by
dave12
Jul 10, 2012
I think the empire builder is the old Great Northern line. The one from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. When it gets to Glacier NP, it gets dark and the rest of the way coming and going! So ALL of the best scenery can't be seen!
What I wanted to talk to about was going to Japan. It is fabulous! Everything was by way of train,except city bus in town. The reason I say that is because I have been to 75 countries. If you are able I would suggest you go over there for at least a week, two would be much better. You can do the math to see if it could work out. Call or email the JNTO/ Japanese Nation Tourist Organization, they have about 10 of them in the USA. Also ask them to send you a tourist package! They are free as far as I still know. They can tell you a one or a two week exchange order/rail pass would cost and the airfare are the 2 biggest costs! Almost all of it would be by bullet train with your pass. I think all but one of these are on the bullet train line. See the best shrine at