Summer Walking

One of the things I have always really liked about Japan is being able to take a walk with no particular destination in mind and find something interesting. Here in suburban Chiba is no exception, and the meandering little streets mean I don’t have to walk that far to get off my usual course and somewhere new.

I was (and am!) determined that I would try to go for walks this summer and just relax. There’s nothing like walking to help with thinking some things through. The summer heat, however, has kicked in earlier and more harshly than usual. Walking in this weather can become decidedly unpleasant decidedly quickly, if not outright dangerous. 

I’ve been trying to set out relatively early. My current goal is 8-ish in the morning, though I would probably recommend going out earlier if possible. There is a very clear temperature difference between 7 and 8am (and 8 and 9, and so on). Cold drinks are essential, and I’ve embraced carrying a parasol. There is an also a discernible difference in temperature when walking on older roads with fewer houses and more trees compared to very clear, newer neighborhoods. I’m trying to limit how much time there is between me leaving home and my arrival at an air conditioned building “rest stop” (basically, my local convenience store).

I have been enjoying these walks despite the heat and humidity, and I would argue it’s still worth it. That said, it’s still early July, and I don’t think rainy season has even been declared over here in Kanto yet. I don’t know viable this will be when it gets even hotter and the more alarming red and purple heat alerts start arriving on my phone. I guess I’ll enjoy it while I can!