It is now the end of August, and summer is drawing to a close.
I returned to my hometown with my daughters, riding in the Green Car on the Shinkansen.
It was their first time riding the bullet train, and my first time in the Green Car as well.

I hadn’t realized how crowded the bullet train gets on Saturday mornings, so when I tried to book on Friday, standard seats were already sold out.
As a result, I ended up booking the Green Car at an extra cost.

Though it is just a two-day trip, I believe it means a great deal to my parents and grandmother to spend time with their granddaughters.

On the first day, I tripped and twisted my ankle badly.
The twist itself wasn’t the worst part, but I happened to be carrying my daughter in my arms when it happened.
It was a terrifying moment, but fortunately, she wasn’t hurt at all.

Since she is already in the second grade, opportunities to carry her like this will likely become fewer and fewer, but I definitely need to watch my step from now on.

Time flew, and summer vacation was over in the blink of an eye.

In the end, I headed to my wife’s hometown, traveling solo via my own hometown and Nagoya.
I spent two nights in my hometown, one night in Nagoya, and then made my way to Nagano through Nakatsugawa in Gifu—all using a mix of the bullet train and local lines.

It was wonderful. Traveling alone is something I hadn’t been able to enjoy for the past decade.

I also visited Sugamo and relaxed at a spa facility there. It was a true hidden gem.

It’s hard to put into words, but I genuinely feel this trip made a meaningful impact on me.
From a broader perspective, it might seem like nothing special, but to me, it meant a lot.
It gave me the quiet time I needed to reflect on everything.

I’d love to keep up this hobby of strolling around different towns. That’s where I find true freedom.

My wife and daughters went back to my wife’s hometown.
So from Friday, I’m living alone.

It’s been 3 hears from last single life, so I forgot how to live alone.

This time, I went out without deciding on a destination.
On the train, I thought about the possible places to visit, and I came up with Kichijoji.
Kichijoji is famous, but I haven’t visited the site in my life.

While moving to the site, I checked and learned some recommended cafes, ramen shops, etc.
I also came to know that Inokashira Park is located there.

I spent about the whole day in Kichijoji, and enjoyed the Saturday, though the hot temperature was very tough.

Today, on Sunday, I just came to Kawasaki also without deciding on a plan.
I went to Starbucks and ate biryani for lunch, then hung around the shops.

This is one thing I’m not able to do when my family is there.
Probably, a two-day trip to Atami is another thing I can consider.