It was hot at Shin-Osaka station but I had to queue early to get my spot in the unreserved first car of the Sakura Shinkansen to Hakata. 

The outside of the train is a rather boring pale blue, but I like the wooden highlights inside. 

Despite the clouds I did catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the Hikari in. 

Unfortunately I’ve managed to run out of space on my camera – backing up is proving to be a pain. Cleared some space, but I think a new SD card is in order next stop. 

Glad I didn’t wait to catch this train at Shin-Kobe as Hyperdia suggested. Wouldn’t have got a window seat.