**DON'T FORGET JOURNEY ACROSS JAPAN KICKS OFF ON DECEMBER 1ST!** Well guys, I'm delighted to FINALLY release this video after 10 years, given it's been our most requested video topic. We’ve been working on this massive, epic episode of Abroad in Japan for the whole month now. It’s been a huge undertaking filming across Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kamakura, Yokohama and Nara. But I hope you enjoy the video and are able to get a ton of ideas for YOUR trip to Japan. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to show us your support and if it does well, we’ll produce more itinerary videos in 2024! (Special thanks to Natsuki and Sharla for joining!)
If you`d like to save this guide in a quick notes sheet - Stay in Asakusa - historical district ( 1-2 days explore askusa ueno and akihabara) Day 3. Kamakura (Kyoto of East Japan) Kamakura daibutsu (43 ft buddha statue) Hokokuji Temple (temple with stunning bamboo forest) Komachi dori (bustling shopping street - try Giraffa curry bread) Yokohama ( second largest city) Minato Mirai Harbor ( Futuristic Waterfront district) CupNoodles Museum Chinatown ( the largest in the world) Day 4-5 Kanazawa (A town nestled in the mountains, a golden city, that wasn`t bombed or hit by natural disasters) Kazue Machi Chaya Tea District Omicho Market ( try unagi grilled eel ) Nagamachi Samurai Distrcit Matcha desserts Higashi Chaya-gai Geisha District Stay in a Machiya town house try gold leaf ice cream Kenrouken garden Kirari sushi (conveyer. very good quality of fish and price) Day 6 Shirakawago village (very beautiful mountain village) try their pudding in a glass jar Day 6-7 Takayama (Mountain city, Chris`s favorite town) Take in the views over the Miyagawa River Stroll around Takayama old town Try the many Hida beed street foods Takayama Showa-kan Museum Stop for tea at Bagpipe Hida Fold Village (if you skipped shirakawago) Dat 8-9 Kyoto The best stay is Higashyama (stay in Kyomachiya - a traditional Kyoto wooden townhouse) Fushimi Inari Taisha ( ancient shrine famed for its thousand of tori gates) Tempura endo yasaka (serving cripsy golden tempura battered dishes) Arashiyama Scenic Mountain District Sagano Bamboo Grove ( walkable 24 hours of a day for free Tenryuji temple (Zen Buddhist temple originally constructed in 1339) Kinkakuji (golden pavilion. zen temple originally home to 14th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu) Wasaka Pagoda (five storey pagoda dating back to 1408) Kiyomizudera temple (one of Kyoto`s most celebrated temples founded in 780) Pontocho Alley (atmospheric narrow alley packed with restaurants) Nara is 45 minutes from Kyoto by train (ancient capital) Nara Park (with deer) Tomogi Mochi (rice cake flavored with Japanese mugwort leaves) Todaiji Temple (eastern great temple originally founded in the 8th century) Kasiga Taisha (Nara`s most celebrated Shinto shrine) Day 10-11 Osaka (Japan`s nightlife capital) Dotonbori (downtown Osaka) Takoyaki (Osaka's beloved battered octopus balls) Osaka Castle ( epic in scale and completed construction in 1597) Shinsekai (retro district built in the 1920s) (try kushikatsu - deep fried skewers - fish meat , veggies) Day 12 Hakone ( hot springs) Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and kanseki (traditional multi-course dinner) Kashikiri (reserved private bath) Owakudani (the great boiling valley) Hakone shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi Day 13-14 Tokyo again (Kabukicho, Shinjuku) Omoide yokocho (maze of narrow alleyways crammed with 60+ bars and restaurants) Shibuya How to experience Tokyo: Stay in a capsule hotel’ Stay in a love hotel Karaoke Mori Tower Game Center Odaiba Ginza ( souvenir shopping) Ueno park, shinjuku park Go retro second-hand shopping Eat some ramen (Ichiran, Ippudo, or just a random family-run ramen shop)
One thing I’d recommend for Kanazawa is the Myoryu-ji Temple which has a very cool tour and shows some of the Maeda clan undercutting the shogun’s rules
Fully agree, last time I visited Shirakawago I didn't get the chance to visit and explore Takayama, but after seeing this vid I'd love to come back there. Btw what's the name of the wagyu food stall in the video?
the first time I went to japan I was 18, and I spent 2 weeks there with some other high schoolers on a program for teenagers. It was awesome. The second time I went I was 19 and spent 2 weeks there but brought my family so my mom could meet her brother living there. She hadn't seen him for over 35 years. It was also Awesome. The Third time I went I was 20, and I spent 2 months there backpacking with my close friend from Canada from Hokkaido to Hiroshima. This is without a doubt the best experience of my life, and it has forever shaped who I am as a person. I want go back but, after spending two months there I couldn't imagine spending any less time. I want to take my boyfriend there and we are both poor college students so I will use this with the knowledge I gained from visiting there to create an itinerary for us. I can highly recommend this video to anyone trying to plan a trip to Japan. P.S. DONT SKIP THE COUNTRY SIDE. it'd be a shame if your only experience with Japan was Tokyo. My personal favorite spots were Noboribetsu in Hokkaido (hot spring town), Karuizawa in Nagano(mountain resort town) and, Tōno in Iwate(my favorite place for small town immersion, Very nice locals!).
Been watching this channel for about 8 years. Finally went on my dream trip to Japan and a week after I get back Chris finally decides to drop an itinerary video
I love that you included the history behind each of these places and put it into context with the history of the other places mentioned! So many tourism videos/articles are just like “go to this place because it’s cool” with no explanation on why it’s culturally significant. Great video as always, Chris!
Thanks for your video. Just did my first visit to Japan. Tokyo, Gora, Kyoto, Hiroshima and last Osaka. And I LOVE Osaka. What a city!!! I stayed just in the middle of it all. Not my last time in Japan.
Chris is RIGHT on the money about starting in Asakusa. My family just got back from a month long trip to Japan and Asakusa was a perfect place as the train stations in the area are relaxed and easy to learn your bearings in as you prepare for dealing with larger stations and more hustle and bustle. It was beautiful and I loved our trip!
I come from a city with a major public transport system, and while I had little issue getting around Tokyo, I can def see people having issues if they're not used to that sort of thing.
@@cooljammer00 yeah I'm totally speaking from the perspective of someone who doesnt navigate public transit a lot. I've done busses in Seattle years ago but a subway system in a city like Tokyo was radically different for me and required a level of comfort before being very successful/not being wildly stressed at stations like the Tokyo station or Shibuya.
One place that is CRIMINALLY underrated its Enoshima, the island village aesthetic, while the mainland gave me like a 70s miami vibe but nicer. Ichinomiya while not having a lot going on, its a very calm countryside style to it with very friendly people.
I would agree it has parts that can be a tourist trap, especially some of the spas and partnering stores, but eating some pie near the botanical garden before heading off to explore some of the educational aspects like local ruins or visiting the art gallery there was one of the most relaxing experiences I've had in years when I visited and I barely spent any money at all for my partner and I. Though if someone wanted to spend some money and not do the standard tourist thing, they've got a great sailboat club nearby to learn or help out if one wanted to travel Japan via sailing.
I visited the island a few months back and it felt quite artificial and touristy. On the other hand, the pier and Enoshima beach were great for sitting down to relax with a beer in hand, while the sun set behind Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Thanks! We are leaving for Japan TONIGHT, and I basically copied your itinerary with adding a few extra stops/days for our 19 days.❤❤❤you are awesome!!!
Brother Chris, this video was an inspiration for a 17 day journey to Japan, just like you laid it out in the video. We are in the middle of our trip now with a day trip in Nagoya, making our way to Kyoto later tonight and so much more to go. My wife and I send you a million thanks and many blessings.
Staggering production, to be honest. Better quality than the travel shows we get here, in the UK. Stunning cinematography, image quality, editing, and of course content.... the presenter / narrator isn't bad, either. Quite affable! Great quality audio also. The Japanese Tourist Board should pay Chris a nice little bundle for this. Makes me want to visit Japan more than ever! (and I've always wanted to go, but, being physically disabled I'm not sure how I'd manage. Maybe Chris could pay me to fly over and do a video about how a physically disabled tourist manages in Japan!) ;p Really great video, as interesting as it is stunning. Roll on Journey Across Japan! It's amazing how far RUclips content has come!
Even tho this video is only a few hours old it is by far my favorite video of yours. Not only for the premise itself (a very useful one for a channel like yours) but for everything else too. This video in my opinion represents every single aspect of how far you've improved as a youtuber. The camera work is fantastic. The shots are dynamic and sleek. They never get too boring or overstay their welcome. The production is astonishing. The editing is incredible. The music selection is perfect. The narration is solid, giving every single important detail to each location and what's great about it and it's filled with personality. This is by far the best travel guide to Japan that i've ever seen. Your years of experience in that country really shows since you talk about all kinds of places and foods nobody talks about and isn't at all cliché and avoiding all the tourist traps that aren't worth it. This video is astonishing and it's honestly hard to believe you made it all yourself when big budget hollywood level documentaries don't reach this level of quality. I've been watching your channel for years since the "how to study kanji" video in 2013 (i was 9 when i first saw it) and since then watching the creative explosion of your content in real time is nothing short of astonishing. It's in large part because of you that i made the decision to leave Canada and move myself and my small business to Japan 4 months ago at the age of 19. Japan has always been on my mind since i was a kid when it comes to travel compared to my soulless and crime ridden home town and the ever growing corruption and cost of living in my country seeled the deal for me. I speak conversational Japanese but i still have a long way to go. My biggest struggle is memorizing kanji and i use your system from the video i first watched from you over 10 years later to help. If it wasn't for your channel for getting me interested in Japan and teaching me most of what i know now about the local culture, and Matt Bonder's channel for his incredible and unique system that i use to learn the language and showing me that learning a language like Japanese is not only possible, but can be done from the comfort of my own home and can be fun and engaging, i honestly don't know where i would be in life. Thank you Chris, you changed my life. ❤
Even when I'm not preparing to go to Japan, it is so relaxing and enjoyable to watch your videos and see the beauty and wonder Japan holds. Each prefecture and city is so wonderful in its own way. Thank you for bringing Japan into each one of our hearts.
I couldn’t have said it better, you wrote the exact thing I was thinking and wanted to comment. 😊 it’s so enjoyable being able to see all the Beauty Japan has to offer & learn more about her without even having any plans to go. 😊
Abroad in Japan is the G.O.A.T. He travels himself instead of listing and talking shits that we don't know and maybe the one who is talking also doesn't know. That's why he is so damn real! Appreciate the man.
I visited Japan in May this year for the first time with two of my best friends. I can honestly say it was a trip of a life time, I can't express in words how incredible our 2week were. We started off in Osaka, day tripped to Kyoto then ended our trip in Tokyo. As a 36 year old man who's dreamed of visiting ever since I was a child, I cried on my return flight home (I'm getting emotional now as all the memories come flooding back into my mind lol) as my brain could not comprehend what I just experienced. I definitely will be back :)
Hello. That sounds really awesome. I'm planning to visit there by this Jan with similar cities. Is it possible to share your est cost & itinerary. Thanks a lot.
@@lauchzelot2482 Personally for me, it's everything. It's such a culture shock but in a good way. From loud bustling to quiet old era streets there is something for everyone. I went alone my first time, went on a tour and that was fun but something about going with my friends and showing them Japan was something else.
Chris, please partner with a local tour agency and make this trip available to your fans worldwide 🙏 I love the idea of my first trip to Japan being in the company of other followers from across the world! Also: looking forward to the upcoming series!
Trust me, Japan is a country you can easily do solo or with a friend, even if your japanese isnt existence with google now its easier than ever before.
@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi I agree. I like those translator gizmos in some stores. Simply scan the barcode from an item to get the product details in english displayed for example.
It's really not that difficult to do this stuff on your own with a friend rather than paying extra through an agency. I've done it twice, the first time barely knowing any Japanese, and the second with rudimentary Japanese. Google translate has audio and text translations through your camera on your phone. Pocket Wifi companies even will let you rent a audio translator device as well (though I don't know how they compare to Google). It's one of the easiest times to travel to Japan in history.
@@Steve211UcdhihifvshiI’m planning on going to Japan for 3 weeks soon as well I think I’m finally rdy to go alone, I’ve done my research and the planning and I’m ready to go. All I need is a job that’s my only setback rn.
Was in Japan from the 5th - 17th of November with my friend and I really enjoyed the whole trip from start to finish. I'll definitely be back. It was my first time in Japan and we went to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Hoping to be able to visit again soon.
This is almost the exact itinerary for our honeymoon in 2018 but in reverse, we even did Kanazawa to Takayama via Shirakawago. It's brought back loads of memories watching this video, we can't wait to finally come back in 2024.
I don't know why this one is hard to watch, whether its the knowledge that the weak yen is the closest I'll ever have to affording the trip and yet still can't, or the fact that if I can ever manage one trip, it will be my only trip and this would be that trip. Thanks Chris, Sharla, and everybody else behind the scenes, these videos are the only escape I have from my hell.
Top-tier video. I was looking to spend at least 14 days in Japan when I finally go at some point in the (hopefully) near future. This gives a rock-solid framework to work with. Would LOVE to see a 2nd video like this, either with more cities farther south (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, etc.) or north (though I believe Journey Across Japan will probably cover this pretty well).
Just came back from Japan. Looking forward to going back in the near future. Something about the charms of Japan, mixture of tradition and modern living, great food makes me want to go back again and again!
I just got home from a 30 day trip, went to a few small towns (including one in Tohoku, fell in love with this region). Love Japan and can't wait to visit again.
Chris I cant believe ive been watching your channel for ~10 years now. My girlfriend and I have a 19 day trip planned for April 2024. Flights are booked and this video came at the perfect time. Thank you! Hopefully you do a meet and greet.... that would be incredible.
I'm flying to Japan tomorrow, and while I've had my itinerary planned out for a few months now, this video was great for getting me in the right headspace!
I went to Japan twice, and I'm unreasonably pleased with myself for the fact that I went to all the places in this video on my first try. I just missed Hakone (and the custard pudding when I was in Shirakawago😢). My second trip was this year and I explored other places, but I had to revisit a few (Kamakura is just too stunning to not go back). The highlight of the second trip was the Great Ise Shrine. Fantastic place.
I have been to a lot of those places already as well since I have stayed in Japan for half a year, but since you've been to the Ise Jingu Shrine, what were your favourite places to visit across the two trips? Places that are lesser known maybe?
I've been wanting to go to Japan for over a decade now, and just recently I finally took the plunge and booked something for next year. Lots of things have changed after 2020, and I noticed older videos I'd bookmarked for a future trip were no longer up to date. This couldn't have come at a better time! Thank you!
hey Chris and Shar been watching your videos for years we just got back from our second Japan trip but you always show us more that we cant wait to come visit we have been all around the world but we decide that Japan is our very favorite and we cant wait to come back maybe it has to be annual, go check out Kinosaki Onsen town and Takonohama beach!
This kind of thing is what brought me to you in the first place. Since then I've visited Japan for two weeks with my mom and best friend (one each week) and it was the trip of my lifetime and I can't wait to go back. I can't wait to send to them this video and HOPEFULLY talk them into doing it again. Thank you so much for all your content. It's been a delight.
Chris is RIGHT on the money about starting in Asakusa. My family just got back from a month long trip to Japan and Asakusa was a perfect place as the train stations in the area are relaxed and easy to learn your bearings in as you prepare for dealing with larger stations and more hustle and bustle. It was beautiful and I loved our trip!
@@angelaranda8899 Japan isn’t expensive, it can be if you want it to be, as in there are high end shops, but the exchange rate is excellent and food cheap. As he said Skyliner is cheap (we got return tickets for next March for £400 each). There are hostels which are incredible friendly and cheap. Good luck in your quest to visit. 😊
@@Moonstone-Redux I shall seek it out thank you. We’ve kept ten days free in Tokyo so that we can explore outwards by doing exactly that - as in explore more of the less known places. ☺️
I'm gearing up for a 2 week solo trip to Japan during the summer of my third year in university, and videos like these always help me get ideas for what to do while I'm there. Thanks as always for the great content Chris!
Dude, I too think my favourite city is osaka. I LOVED the atmosphere at night, bustling and energetic. When morning comes, the city is almost dead silent, but still beautiful, it’s truly amazing!
I am literally planning a 2 week vacation currently and just found a Japanese language tutor for my stay. Your timing is LEGENDARY Chris thank you so much for this amazing information
I feel awe and envy reading people's comments about them travelling to Japan. As for me, I'm planning to move to Japan permanently in the next few years. Really enjoying this video Chris!
Chris, take my bow. When I can go back to Japan (I've been twice but surely I'll go back) I will do this trip. Excellent quality production as always, it was great to see Sharla and Natsuki too, and I love that this video is almost an hour - fingers crossed this gets millions of views and likes! Thanks for your excellent work and good luck for your next Journey Across Japan adventures!
Your narration of visiting Japan was like a mini virtual tour! Can't wait to make my own footprints in Japan now. Thanks for sharing your awesome experiences and the delightful itinerary. See you in Tokyo, maybe! 🇯🇵✈🍛🌸
My fiancé and I are getting married next year and we have been thinking about going to Japan for our honeymoon. This video really made me want us to do it even more now! Thank you for making this beautiful and informational video ❤
Cool little detail - at 26:30, Bagpipe was also used as a model for the cafe design in the Anime "Hyouka", with you guys sitting in the same spot as the characters Oreki and Chitanda did in episode 3 of the series.
As someone who has been to Japan on such a trip, going from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, then back to Tokyo, a word of warning to anyone who is thinking of such a trip (and has never been to Japan before): Take a day off to relax. Don't always be on the move. Tokyo itself is 4-5 days easily with its various downtown cores and museums. Folk villages that are in the mountains take a long time to get to by bus, so if your time is limited, don't even bother. Spend a day here and there to visit the onsen and find some local cafe. Enjoy your time at your own pace and do NOT fit too much in it or it will burn you out.
I agree. I went on an 11 days trip and basically got to fit most of what was in this video except Takayama and Shirakawago. Got totally burnt out by the end and after returning home, I don't even know if it was real or a fever dream, lol. Gonna aim for a much relaxed trip on the next one.
Yes. The absolute WORST way to travel. Just pick 3 places and chill. Jesus people try to do everything, surely for the gram, but miss out on just soaking up the surroundings.
Should I reserve ahead a room in Hakone Ryokan (becasue video doesn't say it) or I can just go there and get a room with kanseki for 1 night without much issue?
Congratulations Chris, when you do something well, you do it better than anyone else. Japan should use this as the ultimate promotion for tourism in their country. I can't wait for the next Journey Across Japan. Thank you so much. Cheers, Muffy from Oz. (Australia)
I LOVED this video! I'm starting to plan my first ever Japan trip for next year and this video (and your others) gave me so many ideas. Thanks Chris, love your videos!
I have to say, Chris your videos have inspired me over the past few months. I just got your book shipped to me from the UK this week! Thank you for being my guide on a 2 month journey from Tokyo throughout the Mainland and all the way down to Okinawa. I probably would never imagine a solo trip of a lifetime like this without your channels and friends. Thanks for the courage mate!
Chris, you're a life saver!! 😫😭 I've been planning to go to Japan for 10 years now but I get overwhelmed by all the info online. I don't have a lot of money so I can't book a tour package. And figuring out where to go in Japan by yourself is madness. 😵💫😵 I'll just do your recommended route. Thank you so much for this video. Now I only have to find good hotels and figure out how to take trains.😅 But Finally I'll really get to visit Japan! 😭😭
I’m also planning a similar 14-16 day trip for my wife and I - Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto then back to Tokyo - but I’m also struggling to figure out the best/cheapest/quickest options for train and metro transport. I’m working through the “Man in Seat 61” online article on Japanese rail advice but it’s a bit overwhelming compared to planning a European rail trip. Any advice on this would be much appreciated
I’m actually in Japan right now and watched the video for suggestions on what to do at the weekend. I’m definitely going to check out some of these places in the future!
My daughter moved to Japan to teach (just like you did) and I want to do a tour of the main island when I go to visit her. Thanks for giving me some great ideas to look into. Your videos are so helpful and fun to watch.
I am in Japan atm for 14 days in total. This is my third time. My route is: -4 nights in Osaka (daytrip to Ghibli Park) -1 night in Beppu -2 nights in Fukuoka -3 night in Yokohama (daytrip Hakone, Enoshima/Kamakura) -4 nights in Tokyo (Daytrip to Chichibus night festival, daytrip to kawaguchiko) In a few hours I am continuing my journey and fly from Fukuoka to Tokyo and then go to Yokohama. I LOVE BEPPU. It’s a calm beautiful city. Fukuoka couldn’t really win me over. The next time, I want to visit the Tohoku region.
I'm disabled so money's always tight and I doubt I'd ever be able to go to japan but this video is so beautiful and all the work you put in really shows!
Hey man I just wanted to thank you for your videos … I’m going through a hard time right now and every time I’ve watched one of your videos I felt so much better and ready to go on :) How you managed to set foot in Japan a your evolution there is a really great story and inspiration… I’m glad that you found such good friends like Natsuki etc. and of course your lady :p I found your channel after I visited Japan in April this year and you gave me many ideas, where to go and definitely what to eat there ( nothing beats 7eleven chicken tho XD ) Well all I wanted to say is a THANK YOU from all of my heart 🖤 Cheers from Germany Chris
I went to visit Japan last spring for 5 weeks and actually saw most of the sites in the video…. We had Takayama planned but opted to extend our stay in Osaka (wifey really loved it there!). Me, I’m more of a Tokyo fan. We stayed in Ebisu while in Tokyo and loved the vibe there. I miss it so much! Planning to go back no later than 2025 for the Osaka Expo…
I visited most places during my 1 month stay. I feel so nostalgic and want to go back right away. Japan is just unique in every way. Thanks for the video and the trip down memory lane, Chris!
I have dreamt of visiting Japan since the 4th grade. (28 years ago 😂) ......Our class had a Japanese exchange student her name was Takako. She was the coolest kid on our class & couldn't speak a word of English. She would share her Japanese snacks with me at lunch & I would share my American lunch with her. I still say her food was way better lol.....but I was so fascinated with her & the culture I wanted to learn it all! Thank you for this video...... I hope to be able to travel to Japan soon. I'm positive I won't want to leave. 😊
did a 14 day trip recently in late sept early oct, tokyo osaka nara and kyoto i think i managed both the calm and the crazy of japan and it certainly was the trip of a lifetime
One tip I would give is not to be afraid of getting lost and look for places not initially on your list. While being a bit disappointed by Kinkaku-ji (You can only see the temple from quite far away and the place was terribly overcrowded) we decided to stroll to some random temple just a few minutes away to find out we were literally the only ones there. This was a welcome change to find some peace and serenity in otherwise tourist packed Kyoto. Also a few tips for visitors on a budget: - Night buses can lower the overall accommodation and transport costs - and are more comfortable than their European counterparts (be sure to note it is still less comfortable than a regular bed). - Apparently some changes to the rail pass are going to happen so its hard to give a future proof advice, but consider whether you are going to use the pass for the whole duration and look for alternative - for example there used to be 5 days Kansai pass which was much cheaper than 7 day all Japan one and covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara as well as Iga (a cute town with a castle and a ninja museum) and Himeji with its amazing castle. - In Shinjuku there is a free entry to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observational deck at 200m.
A wonderful video! I shared this on my FB so my friends can all see. I have been to Japan many times and this is a great video to show a step by step ways to enjoy as much as possible in 14 days. Well done!
Went to kanazawa on a two week trip and was so glad we didn't skip it. My trip looked a lot like this video with more days in Osaka taking day trips to Kyoto and Nara and Himeji.
I went to Japan with my family in September. We landed in Fukuoka and started with Hiroshima and Miyajima, followed by Osaka, a day trip to himeji castle and a stay for one night in one of the buddhist temples on Koya-san (Highly recommend that one). Afterwards we travelled to Kyoto. We visited the monkey park and the bamboo forrest and took part in a washi paper and bamboo lantern workshop. Both workshops had very nice hosts but the bamboo lantern workshop definitely was a highlight. We designed our own bamboo lantern and drilled the holes that made up the design manually. The provider of the workshop was very friendly and spoke fluent English not to mention that the workshop was literally in her own back garden. After Kyoto we went to Tokyo by Shinkansen (didn't see Mt. Fuji while passing Hakone because of rain unfortunately) and stayed there for the last few days visiting the major tourist spots before flying back home. 10/10 would visit Japan again.
Just bought yesterday the plane tickets to go to Japan. I cannot express how happy I am to have chosen to go to a lot of places you recomend! This video comes in really handy to polish the itinerary!
First time to Japan. Gotta say, Kamakura was an absolutely amazing recommendation. Exactly as Chris said, Tokyo can be very overwhelming, and taking a day trip to such a serene place was my favourite thing so far!! Spoke with a few wonderful people, explored some of my absolute favourite spots. Thank you so much for this video!!
17:20 During your walk through the samurai district, I just love that cheeful older gentleman saying hello and smiling whilst riding his bike! Brings back memories of the curious and hospitible locals when I spent a month in Japan and a week in Aomori earlier this year.
as someone who is terrified to go to japan alone and looking for a good itinerary, this was amazing! i wasn’t planning on going out of tokyo but this just made me want to stay even longer and explore parts of japan like hiroshima and takayama! thank you for this guide and video!! it was super helpful and beautiful to see such rare sights
I’m going by myself this year for a month in kinda scared but full send baby, if you go during may 20 and June 20 we should hangout and get to know the country together
Kamakura is my mom’s hometown and it’s nice to see you covering this area 🥺 I feel not too many tourists have ever heard of Kamakura or put it in their list when visiting Japan! Although I don’t recommend Kamakura beach 😂 except during the summer when there are food stalls (Kamakura beach is not very picturesque… quite ugly tbh, just convenient. I may be biased since I spent too much time there and there’s other beaches that are much prettier)
We did Osaka on our 2 week trip back in 16. the view of Osaka castle is amazing, but inside is a different story, very brightly lit and honestly touristy (a little too tourist IMO). If you want a fantastic tour of the castles, I highly recommend Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, while it IS a museum, it's not brightly lit except for the displays, and there is no elevator and you have to go up the steep stairs and down them without shoes (the whole experience was fantastic), PLUS Matsumoto is a gorgeous mountain town and I wish we'd stayed there a day or so more to explore the area around it (it's on my list for Japan visit 2.0 someday).
The interior of Osaka Castle has been remodeled to make it accessible to the physically challenged and the elderly, so even the Japanese are divided on the issue... But I understand that a real castle is very difficult for them.
My wife and I were in Japan in 2018 and this brought back a lot of good memories as well as shoes us some of the things we missed out on. Great job Chris!
When in Tokyo I stayed in akihabara.I was easily able to travel around Tokyo from there but for me I enjoyed jumping off the train and taking 40-60 min walks through random areas towards main locations that I wanted to visit! As a tourist there’s so much too see if you decide to cut down your train journeys and choose to walk, you’re easily able to take in your surroundings and explore/enjoy Japan; There tends to be many small locations or shops that draw you in while you explore the city on foot and you end up filling your day with many memories and good times. If you are focused on just getting to your locations as a tourist, the public transport is very easy and helpful but I personally recommend taking the time to just walk around and explore as much as you can, the small simple things that are normal to locals can feel so rewarding and fun to experience as a tourist
I’m finally home from working away and nestled down onto the couch to binge on this new series. I kept this day free just for abroad in Japan. How’s that for a compliment, Chris? Your audience arranges their schedules around your videos 😂
I am thrilled. I visited japan a few weeks ago and although i did not see everything mentioned, I’ve seen a lot. I am more in love with the land, people and culture now than before my trip. And I’ll have to go back, next year in autumn i guess. Thanks for this video, it gave me more inspiration
Me and some friends recently booked plane tickets and planning for a 2024 trip to Japan, and then you bless us with this! As if I haven't already learned plenty tips from you, thank you for always being the #1 help for tips about Japan!!
Don’t think I’ve ever watched an almost hour long RUclips video when it felt only 5 minutes! Beautifully shot, informed and inspiring video! I’m going in 9 years for 3 weeks so cannot wait to see what other recommendations you have by then 😊
Such a fantastic writer. Been a fan for many years. Every script sounds like poetry. The videography and humour are excellent too, but damn, it's the writing that blows me away every time. Thank you, mate. Greetings from Oz.
**DON'T FORGET JOURNEY ACROSS JAPAN KICKS OFF ON DECEMBER 1ST!**
Well guys, I'm delighted to FINALLY release this video after 10 years, given it's been our most requested video topic.
We’ve been working on this massive, epic episode of Abroad in Japan for the whole month now. It’s been a huge undertaking filming across Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kamakura, Yokohama and Nara. But I hope you enjoy the video and are able to get a ton of ideas for YOUR trip to Japan. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to show us your support and if it does well, we’ll produce more itinerary videos in 2024! (Special thanks to Natsuki and Sharla for joining!)
The fun shall commence now...
All the best on your journey across Japan. Thanks for the videos :)
Do a geisha episode
Yeaaaahhhh booooooooooy.........been waiting for this! Best of luck with the next series Chris!
Haven't finished watching yet, but if it's not included, would be cool to at some point in a future video to have a breakdown of what it cost
I'm actually going on a 14 day trip starting Friday next week so believe me when I say I was delighted to see this title 😂✨
Good luck and have fun 🤩
Just booked my 14 day trip last week for next September.
Have a good one bro 😎
Lol im going for 14 days at the end of janurary
that’s some damn good timing 😂
I’m going Fukuoka in April, already visited Okinawa and Tokyo. Can’t wait to go back and have some wagyu
If you`d like to save this guide in a quick notes sheet -
Stay in Asakusa - historical district ( 1-2 days explore askusa ueno and akihabara)
Day 3. Kamakura (Kyoto of East Japan)
Kamakura daibutsu (43 ft buddha statue)
Hokokuji Temple (temple with stunning bamboo forest)
Komachi dori (bustling shopping street - try Giraffa curry bread)
Yokohama ( second largest city)
Minato Mirai Harbor ( Futuristic Waterfront district)
CupNoodles Museum
Chinatown ( the largest in the world)
Day 4-5
Kanazawa (A town nestled in the mountains, a golden city, that wasn`t bombed or hit by natural disasters)
Kazue Machi Chaya Tea District
Omicho Market ( try unagi grilled eel )
Nagamachi Samurai Distrcit
Matcha desserts
Higashi Chaya-gai Geisha District
Stay in a Machiya town house
try gold leaf ice cream
Kenrouken garden
Kirari sushi (conveyer. very good quality of fish and price)
Day 6 Shirakawago village (very beautiful mountain village)
try their pudding in a glass jar
Day 6-7 Takayama (Mountain city, Chris`s favorite town)
Take in the views over the Miyagawa River
Stroll around Takayama old town
Try the many Hida beed street foods
Takayama Showa-kan Museum
Stop for tea at Bagpipe
Hida Fold Village (if you skipped shirakawago)
Dat 8-9 Kyoto
The best stay is Higashyama (stay in Kyomachiya - a traditional Kyoto wooden townhouse)
Fushimi Inari Taisha ( ancient shrine famed for its thousand of tori gates)
Tempura endo yasaka (serving cripsy golden tempura battered dishes)
Arashiyama Scenic Mountain District
Sagano Bamboo Grove ( walkable 24 hours of a day for free
Tenryuji temple (Zen Buddhist temple originally constructed in 1339)
Kinkakuji (golden pavilion. zen temple originally home to 14th-century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu)
Wasaka Pagoda (five storey pagoda dating back to 1408)
Kiyomizudera temple (one of Kyoto`s most celebrated temples founded in 780)
Pontocho Alley (atmospheric narrow alley packed with restaurants)
Nara is 45 minutes from Kyoto by train (ancient capital)
Nara Park (with deer)
Tomogi Mochi (rice cake flavored with Japanese mugwort leaves)
Todaiji Temple (eastern great temple originally founded in the 8th century)
Kasiga Taisha (Nara`s most celebrated Shinto shrine)
Day 10-11 Osaka (Japan`s nightlife capital)
Dotonbori (downtown Osaka)
Takoyaki (Osaka's beloved battered octopus balls)
Osaka Castle ( epic in scale and completed construction in 1597)
Shinsekai (retro district built in the 1920s) (try kushikatsu - deep fried skewers - fish meat , veggies)
Day 12 Hakone ( hot springs)
Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and kanseki (traditional multi-course dinner)
Kashikiri (reserved private bath)
Owakudani (the great boiling valley)
Hakone shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
Day 13-14 Tokyo again (Kabukicho, Shinjuku)
Omoide yokocho (maze of narrow alleyways crammed with 60+ bars and restaurants)
Shibuya
How to experience Tokyo:
Stay in a capsule hotel’
Stay in a love hotel
Karaoke
Mori Tower
Game Center
Odaiba
Ginza ( souvenir shopping)
Ueno park, shinjuku park
Go retro second-hand shopping
Eat some ramen (Ichiran, Ippudo, or just a random family-run ramen shop)
goat
they could turn this into a really cool e-book with video links / clips
just spent the whole video taking notes then i see this :') legend
Perfect, thanks!
Thank you
Can’t recommend Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Takayama enough! Well worth the trip out there, hope this video encourages more people to visit 🙌🏻❤
Jeez, nobody said "hi" to Sharla??? Hi, Sharla!!😁
Shaarla, what's the name of the ryokan??
Just don't be murdered over there in Hinamizawa.
One thing I’d recommend for Kanazawa is the Myoryu-ji Temple which has a very cool tour and shows some of the Maeda clan undercutting the shogun’s rules
Fully agree, last time I visited Shirakawago I didn't get the chance to visit and explore Takayama, but after seeing this vid I'd love to come back there. Btw what's the name of the wagyu food stall in the video?
adding this to my bucket list 😍 japan is such a beautiful country 🇯🇵
Hi youtube
Even youtube can't resist the affable man
🇯🇵pls add feature that removes shorts if user doesn't want to see them🥲
Wdym your bucket list your a major corporation not a person
hi yt
the first time I went to japan I was 18, and I spent 2 weeks there with some other high schoolers on a program for teenagers. It was awesome. The second time I went I was 19 and spent 2 weeks there but brought my family so my mom could meet her brother living there. She hadn't seen him for over 35 years. It was also Awesome. The Third time I went I was 20, and I spent 2 months there backpacking with my close friend from Canada from Hokkaido to Hiroshima. This is without a doubt the best experience of my life, and it has forever shaped who I am as a person. I want go back but, after spending two months there I couldn't imagine spending any less time. I want to take my boyfriend there and we are both poor college students so I will use this with the knowledge I gained from visiting there to create an itinerary for us. I can highly recommend this video to anyone trying to plan a trip to Japan.
P.S. DONT SKIP THE COUNTRY SIDE. it'd be a shame if your only experience with Japan was Tokyo. My personal favorite spots were Noboribetsu in Hokkaido (hot spring town), Karuizawa in Nagano(mountain resort town) and, Tōno in Iwate(my favorite place for small town immersion, Very nice locals!).
I’ve been a lurker on this channel for years. Thank you for all that you do!
Been watching this channel for about 8 years. Finally went on my dream trip to Japan and a week after I get back Chris finally decides to drop an itinerary video
I hope you had fun even if his suggestions came too late 😅
I got back a week ago too😅
Was the trip as beautiful as you had imagined?
@@AMAZINGTOPTEN it was amazing, I already can't wait to go back
@@bradley9677 that's awesome, cheers mate. I'm hoping to go as soon as I finish high school so probably in 2 years or so.. I can't wait to go
I love that you included the history behind each of these places and put it into context with the history of the other places mentioned! So many tourism videos/articles are just like “go to this place because it’s cool” with no explanation on why it’s culturally significant. Great video as always, Chris!
Thanks for your video. Just did my first visit to Japan. Tokyo, Gora, Kyoto, Hiroshima and last Osaka. And I LOVE Osaka. What a city!!! I stayed just in the middle of it all. Not my last time in Japan.
It's heartwarming to see you give Natsuki the chance and reason to explore the parts of Japan he never had time to
❤
Chris is RIGHT on the money about starting in Asakusa. My family just got back from a month long trip to Japan and Asakusa was a perfect place as the train stations in the area are relaxed and easy to learn your bearings in as you prepare for dealing with larger stations and more hustle and bustle. It was beautiful and I loved our trip!
I come from a city with a major public transport system, and while I had little issue getting around Tokyo, I can def see people having issues if they're not used to that sort of thing.
@@cooljammer00 yeah I'm totally speaking from the perspective of someone who doesnt navigate public transit a lot. I've done busses in Seattle years ago but a subway system in a city like Tokyo was radically different for me and required a level of comfort before being very successful/not being wildly stressed at stations like the Tokyo station or Shibuya.
One place that is CRIMINALLY underrated its Enoshima, the island village aesthetic, while the mainland gave me like a 70s miami vibe but nicer. Ichinomiya while not having a lot going on, its a very calm countryside style to it with very friendly people.
Lot of people often refer to it as a Tourist trap though. I'd rather take a trip up to Matsushima.
@@KGhaleon I went on a budget and spent like maybe 80 bucks on two days (including stay), what I do think the place lacks is nightlife most definetly.
I would agree it has parts that can be a tourist trap, especially some of the spas and partnering stores, but eating some pie near the botanical garden before heading off to explore some of the educational aspects like local ruins or visiting the art gallery there was one of the most relaxing experiences I've had in years when I visited and I barely spent any money at all for my partner and I.
Though if someone wanted to spend some money and not do the standard tourist thing, they've got a great sailboat club nearby to learn or help out if one wanted to travel Japan via sailing.
I visited the island a few months back and it felt quite artificial and touristy. On the other hand, the pier and Enoshima beach were great for sitting down to relax with a beer in hand, while the sun set behind Mt. Fuji in the distance.
@@Rupture_EX You went to Enoshima and expected nightlife?..
Thanks! We are leaving for Japan TONIGHT, and I basically copied your itinerary with adding a few extra stops/days for our 19 days.❤❤❤you are awesome!!!
Brother Chris, this video was an inspiration for a 17 day journey to Japan, just like you laid it out in the video. We are in the middle of our trip now with a day trip in Nagoya, making our way to Kyoto later tonight and so much more to go. My wife and I send you a million thanks and many blessings.
Have fun guys! Try the eel he mentions, a bit expensive but really nice.
Staggering production, to be honest. Better quality than the travel shows we get here, in the UK. Stunning cinematography, image quality, editing, and of course content.... the presenter / narrator isn't bad, either. Quite affable! Great quality audio also. The Japanese Tourist Board should pay Chris a nice little bundle for this. Makes me want to visit Japan more than ever! (and I've always wanted to go, but, being physically disabled I'm not sure how I'd manage. Maybe Chris could pay me to fly over and do a video about how a physically disabled tourist manages in Japan!) ;p Really great video, as interesting as it is stunning. Roll on Journey Across Japan! It's amazing how far RUclips content has come!
You took the words out of my mouth! This is way better than anything we see on tv. Just brilliant 👏🏻 😊
Cameraman Paul is the ace in Chris's sleeve💪
All I could think was “Rick Steves, eat your heart out!”.
Even tho this video is only a few hours old it is by far my favorite video of yours. Not only for the premise itself (a very useful one for a channel like yours) but for everything else too. This video in my opinion represents every single aspect of how far you've improved as a youtuber. The camera work is fantastic. The shots are dynamic and sleek. They never get too boring or overstay their welcome. The production is astonishing. The editing is incredible. The music selection is perfect. The narration is solid, giving every single important detail to each location and what's great about it and it's filled with personality.
This is by far the best travel guide to Japan that i've ever seen. Your years of experience in that country really shows since you talk about all kinds of places and foods nobody talks about and isn't at all cliché and avoiding all the tourist traps that aren't worth it. This video is astonishing and it's honestly hard to believe you made it all yourself when big budget hollywood level documentaries don't reach this level of quality.
I've been watching your channel for years since the "how to study kanji" video in 2013 (i was 9 when i first saw it) and since then watching the creative explosion of your content in real time is nothing short of astonishing.
It's in large part because of you that i made the decision to leave Canada and move myself and my small business to Japan 4 months ago at the age of 19. Japan has always been on my mind since i was a kid when it comes to travel compared to my soulless and crime ridden home town and the ever growing corruption and cost of living in my country seeled the deal for me. I speak conversational Japanese but i still have a long way to go. My biggest struggle is memorizing kanji and i use your system from the video i first watched from you over 10 years later to help. If it wasn't for your channel for getting me interested in Japan and teaching me most of what i know now about the local culture, and Matt Bonder's channel for his incredible and unique system that i use to learn the language and showing me that learning a language like Japanese is not only possible, but can be done from the comfort of my own home and can be fun and engaging, i honestly don't know where i would be in life.
Thank you Chris, you changed my life. ❤
Even when I'm not preparing to go to Japan, it is so relaxing and enjoyable to watch your videos and see the beauty and wonder Japan holds. Each prefecture and city is so wonderful in its own way. Thank you for bringing Japan into each one of our hearts.
I couldn’t have said it better, you wrote the exact thing I was thinking and wanted to comment. 😊 it’s so enjoyable being able to see all the Beauty Japan has to offer & learn more about her without even having any plans to go. 😊
I feel like I haven't seen a travelogue of modern Japan this well done in quite some time. Excellent work.
Abroad in Japan is the G.O.A.T. He travels himself instead of listing and talking shits that we don't know and maybe the one who is talking also doesn't know. That's why he is so damn real! Appreciate the man.
Japan is just unique in every way.
Very nice
Nice
Very nice
I visited Japan in May this year for the first time with two of my best friends. I can honestly say it was a trip of a life time, I can't express in words how incredible our 2week were. We started off in Osaka, day tripped to Kyoto then ended our trip in Tokyo. As a 36 year old man who's dreamed of visiting ever since I was a child, I cried on my return flight home (I'm getting emotional now as all the memories come flooding back into my mind lol) as my brain could not comprehend what I just experienced. I definitely will be back :)
Hey, if I may ask, was there anything in particular that made your experience so great or was it just the combination of everything?
日本を楽しめたなら良かった！
何を楽しんだの？
Hello. That sounds really awesome. I'm planning to visit there by this Jan with similar cities. Is it possible to share your est cost & itinerary. Thanks a lot.
@@lauchzelot2482 Personally for me, it's everything. It's such a culture shock but in a good way. From loud bustling to quiet old era streets there is something for everyone. I went alone my first time, went on a tour and that was fun but something about going with my friends and showing them Japan was something else.
Lol
Chris, please partner with a local tour agency and make this trip available to your fans worldwide 🙏 I love the idea of my first trip to Japan being in the company of other followers from across the world! Also: looking forward to the upcoming series!
Trust me, Japan is a country you can easily do solo or with a friend, even if your japanese isnt existence with google now its easier than ever before.
Honestly, that's an amazing idea.
@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi I agree. I like those translator gizmos in some stores. Simply scan the barcode from an item to get the product details in english displayed for example.
It's really not that difficult to do this stuff on your own with a friend rather than paying extra through an agency.
I've done it twice, the first time barely knowing any Japanese, and the second with rudimentary Japanese. Google translate has audio and text translations through your camera on your phone. Pocket Wifi companies even will let you rent a audio translator device as well (though I don't know how they compare to Google).
It's one of the easiest times to travel to Japan in history.
@@Steve211UcdhihifvshiI’m planning on going to Japan for 3 weeks soon as well I think I’m finally rdy to go alone, I’ve done my research and the planning and I’m ready to go. All I need is a job that’s my only setback rn.
The man at 17:18 is one of the best things ever. Smiling and waving to a complete stranger, just chilling and enjoying life.
Was in Japan from the 5th - 17th of November with my friend and I really enjoyed the whole trip from start to finish. I'll definitely be back. It was my first time in Japan and we went to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Hoping to be able to visit again soon.
This is almost the exact itinerary for our honeymoon in 2018 but in reverse, we even did Kanazawa to Takayama via Shirakawago. It's brought back loads of memories watching this video, we can't wait to finally come back in 2024.
I don´t know why but seeing those beautiful old villages makes me feel incredible nostalgic even though i´ve never been there.
I don't know why this one is hard to watch, whether its the knowledge that the weak yen is the closest I'll ever have to affording the trip and yet still can't, or the fact that if I can ever manage one trip, it will be my only trip and this would be that trip.
Thanks Chris, Sharla, and everybody else behind the scenes, these videos are the only escape I have from my hell.
Top-tier video. I was looking to spend at least 14 days in Japan when I finally go at some point in the (hopefully) near future. This gives a rock-solid framework to work with. Would LOVE to see a 2nd video like this, either with more cities farther south (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, etc.) or north (though I believe Journey Across Japan will probably cover this pretty well).
Just came back from Japan. Looking forward to going back in the near future. Something about the charms of Japan, mixture of tradition and modern living, great food makes me want to go back again and again!
Just got back from Japan. We were there for 3 weeks. Loved every moment of it. Thanks for your helpful videos Chris! 🇯🇵
how hard is the post trip depression ?
@@oRayka returning to the UK… it’s brutal. A very unhygienic, basic country with poor customer service 🤣
I just got home from a 30 day trip, went to a few small towns (including one in Tohoku, fell in love with this region). Love Japan and can't wait to visit again.
Chris I cant believe ive been watching your channel for ~10 years now. My girlfriend and I have a 19 day trip planned for April 2024. Flights are booked and this video came at the perfect time. Thank you! Hopefully you do a meet and greet.... that would be incredible.
This video is almost the exact route I took with some friends when we went in June this year, really makes me want to go back already.
I'm flying to Japan tomorrow, and while I've had my itinerary planned out for a few months now, this video was great for getting me in the right headspace!
I went to Japan twice, and I'm unreasonably pleased with myself for the fact that I went to all the places in this video on my first try. I just missed Hakone (and the custard pudding when I was in Shirakawago😢). My second trip was this year and I explored other places, but I had to revisit a few (Kamakura is just too stunning to not go back). The highlight of the second trip was the Great Ise Shrine. Fantastic place.
I have been to a lot of those places already as well since I have stayed in Japan for half a year, but since you've been to the Ise Jingu Shrine, what were your favourite places to visit across the two trips? Places that are lesser known maybe?
I've been wanting to go to Japan for over a decade now, and just recently I finally took the plunge and booked something for next year. Lots of things have changed after 2020, and I noticed older videos I'd bookmarked for a future trip were no longer up to date. This couldn't have come at a better time! Thank you!
I swear, I had a talk with my wife 2 hours ago that we should plan a trip to Japan (we want to stay 3 weeks). Thank you very much Chris!
Did you do it?
hey Chris and Shar been watching your videos for years we just got back from our second Japan trip but you always show us more that we cant wait to come visit we have been all around the world but we decide that Japan is our very favorite and we cant wait to come back maybe it has to be annual, go check out Kinosaki Onsen town and Takonohama beach!
This kind of thing is what brought me to you in the first place. Since then I've visited Japan for two weeks with my mom and best friend (one each week) and it was the trip of my lifetime and I can't wait to go back. I can't wait to send to them this video and HOPEFULLY talk them into doing it again. Thank you so much for all your content. It's been a delight.
Chris is RIGHT on the money about starting in Asakusa. My family just got back from a month long trip to Japan and Asakusa was a perfect place as the train stations in the area are relaxed and easy to learn your bearings in as you prepare for dealing with larger stations and more hustle and bustle. It was beautiful and I loved our trip!
I want to visit Japan for a month but it sounds expensive 😫 how much do you recommend to save for a whole month trip?
@@angelaranda8899
安いホテルで良いなら20万円有れば十分だと思います。僕の家に泊まるという選択肢もあります😂
@@angelaranda8899 Japan isn’t expensive, it can be if you want it to be, as in there are high end shops, but the exchange rate is excellent and food cheap. As he said Skyliner is cheap (we got return tickets for next March for £400 each). There are hostels which are incredible friendly and cheap. Good luck in your quest to visit. 😊
@@catalinacurioThere is a commuter train that takes you to Asakusa from either of the Tokyo airports if you are feeling really cheap.
@@Moonstone-Redux I shall seek it out thank you. We’ve kept ten days free in Tokyo so that we can explore outwards by doing exactly that - as in explore more of the less known places. ☺️
I'm gearing up for a 2 week solo trip to Japan during the summer of my third year in university, and videos like these always help me get ideas for what to do while I'm there. Thanks as always for the great content Chris!
Dude, I too think my favourite city is osaka. I LOVED the atmosphere at night, bustling and energetic. When morning comes, the city is almost dead silent, but still beautiful, it’s truly amazing!
I enjoy hanging with you and your friends, good company. I think that's why so many fans approach you. Interesting locations. Great job.
I had to write a comment! The amount of information in this video is insane. Thank you for sharing this 👏🏻👍🏻
I am literally planning a 2 week vacation currently and just found a Japanese language tutor for my stay. Your timing is LEGENDARY Chris thank you so much for this amazing information
I feel awe and envy reading people's comments about them travelling to Japan. As for me, I'm planning to move to Japan permanently in the next few years. Really enjoying this video Chris!
I was in Japan for a short time ten years ago but you and Sharla have emboldened me to plan a longer trip !! Thanks :)
The temples and cherry blossoms are so beautiful. Your editing really brings them to life
You've outdone yourself with this one. The visuals, the history, the travel guide. So informative thanks for your hard work making this
Chris, take my bow. When I can go back to Japan (I've been twice but surely I'll go back) I will do this trip. Excellent quality production as always, it was great to see Sharla and Natsuki too, and I love that this video is almost an hour - fingers crossed this gets millions of views and likes! Thanks for your excellent work and good luck for your next Journey Across Japan adventures!
Your narration of visiting Japan was like a mini virtual tour! Can't wait to make my own footprints in Japan now. Thanks for sharing your awesome experiences and the delightful itinerary. See you in Tokyo, maybe! 🇯🇵✈🍛🌸
My fiancé and I are getting married next year and we have been thinking about going to Japan for our honeymoon. This video really made me want us to do it even more now! Thank you for making this beautiful and informational video ❤
Cool little detail - at 26:30, Bagpipe was also used as a model for the cafe design in the Anime "Hyouka", with you guys sitting in the same spot as the characters Oreki and Chitanda did in episode 3 of the series.
As someone who has been to Japan on such a trip, going from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, then back to Tokyo, a word of warning to anyone who is thinking of such a trip (and has never been to Japan before): Take a day off to relax. Don't always be on the move. Tokyo itself is 4-5 days easily with its various downtown cores and museums. Folk villages that are in the mountains take a long time to get to by bus, so if your time is limited, don't even bother. Spend a day here and there to visit the onsen and find some local cafe. Enjoy your time at your own pace and do NOT fit too much in it or it will burn you out.
I agree. I went on an 11 days trip and basically got to fit most of what was in this video except Takayama and Shirakawago. Got totally burnt out by the end and after returning home, I don't even know if it was real or a fever dream, lol. Gonna aim for a much relaxed trip on the next one.
Yes. The absolute WORST way to travel. Just pick 3 places and chill. Jesus people try to do everything, surely for the gram, but miss out on just soaking up the surroundings.
Should I reserve ahead a room in Hakone Ryokan (becasue video doesn't say it) or I can just go there and get a room with kanseki for 1 night without much issue?
Nope!!! Go go go! I'll sleep when I get home!
Everyone's travel style is different :)
@@AB-py6jlYes!! Sorry but I will squeeze every drop out of a vacation. I am not paying to sleep.😂
Seeing the streets of Osaka again instantly made me want to go back there soon. Dotonbori especially has the vibes on point
Congratulations Chris, when you do something well, you do it better than anyone else. Japan should use this as the ultimate promotion for tourism in their country. I can't wait for the next Journey Across Japan. Thank you so much. Cheers, Muffy from Oz. (Australia)
"When you do something well"... such an underhanded comment, man.
I LOVED this video! I'm starting to plan my first ever Japan trip for next year and this video (and your others) gave me so many ideas. Thanks Chris, love your videos!
I have to say, Chris your videos have inspired me over the past few months. I just got your book shipped to me from the UK this week! Thank you for being my guide on a 2 month journey from Tokyo throughout the Mainland and all the way down to Okinawa. I probably would never imagine a solo trip of a lifetime like this without your channels and friends. Thanks for the courage mate!
Chris, you're a life saver!! 😫😭
I've been planning to go to Japan for 10 years now but I get overwhelmed by all the info online. I don't have a lot of money so I can't book a tour package. And figuring out where to go in Japan by yourself is madness. 😵💫😵 I'll just do your recommended route. Thank you so much for this video. Now I only have to find good hotels and figure out how to take trains.😅 But Finally I'll really get to visit Japan! 😭😭
今の時期の京都と奈良の周辺は凄く混んでるかも
I’m also planning a similar 14-16 day trip for my wife and I - Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto then back to Tokyo - but I’m also struggling to figure out the best/cheapest/quickest options for train and metro transport. I’m working through the “Man in Seat 61” online article on Japanese rail advice but it’s a bit overwhelming compared to planning a European rail trip. Any advice on this would be much appreciated
I’m actually in Japan right now and watched the video for suggestions on what to do at the weekend. I’m definitely going to check out some of these places in the future!
My daughter moved to Japan to teach (just like you did) and I want to do a tour of the main island when I go to visit her. Thanks for giving me some great ideas to look into. Your videos are so helpful and fun to watch.
Perfect timing for this video as I’ll be leaving in 4 days for my 14 day trip to Japan! Hopefully I get lucky and run into some of you
Haha keep an eye out!
Have a great trip
Awesome video, brings back so many memories from our trip to japan. Hope to come back again soon. Amazing unique country, culture and people.
PERFECT TIMING! I'M PLANNING MY (21 DAY NOT 14 DAY) TRIP TO JAPAN AND I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME IDEAS!
I am in Japan atm for 14 days in total. This is my third time. My route is:
-4 nights in Osaka (daytrip to Ghibli Park)
-1 night in Beppu
-2 nights in Fukuoka
-3 night in Yokohama (daytrip Hakone, Enoshima/Kamakura)
-4 nights in Tokyo (Daytrip to Chichibus night festival, daytrip to kawaguchiko)
In a few hours I am continuing my journey and fly from Fukuoka to Tokyo and then go to Yokohama.
I LOVE BEPPU. It’s a calm beautiful city. Fukuoka couldn’t really win me over.
The next time, I want to visit the Tohoku region.
I'm disabled so money's always tight and I doubt I'd ever be able to go to japan but this video is so beautiful and all the work you put in really shows!
Make a go fund me
Hey man I just wanted to thank you for your videos … I’m going through a hard time right now and every time I’ve watched one of your videos I felt so much better and ready to go on :)
How you managed to set foot in Japan a your evolution there is a really great story and inspiration…
I’m glad that you found such good friends like Natsuki etc. and of course your lady :p
I found your channel after I visited Japan in April this year and you gave me many ideas, where to go and definitely what to eat there ( nothing beats 7eleven chicken tho XD )
Well all I wanted to say is a THANK YOU from all of my heart 🖤
Cheers from Germany
Chris
I went to visit Japan last spring for 5 weeks and actually saw most of the sites in the video…. We had Takayama planned but opted to extend our stay in Osaka (wifey really loved it there!). Me, I’m more of a Tokyo fan. We stayed in Ebisu while in Tokyo and loved the vibe there.
I miss it so much! Planning to go back no later than 2025 for the Osaka Expo…
You always remind me why I love and miss Japan, thank you! I will be there soon again, especially since my wife and her family live in Tokyo.
I’ve been in Japan couples of times, and will go next year again, this route is very interesting, thank you for making this video, great work ❤
My son and I are going to Japan this year once he gets his passport and this guide is exactly what I was looking for for our trip! Thanks for this!
I visited most places during my 1 month stay. I feel so nostalgic and want to go back right away. Japan is just unique in every way. Thanks for the video and the trip down memory lane, Chris!
Loved the video, thanks
I have dreamt of visiting Japan since the 4th grade. (28 years ago 😂) ......Our class had a Japanese exchange student her name was Takako. She was the coolest kid on our class & couldn't speak a word of English. She would share her Japanese snacks with me at lunch & I would share my American lunch with her. I still say her food was way better lol.....but I was so fascinated with her & the culture I wanted to learn it all! Thank you for this video...... I hope to be able to travel to Japan soon. I'm positive I won't want to leave. 😊
did a 14 day trip recently in late sept early oct, tokyo osaka nara and kyoto i think i managed both the calm and the crazy of japan and it certainly was the trip of a lifetime
I'm doing two weeks for our honeymoon in February!!! So excited. I've been planning for over a year with help from your vids and others.
Youre gonna love it. The weather should be beautiful
One tip I would give is not to be afraid of getting lost and look for places not initially on your list. While being a bit disappointed by Kinkaku-ji (You can only see the temple from quite far away and the place was terribly overcrowded) we decided to stroll to some random temple just a few minutes away to find out we were literally the only ones there. This was a welcome change to find some peace and serenity in otherwise tourist packed Kyoto.
Also a few tips for visitors on a budget:
- Night buses can lower the overall accommodation and transport costs - and are more comfortable than their European counterparts (be sure to note it is still less comfortable than a regular bed).
- Apparently some changes to the rail pass are going to happen so its hard to give a future proof advice, but consider whether you are going to use the pass for the whole duration and look for alternative - for example there used to be 5 days Kansai pass which was much cheaper than 7 day all Japan one and covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara as well as Iga (a cute town with a castle and a ninja museum) and Himeji with its amazing castle.
- In Shinjuku there is a free entry to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observational deck at 200m.
日本人の感覚からしても、金閣寺はいつも混んでるよ笑
昔、学校の修学旅行で行ったけどその時も、凄く混んでいた
Thanks
A wonderful video! I shared this on my FB so my friends can all see. I have been to Japan many times and this is a great video to show a step by step ways to enjoy as much as possible in 14 days. Well done!
Went to kanazawa on a two week trip and was so glad we didn't skip it. My trip looked a lot like this video with more days in Osaka taking day trips to Kyoto and Nara and Himeji.
I went to Japan with my family in September. We landed in Fukuoka and started with Hiroshima and Miyajima, followed by Osaka, a day trip to himeji castle and a stay for one night in one of the buddhist temples on Koya-san (Highly recommend that one). Afterwards we travelled to Kyoto. We visited the monkey park and the bamboo forrest and took part in a washi paper and bamboo lantern workshop. Both workshops had very nice hosts but the bamboo lantern workshop definitely was a highlight. We designed our own bamboo lantern and drilled the holes that made up the design manually. The provider of the workshop was very friendly and spoke fluent English not to mention that the workshop was literally in her own back garden. After Kyoto we went to Tokyo by Shinkansen (didn't see Mt. Fuji while passing Hakone because of rain unfortunately) and stayed there for the last few days visiting the major tourist spots before flying back home. 10/10 would visit Japan again.
Just bought yesterday the plane tickets to go to Japan. I cannot express how happy I am to have chosen to go to a lot of places you recomend! This video comes in really handy to polish the itinerary!
Did you go? How did it go?
First time to Japan. Gotta say, Kamakura was an absolutely amazing recommendation. Exactly as Chris said, Tokyo can be very overwhelming, and taking a day trip to such a serene place was my favourite thing so far!!
Spoke with a few wonderful people, explored some of my absolute favourite spots.
Thank you so much for this video!!
17:20 During your walk through the samurai district, I just love that cheeful older gentleman saying hello and smiling whilst riding his bike! Brings back memories of the curious and hospitible locals when I spent a month in Japan and a week in Aomori earlier this year.
Peak Abroad in Japan content as usual!!! You are the best!! This video is absolute gold for travelers who want to visit Japan!
I was in Japan I think when you were filming this and had almost the exact same itinerary! Shirakawago and Takayama were definitely the highlights!
as someone who is terrified to go to japan alone and looking for a good itinerary, this was amazing! i wasn’t planning on going out of tokyo but this just made me want to stay even longer and explore parts of japan like hiroshima and takayama! thank you for this guide and video!! it was super helpful and beautiful to see such rare sights
I’m going by myself this year for a month in kinda scared but full send baby, if you go during may 20 and June 20 we should hangout and get to know the country together
This is the best 14 day Japan guide I’ve seen. Great job.
Much appreciated thanks! Took a month to produce from start to finish!
This was a WONDERFUL video and one I'm bookmarking for my trip in Spring 2025. Love it!
Kamakura is my mom’s hometown and it’s nice to see you covering this area 🥺
I feel not too many tourists have ever heard of Kamakura or put it in their list when visiting Japan!
Although I don’t recommend Kamakura beach 😂
except during the summer when there are food stalls (Kamakura beach is not very picturesque… quite ugly tbh, just convenient. I may be biased since I spent too much time there and there’s other beaches that are much prettier)
We did Osaka on our 2 week trip back in 16. the view of Osaka castle is amazing, but inside is a different story, very brightly lit and honestly touristy (a little too tourist IMO). If you want a fantastic tour of the castles, I highly recommend Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, while it IS a museum, it's not brightly lit except for the displays, and there is no elevator and you have to go up the steep stairs and down them without shoes (the whole experience was fantastic), PLUS Matsumoto is a gorgeous mountain town and I wish we'd stayed there a day or so more to explore the area around it (it's on my list for Japan visit 2.0 someday).
The interior of Osaka Castle has been remodeled to make it accessible to the physically challenged and the elderly, so even the Japanese are divided on the issue...
But I understand that a real castle is very difficult for them.
@@noxnox7445 How did you deal with luggage and all that when using transportation? or did you just stay in one city?
My wife and I were in Japan in 2018 and this brought back a lot of good memories as well as shoes us some of the things we missed out on. Great job Chris!
When in Tokyo I stayed in akihabara.I was easily able to travel around Tokyo from there but for me I enjoyed jumping off the train and taking 40-60 min walks through random areas towards main locations that I wanted to visit! As a tourist there’s so much too see if you decide to cut down your train journeys and choose to walk, you’re easily able to take in your surroundings and explore/enjoy Japan; There tends to be many small locations or shops that draw you in while you explore the city on foot and you end up filling your day with many memories and good times.
If you are focused on just getting to your locations as a tourist, the public transport is very easy and helpful but I personally recommend taking the time to just walk around and explore as much as you can, the small simple things that are normal to locals can feel so rewarding and fun to experience as a tourist
I’m finally home from working away and nestled down onto the couch to binge on this new series. I kept this day free just for abroad in Japan. How’s that for a compliment, Chris? Your audience arranges their schedules around your videos 😂
I am thrilled. I visited japan a few weeks ago and although i did not see everything mentioned, I’ve seen a lot. I am more in love with the land, people and culture now than before my trip. And I’ll have to go back, next year in autumn i guess. Thanks for this video, it gave me more inspiration
Me and some friends recently booked plane tickets and planning for a 2024 trip to Japan, and then you bless us with this! As if I haven't already learned plenty tips from you, thank you for always being the #1 help for tips about Japan!!
Don’t think I’ve ever watched an almost hour long RUclips video when it felt only 5 minutes! Beautifully shot, informed and inspiring video! I’m going in 9 years for 3 weeks so cannot wait to see what other recommendations you have by then 😊
The only Japan travel/vlog that I watch. You guys have come so far and you deserve the success. Although I really miss the cycling across Japan
Such a fantastic writer. Been a fan for many years. Every script sounds like poetry. The videography and humour are excellent too, but damn, it's the writing that blows me away every time. Thank you, mate. Greetings from Oz.