I love your all videos 💕😍💕😍😍💕😍😍😍💕😍😍 And watch all of them . And like and comments. Please help and support to my RUclips channel too. Alot of love from Punjab India
This is an excellent idea, absolutely. I would really enjoy and benefit from a series on your channel using this same format. Your observation skills are tops, plus you're incontrovertibly honest and sincere! Congratulations on this video, Kristin. What a cool life you've created for yourself.
Absolutely. Your attention to detail is excellent. I lived in Japan for 13 years. Basically through my 20s and it was an awesome experience. You missed talking about Onsen. I traveled a good portion on my motorcycle and the landscape away from the city was the best. I love when you talk about the contrasts you saw and what were things that were not expected like the work hard play very hard way of life. I often saw older people partying there which blew my mind.
My sister lived in Japan for a few years and once left her phone on the train. When she realized later on she forsure thought it was going to be stolen, but someone had turned it in and she was able to get her phone back!! The people in Japan are so incredibly kind
I am a 68-year-old American woman who was an exchange student in Japan in 1970. This brought back so many wonderful memories. Many things are similar, and many things are new, of course! But, the people were exactly like this when I was there as well. I am so happy to see that they have kept their kind and courteous nature. It amazed me then and it amazes me now! The convenience stores are new. There were none then.
I agree! Many people say that some of the downsides is that they hold back their opinions a lot and it's a very regimented society, but definitely results in friendliness and politeness
Glad to hear that, Rhonda! I agree I was getting very sentimental editing these clips and reminiscing on my time there. So great that you got to spend six months in this beautiful country
The streets are crowded in Japan, so you get the impression that everyone is out eating bad food every night. But for most Japanese such experiences are once a month in your youth and twice a year as an adult. We are usually at home eating healthy food. My internet is $50/month and my house is wired like an office: 8 computers, two or three phones, 2 surveillance cameras (for our bird feeders), all on a high speed optic line. When I was in the hospital, monthly plans were expensive, but living in a house the internet is as fast as anywhere, reliable and cheap. Cost of living between being a tourist in Tokyo and living a normal life are completely different. You pay a high tax for being an interloper, not connected to your local society. Those expensive fruits are not to buy for yourself. The are for gift-giving. If you owe someone a $50 courtesy for helping you, then you buy such fruit as a gift. They are really special fruit that have hundreds of man-hours in their production; only one in a hundred strawberries or melons will even make it to that level, but they are not a fruit meant to be eaten, but a symbol of thankfulness, They will be eaten, but not as fruits, but rather as a repayment for some service or some gift. Usually you give back half in monetary value what you were given.
I really don’t agree with your statement that most people stay in and cook themselves healthy food. EVERYONE I know here eats our multiple times a week and it certainly is not that healthy from an Australian standard. Also, internet tends to lag here because there’s something unique about the way internet is set up in most apartments and houses in Japan. Something about them all sharing the same line? Sorry, can’t explain well. Whereas in Australia, each house or place would have its own internet.
That's fascinating; thank you for sharing that information on the fruits. I'm glad to hear that most Japanese people eat healthy at home. I must agree the cost-of-living in Japan can change if you are living there as a resident.
@@katrinafanjul9591 There's plenty of very healthy food at many Japanese restaurants. I ate out every night for years. No fast food. Eating convenience store food for every meal will result an early death.
Kristin, I really enjoy watching your videos. There are many travel videos on RUclips, some good, many bad, others just a bit entertaining, but at the core often self-promoting nonsense. Yours always stand out qualitatively, not least because one notices that you are an attentive traveller and on this basis also really think about what you want to say and show. Thanks for that and I'd love to see more videos like this. Keep up the good work!
Jens, thank you so much for the kind words. Since I don’t have any professional filmmaking experience, I often second guess myself during the creative process. It is very encouraging to hear that the content and stories are of interest. Thank you again 🙏 I’ll keep experimenting with ideas and formats!
@@TravelingwithKristin Hi Kristin, your editing is so sharp and side bar video inserts are perfect. The music insertions complete the message you are conveying. I am a music producer, so I work for perfection with my mixes. I can see how your world cultural immersion has positively shaped you as a person. You are making the world a better place.
The people of Japan is very polite. I remember taking a flight between Tokyo and Osaka with ANA All Nippon Airlines and before the crew entered the aircraft to prepare for the flight, they all lined up on a line in front of the passengers at the gate and bowed their heads in respect of the passengers ... Greetings from Norway :-)
We went to Japan on a Buddhist training week. We could not understand how to use the subway. A man stopped, looked at our where we were going, missed his own subway until our subway arrived and he made sure we got onto that. Tokyo looks more modern than Toronto, but underneath is this very different and wonderful culture.
Thanks for sharing your experience to Lee-Ann that is just amazing. Tokyo is Japan's busiest city, but much of the country's culture can still be found there.
I am half Japanese and have relatives living in Tokyo. Most of Japanese communication is subtext, they do NOT directly reveal anything via language. Please keep this in mind, social interaction is highly choreographed.
I lived in Japan for six years in the 90s. This is definitely true. Language supplements the main communication, which is non-verbal. Many, many utterings trail off in mid-sentence, with everyone understanding the intended meaning - except the foreigner!
Honnè & Tatemae. In Japan, honne are a person's true feelings and desires (本音, hon'ne, "true sound"), and tatemae are the behavior and opinions one displays in public (建前, tatemae, "built in front", "façade").
One thing I remember from my business trips there is that no one would ever say “no” during meetings, but they often meant “no”. For example, if another engineer said “muzukashi” (difficult), it pretty much meant, “No f-ing way.”
Japanese tea ceremony is an art to achieve inner peace. There are two styles, ura ( behind) and Omote ( front) styles. to obtain tea ceremony master certification, its required to dedicate to the learning of proper walk, dress,sit before learning to make the tea and serve. usually average time to get the approval of sensei teacher and obtain certification is 5 to 8 years only if you are dedicated student who attends weekly lessons . Japanese tea ceremony is not just art, but a way to connect your soul to your higher self.
@@TravelingwithKristin great videos Kristin! I enjoy watching your videos and insightful comments. we have much in common. its harder to have a 'normal' life & relationships when we see the world and experience them.... we change inside. ( unable to go back to the old ways, you know what I mean...).
Always been intrigued with Japan's cultural aspects. Japan's schools raising children to farm and clean after themselves. Respect and down-to-earth nature with greetings and gestures to one another. The strong work ethics they seem to portray into everything from cooking to Japanese traditions. TY Kristin, pretty amazing what you have achieved and accomplished yourself. I am following you around the world from my recliner. Be safe!
Glad you enjoyed the video Robert. Indeed they indeed very respectful and down-to-earth people. I also agree that you can find their discipline and work ethics in everything that they do. Thank you for joining me in my journey---appreciate it. You be safe too! 😊
You were spot on with your list. I cannot wait to get back to Tokyo after travel returns. Spent 6 weeks in the city one summer and it had surprisingly high humidity and hot as heck. But I fell in love with the people and the culture. So much energy and yet so restrained and polite. It is truly a city everyone should experience.
I love your lifestyle and admire how brave you are to experience new countries and cultures. I've been working to create the same opportunity for myself over the next year or so. I hope to see you out there.
I am unable to travel in person so I have started virtually travel around the world by watching videos like yours. Your video is among the best that I have seen. You show places and people, talk about the costs, do the pros and cons, and keep the conversation ongoing in an interesting way. You provide so much interesting content that we learn a lot in a way that I am sure will stick in our brains. Thank you so much. So worth subscribing to your channel.
Thank you so much, Cindy, for the kind and encouraging words. It is my honor and pleasure to share what I have seen and learned while traveling the world with all of you. In fact, sharing these experiences has been as fulfilling or more than traveling itself. Thank you for subscribing and for being here for the journey.
As a Japanese, I'm pretty impressed with the detailed coverage of Japan, and there is nothing I can disagree:) I guess the nail salons are still that expensive!
Your videos are great! I just randomly discovered your channel. I was also an accidental tourist in Japan for 6 months in 2020. I was in Southeast Asia early 2020 and detoured to Tokyo to meet friends traveling from the US to run in the Tokyo marathon. Well, the coronavirus hit, the marathon was canceled, only 1/2 my friends made the trip and soon returned back to the US. As a nomad with no home, I decided to extend my 3 week trip to 6 months to wait out covid. Stayed in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. Lovely country. Your list is spot on. Free WiFi is still non-existent but the Internet from my AirBnB and business hotels worked great. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your content.
Thank you. I enjoyed this and your Costa Rican video. You offer an otherwise difficult to find insight in an honest and respectful way. You travel as I have only dreamt,. Congratulations on setting yourself up with a life exposed to much diversity.
Lovveee Japan. Been there 3x. Their culture is about respect, honor, humbleness, family, taking care of the elderly etc, etc. Things I hardly see in CA which has become theft, bullying, aggression, racism, etc etc. Can't wait to bounce...
in CA and yeah... you just described the American culture of ME ME ME and individualism. It is sad and if it were that easy to move from one country to another... I have a feeling that the US would lose a lot of ppl who have traveled since those who haven't still like in that Dream of America is the best and everywhere else has bigger problems. Can you imagine a world where the amount of land a country had were tied to the population to which everyone had the freedom to claim... countries would change towards betterment instead of the world we live in where ppl just say... these are my only choices. Cheers.
@@aznosu My friend, I moved back to America after 20 years in Japan. It's a great place but, like anywhere else in the world, it has problems. If you don't speak the language and work there, you don't see them. Believe it or not, I preferred to educate my kids beyond middle school in the US. No Cram school until 10:00 (no joke), no 1 hour train rides to the school my kids qualified for etc. My kids go school across the street. They can put in half the effort here and go twice as far. Overall, I loved Japan for the most part. Keep in mind that the grass is always greener... As far as Me Me Me is concerned, the Japanese are alll about Evrerybody else everybody else, everybody else. That sounds good in theory and it's very respectable but you need to think of "me" every once in a while . Some happy medium would be ideal. My Japanese wife likes it better here overall BTW. I liked Japan better than she did.
@@robertbishop7340 Thanks for the perspective. I don't have a family but I live in SF and the homelessness is just getting me. I also would like to live in a city without the needs of a car and I won't go back to NYC bc it is a Rat Race. I can see how Americans love their space... a lot of it... and their cars. I lived in Beijing for some time and you are right about the language getting to you and I have to say that some ppl cheated me out of Bills but that could happen in the US right? The grass is always greenier but we can complain about our country bc we hope it will improve. Take care and stay safe over here. Cheers.
@@aznosu Thanks. I moved back to the US. I live in Monterey CA. Expensive but no rat race (for me, some of my neighbors are surprisingly intense). Japanese are way more honest that just about anywhere. There is the rare exception but cheating people doesn't enter many people's minds there at all. I dropped some rental DVDs a few years ago. I looked for them for hours. Usually people will put them up on a fence so you can see them. Turns out out that someone had taken them to the rental shop! No wonder I couldn't find them!
My absolute dream is to live there, then i could rest in peace ( you're doing a great job here Kristin , even for those who can't travel, they still get a lot of high quality informations about the world, keep doing this kind of videos )
Same. Trying to find a place to retire and just live in peace as a woman. I know Japan, as with any country, has its faults. I am aware of Japan's deeply rooted male chauvinism. But I am tired of the mass shootings and racism towards people of Asian ancestry here in the U.S., and being treated like a perpetual foreigner. And I was born here in the U.S. Dreaming to one retire in Japan is the only thing that keeps me going each day right now during this hostile political climate towards people who look like me.
@@brinanguyen9995 Very sad that you have that perception of America as a whole. Every Asian person I've met in the U.S. as a white and American Indian person I've gotten along with and greatly respect. Racism is not an American value. When you turn off the television, you will find peace.
I had some similar experience during extended trips in Japan. The people are very polite and friendly. There is a lot to see and do in Tokyo. Staying in a countryside home area outside the city was less crowded, a slower pace and really nice too. There was a community garden near the homes, neighbors exchanged meals and had fun with me being a foreigner - we learned from each other. I also enjoyed Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and other cities too. I did not indulge much in unhealthy eating since the native Japanese I stayed with cooked healthy and we ate a lot of fish, vegetables and lean meats. Same type of eating when going out except more deserts. I lost around around 15 pounds in about a month in the countryside near Osaka. Never lost weight like that at home. Also liked hiking and exploring around outdoors. I really enjoyed the soothing feel in the hot springs. The sunrise on top of a high mountain on New Years day was great and cold. I believe we went places that I could never find on a tour. It is a beautiful country.
Hi Don, thanks for sharing your experience in Japan too. Seems like you ha a wonderful time there. Yes there are a lot of things you can see and do in Tokyo and very friendly people. That's great that you lost 15 pounds in a month. I understand that locals really cook healthy food at home. It is indeed a beautiful country.
Thank you for your comments Don. From one Don to another your description of what you experienced is more appealing to me than staying in the city....... Hopefully I will get to see their beautiful country someday. Dom
This makes me want to travel to Japan soo badly. Having Zen Gardens all around and people enjoying silence? That sounds like a dream. In other cities I sometimes feel people look at me like I'm a crazy person if I just sit there and stare at the tree 😄
Sounds like you'd like it! There are downsides, but are largely ignorable. The chief one is being prepared: travel is not cheap and you'll likely want to do a lot of it. Be careful whatever country you go to, but it is lovely how helpful and cheerful Japanese people are. 🌿
I agree with everything. Please do more of these videos! My month stay in Japan was amazing! I visited Nagano, Kamakura, Yokosuka, Tokyo, and a few other prefectures. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been. And yes to the safety. I stayed in Ota City in Tokyo and I often went for walks early in the morning and it was just so peaceful and calm and I never felt any sense of danger. Just amazing.
Hi Lisa, so glad that you liked this video and that my experience aligned with yours! How lovely that you got to see so much of Japan. I hope we can go back again soon
@@appleoneusmonk -- Yes, I've been to Mexico, I've been to Greece, and I've been to Thailand which is close to Cambodia. Wonderful people. But Japan is a whole different experience. A small for instance: the waiter or waitress brings your meal, and it is not merely placed before you, but repositioned, delicately, as if you were a VIP. Everything is like that. Like I said, it's a whole new experience. My two favorite places to visit in that neck of the woods were the Philippines and number one, no question, was Japan. I loved Hong Kong for lots of reasons, but Hong Kong couldn't shine Japan's shoes. (No offense to the Chinese).
16:00 The expensive fruit is for gift giving. It’s expensive because it’s perfect due to exacting cultivation and it’s given as an expression of appreciation of the relationship with the recipient.
@@TravelingwithKristin I only heard of discrimination from some of my younger & single co-workers that frequent bars that said they were turned away at the doors at some of those bars. The employees specifically stated Japanese only. Also some had signs posted stating that fact so they knew right away. I ate at restaurants and shopped at stores across the country with my family and never any issues, felt very welcome (during my 6 1/2 years there). The longer we stayed in the country, the more we found to explore.
The only time I visited Japan was 1964-1966 when I was stationed on an American destroyer homeported in Yokosuka. Due to the Vietnam War we didn't get to spend a ton of time in Japan itself but my impressions are greatly different than yours. At that time they hadn't begun their absorption of Western culture and English was very rare (although the schools had begun teaching the younger kids). In fact, when we visited little fishing villages in rural Japan the young kids would gather around us and they all wanted to try out their English. There was still a massive accent problem but it was lots of fun seeing how much enjoyment they got from meeting us. In general, I found the Japanese people very polite and on the formal side of behavior back then. It sounds like it has changed a lot over the last generation. Oh, and back then $1 was worth 360 Yen. That was much nicer to a poor sailor!!!
Lovely account and stunning photography Kristin. I found the Japanese culture of offering osetai (presents) to others and the glorious onsen tradition absolutely memorable. On 2 recent long solo bike and walking trips to the Japanese islands, I was amazed when, for instance, a policeman took time to chaperone me on my mountain route, when I was allowed to camp safely on temple, school, and park grounds, when strangers helped me find my route or a hotel room, or invited me to stay overnight at their house. Something else: It is rare to find tasty bread in Japan. Overall, Japanese people are the kindest and most generous people I have ever met and travelling in Japan is guaranteed to offer you a unique cultural experience.
This was a wonderful video! I have yet to visit Japan but it's on the top of my list. I love omakase sushi and fresh ramen, wagyu beef, yakiniku, etc and am so excited to go once this pandemic is over. I learned that Japan is a very safe place to travel. I lived in Taiwan for a couple of years and that country is also super safe. I will do a search in your channel to see if you've traveled to Taiwan before. Looking forward to more videos like this!
Thanks Dave! I'm missing some yakitori after making this video... found a good omakase place in Miami, though! I hope to visit Taiwain in the near future. Thanks for subscribing!
Great overview of your personal experiences and research. Thank you. I really enjoyed it and hope you do more reminisces of places you've enjoyed. It's fun to hear of your experiences. God bless you and yours.
I was lucky enough to work for a Japanese company and to go there on several business trips in the mid 90s, and everything you said matched my experience. I will never forget the hospitality of the other employees at our company. They took us out for incredible dinners every night, and for sightseeing on the weekends. We also went out drinking in the evenings quite often, and I remember fighting through some brutal hangovers at work. The other employees were hilarious, and they loved to laugh and party. They also must have been working pretty hard because one night when we were out, the power went out for five minutes and it was pitch black. When it came back on, the person across from me was sound asleep. I was also kind of shocked by the “luxury fruit”, the prices of which we would marvel at in the grocery stores. I used to get onigiri (rice balls) at 7-11, and as you described, it came with a lot of packaging. It was wrapped in a very complicated plastic package that kept the seaweed separated from the rice. We were only there on business, and so I don’t know much about the dating scene. However, two members of our team had blonde hair and blue eyes, and they both drew a LOT attention wherever they went. That might have been an advantage for you. Love the videos. They are really interesting and informative.
Thank you for commenting, RJ. Your experience echoes many of the conversations that I have had with other foreigners while living there. I am laughing just thinking about the first time I bought a rice ball and try to figure out how to open the package. 😆 Glad you are liking the videos and much more to come!
Yes, you should do more (in my humble opinion). I too have found the Japanese people really pleasant, well mannered and generous. What a beautiful country, wish I had spent more time there. I also found it curious how much reverence they place on fruit, it's amazing anyone can afford it. Great vlog, Thank you!
Thank you, Brenda! Ah yes - I want to go back now that I looked at all of my old clips and reminisced. Such a dynamic, interesting, and beautiful country... 🌸
I've been there 5 times since 2007, either for 2 week jaunts or staying for a month at a time (3 times). When I'm there for a month I rent one of the foreigner apartments from Sakura House in Tokyo, which are month-to-month apartments exclusively for foreigners, usually students or business people on short assignments. They're basically the same kind of apartments that Japanese live in, there are mostly the same rules for living there that you have to follow (sorting trash, noise limits, etc.) that everyone in the neighborhood follow, and it's a nice way to save money since you're not paying for the conveniences of a hotel. Having a place to stay also lets you spend time in places like local parks, shrine/temple grounds, going to restaurants and bars within walking distance, and going shopping for necessities at local shops (100¥ stores are key!). I saved a lot of money buying food at the local supermarket in my neighborhood, and eating out at the places like Yoshinoya and Matsuya, where you could get a big meal for 600-800 yen. Of course, it helps that I've been studying Japanese for some years, so I could read menus etc. I do like a lot of your list, a few things I had no experience with, I'm probably twice your age so I don't date or go clubbing, but you are spot on about the cleanliness, quiet, safety, and friendliness, especially outside of Tokyo, and if you make an effort to speak any Japanese especially the politeness words (please, thank you, excuse me, sorry) that you should know whatever country you're visiting. I love visiting Japan, and I have one more big trip I want to take before I retire and no longer have "traveling money", which I'm hoping to do in Spring of '22, during cherry blossom time. I went once during that time, and it was fantastic! Anyway, thanks for making this video, and keep up the good work! がんばって！
Thanks Captain Nerd! (Great name, btw) Thank you for the tips and make sure to check out my cherry blossom guide before your next trip! ruclips.net/video/P182LtFPmBY/видео.html
I spent 7+ months in Japan back in the 1980s, and the friendliness and hospitallity was unreal. It was a great experience. I don't recall the convenience store culture then, but the yen rate THEN was 252 to a u.s. dollar, so it was a very affordable place to eat in restaurants.
Japan is such a clean and beautiful country. My oldest daughter has lived in Nara for 5 years. I spent ten days there in 2016. No where near enough time. But loved every moment of it.
There is a similar experience with a laptop in Korea. A friend lost the laptop and then she realized she left it in the bus. She called the company and they notified the whole network of bus drivers asking if they had a laptop in their bus, once they found it they notified her to wait at the same bus stop she got off. A bus arrived and the driver told her: ah it is you!, wait for the next bus, he got your laptop!
I've been to Japan once and I had a really REALLY hard time leaving it after only 2 weeks of Tokyo and Osaka. I can totally confirm a lot of the things you've said in this video, although communication was a bit easier for me because I was intermediate in Japanese, so that helped a lot. I WANT TO GO BACK SO BADLY!!!!
I've had so many trips to Japan, but back in the 70s, that this brief documentary brought tears to my eyes. I love that country, I love the people, I loved the cuisine, and I miss it with all my heart. Of course there were no 7-Elevens back then, no MacDonalds, and we used to visit Kay's Bathhouse that also had a gym with all the modern equipment you could want to use. (This was near Yokota where space wasn't so limited). Use of the gym came with the reasonable price of the bath but of course you know, the American dollar was king back in those days. I recall that there was an exchange rate of 360 yen to the dollar. Anyway, the only thing that I wasn't absolutely enamored of was the weather, humid hot in summers, icy cold winters. I learned a bit of Japanese and have actually retained it. Domo arigato, Kristin-san.
8:25 To me Kristin, that was the same message from the documentary film "Jiro dreams of Sushi". It was about a life-long dedication to perfecting your craft even though you probably will never achieve perfection. It was about the discipline to want to.
I haven’t watched Jiro yet somehow but I literally just emailed the creators of that doc last week (also the same people who make Chef’s Table). Funny coincidence! I will watch it tonight 😊
How did you get to live there for so long as an adult? Just curious. I would love to experience the county at least for a year. I would like to know how you made it happen.
I was going to pass on this one but decided to look at it. I am glad I did. I had no idea what a lovely country Japan is. One of my dear friends lives there. To see how dedicated they are to just making a cup of coffee or tea really impressed me. The kindness they showed wsa incredible.
been binge watching your videos... back-tracking. One thing I appreciate is the "disinterested" position of your narration. It has a neutral tone, it's not judgemental and, definitely not antagonistic. Thanks for the content. Still got lots more to watch. Wish us all well and safe.
Hi Kristen! I was in Japan with my daughter for a month this past December. My favorite convenient store is also Lawsons!! Yess. I was in Yokosuka for a night and forgot my contact lens case and Lawsons had a travel size case with solution in plastic for 300 yen. It was the coolest thing ever. And yesss Japan was sooo expensive so I shopped there for food a lot. Thank you for this video! Love it!!!
@@TravelingwithKristin Lawsons are great, if you can find them. When they're not around (which is often) 7/11s are everywhere, and actually the food is not bad, for the price.
I have never been to Japan myself but my cousin has and she was so impressed she couldn't say enough good things about her visit. I guess that corroborates your experience
Sami Elkhayri -- (I'm guessing that Sami is feminine?) A woman, unaccompanied, can walk down a street in Tokyo and feel totally safe. Of where else in the world can one say that?
Sorry to disappoint. I am, regrettably, male. :) However, your point is absolutely valid. Although, I must say that I have walked down an almost empty street in downtown Toronto (which is Canada's biggest city) past midnight and felt absolutely at ease. In comparison, I went to Pittsburgh in 2013 for a 4-day course at CMU and was quite shocked to hear that it is not recommended to be outdoors past 10 pm because the roads become unsafe at that point. I have been in Canada more than 30 years and have never been told not to walk on the streets at any time during the day or night. It appears that many forms of violence are particular to the US and the proliferation of guns makes US streets that much more dangerous for both men and women.
@@samielkhayri9272 -- In strict gun law'd cities like Chicago, and other places, violent crimes have flourished. Guns have nothing to with crime, either causing it nor preventing it, in my view, and in many others' view. I strongly support the 2nd amendment, and if we're ever invaded by foreigners (and I'm not thinking Russians) you'll see how important those firearms ARE. Our founders didn't give us the 2nd amendment to go out and freely shoot deer. I believe that the crime in this country is prevalent due to being so multi-cultural. Gangs and what have you. In addition, we have a less than desirable court system when it comes to breeding law and order. A criminal gets a very short incarceration and then they're back on the street. Many thanks for the reply, however.
My wife is 1/2 Japanese, 1/2 Irish. She handmade our widgets for 27 years. Year 15 she commented, I just learned a trick else about making these today.
These are very positive comments and experiences. I share some of them, having lived in Osaka for two years in the 90s. But while the country is safe and convenient and highly efficient, it is also claustrophobic, both physically and socially. I never got used to that pressure in my gut and on my face. Sure, that's a minor issue given all the things that being an expat anywhere can involve. The public-private division is very strong, so I was relieved to find on those rare occasions how much more casual and friendly, if still overly harmonious and "happy," a private dinner party could be. Out on the street or in a train station or when passing someone I knew in a shotengai, acquaintances would be distant, and I never got used to that. It's a very conformist, "group" culture, so individual initiative and creativity aren't rewarded or encouraged. Sexually it was a rather permissive place, though the love hotels weren't acknowledged as such. And they drink and smoke like addicts. Yes, as Kristin notes, the value in aesthetics is apparent in everything from coffee making and smart dress to zen gardens and the careful packaging of any glass container one might buy at the market. People could be very helpful in certain situations, but I also found them very standoffish and aloof in others. About exercise or working out, I joined a club that had an indoor lap pool, courts, weights, and so on. More than once I was one of eleven people in a single lane, everyone taking turns, no one talking, not even when they skipped another swimmer, except to say, after careful deliberation, "sumimasen." One of my favorite places to visit were the newspaper kiosk at the train station and the small noodle shops, like taco stands, near the train tracks in the suburbs. In both cases, older Japanese women did the work, and they were so casual and warm and what we might call "natural" in the west. Someone explained to me that they were free of kids and traditional duties, so in a way they didn't have a role to play. I'd order my wakamae-tamago soba, sprinkle seasoning on it, and let it warm me on cold winter days as I stood--no stools. I had my favorite sushi place, too, where I loved drinking warm sake while eating one kind of sushi after another. The entire Kansai area was home to 25 million people, so I had to travel a bit to finally reach the edge of development and beyond, but yes, the forests were well taken care of, and the beaches could be beautiful.
Such an insightful comment, Andrew. Thank you for sharing about your experience. Super interesting and I'm sure helpful for many people who are planning to travel or move to Japan in the future
As a fellow expat American who had lived and worked in half a dozen countries and traveled to many more, I love your videos (except perhaps that annoying karate background sounds in the Japanese videos whenever there's a topic change, which I think should be edited out so as not to cause any unfortunate misunderstanding with respect to unintentionally promoting Asian stereotypes. Other people might not notice it but Asians in the US, Canada, Au-NZ, Korea, HK, Singapore are very media savvy, especially during this sensitive time when Asians are being increasingly targeted with hate crimes in the US!) which are informative, entertaining and totally spot on! I lived in Asakusa (famous for its ancient temples) area of Tokyo more about two years and love it. Prices are indeed very high according to Mercer and real life. Food in Tokyo can be not bad if you shop and eat local foods--local markets especially away from the city center. A lunch bento box averages around $5. Some veggies like cabbages, sakis and fishes can be reasonable. Real estate is crazy expensive, measured by a tatami length. Japanese are very polite like you mentioned, although by strong cultural conformity. My girlfriend once dropped a small luggage atop an escalator where it rolls down to the bottom and stuck there. Nobody at the bottom going up bother to turn it upright like a considerate average American would. While Tokyo is a cosmopolitan international city with diverse people, xenophobia--in a passive-aggressive way--can lurk just beneath the surface. Signs forbidden foreign patronage are not uncommon in certain hospitality venues. Still, the positives (friendly people, safety, cleanliness) far out weight any drawbacks.
Hi Sonny, thank you for the thoughtful reflection and tips from your years living in Japan and traveling abroad; very insightful. I'm sorry if you interpreted the sound design as insensitive. Since I didn't use a soundtrack or background music in this video, I wanted to make it more engaging with sound effects and boosting the natural audio on certain clips to provide more texture in each scene. Creation is all about experimentation but I will take your comments into consideration for future videos. Thank you
Hi ! Great video ! I’m not at all surprised by anything in this video. While I’ve never been to Japan, I’m a very long term resident of its near neighbor., Taiwan. I don’t know if you’ve ever been here , but there are a lot of similarities. Taiwan has a huge Japanese influence. It was a colony of Japan for over 50 years. Many Taiwanese people feel a close affinity to Japan and much of what you say about Japan is true in Taiwan too. Taiwan is similar, but perhaps a little less clean and a bit more chaotic. The convenience stores are the same though. My favorite is 7/11 , but Family Mart is great too. Some 7/11s even serve draught beer now !
Just stumbled on your videos, first with your video on Costa Rica, and now this. You know what, I'm glad I did. You're information is balance in light of stereo typical observations. Salute!
I have actually been to Japan three times: the first time was three months (2016) in Tokyo for a culture and Japanese language learning trip. The Second time was for two weeks (2016) where I travelled around with a good friend of mine we spent time in Nara and Kyoto but mainly stayed in Tokyo. The third time is now I started living here in early 2020. In 2020 I attended Japanese Language school for 1 year (April 2020 to March 2021) and then I decided I wanted to work as an ALT I'm mainly in Chiba. The Pandemic has been pretty hard though. I also have conversation level Japanese and can read Basic Kanji (as well as Hiragana and Katakana). 1 Nice People: I have experienced this alot. Part of Japanese culture is making sure that everyone stays calm and has a pleasant time. I apparently attract Cute Little old Ladies who talk to me the most. But I do love not having to deal with the rude and petty people (I know not everyone is like this, my family and close friends are quite chill, but then again I did alot of Customer service work in the US) I have come across in the US. But then again alot of things are choreographed and Japanese people aren't really blunt for the most part. 2 Quiet and Clean: I Love this, I do tend to go out to parks just to sit and relax. 3 The Food Culture: I don't go to many restaurants, but the ones I have they do treat the food with respect. Also Japan's grocery store produce is really high quality (although I have no counter space in my 18sqm apartment so I don't get to prepare better meals for myself which is really annoying). Japan also uses alot of seasonal foods and gets their produce locally. I'm currently living in Chiba in an area that has farms surrounding it. So I usually get pretty good prices when it comes to produce. SO MUCH PACKAGING! In my city, they have intensive trash separation procedures and plastics have their own separation because my city recycles the plastics. 4 Convenience store: Uh, yep, that is all LOL 5 Unhealthy food: There is quite a bit of this I agree. But I think people are not Obese here because they walk or Bike to most places. Some people do use cars still but I mostly see them Biking or walking around. 6 Slow Internet: When I was in Japan the first time this was true but in 2020-2021 they seemed to have improved this and several places, including the trains do have public Wifi now. 7 Expensive: Tokyo itself is pretty expensive but if you move outside of Tokyo (Like I'm living in Chiba at the moment), you will find things to be a bit more decently priced. Expensive fruits: There is a gift giving culture in Japan and fruits in super nice packaging are only meant to be given as gifts. I have seen both the expensive options and the non expensive options in my local grocery store. Although fancy packaging will put those strawberries up to 7 or 8 dollars, you can still get them for 2 dollars as well. Japan places a lot of importance on seasonal foods so if a food is in season it will be less expensive, but if its out of season it will be more expensive and harder to find. 8 Nature: This is literally my favorite thing about Japan. It's what I find myself taking pictures of alot because Nature is just so amazing and it should be appreciated. 9 Humor: Now this one was a bit harder for me to grasp at first, but once I did I agree it's pretty awesome. 10 Work Hard Play Hard: I do see this alot. Although the company I work for is strict about not overworking their employees (I have to start at 8:30 and end by 16:15 five days a week. They don't make you work weekends. Nightclubs: I have some sensory issues so I try to avoid these. I have only been to 1 and it was back in 2016 with some friends but they do go all out with the music and lights. One of my friends noticed this and brought me out when I started to have sensory overload. He calmed me down and we went to a nearby bar where there weren't many others. I still feel bad for it happening. 11 Social and Dating Scene: I actually don't really experience much of this, I don't go out much haha (Introvert Life). I'm also Asexual and don't want to give someone I'm with the wrong idea (asexuality is only 1% of the human population). 12 Few Exercise and workout classes: I tend to see most people exercising outside in parks rather than gyms. I do live above a gym but I looked at the prices and going to the gym here is pretty expensive. 13 Safety: After Nature Safety is my second favorite thing in Japan. I love being able to walk around without worrying about being mugged or attacked by anyone (I am also a solo female traveler). I will sometimes go to a Convenience store at 10 or 11 at night to get what I need and I feel safe walking down my City's streets. This safety doesn't just include in the cities and towns but also out an about, I love finding adventures off the beaten path and just going places where not many people are, and I still feel safe. I do agree with a lot of things you have said and it sounds like you had a great experience for only being in Japan for 3 months!
Hello, Chris, and wow! Thank you for providing your perspective on all of the topics I discussed. I sincerely appreciate it, and I'm glad you liked what I had to say. You seem to enjoy living in Japan as well! I hope everything is going well for you and that you keep safe! 😊
Thanks for the Tokyo Cheapo mention! Amazing that it's been 3 years already. Japan hasn't had it nearly as hard as some other countries, but living in Tokyo during COVID is a whole lot duller. Take out all the going to bars and meeting new people. Also no events or festivals. Hopefully it will return to something like you experienced over the next year.
Hi Greg! You are most welcome! Love you guys and I can’t believe it’s been three years. 😭😭😭 I am having major withdrawal of this time in my life that I spent in Japan. It was so magical. Thanks for filling us in on what life is like right now. It’s really sad how much things have shut down around the world. Life is weird right now... I can’t wait to get through this time and get back to Japan someday soon!
free WIFI is at government bldgs, in front of COMBINI( convenient stores) and metros. Also, fast food restaurants offer free WIFI everywhere, usually 30 minuts log in , max 3 to 5 times a day.
I just discovered your channel tonight and have been enjoying it very much. Excellent videos and commentaries! I have already learned a lot. Thank you.
Also, regarding exercise, I have friends that live there now (american man, japanese woman) and every morning their neighborhood has a calisthenics and community exercise program. It is extremely well atteneded in their neighborhood, so maybe gyms seem superfulous to a lot of the populace?
Watching how polite they are almost made me want to cry. I would love to go to Japan but the cost scares me. I definitely would not choose Tokyo though. Well maybe just to visit, but not to live. I think a more northern city/island would be my choice. Just thought it is incredibly beautiful and friendly. I could live on Sushi, yum 😋
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video. I lived in Tokyo from 1985 to 1990 and had the time of my life. I still miss it badly and hope to go back one day. Their culture is fascinating and Tokyo is full of fun and interesting things to do. You mentioned the safety factor, and there were many times I walked home alone from the train station after midnight, down narrow streets to my tiny third floor walkup apartment in Nishi Koyama, and never once had to worry about being attacked. Home Sweet Tokyo, indeed.
Coming from Japan and currently living in Germany, you forget about customer service in Germany because it literally doesn't exist 😂 it does exist but it's not the same. You are pretty much on your own 😂 I miss the quality of everything from Japan
One Of The Best Countries To Live, My Wife & I Visit Her Family Once Or Twice A Year & Spend Weeks There. If Your Military Or Retired Military Or Know Someone Have Them Escort You Inside The Newsanno Hotel It's A 5 Star And Has Everything From Sauna To Swimming Pools, Restaurants, Jewelry Store, Bank Of America, Slot Machines Like Vegas And So Much More And A Tour Desk To Book Your Trips While Visiting Japan. Amazing Country. Happy For You Kristen
I visited Japan to late in life.. 2018 and 2019.. For a month each time.. Travelled ALLLL around by train, stayed in hostels and hotels. Ate soooo many wonderful things, saw so many wonderful things, and met so many wonderful people. Can't wait to go back again one day..
There are gyms that only allow japanese and no one else. As well as some restaurants. Also you have to remove your own shoes and wear theirs 😂😂 to TRAIN! That was the weirdest thing ever for me... but overall it’s my most fav country in the world!
The "Family" restaurants (i.e. Jonathans, Gusto, Denny's) are pretty good places to eat cheap and healthier, especially if you have kids in tow. Their menu's typically list the kcals and macros for each item. Clean, efficient, free parking. Lived all over the world. Japan is by far my favorite.
I'm currently waiting to move to Japan, so of course I had to watch this video ;) I have a similar umbrella story where I accidentally left my umbrella at the service window at the train station, but was running late so I didn't have time to go back and get it. It turns out I didn't have to, however, as the station attendant literally ran off to find me where I was getting on the train just to give it back to me. Almost seven years later, I still have the umbrella.
Nice video Kristin! 🙌 My wife and I are in our early 50's. We've never been to Japan but my wife has always been intrigued by the culture. If we were to consider retiring in Japan, what places would you suggest? Spoiler alert: you'll probably see this same question on your other videos since the idea of retiring in other countries intrigues us! 😁 Many thanks! Stay safe.
Thanks Roderick! Perfect; that’s what I’m here for! I spent most of my time in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kiyoto, and Hiroshima but there is much more to explore. I heard Osaka is the most or one of the most affordable cities and a lot of people like Okinawa in the south. There are also a lot of very small towns and villages that would be great to explore
I was surprised by the contrast between traditional cuisine and tea ceremonies as opposed to fast food consumption and convenience stores like 7-11. The amount of sugar and vegetable oils wasn't something I'd expect of Japan. Great video. Love the information.
Have lived in Japan for 15 years, have no plans to return to the US, especially in the current climate and the lingering effects of Trumposis. The amount of wrapping and plastic IS worrisome, but there is nothing you can do about it, so I've learned to let it go and just enjoy and be grateful for what's inside it all. I think a lot of your "downsides" are related to the fact that you weren't really living there, so everything was like a big candy store, hence the partying, overeating, 8$ strawberries, and over-consumption because there is a LOT of stuff to spend money on that you don't really need but want. Tokyo can vacuum ¥ out of you if you have little self-control. Japan is a country of contrasts and contradictions that can be baffling and entertaining. Lastly, stuff works here, e.g. trains arrive on the minute, vending machines deliver, stores open EXACTLY at the stated time, etc.
1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, scenery/landscape, quality of life etc.) from a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) If you have 3 or more words to describe Japan, what would it be ?
Workers are paid regular bonuses in cash, and these days are known in advance, when employers carry large amounts of cash to work. Almost no robberies, though. And you can send cash through the mail without incident.
I heard people party all night in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. When we asked the other employees if we could go there, they pretty much discouraged us. Apparently, it is kind of nuts there. I have heard that people sometimes just pass out on the sidewalk, and sleep there until morning. There are also these weird “hotels” where you can rent a bed in what is essentially a large drawer (like in a morgue) so you can cheaply sleep overnight. I never saw any of this personally. As I said, our hosts didn’t want to go.
I, as Japanese, admit that the internet in Japan is expensive but regarding restaurants, the restaurants in Japan are way cheaper than the ones in USA and Canada because we do not tip at the restaurants in Japan. Anyways, thank you for coming to Japan. Hope that you would come back again someday!
Yes! Your videography seems to be really good - love your imaginative shot of you standing still, alone, in a "sea" of people crossing the streets in Tokyo! Other great shots!! Keep up the great work - and keep having fun! All the Best, Through the New Year - 2022!
![How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DO5x_tJBn7w/mqdefault.jpg)
What surprised you the most about this video? PS: Should I make more videos like this about different countries I've lived in?
Yes we need more videos like this
Yes. All countries is possible?
I love your all videos 💕😍💕😍😍💕😍😍😍💕😍😍
And watch all of them .
And like and comments.
Please help and support to my RUclips channel too. Alot of love from Punjab India
This is an excellent idea, absolutely. I would really enjoy and benefit from a series on your channel using this same format. Your observation skills are tops, plus you're incontrovertibly honest and sincere! Congratulations on this video, Kristin. What a cool life you've created for yourself.
Absolutely. Your attention to detail is excellent. I lived in Japan for 13 years. Basically through my 20s and it was an awesome experience. You missed talking about Onsen. I traveled a good portion on my motorcycle and the landscape away from the city was the best. I love when you talk about the contrasts you saw and what were things that were not expected like the work hard play very hard way of life. I often saw older people partying there which blew my mind.
My sister lived in Japan for a few years and once left her phone on the train. When she realized later on she forsure thought it was going to be stolen, but someone had turned it in and she was able to get her phone back!! The people in Japan are so incredibly kind
That's awesome! Glad to know that, thanks for sharing Michaela!
@@TravelingwithKristin I wish I can still live in Fukuoka, Japan temporarily as a American citizen in the future.
I am a 68-year-old American woman who was an exchange student in Japan in 1970. This brought back so many wonderful memories. Many things are similar, and many things are new, of course! But, the people were exactly like this when I was there as well. I am so happy to see that they have kept their kind and courteous nature. It amazed me then and it amazes me now! The convenience stores are new. There were none then.
So happy to hear that! I can tell you it brought back a lot of memories just editing this video! Thank you for watching :)
After traveling to Japan, the word that kept popping my head is - civilized. Japanese folks sure are civilized.
I agree! Many people say that some of the downsides is that they hold back their opinions a lot and it's a very regimented society, but definitely results in friendliness and politeness
@@TravelingwithKristin Because the average eastern cultural country is like that
My husband and I lived in Japan for 6 months in 2015. We loved it so much and this brought back great memories. We’d love to go back to live again.
Glad to hear that, Rhonda! I agree I was getting very sentimental editing these clips and reminiscing on my time there. So great that you got to spend six months in this beautiful country
How about South Korea?
The streets are crowded in Japan, so you get the impression that everyone is out eating bad food every night. But for most Japanese such experiences are once a month in your youth and twice a year as an adult. We are usually at home eating healthy food. My internet is $50/month and my house is wired like an office: 8 computers, two or three phones, 2 surveillance cameras (for our bird feeders), all on a high speed optic line. When I was in the hospital, monthly plans were expensive, but living in a house the internet is as fast as anywhere, reliable and cheap. Cost of living between being a tourist in Tokyo and living a normal life are completely different. You pay a high tax for being an interloper, not connected to your local society. Those expensive fruits are not to buy for yourself. The are for gift-giving. If you owe someone a $50 courtesy for helping you, then you buy such fruit as a gift. They are really special fruit that have hundreds of man-hours in their production; only one in a hundred strawberries or melons will even make it to that level, but they are not a fruit meant to be eaten, but a symbol of thankfulness, They will be eaten, but not as fruits, but rather as a repayment for some service or some gift. Usually you give back half in monetary value what you were given.
I really don’t agree with your statement that most people stay in and cook themselves healthy food. EVERYONE I know here eats our multiple times a week and it certainly is not that healthy from an Australian standard.
Also, internet tends to lag here because there’s something unique about the way internet is set up in most apartments and houses in Japan. Something about them all sharing the same line? Sorry, can’t explain well.
Whereas in Australia, each house or place would have its own internet.
@@missplainjane3905 yes, I’ve lived here (in Tokyo) for the past five years. I’m also married to a Japanese man.
That's fascinating; thank you for sharing that information on the fruits. I'm glad to hear that most Japanese people eat healthy at home. I must agree the cost-of-living in Japan can change if you are living there as a resident.
@@katrinafanjul9591 There's plenty of very healthy food at many Japanese restaurants. I ate out every night for years. No fast food. Eating convenience store food for every meal will result an early death.
Kristin, I really enjoy watching your videos. There are many travel videos on RUclips, some good, many bad, others just a bit entertaining, but at the core often self-promoting nonsense. Yours always stand out qualitatively, not least because one notices that you are an attentive traveller and on this basis also really think about what you want to say and show.
Thanks for that and I'd love to see more videos like this. Keep up the good work!
Jens, thank you so much for the kind words. Since I don’t have any professional filmmaking experience, I often second guess myself during the creative process. It is very encouraging to hear that the content and stories are of interest. Thank you again 🙏 I’ll keep experimenting with ideas and formats!
@@TravelingwithKristin Hi Kristin, your editing is so sharp and side bar video inserts are perfect. The music insertions complete the message you are conveying. I am a music producer, so I work for perfection with my mixes. I can see how your world cultural immersion has positively shaped you as a person. You are making the world a better place.
The people of Japan is very polite. I remember taking a flight between Tokyo and Osaka with ANA All Nippon Airlines and before the crew entered the aircraft to prepare for the flight, they all lined up on a line in front of the passengers at the gate and bowed their heads in respect of the passengers ... Greetings from Norway :-)
Love to hear that! Stay tuned for a lot of videos about Norway coming up :)
That’s awesome 🤩 😎 🤗💯💗👏🏽
that is amazing
We went to Japan on a Buddhist training week. We could not understand how to use the subway. A man stopped, looked at our where we were going, missed his own subway until our subway arrived and he made sure we got onto that. Tokyo looks more modern than Toronto, but underneath is this very different and wonderful culture.
Thanks for sharing your experience to Lee-Ann that is just amazing. Tokyo is Japan's busiest city, but much of the country's culture can still be found there.
I am half Japanese and have relatives living in Tokyo. Most of Japanese communication is subtext, they do NOT directly reveal anything via language. Please keep this in mind, social interaction is highly choreographed.
I lived in Japan for six years in the 90s. This is definitely true. Language supplements the main communication, which is non-verbal. Many, many utterings trail off in mid-sentence, with everyone understanding the intended meaning - except the foreigner!
Honnè & Tatemae. In Japan, honne are a person's true feelings and desires (本音, hon'ne, "true sound"), and tatemae are the behavior and opinions one displays in public (建前, tatemae, "built in front", "façade").
One thing I remember from my business trips there is that no one would ever say “no” during meetings, but they often meant “no”. For example, if another engineer said “muzukashi” (difficult), it pretty much meant, “No f-ing way.”
So interesting...
👍👍
Japanese tea ceremony is an art to achieve inner peace. There are two styles, ura ( behind) and Omote ( front) styles. to obtain tea ceremony master certification, its required to dedicate to the learning of proper walk, dress,sit before learning to make the tea and serve. usually average time to get the approval of sensei teacher and obtain certification is 5 to 8 years only if you are dedicated student who attends weekly lessons . Japanese tea ceremony is not just art, but a way to connect your soul to your higher self.
Thank you for sharing; that is fascinating!! I love it... 🍵 That must have been what she was referring to 💗
@@TravelingwithKristin great videos Kristin! I enjoy watching your videos and insightful comments. we have much in common. its harder to have a 'normal' life & relationships when we see the world and experience them.... we change inside. ( unable to go back to the old ways, you know what I mean...).
ancient beauty.
Always been intrigued with Japan's cultural aspects. Japan's schools raising children to farm and clean after themselves. Respect and down-to-earth nature with greetings and gestures to one another. The strong work ethics they seem to portray into everything from cooking to Japanese traditions. TY Kristin, pretty amazing what you have achieved and accomplished yourself. I am following you around the world from my recliner. Be safe!
Glad you enjoyed the video Robert. Indeed they indeed very respectful and down-to-earth people. I also agree that you can find their discipline and work ethics in everything that they do. Thank you for joining me in my journey---appreciate it. You be safe too! 😊
You were spot on with your list. I cannot wait to get back to Tokyo after travel returns. Spent 6 weeks in the city one summer and it had surprisingly high humidity and hot as heck. But I fell in love with the people and the culture. So much energy and yet so restrained and polite. It is truly a city everyone should experience.
So glad you liked it, Jay! I really missed Japan a lot while producing this video. Hope we can both get back there sometime soon
I love your lifestyle and admire how brave you are to experience new countries and cultures.
I've been working to create the same opportunity for myself over the next year or so. I hope to see you out there.
Thanks RG; You can do it! I'm happy to help in any way just let me know :)
Surprised about the quiet--sounds like my kind of place.
Right!? I miss it now that I made this video...
The people are considerate of others. I love them for that.
I am unable to travel in person so I have started virtually travel around the world by watching videos like yours. Your video is among the best that I have seen. You show places and people, talk about the costs, do the pros and cons, and keep the conversation ongoing in an interesting way. You provide so much interesting content that we learn a lot in a way that I am sure will stick in our brains. Thank you so much. So worth subscribing to your channel.
Thank you so much, Cindy, for the kind and encouraging words. It is my honor and pleasure to share what I have seen and learned while traveling the world with all of you. In fact, sharing these experiences has been as fulfilling or more than traveling itself. Thank you for subscribing and for being here for the journey.
As a Japanese, I'm pretty impressed with the detailed coverage of Japan, and there is nothing I can disagree:) I guess the nail salons are still that expensive!
Thanks Yuki! haha glad I wasn't the only one on the hunt for an affordable manicure. I do miss my sakura nail art, though
Your videos are great! I just randomly discovered your channel. I was also an accidental tourist in Japan for 6 months in 2020. I was in Southeast Asia early 2020 and detoured to Tokyo to meet friends traveling from the US to run in the Tokyo marathon. Well, the coronavirus hit, the marathon was canceled, only 1/2 my friends made the trip and soon returned back to the US. As a nomad with no home, I decided to extend my 3 week trip to 6 months to wait out covid. Stayed in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. Lovely country. Your list is spot on. Free WiFi is still non-existent but the Internet from my AirBnB and business hotels worked great. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your content.
Thank you so much! Nice to meet you, Judio and glad you are here 😊 Any content requests, let me know!
Thank you. I enjoyed this and your Costa Rican video. You offer an otherwise difficult to find insight in an honest and respectful way. You travel as I have only dreamt,. Congratulations on setting yourself up with a life exposed to much diversity.
Thank you so much; I appreciate that! Will keep trying to create, share, learn, and teach 🙂
stop dreaming and plan to travel when this world opens back up...
Lovveee Japan. Been there 3x. Their culture is about respect, honor, humbleness, family, taking care of the elderly etc, etc. Things I hardly see in CA which has become theft, bullying, aggression, racism, etc etc. Can't wait to bounce...
Completely agree - I was so impressed and amazed at the culture there. Wish more people had a chance to learn from their lifestyle
in CA and yeah... you just described the American culture of ME ME ME and individualism. It is sad and if it were that easy to move from one country to another... I have a feeling that the US would lose a lot of ppl who have traveled since those who haven't still like in that Dream of America is the best and everywhere else has bigger problems. Can you imagine a world where the amount of land a country had were tied to the population to which everyone had the freedom to claim... countries would change towards betterment instead of the world we live in where ppl just say... these are my only choices. Cheers.
@@aznosu My friend, I moved back to America after 20 years in Japan. It's a great place but, like anywhere else in the world, it has problems. If you don't speak the language and work there, you don't see them. Believe it or not, I preferred to educate my kids beyond middle school in the US. No Cram school until 10:00 (no joke), no 1 hour train rides to the school my kids qualified for etc. My kids go school across the street. They can put in half the effort here and go twice as far. Overall, I loved Japan for the most part. Keep in mind that the grass is always greener... As far as Me Me Me is concerned, the Japanese are alll about Evrerybody else everybody else, everybody else. That sounds good in theory and it's very respectable but you need to think of "me" every once in a while . Some happy medium would be ideal. My Japanese wife likes it better here overall BTW. I liked Japan better than she did.
@@robertbishop7340 Thanks for the perspective. I don't have a family but I live in SF and the homelessness is just getting me. I also would like to live in a city without the needs of a car and I won't go back to NYC bc it is a Rat Race. I can see how Americans love their space... a lot of it... and their cars. I lived in Beijing for some time and you are right about the language getting to you and I have to say that some ppl cheated me out of Bills but that could happen in the US right? The grass is always greenier but we can complain about our country bc we hope it will improve.
Take care and stay safe over here. Cheers.
@@aznosu Thanks. I moved back to the US. I live in Monterey CA. Expensive but no rat race (for me, some of my neighbors are surprisingly intense). Japanese are way more honest that just about anywhere. There is the rare exception but cheating people doesn't enter many people's minds there at all. I dropped some rental DVDs a few years ago. I looked for them for hours. Usually people will put them up on a fence so you can see them. Turns out out that someone had taken them to the rental shop! No wonder I couldn't find them!
My absolute dream is to live there, then i could rest in peace ( you're doing a great job here Kristin , even for those who can't travel, they still get a lot of high quality informations about the world, keep doing this kind of videos )
Thank you for the kind words, Mohammed! You are giving me a lot of motivation to keep going 😊
Same. Trying to find a place to retire and just live in peace as a woman. I know Japan, as with any country, has its faults. I am aware of Japan's deeply rooted male chauvinism. But I am tired of the mass shootings and racism towards people of Asian ancestry here in the U.S., and being treated like a perpetual foreigner. And I was born here in the U.S. Dreaming to one retire in Japan is the only thing that keeps me going each day right now during this hostile political climate towards people who look like me.
@@brinanguyen9995 Very sad that you have that perception of America as a whole. Every Asian person I've met in the U.S. as a white and American Indian person I've gotten along with and greatly respect. Racism is not an American value. When you turn off the television, you will find peace.
My wife and I visited Japan back in 2019, loved every minute of it! Beautiful country, can't wait to go back in the future (LORD willing)!
Hope you can!
Love listening to your reflections on all the places you have travelled!
I luv your voice, very calm
I'm so glad! Will make more like this :)
Thank you, Eddy!
My son is in grad school there and I’ve never seen him happier!!!
That is so great to hear Nancy! 😊
Yes, more of this!!! : ) love japan food and culture!
Coming your way, Amanda!
I lived in Japan for 2 years. Great country, nice people, very safe and clean.
I agree!
I had some similar experience during extended trips in Japan. The people are very polite and friendly. There is a lot to see and do in Tokyo. Staying in a countryside home area outside the city was less crowded, a slower pace and really nice too. There was a community garden near the homes, neighbors exchanged meals and had fun with me being a foreigner - we learned from each other. I also enjoyed Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and other cities too. I did not indulge much in unhealthy eating since the native Japanese I stayed with cooked healthy and we ate a lot of fish, vegetables and lean meats. Same type of eating when going out except more deserts. I lost around around 15 pounds in about a month in the countryside near Osaka. Never lost weight like that at home. Also liked hiking and exploring around outdoors. I really enjoyed the soothing feel in the hot springs. The sunrise on top of a high mountain on New Years day was great and cold. I believe we went places that I could never find on a tour. It is a beautiful country.
Hi Don, thanks for sharing your experience in Japan too. Seems like you ha a wonderful time there. Yes there are a lot of things you can see and do in Tokyo and very friendly people. That's great that you lost 15 pounds in a month. I understand that locals really cook healthy food at home. It is indeed a beautiful country.
Thank you for your comments Don. From one Don to another your description of what you experienced is more appealing to me than staying in the city....... Hopefully I will get to see their beautiful country someday. Dom
This makes me want to travel to Japan soo badly. Having Zen Gardens all around and people enjoying silence? That sounds like a dream. In other cities I sometimes feel people look at me like I'm a crazy person if I just sit there and stare at the tree 😄
Oh yes for sure Lana. Go for it! 😊
Lana, I wouldn't worry about what other people think......... enjoy and explore on your own terms and conditions !!
Sounds like you'd like it! There are downsides, but are largely ignorable. The chief one is being prepared: travel is not cheap and you'll likely want to do a lot of it. Be careful whatever country you go to, but it is lovely how helpful and cheerful Japanese people are. 🌿
I agree with everything. Please do more of these videos! My month stay in Japan was amazing! I visited Nagano, Kamakura, Yokosuka, Tokyo, and a few other prefectures. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been. And yes to the safety. I stayed in Ota City in Tokyo and I often went for walks early in the morning and it was just so peaceful and calm and I never felt any sense of danger. Just amazing.
Hi Lisa, so glad that you liked this video and that my experience aligned with yours! How lovely that you got to see so much of Japan. I hope we can go back again soon
Great video. Perfect format for a series. I have not been to Japan yet, but now it's moved up a few notches on my bucket list.
Thanks Steve! Yes editing this video made me want to go back!
Steve A -- They are the most polite and seriously genuine people you'll ever come across, extremely considerate of one another and of you.
@@marilynguinnane4663 I find that true for people from Greece, Cambodia and Mexico.
@@appleoneusmonk -- Yes, I've been to Mexico, I've been to Greece, and I've been to Thailand which is close to Cambodia. Wonderful people. But Japan is a whole different experience. A small for instance: the waiter or waitress brings your meal, and it is not merely placed before you, but repositioned, delicately, as if you were a VIP. Everything is like that. Like I said, it's a whole new experience. My two favorite places to visit in that neck of the woods were the Philippines and number one, no question, was Japan. I loved Hong Kong for lots of reasons, but Hong Kong couldn't shine Japan's shoes. (No offense to the Chinese).
16:00 The expensive fruit is for gift giving. It’s expensive because it’s perfect due to exacting cultivation and it’s given as an expression of appreciation of the relationship with the recipient.
I've been to Japan for 45 days and oh boy I miss it a lot. People are sooo friendly :)
So friendly! Apparently there is a lot of discrimination there as well, but I didn't experience it too much
@@TravelingwithKristin You are American - and blond!
@@TravelingwithKristin I only heard of discrimination from some of my younger & single co-workers that frequent bars that said they were turned away at the doors at some of those bars. The employees specifically stated Japanese only. Also some had signs posted stating that fact so they knew right away. I ate at restaurants and shopped at stores across the country with my family and never any issues, felt very welcome (during my 6 1/2 years there). The longer we stayed in the country, the more we found to explore.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and would love to see more. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Thank you Tamara! Very encouraged to hear your feedback
The only time I visited Japan was 1964-1966 when I was stationed on an American destroyer homeported in Yokosuka. Due to the Vietnam War we didn't get to spend a ton of time in Japan itself but my impressions are greatly different than yours. At that time they hadn't begun their absorption of Western culture and English was very rare (although the schools had begun teaching the younger kids). In fact, when we visited little fishing villages in rural Japan the young kids would gather around us and they all wanted to try out their English. There was still a massive accent problem but it was lots of fun seeing how much enjoyment they got from meeting us. In general, I found the Japanese people very polite and on the formal side of behavior back then. It sounds like it has changed a lot over the last generation. Oh, and back then $1 was worth 360 Yen. That was much nicer to a poor sailor!!!
Wow that must have been an amazing experience!
Lovely account and stunning photography Kristin. I found the Japanese culture of offering osetai (presents) to others and the glorious onsen tradition absolutely memorable. On 2 recent long solo bike and walking trips to the Japanese islands, I was amazed when, for instance, a policeman took time to chaperone me on my mountain route, when I was allowed to camp safely on temple, school, and park grounds, when strangers helped me find my route or a hotel room, or invited me to stay overnight at their house. Something else: It is rare to find tasty bread in Japan. Overall, Japanese people are the kindest and most generous people I have ever met and travelling in Japan is guaranteed to offer you a unique cultural experience.
Thank you, France! Loved reading about your experience in Japan. Brings me back 😊 I should have mentioned the onsens!
As a soon to be 72-year-old male I very much appreciate your videos. Cheers from British Columbia
Thanks Bruce! I love BC
This was a wonderful video! I have yet to visit Japan but it's on the top of my list. I love omakase sushi and fresh ramen, wagyu beef, yakiniku, etc and am so excited to go once this pandemic is over. I learned that Japan is a very safe place to travel. I lived in Taiwan for a couple of years and that country is also super safe. I will do a search in your channel to see if you've traveled to Taiwan before. Looking forward to more videos like this!
Thanks Dave! I'm missing some yakitori after making this video... found a good omakase place in Miami, though! I hope to visit Taiwain in the near future. Thanks for subscribing!
this is a good theme... talk more about these things :)
Great to hear! Thanks Mathis!
Great overview of your personal experiences and research. Thank you. I really enjoyed it and hope you do more reminisces of places you've enjoyed. It's fun to hear of your experiences. God bless you and yours.
Thank you Jean! Glad you liked & enjoyed the video, More to come! 😊
I was lucky enough to work for a Japanese company and to go there on several business trips in the mid 90s, and everything you said matched my experience. I will never forget the hospitality of the other employees at our company. They took us out for incredible dinners every night, and for sightseeing on the weekends. We also went out drinking in the evenings quite often, and I remember fighting through some brutal hangovers at work. The other employees were hilarious, and they loved to laugh and party. They also must have been working pretty hard because one night when we were out, the power went out for five minutes and it was pitch black. When it came back on, the person across from me was sound asleep. I was also kind of shocked by the “luxury fruit”, the prices of which we would marvel at in the grocery stores. I used to get onigiri (rice balls) at 7-11, and as you described, it came with a lot of packaging. It was wrapped in a very complicated plastic package that kept the seaweed separated from the rice. We were only there on business, and so I don’t know much about the dating scene. However, two members of our team had blonde hair and blue eyes, and they both drew a LOT attention wherever they went. That might have been an advantage for you. Love the videos. They are really interesting and informative.
Thank you for commenting, RJ. Your experience echoes many of the conversations that I have had with other foreigners while living there. I am laughing just thinking about the first time I bought a rice ball and try to figure out how to open the package. 😆 Glad you are liking the videos and much more to come!
Yes, you should do more (in my humble opinion). I too have found the Japanese people really pleasant, well mannered and generous. What a beautiful country, wish I had spent more time there. I also found it curious how much reverence they place on fruit, it's amazing anyone can afford it. Great vlog, Thank you!
Thank you, Brenda! Ah yes - I want to go back now that I looked at all of my old clips and reminisced. Such a dynamic, interesting, and beautiful country... 🌸
I've been there 5 times since 2007, either for 2 week jaunts or staying for a month at a time (3 times). When I'm there for a month I rent one of the foreigner apartments from Sakura House in Tokyo, which are month-to-month apartments exclusively for foreigners, usually students or business people on short assignments. They're basically the same kind of apartments that Japanese live in, there are mostly the same rules for living there that you have to follow (sorting trash, noise limits, etc.) that everyone in the neighborhood follow, and it's a nice way to save money since you're not paying for the conveniences of a hotel. Having a place to stay also lets you spend time in places like local parks, shrine/temple grounds, going to restaurants and bars within walking distance, and going shopping for necessities at local shops (100¥ stores are key!). I saved a lot of money buying food at the local supermarket in my neighborhood, and eating out at the places like Yoshinoya and Matsuya, where you could get a big meal for 600-800 yen. Of course, it helps that I've been studying Japanese for some years, so I could read menus etc.
I do like a lot of your list, a few things I had no experience with, I'm probably twice your age so I don't date or go clubbing, but you are spot on about the cleanliness, quiet, safety, and friendliness, especially outside of Tokyo, and if you make an effort to speak any Japanese especially the politeness words (please, thank you, excuse me, sorry) that you should know whatever country you're visiting. I love visiting Japan, and I have one more big trip I want to take before I retire and no longer have "traveling money", which I'm hoping to do in Spring of '22, during cherry blossom time. I went once during that time, and it was fantastic!
Anyway, thanks for making this video, and keep up the good work! がんばって！
Thanks Captain Nerd! (Great name, btw) Thank you for the tips and make sure to check out my cherry blossom guide before your next trip! ruclips.net/video/P182LtFPmBY/видео.html
Never had an interest in visiting Japan but your video has opened my eyes. Now, it’s on my to go list!
Great to hear that, Susan! It's a majestic place to visit
I spent 7+ months in Japan back in the 1980s, and the friendliness and hospitallity was unreal. It was a great experience. I don't recall the convenience store culture then, but the yen rate THEN was 252 to a u.s. dollar, so it was a very affordable place to eat in restaurants.
1980's Japan had to be pretty epic
@Daenack Dranils -wrong.
@Daenack Dranils - I see, so it is only YOU that can read their “passive-aggressive” minds.
@Daenack Dranils - your mom's basement must be a dreary, dreary place.
@Daenack Dranils “Tell me you’ve never been to Japan without saying you’ve never been to Japan.” 😅🤜
Japan is such a clean and beautiful country. My oldest daughter has lived in Nara for 5 years. I spent ten days there in 2016. No where near enough time. But loved every moment of it.
So clean! Nara would be a really cool place to live :)
There is a similar experience with a laptop in Korea.
A friend lost the laptop and then she realized she left it in the bus.
She called the company and they notified the whole network of bus drivers asking if they had a laptop in their bus, once they found it they notified her to wait at the same bus stop she got off.
A bus arrived and the driver told her: ah it is you!, wait for the next bus, he got your laptop!
Wow - LOVE that story!
Love Japan, this video has good content and bring me find memories of Japan
Thanks so much Tito. That makes me happy 😊
I've been to Japan once and I had a really REALLY hard time leaving it after only 2 weeks of Tokyo and Osaka. I can totally confirm a lot of the things you've said in this video, although communication was a bit easier for me because I was intermediate in Japanese, so that helped a lot. I WANT TO GO BACK SO BADLY!!!!
I hope so too! Missing Japan. Glad you resonated with my content Jugglejunk! Thanks for watching!
Excellent and spot on conclusions and observations... It was also executed and produced extremely well - many thanks! ✌️
Glad you enjoyed it Xavier. Appreciate the kind words, thank you! 😊
I've had so many trips to Japan, but back in the 70s, that this brief documentary brought tears to my eyes. I love that country, I love the people, I loved the cuisine, and I miss it with all my heart. Of course there were no 7-Elevens back then, no MacDonalds, and we used to visit Kay's Bathhouse that also had a gym with all the modern equipment you could want to use. (This was near Yokota where space wasn't so limited). Use of the gym came with the reasonable price of the bath but of course you know, the American dollar was king back in those days. I recall that there was an exchange rate of 360 yen to the dollar. Anyway, the only thing that I wasn't absolutely enamored of was the weather, humid hot in summers, icy cold winters. I learned a bit of Japanese and have actually retained it. Domo arigato, Kristin-san.
So glad you enjoyed the video! and thanks for sharing your experiences! 😊
Please do more videos like this. It was very informative. Thank you
Will do! Ty for the comment!
8:25 To me Kristin, that was the same message from the documentary film "Jiro dreams of Sushi". It was about a life-long dedication to perfecting your craft even though you probably will never achieve perfection. It was about the discipline to want to.
I haven’t watched Jiro yet somehow but I literally just emailed the creators of that doc last week (also the same people who make Chef’s Table). Funny coincidence! I will watch it tonight 😊
@@TravelingwithKristin yea, it is an excellent documentary!
Great video! Having traveled extensively in Japan, totally agree with your astute observations.
Thanks Max; glad you had similar observations! Where else have you traveled?
I lived in Japan and have always loved it...I lived there for 4 years as a child and later 4 years as an adult
How lucky!
How did you get to live there for so long as an adult? Just curious. I would love to experience the county at least for a year. I would like to know how you made it happen.
I was going to pass on this one but decided to look at it. I am glad I did. I had no idea what a lovely country Japan is. One of my dear friends lives there. To see how dedicated they are to just making a cup of coffee or tea really impressed me. The kindness they showed wsa incredible.
I see u leveling up ur editing 👍
Trying!! Thanks for noticing! 😀💖
been binge watching your videos... back-tracking.
One thing I appreciate is the "disinterested" position of your narration. It has a neutral tone, it's not judgemental and, definitely not antagonistic.
Thanks for the content. Still got lots more to watch.
Wish us all well and safe.
oh wow Thank for binge-watching my video Rufo! Appreciate it. Glad you enjoy them. Stay safe! 😊
You look so beautiful in a Kimono, pls continue to do more videos like this. Xx
Oh thank you! I had a lot of fun dressing up
Hi Kristen! I was in Japan with my daughter for a month this past December. My favorite convenient store is also Lawsons!! Yess. I was in Yokosuka for a night and forgot my contact lens case and Lawsons had a travel size case with solution in plastic for 300 yen. It was the coolest thing ever. And yesss Japan was sooo expensive so I shopped there for food a lot. Thank you for this video! Love it!!!
I love it! Thank you for sharing :D
@@TravelingwithKristin Lawsons are great, if you can find them. When they're not around (which is often) 7/11s are everywhere, and actually the food is not bad, for the price.
I have never been to Japan myself but my cousin has and she was so impressed she couldn't say enough good things about her visit. I guess that corroborates your experience
Great to hear! I was so surprised that I fell in love with the country so much
Sami Elkhayri -- (I'm guessing that Sami is feminine?) A woman, unaccompanied, can walk down a street in Tokyo and feel totally safe. Of where else in the world can one say that?
P.S. (I meant to say "at midnight". oops)
Sorry to disappoint. I am, regrettably, male. :) However, your point is absolutely valid. Although, I must say that I have walked down an almost empty street in downtown Toronto (which is Canada's biggest city) past midnight and felt absolutely at ease. In comparison, I went to Pittsburgh in 2013 for a 4-day course at CMU and was quite shocked to hear that it is not recommended to be outdoors past 10 pm because the roads become unsafe at that point. I have been in Canada more than 30 years and have never been told not to walk on the streets at any time during the day or night. It appears that many forms of violence are particular to the US and the proliferation of guns makes US streets that much more dangerous for both men and women.
@@samielkhayri9272 -- In strict gun law'd cities like Chicago, and other places, violent crimes have flourished. Guns have nothing to with crime, either causing it nor preventing it, in my view, and in many others' view. I strongly support the 2nd amendment, and if we're ever invaded by foreigners (and I'm not thinking Russians) you'll see how important those firearms ARE. Our founders didn't give us the 2nd amendment to go out and freely shoot deer. I believe that the crime in this country is prevalent due to being so multi-cultural. Gangs and what have you. In addition, we have a less than desirable court system when it comes to breeding law and order. A criminal gets a very short incarceration and then they're back on the street. Many thanks for the reply, however.
This was really awesome and entertaining! Please do more of these 🙏 So fun and informative. I loved it 💯
Awesome! Thanks Jsh! It was fun to reflect on my time there. So glad you liked it
My wife is 1/2 Japanese, 1/2 Irish. She handmade our widgets for 27 years. Year 15 she commented, I just learned a trick else about making these today.
That's great to hear! Thanks for sharing!
This was super informative! Thank you for putting together
You’re welcome Eric! Glad you liked it!
These are very positive comments and experiences. I share some of them, having lived in Osaka for two years in the 90s. But while the country is safe and convenient and highly efficient, it is also claustrophobic, both physically and socially. I never got used to that pressure in my gut and on my face. Sure, that's a minor issue given all the things that being an expat anywhere can involve. The public-private division is very strong, so I was relieved to find on those rare occasions how much more casual and friendly, if still overly harmonious and "happy," a private dinner party could be. Out on the street or in a train station or when passing someone I knew in a shotengai, acquaintances would be distant, and I never got used to that. It's a very conformist, "group" culture, so individual initiative and creativity aren't rewarded or encouraged. Sexually it was a rather permissive place, though the love hotels weren't acknowledged as such. And they drink and smoke like addicts.
Yes, as Kristin notes, the value in aesthetics is apparent in everything from coffee making and smart dress to zen gardens and the careful packaging of any glass container one might buy at the market. People could be very helpful in certain situations, but I also found them very standoffish and aloof in others.
About exercise or working out, I joined a club that had an indoor lap pool, courts, weights, and so on. More than once I was one of eleven people in a single lane, everyone taking turns, no one talking, not even when they skipped another swimmer, except to say, after careful deliberation, "sumimasen."
One of my favorite places to visit were the newspaper kiosk at the train station and the small noodle shops, like taco stands, near the train tracks in the suburbs. In both cases, older Japanese women did the work, and they were so casual and warm and what we might call "natural" in the west. Someone explained to me that they were free of kids and traditional duties, so in a way they didn't have a role to play. I'd order my wakamae-tamago soba, sprinkle seasoning on it, and let it warm me on cold winter days as I stood--no stools. I had my favorite sushi place, too, where I loved drinking warm sake while eating one kind of sushi after another.
The entire Kansai area was home to 25 million people, so I had to travel a bit to finally reach the edge of development and beyond, but yes, the forests were well taken care of, and the beaches could be beautiful.
Such an insightful comment, Andrew. Thank you for sharing about your experience. Super interesting and I'm sure helpful for many people who are planning to travel or move to Japan in the future
I definitely think you should make more of these type of videos! I really enjoyed watching and learning about Japan. Thanks for a great 👍 video!
Thank you, Lucy! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and learned a lot about Japan. Planning on making more videos such as this soon so stay tuned. 😊
As a fellow expat American who had lived and worked in half a dozen countries and traveled to many more, I love your videos (except perhaps that annoying karate background sounds in the Japanese videos whenever there's a topic change, which I think should be edited out so as not to cause any unfortunate misunderstanding with respect to unintentionally promoting Asian stereotypes. Other people might not notice it but Asians in the US, Canada, Au-NZ, Korea, HK, Singapore are very media savvy, especially during this sensitive time when Asians are being increasingly targeted with hate crimes in the US!) which are informative, entertaining and totally spot on! I lived in Asakusa (famous for its ancient temples) area of Tokyo more about two years and love it. Prices are indeed very high according to Mercer and real life. Food in Tokyo can be not bad if you shop and eat local foods--local markets especially away from the city center. A lunch bento box averages around $5. Some veggies like cabbages, sakis and fishes can be reasonable. Real estate is crazy expensive, measured by a tatami length. Japanese are very polite like you mentioned, although by strong cultural conformity. My girlfriend once dropped a small luggage atop an escalator where it rolls down to the bottom and stuck there. Nobody at the bottom going up bother to turn it upright like a considerate average American would. While Tokyo is a cosmopolitan international city with diverse people, xenophobia--in a passive-aggressive way--can lurk just beneath the surface. Signs forbidden foreign patronage are not uncommon in certain hospitality venues. Still, the positives (friendly people, safety, cleanliness) far out weight any drawbacks.
Hi Sonny, thank you for the thoughtful reflection and tips from your years living in Japan and traveling abroad; very insightful. I'm sorry if you interpreted the sound design as insensitive. Since I didn't use a soundtrack or background music in this video, I wanted to make it more engaging with sound effects and boosting the natural audio on certain clips to provide more texture in each scene. Creation is all about experimentation but I will take your comments into consideration for future videos. Thank you
The production values of your videos are top tier.
Thank you so much, Dave! I try :)
Hi ! Great video ! I’m not at all surprised by anything in this video. While I’ve never been to Japan, I’m a very long term resident of its near neighbor., Taiwan. I don’t know if you’ve ever been here , but there are a lot of similarities. Taiwan has a huge Japanese influence. It was a colony of Japan for over 50 years. Many Taiwanese people feel a close affinity to Japan and much of what you say about Japan is true in Taiwan too. Taiwan is similar, but perhaps a little less clean and a bit more chaotic. The convenience stores are the same though. My favorite is 7/11 , but Family Mart is great too. Some 7/11s even serve draught beer now !
Thanks Ostevo! I really need to go to Taiwan! Maybe later this year? PS: Draught beer?! Wow! That’s awesome 🍻
Just stumbled on your videos, first with your video on Costa Rica, and now this. You know what, I'm glad I did. You're information is balance in light of stereo typical observations. Salute!
Awesome! Thank you! Glad you liked my content and appreciate the kind words.
I have actually been to Japan three times: the first time was three months (2016) in Tokyo for a culture and Japanese language learning trip. The Second time was for two weeks (2016) where I travelled around with a good friend of mine we spent time in Nara and Kyoto but mainly stayed in Tokyo. The third time is now I started living here in early 2020. In 2020 I attended Japanese Language school for 1 year (April 2020 to March 2021) and then I decided I wanted to work as an ALT I'm mainly in Chiba. The Pandemic has been pretty hard though. I also have conversation level Japanese and can read Basic Kanji (as well as Hiragana and Katakana).
1 Nice People: I have experienced this alot. Part of Japanese culture is making sure that everyone stays calm and has a pleasant time. I apparently attract Cute Little old Ladies who talk to me the most. But I do love not having to deal with the rude and petty people (I know not everyone is like this, my family and close friends are quite chill, but then again I did alot of Customer service work in the US) I have come across in the US. But then again alot of things are choreographed and Japanese people aren't really blunt for the most part.
2 Quiet and Clean: I Love this, I do tend to go out to parks just to sit and relax.
3 The Food Culture: I don't go to many restaurants, but the ones I have they do treat the food with respect. Also Japan's grocery store produce is really high quality (although I have no counter space in my 18sqm apartment so I don't get to prepare better meals for myself which is really annoying). Japan also uses alot of seasonal foods and gets their produce locally. I'm currently living in Chiba in an area that has farms surrounding it. So I usually get pretty good prices when it comes to produce.
SO MUCH PACKAGING!
In my city, they have intensive trash separation procedures and plastics have their own separation because my city recycles the plastics.
4 Convenience store: Uh, yep, that is all LOL
5 Unhealthy food: There is quite a bit of this I agree. But I think people are not Obese here because they walk or Bike to most places. Some people do use cars still but I mostly see them Biking or walking around.
6 Slow Internet: When I was in Japan the first time this was true but in 2020-2021 they seemed to have improved this and several places, including the trains do have public Wifi now.
7 Expensive: Tokyo itself is pretty expensive but if you move outside of Tokyo (Like I'm living in Chiba at the moment), you will find things to be a bit more decently priced.
Expensive fruits: There is a gift giving culture in Japan and fruits in super nice packaging are only meant to be given as gifts. I have seen both the expensive options and the non expensive options in my local grocery store. Although fancy packaging will put those strawberries up to 7 or 8 dollars, you can still get them for 2 dollars as well.
Japan places a lot of importance on seasonal foods so if a food is in season it will be less expensive, but if its out of season it will be more expensive and harder to find.
8 Nature: This is literally my favorite thing about Japan. It's what I find myself taking pictures of alot because Nature is just so amazing and it should be appreciated.
9 Humor: Now this one was a bit harder for me to grasp at first, but once I did I agree it's pretty awesome.
10 Work Hard Play Hard: I do see this alot. Although the company I work for is strict about not overworking their employees (I have to start at 8:30 and end by 16:15 five days a week. They don't make you work weekends.
Nightclubs: I have some sensory issues so I try to avoid these. I have only been to 1 and it was back in 2016 with some friends but they do go all out with the music and lights. One of my friends noticed this and brought me out when I started to have sensory overload. He calmed me down and we went to a nearby bar where there weren't many others. I still feel bad for it happening.
11 Social and Dating Scene: I actually don't really experience much of this, I don't go out much haha (Introvert Life). I'm also Asexual and don't want to give someone I'm with the wrong idea (asexuality is only 1% of the human population).
12 Few Exercise and workout classes: I tend to see most people exercising outside in parks rather than gyms. I do live above a gym but I looked at the prices and going to the gym here is pretty expensive.
13 Safety: After Nature Safety is my second favorite thing in Japan. I love being able to walk around without worrying about being mugged or attacked by anyone (I am also a solo female traveler). I will sometimes go to a Convenience store at 10 or 11 at night to get what I need and I feel safe walking down my City's streets. This safety doesn't just include in the cities and towns but also out an about, I love finding adventures off the beaten path and just going places where not many people are, and I still feel safe.
I do agree with a lot of things you have said and it sounds like you had a great experience for only being in Japan for 3 months!
Hello, Chris, and wow! Thank you for providing your perspective on all of the topics I discussed. I sincerely appreciate it, and I'm glad you liked what I had to say. You seem to enjoy living in Japan as well! I hope everything is going well for you and that you keep safe! 😊
Thanks for the Tokyo Cheapo mention! Amazing that it's been 3 years already. Japan hasn't had it nearly as hard as some other countries, but living in Tokyo during COVID is a whole lot duller. Take out all the going to bars and meeting new people. Also no events or festivals. Hopefully it will return to something like you experienced over the next year.
Hi Greg! You are most welcome! Love you guys and I can’t believe it’s been three years. 😭😭😭 I am having major withdrawal of this time in my life that I spent in Japan. It was so magical. Thanks for filling us in on what life is like right now. It’s really sad how much things have shut down around the world. Life is weird right now... I can’t wait to get through this time and get back to Japan someday soon!
I'm also living in Japan during this Pandemic, I wish I could have attended the events and festivals.
free WIFI is at government bldgs, in front of COMBINI( convenient stores) and metros. Also, fast food restaurants offer free WIFI everywhere, usually 30 minuts log in , max 3 to 5 times a day.
Thank you! Yes, what's the deal with the 30-min login time? I'm usually working for 2-4 hours at a time
I just discovered your channel tonight and have been enjoying it very much. Excellent videos and commentaries! I have already learned a lot. Thank you.
So great to hear! Welcome welcome 😊
Also, regarding exercise, I have friends that live there now (american man, japanese woman) and every morning their neighborhood has a calisthenics and community exercise program. It is extremely well atteneded in their neighborhood, so maybe gyms seem superfulous to a lot of the populace?
They do seem to do a lot of exercise outside and in groups
Was so awaiting your upload.
I'm first here❤
Thanks Andre!
Watching how polite they are almost made me want to cry. I would love to go to Japan but the cost scares me. I definitely would not choose Tokyo though. Well maybe just to visit, but not to live. I think a more northern city/island would be my choice. Just thought it is incredibly beautiful and friendly. I could live on Sushi, yum 😋
100% on the people and beautiful country!
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video. I lived in Tokyo from 1985 to 1990 and had the time of my life. I still miss it badly and hope to go back one day. Their culture is fascinating and Tokyo is full of fun and interesting things to do. You mentioned the safety factor, and there were many times I walked home alone from the train station after midnight, down narrow streets to my tiny third floor walkup apartment in Nishi Koyama, and never once had to worry about being attacked. Home Sweet Tokyo, indeed.
Coming from Japan and currently living in Germany, you forget about customer service in Germany because it literally doesn't exist 😂 it does exist but it's not the same. You are pretty much on your own 😂 I miss the quality of everything from Japan
I love Germany, too! ;)
One Of The Best Countries To Live, My Wife & I Visit Her Family Once Or Twice A Year & Spend Weeks There. If Your Military Or Retired Military Or Know Someone Have Them Escort You Inside
The Newsanno Hotel It's A 5 Star And Has Everything From Sauna To Swimming Pools, Restaurants, Jewelry Store, Bank Of America, Slot Machines Like Vegas And So Much More And A Tour Desk To Book Your Trips While Visiting Japan. Amazing Country. Happy For You Kristen
Oh wow thanks for sharing all those information! Wil def try that next time. 😊
Spent a month in Tokyo last century. Travelled a bit eg Fuji. Japan is definitely different.
Such a unique place! haha "last century" ;)
I visited Japan to late in life.. 2018 and 2019.. For a month each time.. Travelled ALLLL around by train, stayed in hostels and hotels. Ate soooo many wonderful things, saw so many wonderful things, and met so many wonderful people. Can't wait to go back again one day..
We were probably there at the same time! I miss it, too...
There are gyms that only allow japanese and no one else. As well as some restaurants. Also you have to remove your own shoes and wear theirs 😂😂 to TRAIN! That was the weirdest thing ever for me... but overall it’s my most fav country in the world!
Yeah the gyms discriminate a lot! And yeah I forgot to mention the slippers everywhere or changing shoes 😂 very clean!
Great video! As Japanese, I'm happy that you kicked off this new series with Japan!
Woohoo! Ok more to come :)
The "Family" restaurants (i.e. Jonathans, Gusto, Denny's) are pretty good places to eat cheap and healthier, especially if you have kids in tow. Their menu's typically list the kcals and macros for each item. Clean, efficient, free parking. Lived all over the world. Japan is by far my favorite.
Thanks for the tips!
I am fooling around in my room, listening to you & seeing your site while I am putting things in order.
Love it, Sandy!
I'm currently waiting to move to Japan, so of course I had to watch this video ;) I have a similar umbrella story where I accidentally left my umbrella at the service window at the train station, but was running late so I didn't have time to go back and get it. It turns out I didn't have to, however, as the station attendant literally ran off to find me where I was getting on the train just to give it back to me. Almost seven years later, I still have the umbrella.
Oh my gosh I love that story!! Yes! ☀️☂️
Enjoy your video, interesting culture Japan.
Thank you, Roberta! Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice video Kristin! 🙌 My wife and I are in our early 50's. We've never been to Japan but my wife has always been intrigued by the culture. If we were to consider retiring in Japan, what places would you suggest? Spoiler alert: you'll probably see this same question on your other videos since the idea of retiring in other countries intrigues us! 😁 Many thanks! Stay safe.
Thanks Roderick! Perfect; that’s what I’m here for! I spent most of my time in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kiyoto, and Hiroshima but there is much more to explore. I heard Osaka is the most or one of the most affordable cities and a lot of people like Okinawa in the south. There are also a lot of very small towns and villages that would be great to explore
I was surprised by the contrast between traditional cuisine and tea ceremonies as opposed to fast food consumption and convenience stores like 7-11. The amount of sugar and vegetable oils wasn't something I'd expect of Japan. Great video. Love the information.
Great to hear that, Tomas!
Have lived in Japan for 15 years, have no plans to return to the US, especially in the current climate and the lingering effects of Trumposis. The amount of wrapping and plastic IS worrisome, but there is nothing you can do about it, so I've learned to let it go and just enjoy and be grateful for what's inside it all. I think a lot of your "downsides" are related to the fact that you weren't really living there, so everything was like a big candy store, hence the partying, overeating, 8$ strawberries, and over-consumption because there is a LOT of stuff to spend money on that you don't really need but want. Tokyo can vacuum ¥ out of you if you have little self-control. Japan is a country of contrasts and contradictions that can be baffling and entertaining. Lastly, stuff works here, e.g. trains arrive on the minute, vending machines deliver, stores open EXACTLY at the stated time, etc.
Thanks for the feedback! yes I'm sure my perspective would have changed after a few years. Life is interesting
1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ?
2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, scenery/landscape, quality of life etc.) from a scale level of 1 to 10 ?
3) If you have 3 or more words to describe Japan, what would it be ?
Hi Kristin, thanks for producing this. It was very insightful, and how ironic your stay was due to a skiing accident.
So glad you liked it! This was one of my favorite videos to make so far 😊
I left my wallet in the train in Japan and the people in charge got it back for me :)
I love to hear that!!! Only in Japan, right?! Amazing
way to go Ace... haha I enjoyed the irony of saying that ;p
Workers are paid regular bonuses in cash, and these days are known in advance, when employers carry large amounts of cash to work. Almost no robberies, though. And you can send cash through the mail without incident.
This video was great! Thank you.
"Eating ramen noodles at 9AM before getting home from a club" - whaa? interesting clubs are open all night till late in the morning.
Trains in Tokyo stop around midnight and cabs are expensive. So people hang out at the club until trains start up again.
I heard people party all night in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. When we asked the other employees if we could go there, they pretty much discouraged us. Apparently, it is kind of nuts there. I have heard that people sometimes just pass out on the sidewalk, and sleep there until morning. There are also these weird “hotels” where you can rent a bed in what is essentially a large drawer (like in a morgue) so you can cheaply sleep overnight. I never saw any of this personally. As I said, our hosts didn’t want to go.
It's so fun 😆
Yep I saw some people sleeping outside.
Good point on the trains and taxis
I, as Japanese, admit that the internet in Japan is expensive but regarding restaurants, the restaurants in Japan are way cheaper than the ones in USA and Canada because we do not tip at the restaurants in Japan. Anyways, thank you for coming to Japan. Hope that you would come back again someday!
Very true! Thanks for watching and for sharing KM! For sure, will come back someday! 😊
Yes! Your videography seems to be really good - love your imaginative shot of you standing still, alone, in a "sea" of people crossing the streets in Tokyo! Other great shots!! Keep up the great work - and keep having fun!
All the Best, Through the New Year - 2022!
Thank you so much for the compliments and kind words Meredith! I will surely do. Glad to know you are enjoyed the video! All the best to you too! 😊🙌
Yes, please make more of these videos! It’s super interesting ☺️
Yay; I loved making this one 😊 Norway is next I think!
The ironic thing about Lawson's is that it started on Northeast Ohio but has completely disappeared from the US. It is now only in Japan!
I did not know that
Your videos are excellent. I'm pleased about my discovery of this channel.
Thank you, Robert! I’m please that you’re here!
Congrats on 50K Kristen, I love your channel😍
Thanks so much, Vasi!! 💓💓