To Kyoto from Tokyo today on, yes, the bullet train, aka Shinkansen. Very fast, clean -- until Seiichiro and I spilled the nuts on the floor -- and quiet. Strolled through temples and along the riverwalk, quite lovely; and saw a wonderfully cheesy exhibit of Kyoto-through-the-year at the Kyoto City Tower, where you go for your 360 degree view. Now at the Westin Hotel, quite luxurious, well above my usual station in life.