In May, the breeze carries a fragrance.
When I take the train at this time of year, I am always glued to the scenery outside the window.
If I were to take a long-distance ride through the countryside to the mountains, I would gaze out the window during the entire trip.

What is it that I wish so much to see outside the window?

Fresh verdure.

I can never get enough of gazing at young green leaves.
I need to keep on gazing.
The fresh and bright colors make me feel expansive.

I often take the Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku towards Matsumoto.
When I am departing from Tokyo, I take the seat on the left side,
Which is on the southern side of the train.
The Chuo Line runs inland, and the landscape is more open to the south.
The traveler can enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji and a panorama of the vineyards spread across Katsunuma and the Kofu Basin.
This line offers a spectacular view.
The scenery is beautiful throughout the four seasons, but it is especially breathtaking in early summer.

The fresh green cover on the mountains before me are sparkling.
Quercus serrata, cornel, cherry, and the Japan wax tree….
The different shades of green are also pleasant to the eye.
The viridian patches are evergreen trees.
Against this deep green color, the fresh green of deciduous trees are increasingly fascinating.

After the tunnel, the train runs through the valley and across an iron bridge.
By the time I arrive at the station in the highlands, emerald green is about to flow out of my eyes.

Finishing a two-hour train trip, I am satisfied.
The last time I got off at this station, it was sprouting season.
The leaves that were too shy to unfold themselves were breathing deeply with their leaves comfortably spread out.

I walked out to the tree in front of the station and looked up at the leaves.
The sunlight shined through the swaying light green.
I also filled my lungs with the early summer air.
Oh! This is the fragrance of fresh greenery.