The Station

The “Station”

I feel comfortable now – getting on and off the bus, remembering to use my Suica card when entering and leaving the bus, sliding it over the square-shaped meter, listening for the beep.  After finding a place to sit, I enjoyed looking out the window and watched the businesses go by in a collage of colors, figures, numbers, and designs. It is a short ride to the “Station.”

After getting off the bus and acquiring my bearings, I headed for a small elevator at the bottom of the arched outside stairwells located in front of the station.  Up just one floor,  I crossed over and entered the Station itself.

Most everyone in Japan lives near a “Station”.  To say that I live near or just a short walk to/from the “Hachioji Station” would inform anyone living in Tokyo pretty much where I live and/or my neighborhood location. Trains are the main mode of transportation for all people living in Japan.  The “Station” or your “Station” is extremely important.  It is a cluster of businesses, stores, restaurants, etc.  It is where you get off and on the train to go to work, play, be with your family, conduct any business, etc.

It might also be the place where you buy your groceries, your clothing, your furniture, your next meal.  You will use the “Station” for identification, for meeting friends, or for coffee and a treat on a sunny afternoon as Marci and I did yesterday.

Pastries from local bakeries here are divine.  I sense they are french influenced.  Most are light, delicate, and not overly surgery but always buttery, and if you wish a dollop of wonderful chocolate.  Yum!  This day there were several groups playing music.  A popular Japanese group playing outside a Starbucks, at the corner of a large department store Mall.  A Jazz group playing music just inside a department store but at the second-floor entrance of the “Station.”

As we went further into the “Station” it visually opened up to us. On the right was a wall of machines where you could put more money on your transportation card.  Or, where you could buy a ticket to ride a particular train. Or, where you could see a huge map of the train system and all of its stops.  I am determined to get comfortable with the Chuo Line.

This is the Line that I will need to go to Marci’s business, in Tokyo, visit a few friends, or to find my way back home to “Hachioji Station.”  To the left are the turn styles.  You go through, using your card tapping the square that automatically deducts money from your Suica as you enter.  Then, very carefully looking for the train you want to ride and the correct way to get to it, you proceed forward and down the escalators to the platform.  Hooray!  So far, so good.

The trains come in swiftly, open, and close their doors quickly, you have to be alert.  There are certain lines to stand in and lines you do not want to stand in at all.  I have learned to walk almost to the end of the platform as there is a better chance of a seat to sit down on when your train does arrive.

Also, there are special seats for people who are ill, pregnant, or just plain old.  Sometimes I can find a seat available that is in that category for seniors.  The ride to the “Station” where Marci’s business is located takes about thirty minutes. Sometimes it is very crowded and sometimes not.  Either way, it is a big deal for me thus far.

I discovered I am not as comfortable coming home.  Perhaps because I am tired, it is now dark, the ground is often bumpy or uneven.  I am not happy about taking the bus from the “Station” to the Condo, which is really a fairly short way, maybe ten minutes?  So, I have treated myself to a “taxi” ride.  They are wonderful here.  Quite clean, not smokey, good drivers, efficient!  I will learn how to take a bus home soon, but not today.  Smile!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sharon Smith was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest (USA); owned a healthcare uniform business for many years. She also lived in Japan and presently resides in Michigan. She blogs about her experiences and shared observations touching on culture, lifestyle, and the people around her.

Sharon Grace Smith, author

A Place Called Home - A Memoir is Available Now

A story of faith, family, and one woman's path toward finding herself and her future by opening her home to strangers.

2 thoughts on “The “Station””

  1. You’re such a visual writer. I feel like if I close my eyes I can picture it all. Makes me feel closer to you. Looking forward to a visit but I’m so enjoying “seeing” it through your eyes. Love you! Mikaela

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