**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)
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!).
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?
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!
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!
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.
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. ❤
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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'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!
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
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 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!
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).
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. 😊
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 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
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’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 😂
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.
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!
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?
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 ❤
My wife and I LITERALLY went to several of these places on our trip from November 2-23 and can’t believe we BARELY missed Chris and Natsuki whilst in Kyoto the 6th through the 10th! Nonetheless we enjoyed lots of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hida-Furukawa/Takayama, Shima, Nagoya and Yokohama and Tokyo! We cannot WAIT to return again some day!
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.
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 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
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 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!
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!
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!
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 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 spent 10 days in Japan a few months ago and had a blast. Would have been cool to have this earlier... guess I just have to go again 😆 I spent 8 full days in Tokyo (hit a lot of the special wards, a pretty exhaustive look at Tokyo) 1 day trip to Yokohama 1 day trip to Numazu
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)
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!
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 totally agree to keep Tokio for the last few days. As Chris said, "after you settle in" Japan, you are less overwhelmed with the city, and you can absorb more of it continuously.
A 1 hour video?! This is actually fucking bonkers. I can't believe we are getting this absolutely mammoth of a video just BEFORE the 21-day JAJ series. Chris, you spoil us too much!
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 😊
Just got back from a trip almost exactly matching this itinerary! My only advice is to get out early, transit is incredibly efficient but takes longer than you think to get between cities on day trips. I’m already planning on returning. It’s even better than you’d expect 🇯🇵😎
How much did you end up spending flights and hotels included, it would be super helpful to get a ball park amount just so I can have an idea of how much to spend on souvenirs or other things.
I'm not the one you asked, but maybe it still helps you. Earlier this year I was in Japan for 42 days and another 12 in South Korea directly after that. My flight from Germany was 1250€. On the whole trip (Japan + South Korea + flight + all other costs) I spent 7000€. @@javiersosa1750
@@javiersosa1750 Flights were around $1200 USD per person from NYC direct. Hotels ranged from around $115-130 a night in Tokyo and Osaka. Around $450 for a one night stay at a ryokan in Hakone. The Shinkansen from Osaka to and from Tokyo was about $100 each way in a non reserved regular car. Everyday normal metro rides were super cheap and ranged from $1-5 depending on how far we traveled. Longer rides never went over $10 a person. Food was incredibly cheap and high quality, souvenirs were reasonably priced except for plushies which were absurdly overpriced, and vintage items like video games and electronics can be found very cheap at secondhand stores. I recommend setting aside some money for experiences like tours and museums, walk the many parks and eat your weight in famichicken like I did.
@@javiersosa1750I booked a flight last year for December 25th and got back January 13. My flight was around $1500 round trip from Cali, had one stop in Seattle, and then to Haneda. Accommodation was around 600 since I split the cost of the Airbnbs with my friend. Other than that you can spend money on whatever you want. Although I did take the Shinkansen twice also.
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 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 just booked my first trip to japan. 10 days in asakusa. I decided to focus on one place for my first trip because I think I will be overwhelmed by all the new things from suica IC cards to the temples, etc. thanks for your videos.
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.
Did a 14-day trip in Japan this year, luckily I had my brother still living there. So we were able to do soo much with the help of a local to create our itinerary. We spent time in Tokyo of course, Osaka and Hiroshima (and Miyajima). Definitely was a trip of a life time for me, feels like it was just a dream now that I'm back home.
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!
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.
Wow, I expected the kickoff to your upcoming journey, but instead found this beautiful and well-edited documentary! I think this is my favorite video of you yet, I loved every single minute and rediscovered my love for Japan (for the dozenth time). I already visited Japan this year, but can't wait to be back. Thank you for the great suggestions!
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
Just finished up at 14 day trip the 17th of this month! Wish I could go back already 😢 It was crazy to me how you could spend multiple days in a single subdistrict of Tokyo if you really wanted to. Recommend everyone to think about balancing going wide with going deep when planning your itinerary!!
Not op but you can spend as little as US$1000 (not including flight tickets) for 14 days in Japan. $50 hostels, travel with bus, eat only kombini food etc. Might not be the most enjoyable but certainly doable. $3000 will be comfortable with occasional splurging
**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
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!).
たくさんの人が日本旅行を楽しめているみたいで嬉しいです☺️
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?
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’ve been a lurker on this channel for years. Thank you for all that you do!
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!
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😂
It's heartwarming to see you give Natsuki the chance and reason to explore the parts of Japan he never had time to
❤
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.
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. ❤
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 feel like I haven't seen a travelogue of modern Japan this well done in quite some time. Excellent work.
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.
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!”.
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 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.
日本にきてくれてありがとう❤
Thankyou for coming JAPAN❤
Japan is just unique in every way.
Very nice
Nice
Very nice
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 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
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.
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 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.
I don´t know why but seeing those beautiful old villages makes me feel incredible nostalgic even though i´ve never been there.
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.
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
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.
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 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!
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'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!
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
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 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!
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).
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. 😊
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 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
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’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 😂
日本に住んでいますが、行ったことがない場所も多いので参考になります！
美味しい食べ物と美しい景色と親切な人々に恵まれた国に産まれて幸せです😊
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
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!
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.😂
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.
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! 🇯🇵✈🍛🌸
I was in Japan for a short time ten years ago but you and Sharla have emboldened me to plan a longer trip !! Thanks :)
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 ❤
My wife and I LITERALLY went to several of these places on our trip from November 2-23 and can’t believe we BARELY missed Chris and Natsuki whilst in Kyoto the 6th through the 10th! Nonetheless we enjoyed lots of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hida-Furukawa/Takayama, Shima, Nagoya and Yokohama and Tokyo! We cannot WAIT to return again some day!
How strange, am planning to go with my wife for those exact dates lol. How was the weather when you went? Any tips?
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.
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’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 ❤
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
You've outdone yourself with this one. The visuals, the history, the travel guide. So informative thanks for your hard work making this
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 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
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!
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!
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 had to write a comment! The amount of information in this video is insane. Thank you for sharing this 👏🏻👍🏻
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 spent 10 days in Japan a few months ago and had a blast. Would have been cool to have this earlier... guess I just have to go again 😆
I spent 8 full days in Tokyo (hit a lot of the special wards, a pretty exhaustive look at Tokyo)
1 day trip to Yokohama
1 day trip to Numazu
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)
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!
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!
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 will never get tired of seeing Japan over and over again. Thanks Chris 😊
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 totally agree to keep Tokio for the last few days. As Chris said, "after you settle in" Japan, you are less overwhelmed with the city, and you can absorb more of it continuously.
My favorite Abroad in Japan video ever, I love just simple narrated explorationish content like this on your channel
A 1 hour video?! This is actually fucking bonkers. I can't believe we are getting this absolutely mammoth of a video just BEFORE the 21-day JAJ series. Chris, you spoil us too much!
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 😊
Just got back from a trip almost exactly matching this itinerary! My only advice is to get out early, transit is incredibly efficient but takes longer than you think to get between cities on day trips. I’m already planning on returning. It’s even better than you’d expect 🇯🇵😎
How much did you end up spending flights and hotels included, it would be super helpful to get a ball park amount just so I can have an idea of how much to spend on souvenirs or other things.
I'm not the one you asked, but maybe it still helps you. Earlier this year I was in Japan for 42 days and another 12 in South Korea directly after that. My flight from Germany was 1250€. On the whole trip (Japan + South Korea + flight + all other costs) I spent 7000€. @@javiersosa1750
@@javiersosa1750 Flights were around $1200 USD per person from NYC direct. Hotels ranged from around $115-130 a night in Tokyo and Osaka. Around $450 for a one night stay at a ryokan in Hakone. The Shinkansen from Osaka to and from Tokyo was about $100 each way in a non reserved regular car. Everyday normal metro rides were super cheap and ranged from $1-5 depending on how far we traveled. Longer rides never went over $10 a person. Food was incredibly cheap and high quality, souvenirs were reasonably priced except for plushies which were absurdly overpriced, and vintage items like video games and electronics can be found very cheap at secondhand stores. I recommend setting aside some money for experiences like tours and museums, walk the many parks and eat your weight in famichicken like I did.
@@javiersosa1750I booked a flight last year for December 25th and got back January 13. My flight was around $1500 round trip from Cali, had one stop in Seattle, and then to Haneda. Accommodation was around 600 since I split the cost of the Airbnbs with my friend. Other than that you can spend money on whatever you want. Although I did take the Shinkansen twice also.
Did you do any overnight bus travel?
When you're in Osaka you might want to join a meetup event to meet and speak with locals who enjoy talking to foreigners in English.
Chris, you are a national treasure, I think so. Hope you get the recognition you deserve.
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 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!
Seeing the streets of Osaka again instantly made me want to go back there soon. Dotonbori especially has the vibes on point
I just booked my first trip to japan. 10 days in asakusa. I decided to focus on one place for my first trip because I think I will be overwhelmed by all the new things from suica IC cards to the temples, etc. thanks for your videos.
Japan is such a beautiful country❤️❤️❤️. Adding to my bucket list🥰🥰🥰.Thank you for sharing 😁
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.
Did a 14-day trip in Japan this year, luckily I had my brother still living there. So we were able to do soo much with the help of a local to create our itinerary. We spent time in Tokyo of course, Osaka and Hiroshima (and Miyajima). Definitely was a trip of a life time for me, feels like it was just a dream now that I'm back home.
Would you suggest hiring a tour guide? Or as a non English speaker, do you think I would survive?
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
Watching this makes me think that there needs to be some kind of Oscar type award for content. Amazing work!
Peak Abroad in Japan content as usual!!! You are the best!! This video is absolute gold for travelers who want to visit Japan!
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
I love Japan so much. Lived there the last three years. Hoping to live there again some day.
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!
My first trip, I stayed in Asakusa, and my last trip I stayed in Shinjuku. :) Both great trips! Love your content
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.
Wow, I expected the kickoff to your upcoming journey, but instead found this beautiful and well-edited documentary! I think this is my favorite video of you yet, I loved every single minute and rediscovered my love for Japan (for the dozenth time). I already visited Japan this year, but can't wait to be back. Thank you for the great suggestions!
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
Fell in love with japan in 2023. Hoping to be back this year!
PERFECT TIMING! I'M PLANNING MY (21 DAY NOT 14 DAY) TRIP TO JAPAN AND I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME IDEAS!
Just finished up at 14 day trip the 17th of this month! Wish I could go back already 😢
It was crazy to me how you could spend multiple days in a single subdistrict of Tokyo if you really wanted to. Recommend everyone to think about balancing going wide with going deep when planning your itinerary!!
How much have you paid for everything?
Not op but you can spend as little as US$1000 (not including flight tickets) for 14 days in Japan. $50 hostels, travel with bus, eat only kombini food etc. Might not be the most enjoyable but certainly doable. $3000 will be comfortable with occasional splurging
Thank you 👍🏻