning

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, from my seat between Shin-yokohama and Odawara Stations

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Shin-yokohama and Odawara Stations

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Shin-yokohama and Odawara Stations

A view of my seat, 16D, between Shin-yokohama and Odawara Stations

Bypassing some housing areas in the small suburban town of Nakai

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり463号 岡山行き 小田原 (通過) ~ 三島 (通過)

Bypassing a large farming field close to a hilly forest in the suburban city of Mishima

Planning out the in-bound segment from Tokyo to Nagoya between Mishima and Shin-fuji Stations

Reading through the most hilarious quote in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum after his nephew tries to teach Dudley to say 'please' so that he could have more bacon at the breakfast table ー "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"

Bypassing a large farming field in the suburban city of Fuji

A breathtaking and scenic view of Mount Fuji as the train speeds through the suburban city of Fuji

Passing through Shin-fuji Station

Crossing the Fuji River on a bright and clear winter's morning

Another scenic and breathtaking view of Mount Fuji while crossing the Fuji River on a bright and clear winter's morning

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Shin-fuji and Shizuoka Stations

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Shin-fuji and Shizuoka Stations

A view of my seat, 16D, between Shin-fuji and Shizuoka Stations

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, from my seat between Shin-fuji and Shizuoka Stations

Bypassing some housing areas located in downtown Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka

Bypassing a train yard in downtown Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, located near Higashi-shizuoka Station

Bypassing Higashi-shizuoka Station in downtown Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka

Making a brief stop at Shizuoka Station

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen train, operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 15 bound for Hakata (Fukuoka), bypassing my train at Shizuoka Station

Bypassing some housing apartments in downtown Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, shortly after departing Shizuoka Station

Crossing the Abe River between the cities of Shizuoka and Fujieda

Bypassing some houses and farming fields in the suburban city of Fujieda

A packet of Jagariko (じゃがりこ) potato sticks and a bottle of Coca-cola and mineral water for myself purchased from the on-board trolley refreshment service

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Kikugawa

Crossing the Kiku River between the cities of Kikugawa and Kakegawa

Bypassing a large farming field in the suburban city of Kakegawa

Passing through Kakegawa Station

Bypassing a large farming field and some greenhouses in the suburban city of Iwata

Crossing the Tenryu River between the cities of Iwata and Hamamatsu

Travelling parallel to the Tokaido Main Line tracks in downtown Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

Making a brief stop at Hamamatsu Station

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen train, operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 209 bound for Shin-osaka, bypassing my train at Hamamatsu Station

A 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen train, operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 307 bound for Shin-osaka, bypassing my train at Hamamatsu Station

Bypassing some urban infrastructure in downtown Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, shortly after departing Hamamatsu Station

Bypassing a housing area in a suburb of Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, near Lake Hamana

Crossing Lake Hamana between the cities of Hamamatsu and Kosai

A breathtaking view of Lake Hamana on a bright and clear winter's morning

Bypassing some housing areas between the suburban cities of Kosai and Toyohashi

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Toyohashi

Passing through Toyohashi Station

Crossing a bridge past some farming areas in the suburban city of Toyohashi

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Toyohashi and Mikawa-anjo Stations

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, between Toyohashi and Mikawa-anjo Stations

A view of my seat, 16D, between Toyohashi and Mikawa-anjo Stations

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, from my seat between Toyohashi and Mikawa-anjo Stations

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Toyokawa

Bypassing a large farming field in the suburban city of Okazaki

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり463号 岡山行き 三河安城 (通過) ~ 名古屋 (到着)

After a routine early morning trip of 2 hours 06 minutes from the lively and modern hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo, I finally arrived at Nagoya Station at 10.09 a.m. on Track No. 16. Checking to see that there was nothing left behind on board, I alighted from the train and took the nearby elevator to the Shinkansen concourse, thus arriving there at 10.15 a.m.. Proceeding over to the Shinkansen ticketing gates, I showed my two-week Japan Rail Pass to the ticketing officer at the staffed Shinkansen ticketing gates before entering the main station concourse.

Nagoya Station (Japanese Kanji: 名古屋駅; Traditional Chinese: 名古屋車站; Simplified Chinese: 名古屋车站) is a large major interchange railway terminal complex located in the centre of the neighbourhood of Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Measuring 410,000 square kilometres, it is one of the world's largest railway terminals in terms of floor area, and is directly connected to both Meitetsu Nagoya Station and Kintetsu Nagoya Station. with the JR Central Towers located directly above the main station complex. As a mandatory stopping point for the Tokaido Shinkansen line, the station serves as a major interchange terminal for the Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Main Line, Kansai Main Line, Aonami Line, Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line and Sakuradori Line.

The station was opened on 1 May 1886, initially serving the conventional Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Main Line and Kansai Main Line, and was rebuilt extensively over the years, with the current station complex opened on 20 December 1999. From 15 November 1957, the subway lines began serving the station, with the Tokaido Shinkansen line opening for passenger service on 1 October 1964. Currently, the station also houses the Nagoya Takashimaya Department Store and the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel directly around its complex. Several limited express trains operated by JR Central, including limited express services to the Hokuriku region, also begin and terminate at Nagoya.

Tracks No. 16 and 17 serving the westbound Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains bound for Shin-osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima & Hakata (Fukuoka) at Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 463 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 16 at Nagoya Station

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり463号 岡山行き 名古屋駅から出発シーン

A 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N13 (K13), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 118 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station. I still remember riding on this particular train as Set No. N13 as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 58 bound for Tokyo from Shin-osaka in June 2013

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N13 (K13), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 118 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The Shinkansen platforms at Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The Shinkansen interchange concourse at Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The main ticketing concourse at Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

Approaching the Taiko-dori Entrance to Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

The black cab that would soon take me to Central Park Nagoya at the cab stands near the Taiko-dori Entrance to Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

Travelling along the roads of downtown Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, shortly after departing the Taiko-dori Entrance to Nagoya Station during the early afternoon rush hour

Travelling along the roads of downtown Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, close to the railway viaducts near Nagoya Station

Finally arriving outside Central Park Nagoya in downtown Naka-ku, Nagoya, on a bright and clear winter's afternoon

After having some light afternoon dessert of tea and cake at Café Menore located on the fifth floor of Nagoya Takashimaya Department Store, the clock was finally showing 3.40 p.m.. Given that I was already done with my Christmas shopping in Nagoya for the day, I knew that it was now time to head back to Tokyo. For the late afternoon return trip back to Tokyo, I would catch the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, which would be scheduled to depart from Nagoya Station at 4.34 p.m., and arrive at the Tokyo terminal station at 6.40 p.m..

The entrance to Café Menore located on the fifth floor of Nagoya Takashimaya Department Store shortly before I headed back to Nagoya Station

Finally approaching the entrance to the main station concourse at Nagoya Station at Nagoya Takashimaya Department Store during the late afternoon rush hour

The interior of the main station concourse at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

Finally approaching the Shinkansen ticketing gates in the main station concourse at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

The Shinkansen interchange concourse at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

Finally arriving at Tracks No. 14 and 15 at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

The logo of a 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B12, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 666 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 14 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B12, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 666 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 14 at Nagoya Station

The departure information screens for eastbound Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains bound for Shizuoka and Tokyo departing from Tracks No. 14 and 15 at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

The Shinkansen platforms at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z19 (X19), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 234 bound for Tokyo, arriving at Nagoya Station on Track No. 15

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z19 (X19), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 234 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z19 (X19), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 234 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z26 (X26), operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 475 bound for Okayama, arriving at Nagoya Station on Track No. 16

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z26 (X26), operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 475 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 16 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z26 (X26), operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 475 bound for Okayama, on Track No. 16 at Nagoya Station

A 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N14 (K14), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 132 bound for Tokyo, arriving at Nagoya Station on Track No. 15

The logo of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N14 (K14), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 132 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N14 (K14), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 132 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

A 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C55, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 659 bound for Nagoya, arriving at the Nagoya terminal station on Track No. 16

The logo of the 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C55, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 659 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 16 at the Nagoya terminal station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. C55, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 659 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 16 at the Nagoya terminal station

The departure information screens for the eastbound Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains bound for Shizuoka and Tokyo departing from Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station during the late afternoon rush hour, indicating that the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo would be the second train to depart from Track No. 15

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z34 (X34), which would operate as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 668 bound for Tokyo, entering Nagoya Station on Track No. 15

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z34 (X34), operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 668 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. Z34 (X34), operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 668 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

A 16-car JR Central N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. G13, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 526 bound for Tokyo, arriving at Nagoya Station on Track No. 14

The logo of the 16-car JR Central N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. G13, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 526 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 14 at Nagoya Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR Central N700A Series Shinkansen Set No. G13, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 526 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 14 at Nagoya Station

Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station shortly before the the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo arrived at the station

After spending almost 40 minutes of anticipated waiting on Tracks No. 14 and 15, a 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, finally arrived at Nagoya Station at 4.33 p.m. on Track No. 15. Once all the train doors were opened, I promptly boarded the train via Car No. 8, which was one of the Green Car (first class) coaches, and settled into my assigned Seat No. 1A for the late afternoon return trip of 2 hours 06 minutes back to the lively and colossal hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo.

The seat next to me, 1B, would remain empty for the late afternoon return trip of 2 hours 06 minutes between Nagoya and Tokyo. Once the clock struck precisely 4.34 p.m. sharp, all the train doors were closed, and the Shinkansen HIKARI Superexpress No. 474 ultimately pulled out of Nagoya Station for the remaining half of its afternoon trip of 4 hours 17 minutes from Okayama to Tokyo. I was then on my way for a late afternoon return trip of 2 hours 06 minutes back to the ultra-modern and colossal metropolitan capital city of Japan.

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり474号 東京行き 名古屋駅に入線シーン

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, during the boarding process on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

A view of my seat, 1A, during the boarding process on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, from my seat during the boarding process on Track No. 15 at Nagoya Station

Awaiting departure from Nagoya Station

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり474号 東京行き 名古屋 (発車) ~ 豊橋 (通過)

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Toyohashi

Bypassing a large farming area in the suburban city of Kosai

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Kosai near Lake Hamana

Crossing Lake Hamana between the cities of Kosai and Hamamatsu

Bypassing some housing areas in a suburb of Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, near Lake Hamana

Bypassing some housing areas between downtown Nishi-ku and Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

A view of my seat, 1A, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, from my seat as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

Bypassing some housing apartments in downtown Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, as the train approaches Hamamatsu Station

Making a brief stop at Hamamatsu Station

A 16-car JR Central N700 Series Shinkansen train, operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 238 bound for Tokyo, bypassing my train at Hamamatsu Station

Bypassing some housing areas in downtown Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, shortly after departing Hamamatsu Station

Crossing the Tenryu River between the cities of Hamamatsu and Iwata

A packet of Jagariko (じゃがりこ) potato sticks and a bottle of Coca-cola and mineral water for myself purchased from the on-board trolley refreshment service

Bypassing a large farming field in the suburban city of Iwata

Bypassing some suburban infrastructure in the suburban city of Kakegawa

Passing through Kakegawa Station

Bypassing a large farming field in the suburban city of Kakegawa

Crossing the Abe River between the cities of Kikugawa and Shizuoka as the train approaches Shizuoka Station

Making a brief stop at Shizuoka Station

A 16-car JR West N700 Series Shinkansen Set No. N10 (K10), operating as the Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Superexpress No. 34 bound for Tokyo, bypassing my train at Shizuoka Station

Bypassing some housing areas in downtown Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, shortly after departing Shizuoka Station

Bypassing some housing areas in downtown Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, shortly after departing Shizuoka Station

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, between Shizuoka and Shin-fuji Stations

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, between Shizuoka and Shin-fuji Stations

A view of my seat, 1A, between Shizuoka and Shin-fuji Stations

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, from my seat between Shizuoka and Shin-fuji Stations

Crossing the Fuji River onto the suburban city of Fuji

Passing through Shin-fuji Station

Bypassing some suburban infrastructure in the suburban city of Fuji

Bypassing some suburban infrastructure in the suburban town of Kannami

Bypassing some housing apartments in the suburban city of Mishima as the train approaches Mishima Station

Making a brief stop at Mishima Station

Bypassing some housing apartments in the suburban city of Mishima shortly after departing Mishima Station

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり474号 東京行き 熱海 (通過) ~ 小田原 (通過)

Bypassing some housing areas in the small suburban town of Nakai

The front view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, between Odawara and Shin-yokohama Stations

The rear view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, between Odawara and Shin-yokohama Stations

A view of my seat, 1A, between Odawara and Shin-yokohama Stations

The view of the Green Car (first class) cabin on board the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "HIKARI" Superexpress No. 474 bound for Tokyo, from my seat between Odawara and Shin-yokohama Stations

My Green Car (first class) Shinkansen ticket for the return segment from Nagoya to Tokyo

Bypassing some housing areas in the suburban city of Fujisawa

Bypassing a road bridge in downtown Asahi-ku, Yokohama, as the train approaches Shin-yokohama Station

Making a brief stop at Shin-yokohama Station

700系新幹線 B8編成 ひかり474号 東京行き 新横浜駅から終点東京駅間

After a late afternoon return trip of 2 hours 06 minutes from the modern and lively hustle and bustle of downtown Nagoya in the central part of Japan, I finally arrived back at the Tokyo terminal station at 6.40 p.m. on Track No. 15. Checking to see that there was nothing left behind on board, I promptly alighted from the train and took the nearest escalator down to the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen concourse, eventually reaching there by 6.45 p.m.. I then headed over to the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gates near the Yaesu Central Entrance of the station, where I showed my Japan Rail Pass to the ticketing officer at the staffed Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing gate.

Tracks No. 14 and 15 serving some of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

Looking back at the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, now operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 681 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 15 at Tokyo Station

The logo of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 681 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 15 at Tokyo Station

The LED destination panel of the 16-car JR West 700 Series Shinkansen Set No. B8, operating as the Shinkansen "KODAMA" Superexpress No. 681 bound for Nagoya, on Track No. 15 at Tokyo Station

The Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen concourse at Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

The Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen ticketing concourse located near the Yaesu Central Entrance at Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

The exterior view of the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

The cab stands located outside the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

The black cab that would soon take me back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo at the cab stands located outside the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station during the early evening rush hour

Finally departing the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station

Bypassing the Marunouchi Trust Tower Main and Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo, in the Marunouchi business district of downtown Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, shortly after departing the Yaesu Central Entrance to Tokyo Station

Travelling close to the river surrounding the Imperial Palace in downtown Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Travelling across a small road leading to the Yotsuya district in downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, from the Marunouchi business district in downtown Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Travelling around the Yotsuya district in downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Bypassing Yotsuya Station on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Travelling around the Yotsuya and Ichigaya districts in downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Travelling across the busy roads and lively nightlife of downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Travelling across a small road leading to the Nishi-shinjuku district in downtown Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, on route back to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

The interior of the main hotel lobby at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo at night shortly after I had arrived back

Finally arriving back at my Room No. 2123 on the 21st floor at the Hilton Hotel Tokyo

This officially brings the fifth segment of this year's 2016 Christmas winter special trip report detailing my post-GCE 'A' Level examination end-of-year winter vacation to Tokyo & Hokkaido, Japan, in December 2016 to a formal conclusion. The remaining two segments of this year's end-of-year Christmas special trip report will be posted once I have selected the best quality photos and videos have been selected for each segment. Please do be patient since this may require a certain amount of time and effort to be published to the best of my abilities.

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