Letter from Japan #1
Hello from Japan!
Last week, I spent the day in Kinugawa with my family. It was a hot and humid summer (なつ, natsu) day, the kind of weather that reminds me I’m really back in Japan.
The highlight of the day was riding a steam train (じょうききかんしゃ, jouki kikansha). While we enjoyed the train journey, other family members drove to the next station to meet us there. Seeing the steam engine waiting at the platform filled us all with excitement.
My favourite part of the journey was the observation car at the back of the train. It has an open viewing area where you can stand, feel the warm summer breeze, listen to the rhythm of the train, and watch the beautiful countryside (いなか, inaka) passing by. For a little while, time seemed to slow down, and I found myself simply taking it all in.
A question for you
When you think of summer (なつ, natsu), what comes to mind?
I’d love to hear about your own summer.
If you’re curious
Learn more about the steam train: Tobu Steam Locomotive (SL Taiju)
📍Explore Kinugawa: Kinugawa Onsen on Google Maps
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