The Most Beautiful Japan City Nobody Talks About - Ep.5, 1 Man, 1 Pass, 1 Trip into the 'Real Japan'
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- Опубликовано: 22 мар 2024
- My trip to find the 'real Japan' is about to end - with a bang. Onomichi, the gem of Setouchi is now my favourite city in Japan. Let me tell you all about it.
I'd like to thank all of you who watched the series to be a part of this journey, I couldn't have done it without you.
#japan #travel #vlog
I have never been to Onomichi. I'm Japanese, and I've often heard that Onomichi has a unique atmosphere compared to other parts of Japan. I learned about Onomichi's charm and the value of visiting. Thank you!!🤗
To get the most breath taking view over the city stay at the Miharashi-tei guest house just 50-100m below senkoji temple. Go there by doorway because it is way up. Looking over the city at night while having a beer was just the best decision for me. Even when I carried all my very heavy luggage all up the mountain.😊
@@abelgerli
Very kind of you 🥰!!
I will keep your recommendation in mind.
@@emippe226 By the way if you're thinking about doing the bike tour between Onomichi and Imabari taken your time and take two days with the bike rental. And just spend the night somewhere on the islands. I think spending the dawn at setoda sunset beach would be perfect and then spending the night in the guest house on the island. I made the cycle in one days and spend to much time relaxing on the island so I had to cycle fast and got cramps because of the many uphill cycling. There are many bridges to cycle up and down and many islands are quite hilly. You will feel it if you don't cycle everyday 80 km 😂
Have fun.
@@abelgerli Thank you for the recommendation
The best part of a trip in my opinion is getting lost in an area and exploring. Meeting wonderful friendly people, having a chat and allowing your trip to breath.
Chasing time and meeting schedules just doesnt allow yourself to take it all in.
Me and my wife had a conversation about values in trips just yesterday. There are a lot of people trying to get the maximum. To go everywhere, to try everything, tick every line in their list. We’re doing it at work. So what’s the point of vacation if you work hard at your leisure time? Calm down, relax! And walking around without Google maps is a great idea! Thank you for your job! Really like Japan through your camera. ❤
Just came back last Saturday from a 2,5 week trip. Walked 245 kilometers hahah. We loved it though. Japan is really worth it. It just begs to be explored all the time
I really enjoy your delivery and story telling, it's a refreshing change from the hyper-emotive travel vlogs of others. I appreciate that you've taken this journey as well as I've been planning a cycle crossing from Imabari to Onomichi for a while, and it's nice to see what to expect in the cities themselves! These are exactly the types of moments I seek out when I'm travelling there, unassuming pockets of life and culture in regular places. Even in Kyoto and Osaka, there are local gems if you get off the beaten path. I hear a hint of Australian accent in your voice, is that where you're from?
Thank you. I'm not from Australia though!
Sounds like an AI text to speech engine
Slow travel in unknown places is the way to travel imo
@@Will_ZhaoI don’t hear Australian either but I want to say that when I first listened to the narration in Ferris Bueller’s day off, I said, someone needs to make a show with this style of talking. And your show is that, plus it’s about my favorite topic and you do so well at shooting and making videos! You are a gem. Thank you.
@@imlivelaffluvvson *"ferrous brûlées day off"* is that what *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* is known as in your country, or is this one of the most hilarious typos ever?
I have been to Onomichi, it's a nice and quaint little town with the famous Temple Walk up to the Senkoji Temple. And yes, there are many cats around the area. I didn't get to stay overnight but by the looks of your experience, it would have been very enjoyable 😊
For those on a more traditional itinerary, it's quite easy to get to. You can stop at Shin Onomichi Station on the Shinkansen route then either take a taxi/bus (15-20min) into the main city area or walk the 3km yourself (approx 35-40min). The alternative is to stop at Fukuyama Station on the Shinkansen then take a local bus/train to Onomichi (20min). The benefit of stopping at Fukuyama Station is that they have coin lockers available so you can store your luggage here for the day while you go and explore Onomichi (this is what I did).
"touch of nostalgia from memory that I never had"
That is beautiful.
I need to go back to Japan, it's been 4 long years since I saw my home town.
Great minds think alike 🙂
A year ago this month I rode a bike from Onomichi to Imabari along the Shimanamikaido bike path. That was the best day of my life thus far. The ride was long (50+ miles, 6 hours, somewhat hilly), but worth ever ounce of effort. The views were stunning, and the peaceful silence along the way was rejuvenating after the big city hustle. Imabari was almost as charming as Onomichi! Two blocks from the station you filmed at is a really nice onsen. Perfect for unwinding after a long day of riding. Anyway, thank you for you video. Took my right back! The market in Onomichi, the view from the top of the hill, and the quiet little middle-of-nowhere bus stop all had me spinning.
Dammit, only did the bike ride, not seen the city. I loved the bike ride though! So that's still a W
I love cities like these. Very modest, but charming in an unassuming way.
Thank you, algorithm! This was quite enjoyable! Subscribed.
Same!
+1, love the off-the-beaten-path chill vibes!
Same here, this is the kind of stuff I love watching 😀
i have to click "new to you" many times for this video to appear
Another who had this thrust on them by the algorithm and ended up enjoying it. Like his delivery and view on travel - something about just wandering about, following your nose, discovering places. I'm half way thru a 4wk stay in Japan and this really hit the spot for me.
If you ever do the same trip again - I would HIGHLY recommend taking a bike trip across the shimanami kaido! One of my best memories ever was doing just that from Onomichi to Imabari in summer 2022. Beautiful sights, serene vibes, kind people... Just incredible.
Side note: When I was in Onomichi, I had dinner with some friends. We chatted for a while with the owner, and when we tried to pay, they refused and said the whole meal was on them. Some other patrons bought us drinks as well. Just 10/10 experience. Such kind people!
Sometimes the algorithm feeds you treats, and today was one! Thanks for the wonderful video, Will!
I feel like I've already been here just because of how much I played Yakuza 6! Definitely will check it out in person! Maybe with luck, I will run into Ono Michio kun!
Great video Will! I visited Onomichi in October solo as part of my 21-day JR pass journey as well. You put my thoughts about the city into words so well, the feeling of being in Onomichi really is indescribable. It was like revisiting a memory that I never had. The sunset view from the Senkoji observatory was probably one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. I stayed up there until it got dark and hiked down the mountain. I remember struggling to find dinner after it got dark, the city really does go quiet at night. The next day I ended up biking the Shinanami Kaido from Onomichi to Imabari and had to take the highway bus back to Onomichi at night. I remember feeling exactly how you did about that one bus stop in the middle of nowhere. I was on the last bus departing from Imabari and by the time I got to the bus stop it was pitch black and I was the only person there for 30 minutes not sure if the bus would even come. Good memories 😁
Everything from the cats, to the beautiful weather, the amazing inland sea and mountain views, the delicious Onomichi ramen, and chill vibe of the port town really makes Onomichi one of the best places I visited. I’ll be back one day, no doubt. Thanks again for helping me relive this memory, I’ll show this video to all my friends :)
Thank you, glad you like it. Onomichi is nothing but fond memories, I plan to revisit the city this summer bringing with me a better camera so I'd have higher quality footage to share. It's a shame that Onomichi's pretty far away from the major cities and getting there just for the sake of it isn't usually an option. But that's propbably why the city is so special to begin with.
I also biked the Shimanami Kaido last October, in the opposite direction. Had an amazing time in both Onomichi and Imabari.
What a charming little town!! Onomichi is what I like to call a hitten Gem 💎!! A small town that's pack with Beauty and a little nature not to mention those views of the Sea are Magnificent 💟!! I'll be there in Osaka next April for 2 weeks and I might have to venture over and check ✅ out Onomichi for sure!! Amazing 🙏🏽 video and Thanks for Sharing 🧡🤍🎇🤍🧡
This is seriously one of the best videos about Japan that I've ever seen. I've watched it three times already.
Love it when locals are friendly. People can make or break your visit. Onomichi seems like such a quaint and lovely place. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
From towering skyscrapers to small towns, Japan has a charm like no other.
wow im impressed. Wasnt expecting that much quality on the video when i click it. Thanks for sharing your experience in this beautiful place!
Glad you expected wrong. 🤫
Oh my gosh, what a fantastic video, I was shocked to find myself tearing up because I could hear how much you were enjoying yourself. I haven't been to this particular place, but I have had those moments of 'oneness' with a place while traveling and we open up to the experiece. I think this is what many are seeking, but as you observed, it really comes when you have completely let go of expectations and are just being present with what is happening in front of you, and this can happen anywhere. You've inspired me to travel to some small local places this summer nearby and enjoy whatever I find!
In 2016, I travelled to Matsuyama by train, crossing over the Seto Ohashi bridge from Okayama. However, every trip back to the mainland, and there have been a few since, is by Superjet Ferry to Hiroshima. It's the quickest option.
From Hiroshima, you can get trains or Shinkansen to wherever you want to go. It may indeed have been the quickest way to get to Onomichi, but the experience of travelling by different routes is always enjoyable.
It's always a balance between time available, and budget.
I ended up spending 3 weeks in Matsuyama in 2016, and I visited again in 2019.
It's a very enjoyable place to stay, with some of the best food I have ever had, too.
I visited Setouchi a few years ago and it reminded me of the 'real' Japan that I knew and fell in love with more than 10 years ago. The people are lovely and genuinely curious about visitors, the streets are filled with hidden gems that just requires curiosity and patience to find, and there's not so many tourists around. I really want to visit again.
2:14 A station in the middle of "nowhere" & the bus is late by 20 minutes especially in Japan, I think you have every right to be worried 😅
4:01 Don't know why, but those stairs are beautiful in itself. My mind was already telling me: "at least once a dorama, movie or anime has used those stairs in a scene."
4:39 That view is just damn beautiful. Great choice by the builders to put a station there.
6:43 Cool public area. Nice vibes.
11:46 Great value there.
Great video! I really like your storytelling. I used to live in Hiroshima and visited Onomichi a few times. It was always really nice. Viewing Setouchi Sea from Senkoji temple around sunset is really beautiful, too. Onomichi is also famous for movies. Many Japanese movies were filmed in Onomichi. A very old one is "Tokyo Monogatari" by Yasujiro Ozu and "Tokiwo Kakeru Shojo", meaning "a girl who rides through time," by Yasuhiko Ohbayashi.
Tomonoura, located 25 kilometers east of Onomichi, was the setting for the movie "Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea," produced by Studio Ghibli.
The Imabari-Onomichi route is famous as the Shimanami Kaido bike route, so usually I'd think the usual way to travel is by bike, while shipping the luggage from one end to another. The route I took was the other way round while also reaching Fukuoka because I want to stop by Beppu for a night with the hot springs. The route planning was hectic, but it was worth it for the trip.
Edit: After finishing the video, I might go back and stay a night there. Unfortunately the last time I went there, it coincided with Golden Week so cheap accommodation are nowhere to be found in Onomichi...
Thankyou for taking us on your wonderful ZEN journey!
Poetry, Will...visual and otherwise. Being 'there' and being present makes for amazing experiences. And the Japanese are just so.....Zen. Thank you, man!
What a place, it's stunningly beautiful there!!! I am now full of envy; I'd so like to see this place and experience all the culture and atmosphere. Thank you for your video.
This is the sort of experience I would like from Japan, there are places like you said, visiting Tokyo and Kyoto is a box ticking exercise but by no means unimportant to a first time visitor but I don't want to just spend two week rushing from one place to another, I want to truly feel calm in one specific place and Onomichi will now perhaps feature in my trip. Thank you for this video.
As soon as I've read "The Most Beautiful Japan City Nobody Talks About" I knew you were talking about Onomichi... :)
Wonderful! Thank you for capturing this so beautifully. It's suddenly on my itinerary!
Went to cycle from Onomichi to Matsuyama and is by far the best experience in Japan I've ever had
I totally understand how you were charmed by a place supposedly so off the beaten path. It's as if all the minutiae of daily Japanese life come together and create this theater of delight in the mundane, and the bittersweetness of a brief stay creates something poetic. Japan is the most extraordinary country...
Thanks for that video... I feel this Ghibli's feelings when watched your video!
Such a lovely, lovely episode. Thanks for posting!
Thank you for going on this trip, documenting it, and sharing it good sir. This place is now on the bucket list! 🤩
Thanks for the video! Glad you had a great time!
Thank you I have been looking for off the beaten path in Japan 🇯🇵 you are the only channel so far 😊
2:56 "It takes only cash. You just know it's gonna be good." That was the funniest thing I've heard all year, bro
I love everything about the video, thank you!
Thank you for the inspiration - love that you stayed another day there... So Beautiful!!
Loved seeing your views and hearing your thoughts…….great job!
Great video! This way of doing videos is so refreshing, please make more!!
It’s a gem! It’s like vintage Japan 🇯🇵 beautiful arcade and the hillside is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing this! I think you somehow capture what it's like to be there. I really like the storytelling!
What a journey ! It’s been a real pleasure to follow you into it. I don’t think there is any other place in the world where the safety can produce that kind of trip.
Such a relaxing travel video - wish there were more of these ! Onomichi looks like such a pleasant place to stop and take a breath , and you’re right , it does look like a Gibhli movie .
What a charming looking place. Thanks for the vid.
Congratulations, Will. You paint nice pictures with your words, which complement the imagery well. Good job!
Perfect blend of wit, poetry and reality. Well done.
So random stumbling upon this video while planning my Japan trip to the big cities. Thanks for posting this! It was poetry. Next time I'll visit Japan, I will go somewhere off the beaten track :)
Nice video! Setouchi and the southern prefectures are definitely on my bucket list if I get the chance of traveling again next year.
Well done. Thank you for adding another stop to my trip.
Cats, scenery, authentic low-story buildings - definitely adding to my goto bucket. Great video
This is some superb editing. Congrats on the fantastic video!
Easiest sub of my life
You're good at this. Great editing, please keep it up
I Love your videos Buddy! Keep in that track
I enjoyed watching this video. Keep up the good work
I've actually travelled the exact same route with the bus that you had lol! On my trip to Japan i went to cycle the shimanami kaido cycling route, starting from Onomichi. When i arrived in Onomichi I also noticed that the place was really unique and it made me want to stay there for an extra day but i didn't have the time :(. After cycling the route that day I ended at the Imabari station as well and i had to take the same transfer in the middle of nowhere on that island😂. I actually missed the first bus because i didn't know that there was a tunnel under the highway that leads to the other bus stop^^. Really cool to see you practically taking the same path i did ^^
Amazing video mate, what a hidden gem. These smaller cities and the japanese “country side” in general is so sublime! Recently went to Kanazawa, Nagano, Kiso Valley, Matsushima Bay (Sendai), Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Otsu, Amanohashidate. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos!
Great video, makes me want to visit Japan again and get even more off the beaten path such as you did. I must agree that the JR passes make for great value and ease of movement around this amazing country.
Loved the video, took me back to my trip earlier this year. My wife and me rented a bike for the Shimanami Kaido, a beautiful trip to Onomichi.
What an outstanding series of videos! I love your storytelling, the production, and how personal you made it. Well done you. Kind regards from Tasmania, Australia
Thank you for making good videos and telling about getting not only a value but emotions from trip!
Most valuable and entertaining video! Grateful for your guidance.
Great video! I stopped in Onomichi for a few hours once and I totally know what you mean. There's an unassuming specialness to it that's hard to put your finger on. I love you mix of humour and deeper commentary along with great shots. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
What a great video. Something unexpected and heartwarming.
What a refreshing video on Japan!! I love your editing style, cinematography, and speaking cadence. Hope your channel grows to be big!
Thank you!
Very cozy and nice travel video!
So cool. Thanks for the stories Will.
Thank you for making this video. It’s very informative and visually pleasing. I was Osaka few days ago for a holiday and felt like I needed to explore more of Japan. I will definitely go back.
I like the higgledy piggeldy layout, verticality and greenery ( and the general beautiful location the city is built in)
I came here because of Yakuza. And your video. Here today, and I love it. Thanks!
I like how you added train sounds.
I love the pacing, and the candour. Well done!
Heartwarming. Reminds me of my experiences in Kagoshima and Sakurajima (where I rented a bicycle and went round the whole island), ans especially the heights above the shipyards at Kure. I agree about the mixed blessing of a train pass: if I manage to visit Japan again, I’ll spend a lot more time in one place (although I could see that one place being Kyoto again!).
I just stumbled across this video, and it's gorgeous. I've been to Japan twice, but haven't made it too far into rural Japan like this. The most rural part I've been too has been Nikko, which is gorgeous in the mountains. Even with it's famous temples there, it wasn't too crowded and felt so different from the cities or Kyoto.
I digress, but the scenery throughout Japan is truly amazing. You have large and beautiful cities. Old cities and towns like Kyoto, then small towns in between mountain valleys and seas. I have loved both of my trips there, and want to go back and go more off the beaten path like Onomichi to Nagano next time.
Same here. I went once but my rural experience is limited to a hot springs near mount Fugi. I visited all 3 major cities ending in Osaka ( universal studio theme park. I'm fascinated with rural Japan
Onomichi ist eine Stadt mit Meer, Hügeln und Tempeln. Sie ist die beliebteste Touristenstadt für Japaner, die sie in Zukunft besuchen werden.
Von der Stadt aus können Sie ein anderes Japan erleben. Das nächste Mal besuchen.
Stumbled upon this video - thank you for the voice over its very informative - im inspired now to go back to Japan bec of this video... new subscriber here🙋♂
top quality vid as usual! I'm 100% sold on Onomichi and adding it to our next Japan trip itinerary, especially because cycling the Shimanami Kaido is on the bucket list
Consider staying at Wakka. Best part of our Japan trip.
Nice work, Will! It’s my first time, here on your channel, but I’m going to make sure I don’t miss you, in the future! 🎉 Thanks! 🙏
The humor sprinkled throughout the video made me chuckle xD
Video was great!
I visited Onomichi last weak. It really is like Japan from the anime. Also the tourist information ladies speak english and in my experience google maps worked perfect. Even on the Setonakai islands.
Welcome to Japan!
Very nice.
Monday lunch time was relaxing.
As a Japanese person, this video made me very happy.
Thank you very much 👍
Have a wonderful week 🙋♂🙋♀
Thank you. Glad my video made your lunch break better!
@@Will_Zhao 🙋♂🙋♀👍
planning my trip already - totally agree with your modus operandi .We did the same up in Hokkaido some years back, and wow, did we get blown away. Thanks for this excellent series.
Amazing video! Love it!
Haha, hell of a journey! I love it. 😁
I first saw this place in the video game Yakuza 6. I fell in love with the place and the video game does a pretty good job capturing its beauty, calm and nostalgic feeling. I still wonder why I find Japanese (Chinese/Korean) architecture and landscapes so nostalgic. I have never been to Asia and I am from Europe. But sometimes I get this feeling of nostalgia like if it was something actually from my past. Its weird.
Really great place. I want to experience this small town on my own.
i was in onomichi and it was also super hot, went up the cable car and walked down. nice memories while watching this. it indeed a postcard town, so nice.
wow! i love your filming style! You can really tell you are a ghibli fan :)
Great video!🎉
Wanted to stop by here on my last trip but ran out of time. Definitely still on my radar now for next time.
That was fun. Thank you.
Very enjoyable sentiments. It almost brings up memories (which I never had) when I first got lost in Japan and found the delight in life.
Go to Nagasaki City next. I will also get to see the gorgeous harbor views.
great video. fantastic story telling. kudos!
"A touch of nostalgia from a memory I never had". Very nice. I have this weird crush on Japan. I call it a crush because it's one sided and doesn't make a lot of sense. I definitely would have gotten lost in the middle of nowhere.
I immediately recognized the locations of Onomichi from Yakuza 6
Dude, great job. I live in Japan as well and your appreciation is spot on.
This was so precious. Thank you for sharing.
I was in Onomichi in January. What a gem. I loved it and will make my way back there again next year.
If you have a chance and want to see another totally different side of Japan, try going to Matsue-Shimane (松江市)... it is just such an amazingly different city, a tea-town showing maybe a very different side of the quietness Japan, also, do stop in Iwami-Tottori (岩美町) for a day... whilst not really architectural, it is an amazing place of impossible natural and Human Beauty... with villages maybe, somewhat reminiscent of the town scenes in Ponyo-Ponyo...
if you go, you do have to be a little careful with some trains being only a couple of times a day, but will get to experience the unique sense of traveling on a railway where everyone knows each other.
I have a list of places you guys suggested, tottori has been on my wishlist for a very long time, mainly because of the sand dunes. Will definitely try to pay them a visit next time.
I went to Matsue and Izumo on my 2014 trip, and I recommend both of them for history and culture. I then went to Yamaguchi via the charming town of Tsuwano (historic, because Christians persecuted during the Tokugawa period were exiled there, but it's a lovely little town even without that) to catch the Shinkansen to Fukuoka, where I caught the hydrofoil/hovercraft to Korea
@@pdxtran Tsuwano is a town I meant to go to but sadly missed on my trip to that region... as a person from a ceramicist background, I guess I spent too long in and around Hagi... but I did not have time to make that stop.