There's a channel on Youtube that shares train rides in Japan and other countries, such as New Zealand or Australia. I love watching those train videos. It reminds me of that "contemplating, not doing" you mention. And the fact that those landscapes are so different from the ones I'm used to, here in Europe, really helps.
There's a bus line I took to and back from school every day for years and years. For years and years, the landscape didn't change at all. But now, both the landscape have changed (more houses have been built where there used to be fields) and the route has also changed (different stops). I miss the route and landscape from my childhood.
These are the nostalgic feelings your game inspired me. How sweet. Thank you for sharing!