In the lexicon of Japanese travel, the expression "An-Kin-Tan" — an abbreviated reading of the three kanji for yasui, chikai and mijikai — refers to journeys that are cheap, close and short.

When summer comes 'round, one sensible way to avoid the heat, traffic and crowds is to embark on excursions via limited express trains operated by the Keisei, Tobu, Seibu Ikebukuro and Odakyu railways. These companies operate their own "bullet" style trains, with names like "Skyliner," "Kinugawa," "Red Arrow" and "Romance Car," all of which offer reclining seats that you can reserve days, or even weeks, in advance. And while they cost a premium over a regular ticket, the prices are still quite reasonable and the benefits considerable as you tilt the seat back, read the morning paper and relax in air-conditioned comfort on the initial leg of your journey — conserving your energy for the fun once you arrive at the destination.

This summer, my rovings by rail have taken me to a couple of new "discoveries," the first of which is Sawara.