This morning we set off for the station, buying our breakfast from one of the shops on the way to the platform. Tom chose a Japanese selection like mine - the same as the one I had the other day, with the decorative lotus root in it. This is our second last journey on the Shinkansen - the last will be our return to Tokyo this afternoon. Nine trips on the Shinkansen! We have enjoyed them so much. This train is 17 carriages long but splits into two at Morioka. All seats are reserved and there is a capacity of 100 people in each carriage (20 rows of 5). The Shinkansen only goes as far north as Aomori, but they have been working on an extension, including undersea tunnels, to Hakodate on Hokkaido since 2005 - it's due to open in 13 days time!! The line will continue to Sapporo in 2030. I was so excited - snow on the way, and when we arrived there was snow piled up in people's yards, and all around the station! It was sort of what I expected at Nagano I guess. We first booked our return seats, and actually can't get two next to each other! Tom's in the row behind me! Not to worry - just looking out windows and reading. Then we wandered outside and played in the snow and took photos, before returning indoors. There was a huge market place under the station where we found some lunch ($4 rolls in a cafe - scallops for me, roast chicken for Tom) and lovely latte coffee. We wandered around the shops, and I actually found my marvellous sparkling sake - I was so thrilled, and it was only $3/bottle! We took some back to Tokyo to go with dinner. Our return trip was uneventful. I had two lovely little Japanese ladies sitting next to me. Things I've appreciated: the incredible organisation of the train platforms. Showing where the carriage doors will open, showing where to line up. The little team of people who clean the train when it terminates, and then changes to become the train we're catching. When they all traipse off the train together (invariably at our carriage) they turn and bow to the people waiting in line before going on their way. The lady with the refreshments trolley, and the ticket inspector also turn and bow as they leave a carriage. The beautiful winter coats the ladies wear - from elegant to fun, all lovely. And the gorgeous shoes (and tiny feet). The moist towelettes given before a meal or snack, so you can clean your hands