MOMENTS — MAP
Drawing a line that isn't a plan on a paper map
When you just follow turn-by-turn directions, you don't even remember where you drove. Spread out a paper map and put the phone away. Mark the place names that catch your eye in pencil, and decide for yourself whether to turn at the next corner. This way of spending time works in any area.
Places suited to this time
Tango / Ine
Along the road that loops the peninsula are fishing villages you don't even know the names of. Finding them on the map makes you want to go.
Oku-Biwako
The parkway, Sugaura, and other roads that don't show up on the car navigation remain. A place to drive by the map.
Wakasa / Mikata Five Lakes
Touring the five lakes while checking them on the map connects their layout and the scenery in your head.
Gear that goes with it
Shobunsha Super Mapple (Kinki / Chubu edition)
A go-to road atlas that shows everything from wide areas to narrow lanes. Keeping one in the car is reassuring.
Grid notebook and pencil
Just jot down the place names, roads, and shops that catch your eye. Looking back later, it becomes a record of the trip.
Trip tips
Stow the phone for emergencies
Check the rough direction before you go, then into the glove box. Being able to turn back even if you get lost is the strength of a car trip.
"Somewhere around here" is enough for a destination
Don't pin it down; just decide on an area and set off. You can stop wherever catches your interest.
If you lose your way, keep driving
When you turn onto an unfamiliar road, that can be the most interesting part. The driver decides on instinct whether to turn back.
Drawing a line that isn't a plan on a paper map, with AGITO.
If this is the kind of time you'd like, start by choosing your dates and checking availability.