☕ [Weekday Drive Trip Part 3] A Healing Afternoon Concluding at Nagano Station | “Reward Time” Spent Searching for Souvenirs and Relaxing in a Cafe

*This article is the third in the "Refresh in a Single Weekday! Nagano Day Trip Drive" series.
Please also check out Part 1, "A Fruit Paradise at Oranche," and Part 2, "Eating Around Zenko-ji Temple and Resetting the Mind" 🚗

🚗 From Zenko-ji Temple to Nagano Station, a Relaxed Afternoon

With the tranquility of Zenko-ji Temple in my heart, I drive toward Nagano Station.
The afternoon sun is dyeing the city buildings in gold,
and I feel that "today is slowly coming to an end."

The final part of this trip is
searching for souvenirs around Nagano Station and spending a moment in a cafe.
It is a place where the bustling atmosphere of the station meets a somewhat nostalgic Shinshu feel.

As I approach the station, I hear the smiles of people passing by and
the sound of train arrival and departure announcements,
and while I feel a little sad that "the trip is ending,"
I feel that this lingering sentiment is the true pleasure of traveling.

🎁 Choosing souvenirs is also one of the joys of traveling

The station-connected shopping facility "MIDORI Nagano" is
a "souvenir paradise" where local specialties are gathered.

As I enter the entrance, the sweet scent of Shinshu apples spreads softly.
Looking around, there are jams, juices, butter, and baked goods—
everything is so attractive that I can't decide what to choose.

Among them, the most popular areapple butterandassorted oyaki.
When you spread apple butter on toast, a sweet and sour aroma spreads,
making it a magical item that makes your morning time a little more luxurious.

And, you shouldn't miss the seasonings made with Nagano miso
or the local sake corner.
Beyond just "wanting to give something to someone,"
the time spent choosing "souvenirs for myself" is also one of the joys of traveling.

☕ "Time to reclaim myself" spent in a cafe

With a souvenir bag in one hand,
I stop by a cafe a short walk away.

I sit in the shop where I can feel the warmth of wood
and order a cafe latte.
The sound of milk foam spreading quietly and
the savory aroma of coffee gently envelop my heart.

Outside the window, I see a Shinkansen sliding into the platform.
It's strange how the feeling of "I'll do my best starting tomorrow"
naturally wells up.

While holding the cup,
I looked back on the day's trip.

• Laughing with the locals at Oranche first thing in the morning.

• The time spent wrapped in silence at Zenko-ji Temple.

• And, this peaceful afternoon right now.

All of these reminded me of the "peace of mind" that I tend to forget in my daily life.

🌇 What I felt on the way home—"Refreshing is time to recharge for working hard"

As I headed back to the parking lot in the evening, I looked up at the sky and
the western sky was beginning to turn orange.

When I opened the car door,
the faint scent of the apples I bought in the morning drifted out,
which somehow made me happy.

Come to think of it, this trip didn't have any special purpose.
Just 'I want to take a little time off on a weekday and go out'—
that was the only reason I got behind the wheel today.

However, I believe that such 'modest actions'
are what act as a switch to let a breeze blow through your heart.

In order to work hard,
it is just as important to rest properly, laugh, and refresh yourself.
A trip is not an 'escape,' but a 'reboot.'

This day, spent touching the nature and the warmth of the people in Nagano,
will surely gently support your tomorrow.