Hakodate-Aomori-Hakodate

Another day, another train: this time, it's a scenic journey from Tomakomai to Hakodate:

Standard car:

Green car with 'panoramic' windows:

 

Some views from the train:

 

 

Luncheon bento boxes are ordered in advance from the stewardesses and delivered fresh at a station further along the line:

Me with stewardesses:

Luncheon bento box, freshly delivered:

More scenic views from the train:

The train at Hakodate, which was the end of the line:

 

A more modern 'Heat 789' train at the next platform:

Nothing out of service:

A slightly sick-looking monkey:

Hakodate Station:

 

Downtown Hakodate:

Snow piled up under a motorway:

 The Seikan route from Hakodate to Aomori is Japan's oldest ferry service. Until the latter-1980s, it was operated by a large fleet of train ferries, one of which, the Mashu Maru, is preserved as a 'museum ship' on Hakodate's waterfront:

 

A modern-day car ferry to Aomori leaves the harbour:

Hakodate tram cars:

 

 The KFC Colonel - patron of those who don't really care what they put inside themselves.

A rather eccentic Japanese fast food diner, near the ferry terminal:

The ferry terminal:

 

Our ship, the Asakaze 21:

A full load of freight for off-loading in Aomori:

 

For the return leg, the Virgo:

Non-scenic, not very grand baths, not in use:

Pink cafeteria:

 

Vending machines for food:

 

Looks ghastly. Nearly all is forgiven, KFC:

I fashioned a bed for the night in one of the dormitories from all the unused headrests. It was remarkably comfortable, actually:

Approaching Hakodate once again:

Laid-up InCat Natchan World:

Virgo at Hakodate:

The terminal at Hakodate in the morning:

 

Nice paper models of the local ferry fleet:

 

 

Breakfast:

Some of the Natchan World's hull art:

The fish market in Hakodate:

A visit to the veteran train ferry Mashu Maru:

Onboard, there was a very detailed and enlightening exhibition  about the history of the Seikan route's train ferries:

Lovely models:

The 1960s train ferries were mechanically innovative. Each was powered by eight V-diesels, four coupled via gearboxes to each of the two propeller shafts:

Mashu Maru's navigation bridge - a fine and intact example of 1960s whizziness:

Wearing the wireless operator's hat (again too small):

Harbour movements:

 

The train back to Tomakomai:

One more bento box:

Next: the best ever Japanese ferry Ishikari. Watch out for the forthcoming installment!