I misspoke about the JR Pass! You can get tickets through the machines if you have your passport number with you! I didn't realize that this was possible now, sorry for the error! (I can't get the JR Rail pass as a resident, so my only contact with it is via this tour...) Thanks to the people that pointed this out in the comments!
how much do you charge to do tours for folks in areas that are not tourist traps? i was there back in 2008 and i wanna come back but see more unique places
@@GoNorthJapan Thanks for answering ! Well, I tried to look for videos talking about the topic, and I've barely found any. I found some old ones, but they were not very precise, well made or thorough. Here is the thing : we do know that Japanese have one of, if not, THE highest life expectancy in the world because they eat lots of vegetables and fish (balanced diet). But what about pesticides ? I've watch a lot of videos of youtubers from japan, and I've NEVER heard about pesticides or organic food. So, I would like to know if organic food is widespread in japan, and if, like in westernized countries, it starts to become popular. Does the government promote them ? On the other hand, I would like to know what is the state of pesticides there. Are they used a lot ? Are Japanese consumers aware of their presence in their food and daily life ? What are their impact on the nature ? What is the government stance toward them ? I live in Europe, and there is a revolution about pesticide-free (and also locally grown) food. What about Japan ? Thank youuuuu !
@@bla9803 it's an interesting topic, but would require a lot of research and a talking head video about that isn't really what I do... I wish I could help but I'm a bit too swamped with guiding work to take on that project, sorry!
I went to the fushimi inari in the eve for sunset. It was pretty empty too and lovely with the shadows through the gates as the sun went down. You have to be careful at night as there are wild boars.
@TokyoLens mentioned the Welcome Suica isn't recommended due to the lines to get one and it expires in 28 days. From: "You're Traveling Japan WRONG - I Can Fix That" at 3:02 First time I heard about these negatives. Would definitely pick up a full Suica when out of the airport. I recall another creator mentioning a long time ago that you should get the Suica card then register it on the phone app so you have a physical card as a backup.
Ah, I didn't realize that it took a while to get it. We just received them through the company I was working for. The 28 days thing is fine if you're staying less time than that.. Yeah- if you can do SUICA on your phone, that's ideal!
Working for a company/government has its perks. I can see the 28 day limit being a minor negative depending on how long you're staying or how often you're likely to return. The wait time at the airport is what would likely drive me a bit nuts. I'd go for the full Suica just so I'm covered and don't have to worry about it again. Plus whenever I do a trip, I'd hope to plan something over 30 days.
Kyoto is stuffed full of beautiful sights but I think I would really struggle with the huge crowds, so any trip to Kyoto I would make now would have to be in the winter or something. Great tip about visiting Fushimi Inari and similar places at night! I do think it's sad that many people visit Japan and never leave its cities when there is all that spectacular natural beauty all over the country. Here in parts of Europe there is a growing anger by some locals towards overtourism, is there a similar sentiment developing in highly visited locations like Kyoto? You truly look in your element up there on Mount Iwate by the way - like a man who is well and truly in his happy place.
@GoNorth Japan I needed some information about Yamagata and I found your video about Yamagata Yamabushi and when I saw your face on the video I am pretty sure I met you today in Hachinohe in Same station with tourists. The world is so tiny…
We climbed Fushimi Inari-taisha after 6 when it started to get dark. And that was an amazing climb to the top! And almost no people were there, it was the best! We just cycled Japan for 3 weeks, without doubt the best way to experience it and discovering those hidden locations!
getting around to watching a few vids of you again today yay :) anyhow, I couldn't agree more with getting off that golden route although i don't really want to have those masses walz through all of japan's backyard >.< too much of anything is just toxic :( I'm glad it wasn't that buzy when I visited kyoto. It's a nice town but there are so many other wonderful areas in Japan with as good as no tourism
My best tip in sakura season look into the canals in Omihachiman I stayed there in the machia inn and bathed in a sake barrel. You can rent a bike and ride around biwa lake. Next to right of the omihachiman station is a ramen show with mishandling good tonkotsu ramen with kimch I as topping. The area is great and you can get to Kyoto station in under 40 minutes.
Fushimi Inari at night is amazing. First heard of doing it on the Tokyo Lens channel years ago so I had to do it. Practically no one else there and with the lamps lighting up certain spots it makes for some really cool pictures.
Quinlan, we saw Perfect Days and loved its wistfulness and a solid look into Japanese behavior and dedication. Also, the Lou Reed song is just perfect for the movie (and vice versa). Of the visitors you saw, do you have a rough idea of their distribution by nationality?
There were soooo many.. hard to really say. Tons of Europeans! Spanish, Germans, French, etc. Also tons of Chinese and Koreans! But really hard to be specific about ratio, etc.
Thank you for this information. Very helpful. I have a question though. If you're travelling with a big suitcase on a shinkansen, would it be better to reserve a second seat, or is there a place to put your suitcase? (I assume that space is limited?)
I think it's better to send your suitcase from one hotel to another. That may take 36 hours, so you would take the next night's clothing in a day pack. But that seems to be the smoothest way- don't even bring the big suitcases on the bullet trains.
@@GoNorthJapan - Oh, I've completely forgotten about that option, thank you for the reminder! (It's also a lot cheaper than buying a second seat.) My last time in Japan was 15 years ago. There was a part of the group tour where we couldn't bring our luggage, so the hotel sent our suitcases to the next hotel in advance. I had never seen such a service before. And because of that, to this day, I still remember the word for it: takuhaibin.
Kyoto is a madhouse at present. I have to brace myself for a walk to the shops! Getting early morning (pre 7am) shinkansen rides to your next destination is my tip to avoid chaos at the larger stations.
My favourite Inari Shrine is the Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City, Saga. It’s beautiful and only around 5 people when we were there. Must feel good to be back in Morioka away from the hustle and bustle! I personally can’t wait to explore Tohoku.
Glad I visited Kyoto in the sakura season in 2019 (before this madness). Walking the Philosopher's Path in the early morning was bliss. This trip I'm heading to Aizuwakamatsu. You are definitely right, Quinlan, about visiting somewhere other than the main cities. But of course, as a tourist you must see these major spots and get that out of your system first. This is my 4th trip, so I'm going to just chill and enjoy. No shinkansens this time, just express trains through the countryside. Always find your videos refreshing and builds my anticipation, thanks!
This is good advice (noted your correction about the JR Pass :)) - the golden route is nice, sure, but Japan is so much more than that! You hit the nail on the head with northern Japan - much nicer interactions with the locals and some stunningly beautiful areas. And added bonus, the further you get from the bigger cities, the cheaper everything seems to get without a discernable drop in quality.
Definitely! Also had a funny interaction earlier this week with some Australian guests in Tono - we bumped into a bunch of 5th graders and they were all saying hello and trying to practice their English with us. That used to happen all the time, but I'd forgotten about it as recently it hasn't been much of a thing!
Quinlan, it'll ne great if you could do a few days itenerary of kyoto based on your recent experiences. You alluded to some of that here but it'll be great to have a dedicated video! Thank you! ❤
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
I misspoke about the JR Pass! You can get tickets through the machines if you have your passport number with you! I didn't realize that this was possible now, sorry for the error! (I can't get the JR Rail pass as a resident, so my only contact with it is via this tour...) Thanks to the people that pointed this out in the comments!
how much do you charge to do tours for folks in areas that are not tourist traps? i was there back in 2008 and i wanna come back but see more unique places
Hi ! Can you investigate about pesticides and organic food in japan, please ?
@@bla9803 in general you mean?
@@GoNorthJapan Thanks for answering ! Well, I tried to look for videos talking about the topic, and I've barely found any. I found some old ones, but they were not very precise, well made or thorough.
Here is the thing : we do know that Japanese have one of, if not, THE highest life expectancy in the world because they eat lots of vegetables and fish (balanced diet). But what about pesticides ?
I've watch a lot of videos of youtubers from japan, and I've NEVER heard about pesticides or organic food.
So, I would like to know if organic food is widespread in japan, and if, like in westernized countries, it starts to become popular. Does the government promote them ?
On the other hand, I would like to know what is the state of pesticides there. Are they used a lot ? Are Japanese consumers aware of their presence in their food and daily life ? What are their impact on the nature ? What is the government stance toward them ?
I live in Europe, and there is a revolution about pesticide-free (and also locally grown) food. What about Japan ?
Thank youuuuu !
@@bla9803 it's an interesting topic, but would require a lot of research and a talking head video about that isn't really what I do... I wish I could help but I'm a bit too swamped with guiding work to take on that project, sorry!
I went to the fushimi inari in the eve for sunset. It was pretty empty too and lovely with the shadows through the gates as the sun went down. You have to be careful at night as there are wild boars.
@TokyoLens mentioned the Welcome Suica isn't recommended due to the lines to get one and it expires in 28 days. From: "You're Traveling Japan WRONG - I Can Fix That" at 3:02 First time I heard about these negatives. Would definitely pick up a full Suica when out of the airport. I recall another creator mentioning a long time ago that you should get the Suica card then register it on the phone app so you have a physical card as a backup.
Ah, I didn't realize that it took a while to get it. We just received them through the company I was working for. The 28 days thing is fine if you're staying less time than that.. Yeah- if you can do SUICA on your phone, that's ideal!
Working for a company/government has its perks. I can see the 28 day limit being a minor negative depending on how long you're staying or how often you're likely to return. The wait time at the airport is what would likely drive me a bit nuts. I'd go for the full Suica just so I'm covered and don't have to worry about it again. Plus whenever I do a trip, I'd hope to plan something over 30 days.
Kyoto is stuffed full of beautiful sights but I think I would really struggle with the huge crowds, so any trip to Kyoto I would make now would have to be in the winter or something. Great tip about visiting Fushimi Inari and similar places at night! I do think it's sad that many people visit Japan and never leave its cities when there is all that spectacular natural beauty all over the country. Here in parts of Europe there is a growing anger by some locals towards overtourism, is there a similar sentiment developing in highly visited locations like Kyoto?
You truly look in your element up there on Mount Iwate by the way - like a man who is well and truly in his happy place.
Fushimi inari has another weird route where nobody almost goes, so it can be done without crowds. Hard but beautiful!
I accidentally went the weird route but can't complain about it at all
@GoNorth Japan I needed some information about Yamagata and I found your video about Yamagata Yamabushi and when I saw your face on the video I am pretty sure I met you today in Hachinohe in Same station with tourists. The world is so tiny…
Yeah, that was me!
We climbed Fushimi Inari-taisha after 6 when it started to get dark. And that was an amazing climb to the top! And almost no people were there, it was the best!
We just cycled Japan for 3 weeks, without doubt the best way to experience it and discovering those hidden locations!
Sounds ideal!
getting around to watching a few vids of you again today yay :) anyhow, I couldn't agree more with getting off that golden route although i don't really want to have those masses walz through all of japan's backyard >.< too much of anything is just toxic :( I'm glad it wasn't that buzy when I visited kyoto. It's a nice town but there are so many other wonderful areas in Japan with as good as no tourism
Thanks for the update. Were you not cold in only a tee and shirt?:D
I run hot generally..
You do not need to stand in line for Shinkansen tickets with rail pass. There are kiosks that will take them. Just need your passport number handy.
Thanks for pointing that out! Didn't realize they had changed that!
Last year I was able to get train tickets from a wending machine with the JR Pass.
Same. Did they change that as well?
@@anettep6678 Don't think so. Will see in August. There I will get the 3 week pass.
Yeah- didn't realize they had made this possible. Thanks for pointing out that you can get that. I'll pin a comment mentioning this!
My best tip in sakura season look into the canals in Omihachiman I stayed there in the machia inn and bathed in a sake barrel. You can rent a bike and ride around biwa lake. Next to right of the omihachiman station is a ramen show with mishandling good tonkotsu ramen with kimch I as topping. The area is great and you can get to Kyoto station in under 40 minutes.
I love the more overlooked spots in Japan like in Shonan!
Nice! Haven't explored Shonan really!
Fushimi Inari at night is amazing. First heard of doing it on the Tokyo Lens channel years ago so I had to do it. Practically no one else there and with the lamps lighting up certain spots it makes for some really cool pictures.
Quinlan, we saw Perfect Days and loved its wistfulness and a solid look into Japanese behavior and dedication. Also, the Lou Reed song is just perfect for the movie (and vice versa). Of the visitors you saw, do you have a rough idea of their distribution by nationality?
There were soooo many.. hard to really say. Tons of Europeans! Spanish, Germans, French, etc. Also tons of Chinese and Koreans! But really hard to be specific about ratio, etc.
Thank you for this information. Very helpful.
I have a question though. If you're travelling with a big suitcase on a shinkansen, would it be better to reserve a second seat, or is there a place to put your suitcase? (I assume that space is limited?)
I think it's better to send your suitcase from one hotel to another. That may take 36 hours, so you would take the next night's clothing in a day pack. But that seems to be the smoothest way- don't even bring the big suitcases on the bullet trains.
@@GoNorthJapan - Oh, I've completely forgotten about that option, thank you for the reminder! (It's also a lot cheaper than buying a second seat.)
My last time in Japan was 15 years ago. There was a part of the group tour where we couldn't bring our luggage, so the hotel sent our suitcases to the next hotel in advance. I had never seen such a service before. And because of that, to this day, I still remember the word for it: takuhaibin.
Kyoto is a madhouse at present. I have to brace myself for a walk to the shops! Getting early morning (pre 7am) shinkansen rides to your next destination is my tip to avoid chaos at the larger stations.
How about in the morning? Like 4am-6am?
4am to 6am is also pretty nice, just depends on if you want dark atmosphere or dawn atmosphere!
@@GoNorthJapan thanks
My favourite Inari Shrine is the Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City, Saga. It’s beautiful and only around 5 people when we were there. Must feel good to be back in Morioka away from the hustle and bustle! I personally can’t wait to explore Tohoku.
It does feel great to be back!
Glad I visited Kyoto in the sakura season in 2019 (before this madness). Walking the Philosopher's Path in the early morning was bliss. This trip I'm heading to Aizuwakamatsu. You are definitely right, Quinlan, about visiting somewhere other than the main cities. But of course, as a tourist you must see these major spots and get that out of your system first. This is my 4th trip, so I'm going to just chill and enjoy. No shinkansens this time, just express trains through the countryside. Always find your videos refreshing and builds my anticipation, thanks!
I love Aizuwakamatsu! Haven't been there in years though, I'll have to go back soon too!
This is good advice (noted your correction about the JR Pass :)) - the golden route is nice, sure, but Japan is so much more than that! You hit the nail on the head with northern Japan - much nicer interactions with the locals and some stunningly beautiful areas. And added bonus, the further you get from the bigger cities, the cheaper everything seems to get without a discernable drop in quality.
Definitely! Also had a funny interaction earlier this week with some Australian guests in Tono - we bumped into a bunch of 5th graders and they were all saying hello and trying to practice their English with us. That used to happen all the time, but I'd forgotten about it as recently it hasn't been much of a thing!
おかえりなさい!
30年前京都で大学に通ってました。海外ゲストが今ほど多くはなかったですがそれでも春秋は混雑がひどく通学のバスに乗れなかった!本当にお疲れ様でした。
ありがとうございます！無事に盛岡に戻れてよかったです！
Thanks!
Thank you so much!! Really appreciate it!
Nice info!
Quinlan, it'll ne great if you could do a few days itenerary of kyoto based on your recent experiences. You alluded to some of that here but it'll be great to have a dedicated video! Thank you! ❤
Could try something like that, thanks! It's not my main area of expertise, but I have some ideas based on my yearly work there!