Traveling Japan’s countryside by local trains is very different | Japan by Train
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- Опубликовано: 15 июн 2024
- Using local trains, we travel for 3 days around Tochigi, Fukushima, and Niigata. Going this deep into Japan's countryside provided some interesting challenges that you don't normally see when you stay on the more tried and true tourists paths.
TOCHIGI
- Shimo-Imaichi Station maps.app.goo.gl/vMWctCGKLMttE...
- DL Taiju (SL Taiju) www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing...
- Kinugawaonsen Station, Tochigi maps.app.goo.gl/izZjTQudkSAJ2...
- Line Kudari River Cruise, Kinugawa www.visit-tochigi.com/plan-yo...
- Kinuko No Yu (foot bath), Kinugawa maps.app.goo.gl/zDt5MWaKtcgJP...
- Kinugawakoen Station maps.app.goo.gl/APUQ4b8gnMXq3...
- Limited Express Revaty www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_inf...
FUKUSHIMA
- Aizu Tajima Station maps.app.goo.gl/j8daRQgt1gJdA...
- Tonohetsuri Station maps.app.goo.gl/t3DPmLjD3tRuU...
- Tō-no-Hetsuri maps.app.goo.gl/VDccrkL3BhJLE...
- Yunokamionsen Station maps.app.goo.gl/ZbD6nLLPFzQpH...
- Nishi-Wakamatsu Station maps.app.goo.gl/kdDLMeF6hbJmK...
- Aizu-Kawaguchi Station maps.app.goo.gl/5sNWSiNo2BEkv...
- Kawaguchi Taxis maps.app.goo.gl/qV2rhoSZwiSie...
- The Fourth Mimikawa Bridge maps.app.goo.gl/cp1UZkxKqYZoY...
- Mugenkyo (boats we didn't ride on) maps.app.goo.gl/Rw1zJTXZaVKg3...
- Lake Numazawa maps.app.goo.gl/6W1drjMf87xaZ...
- 一嶋公園（伊夜彦神社) (the shrine we briefly visited) maps.app.goo.gl/48Gxoq4aUpsqp...
- Oshio Natural Carbonated Water maps.app.goo.gl/ZoeG5umB4DwWD...
- Oshio Public Onsen (the onsen we couldn't get in) maps.app.goo.gl/mgxeohNgK9W7j...
- Yugura Cooperative Onsen maps.app.goo.gl/wWM3F6jaZwaUx...
- Honna Station maps.app.goo.gl/FgjBVhSbGrTV4...
NIIGATA
- Echigo Suhara Station maps.app.goo.gl/oomyfBrum7wYv...
- Megurotei (thatched roof manor) maps.app.goo.gl/s59XeXY7rZYsZ...
- Tamagawa Brewing Company maps.app.goo.gl/hoHRXkJSPbNVJ...
- Koide Station maps.app.goo.gl/jTW3AxGbH79sv...
- Yunotani Roadside Station (michi no eki) maps.app.goo.gl/N4YgJfvb8Lhdv...
- Echigo-Yuzawa Station maps.app.goo.gl/ghSSD3VA2yyhN...
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Hope you all enjoy the relaxing vibes of this one. It's a continuation of my Tokyo by series, but this time getting out of the megacity and into the countryside.
Super like it!!
Thank you for the beautiful 1h long video!
lmao getting drunk and taking the wrong train is so relatable
I love these series. I went to Japan in October of 2023 and seeing these beautiful mini documentairies really bring me back to Japan 🇯🇵🗾
Parts of your train ride reminded me of how much I enjoy driving on old country highways in Kansas in June. Oddly enough, I'd fit right in within these regions.
I've heard customer service is very good in Japan but the train driver who slows down for the passengers to admire the cherry blossom is next level.
This is actually very common practice in sightseeing train all over the world.
For reals!
It's kinda expected for a tourist specific train
Hi, I’ve just returned home from Japan and I can tell you that level of service is general in so many situations. “Going that extra mile” and taking pride in your work. It was a real eye opener and reminded me that here in Australia we are falling behind in such things…
One of Greg’s best videos. Goes sightseeing? Sights aren’t there to see. Goes to a hotel with food? Fails to get food. Tries an ATM? No cash for you! Visit an onsen? You’ll be lucky mate! Onsen’s off! Shall we get pissed up at the station waiting for a train? Yes! And to make it better, let’s take the unstoppable train in the opposite direction! Woo!
Such a great video 😂😂😂
I get why they started drinking
I agree! What a memorable trips. It's those surprises that make it great to look back on
@@amaelriesterer1421 me too! 😅
@@jackg5321 there’s nothing worse than perfect videos! I used to love a channel called VLDL - but they’ve become so successful that all their new videos are just a bit dull as they are too perfect. It was much funnier when it was more home grown.
There was nothing wrong with the train direction. This was a high speed train that did not stop in the desired town.
I felt bad for the driver when she asked about the viability of that line, he looked sad when he talked about it. I hope it can continue to operate.
Yeah, he was trying to put on a brave face, but you could see the stress and sadness breaking through. I hope the line's conditions improve.
Same. I hope the line gets more traffic. I get that convenience is great, but people shouldn't be afraid to branch out if they have time.
He seemed very kind and thoughtful. I hope, too, that those areas of Japan are able to flourish once more. They looked beautiful…just empty.
Unfortunately, Japan's local lines a facing a very hard time. An aging population and rural depopulation are taking their toll on them. Better ride them ASAP.
Train operator: "Oh well, there are nice cherry blossoms, so I wanted to let people see them."
HI, my name is "my heart just melted", because practically no one in America has consideration for others like this.
That was so nice 😭
Niigata is famous for Koi farming. Maybe that's why they have so many ponds near their houses. But commercial breeding is done in the mountains in mud ponds in the summer and in greenhouses in the winter.
Most of the Koi in Japan are grown there and therefore most of the best Koi in the world. A visit to a koi farm would also make an interesting video.
Yeah, I was thinking about visiting a koi farm.
Greg -- Awesome video! Not to "yuck" anyone's "yum," but this is such a refreshing counterpoint to the endless "OMG! WE'RE IN SHIBUYA! ANIME! VIDEO GAMES! LOL!" travel videos we usually get about Japan on RUclips. Akko is a great travel companion (who might be able to put Marion Ravenwood to shame in a drinking contest!).
Have been enjoying your channel for years and hopefully for many more!
I didn't even realize the video was over an hour long while I was watching it because it was so enjoyable.
This video has to be one of my favorites of all time. It's so relatable, and following you through all your struggles and victories makes it feel like I went on the journey with you. Akko is so relatable for being exhausted and wanting food and sake all the time, haha. I'd love to see more vlogs like this in the future!!!
Ikr! It's the real travel experience ups and downs, making it more immersive
THIS IS WHAT I SUBSCRIBE FOR. THANK YOU!
Anko is always game for drinks, she's a fun traveling partner 😂. I didn't expect to watch the whole thing in one sitting. Thank you for bringing us along on your trip!
Also a
🙀
We missed you.
This video was such a pleasure to watch. Japan’s countrysides are so dreamy, calm and peaceful. Such beautiful sceneries and intersecting places to visit.
As a visitor to Japan, I would definitely visit more places like these. ❤
Very cool meeting a Japanese railfan, its a worldwide hobby!
Too bad they can't pick up hygiene and grooming as hobbies 😂
@@pv2639
Did a train kill your entire family or something
Also, if you think train enjoyers are bad, have you ever met sports cars fans?
35:55 that taxi driver is such a G, what a lovely man.
Answer to what happens when you do not have cash for a ticket on the train:
They will usually give you a note to bring to a bigger station and pay there. It is largely trust based, but Japan has an extensive monitoring system, so trying to cheat the system can get you in trouble.
Some more information for the curious: It is also possible to get "stuck" in a way that you do not have a ticket outside the IC card areas, and also at a line without payment service, going to stations that checks for tickets, but where you can not buy them. However, even in situations like this, it is absolutely not problematic. You can just buy your ticket afterwards. This has happened to me a couple of times. I sometime needed to pass a ticket gate back and forth to get to the ticket machine, and hence asked the station staff it was okay passing the gate without using my IC card. All of the times they were like "Yeah sure no problem idk", and often did not pay much attention when I tried to show my belated ticket (in a good way).
I have extensively tried to learn the peculiarities of the ticket systems, but I think there are many cases where there are no concrete national rules, so cases like this may vary. There are many "edge-cases", for example when you board a "reserved only" ticket with a JR pass, but no reservation. There is no official information of what happens in these situations, and I have experienced very confused train staff as well, but it has always get sorted surprisingly smoothly and cheaply. I am usually over-prepared for the trains and ticket systems, but there are always Japanese locals who have not prepared anything in advance and still manage to pay without trouble at all, so I hope rural train travelers will not worry (but pay attention to the schedule and bring cash!)
I have not experienced not having cash when I need to personally, but have asked around and also witness other people on the train getting notes to bring to the stations to pay afterwards.
Oh, thanks for the answer! So they do give you a "bill" that you need to pay at a bigger station. It's kind of what I thought might happen, but it's good to cofirm.
I have a question for you: what happened when you went on the wrong train to Sendai? Were you able to go off nd change trains without any extra charge?
Since it went directly from Omiya to Sendai, I am assuming it was the only reserved Hayabusa, so what did the conductor say? If you were at the non reserved part, I guess you could have just changed without anyone noticing, since one does not need to pass the ticket gate.
@@tobiasopsahl6163 We simply had to get back on the train going the other way at Sendai and backtrack. Wasn't complicated, but took time since it was a nonstop train. No extra charge.
This video made me smile all the way through! The train driver slowing down the train for the passengers to enjoy the scenery and the taxi driver gifting you food were such nice people. And Ako was so brave for filming in the dark even though she was so scared, she seems like a really fun travel companion. :)
I used to live in Minakuchi in Shiga almost a decade ago, which was as rural as the places you visited in this video. But it was close enough to Osaka/Kyoto/Nagoya that I would be on a local train trundling through rice fields for about an hour before it opened to the hustle and bustle of Kyoto station. A good friend lived in Nagoya, and I would take 3 local trains to go see her on the weekend, passing through Mie on the way there. One of the trains was a tiny one-man train as well, and was so rundown and rickety that I often worried about the bridges holding it up as we passed through the mountains. The interesting thing was that with that journey, I would cross over from JR-WEST to JR-EAST. So even though I was able to tap on with my IC card in Minakuchi and then at Nagoya, the machines would freak out because they didn't recognise where I'd come from, so I'd have to go to the station window to pay in cash. I'm leaving Japan in a few months, so this really brought me back and put a smile on my face. Thank you!
Her laughter is contagious. This was quite fun to watch. I love how real it comes across. The end ride was something I would do. 😂
Thank you Greg and Akko, taking us for the ride around Japan. I will probably never go to Japan, so it's great to be able to travel vicariously through your videos. I love the interactions with all the friendly people you met on your journey. Thank you! 🚝🚞🚋🚂🚃
I enjoyed watching this video so much! Sure, Greg and Akko didn't have the best traveling experience they planned for, but from the storytelling, Akko's laughs, and sweet views, I could tell that they had fun filming this one
I took a slow train from Kyoto to Niigata and I loved the small stations. Thanks for the video, Japan it isn't all about the bullet trains and Tokyo
The river boat ride looked enjoyable
A bit pricey, but I'd go if you have the chance.
"Because you're poor" was too harsh! 😂
i died 😂
Instant psychic damage, +3 aggravated emotional damage as well.
It really exemplified Greg’s humor style.
He did a similar thing when he met up with the guy from the other RUclips channel in one of the Tokyo adventures (the bike one, I think?). Greg met up with him for just part of the trip, then when they parted ways, Greg said something to the gist of, “Now that we’ve gotten rid of ______ , I can have more fun again.”
There’s always truth to the statements, and they’re dryly humorous, so as long as you don’t have too thin a skin, you can kind of laugh about it. It stings, but is funny.
君たち二人のコンビが大好きです！おかげで両方の視点を理解できるし、時間がない中でも日本のいろいろな場所や経験を知ることができて、とても助かっています。本当にありがとう！💯
I'm vary glad you slowed down the pace for this one. RUclips algorithm might not be too happy about it but I sure am.
I could have watched another hour of this. So well done.
We traveled around Tohoku last year - overtourism is not a thing up there, but we encountered many of the same hiccups as you😁 (closures, no restaurants, sporadic trains and buses). That said, Japan is so much more than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, so people really should take the time to venture out of the tourist triangle because it was an amazing trip. This was a great video - the train through the sakura was stunningly beautiful.
The hiccups are a reason why tourists don't venture outside of the triangle especially with the language barrier.
Kid you not, I was craving for rural japan content exploration content. And voila, bro upload related video. This put a smile on my face.
I like how Akko seems to be down for anything, fully expect one video to open with "Hello world! Today Akko and I are in a sewer to remove a poo-burg."
i love your videos. they are so well made, calm, full of details. it is such a different world compared to where i live. and tbh, i am quite jealous.
your channel is one out of just 2, i clicked the bell to get notifications. i rewatched so many of your videos just to discover everything there is. even a simple stone pattern catches my attention.
i dont mind waiting 3 or 4 month to see something new from your life, when it stays this good. sorry for my english ^^' please keep going. bless you and your family!
I travel the world by local trains and transport. It's what life is all about
Before the video: I don’t think I have time to watch the whole thing. One hour later… (still watching.)
Epic work, Greg!
Same! At the end, I wanted there to be more!
My daughter and her boiyfriend are traveling in Japan right now....Such a beautiful country.
I got off a local train in a very small town somewhere in Saitama. Not much was happening. One of the team in the ticket office thought I was looking for another local train and directed me to it. Not having much else to do I took it. The second train ran up into the hills and in some cases almost seemed to be servicing a single home. I got off where I could see a café/restaurant/store sitting on its own. It was a bit cold and snowy so simply ended up spending two hours there, eating and drinking , with a very noisy and animated elderly crowd. 😊😊
This might be my favorite video of yours, Greg. Thank you to you and your sister for showing this magical rural area of Japan. I hope it encourages more tourists to support these small towns.
I live 2 minutes from our heritage steam train line. Named the watercress line as years ago it was used to get the fresh local grown watercress to London for selling ,whilst still fresh.
I dont usually comment but i wanted to say i really enjoyed this entire video .
I enjoyed seeing what fun you had on your adventure despite some hiccups. It's important to see that things don't always work out exactly as planned but you figured it out. Also, how sweet the taxi man was who helped show you around and made you some onigiri when ramen wasn't available :)
it's really fun to see how you and Ako react to each other.
I really get that sibling vibe. Like both caring for the other, But also making fun on the other.
I could fully relate to Akko's concern on the bridge and walking along the cliff!!! Good for you Akko!!
This documentary (I called it what it is) was fantastic! Trains, automobiles and high drama! Greg your doing such a great job. Akko is also my favorite side (or main?) character; always exhausted, always whining, always unintentionally funny and always ready for biiru or sake.
Now can we request that you and Akko continue to trek across Japan and take us along for the ride?
This is exactly why i love the Japanese countryside.
Thank you Greg and Akko for sharing this excellent video with everyone. I grew up coming from a ‘railway family’ (my parents both worked for the railway and my brother still does) so we traveled extensively throughout the UK by rail.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, these are the places of Japan that I would love to see more of and it’s great to see the local tourism office utilising the taxi and the drivers local knowledge to run a tour.
The best of wishes to you both and your families from England 🏴 🇨🇦🇯🇵
The algorithm blessed me with this tonight. I can't believe I hadn't seen any of your videos up until now, but I've subscribed and will definitely be watching more of your work after this. Love the coziness and commentary on Japan and its culture.
The video quality and scenery in your videos is always so amazing. Thanks for showing us Japan!
I didn't realise I watched an hour long video. That is a big compliment! :)
This is the Japan that I need to see more of. It's so beautiful and peaceful. Like time has stopped.
Great video as always. I was beginning to have withdrawal symptoms. When we retire we intend to explore Japan by slow train for a year. This video greatly vindicates that plan. PS the towel banner we ordered arrived and hangs lovingly in our hall way. Peace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! You inspired me to explore small regional train lines in Japan next time I visit. Thanks for the awesome video as always, Greg!
Two towels!?!??? Very hitchhikers guide to galaxy of you.
He is a Hoopy Frood who knows where his towel is.
Akko is such a great travel partner. 🥰
Takes me back to travelling in rural
Japan esp when it gets dark!!!! It always feels a bit abandoned. Thank you for making this!
thank you for sharing the countryside of Japan via the smaller trains. WOW...there's so much to see and do in each of the areas...REALLY loving it! looks like so much fun!
When I stayed in Niigata city I took a limited express local train up to Atsumi Onsen just to experience a local train. The views were stunning along the coast, and Atsumi Onsen station so cute! I walked around town and it was very quiet, found a restaurant and had a set meal with tempura seafood and vegetables (I was their only customer). One of the highlights of my Japan trip! Another highlight was the sake vending place at Niigata station 😊
So happy to see another one of your videos!!!! Thank you!
Wow another amazing job! Thank you for uploading, Greg!
Dangit Greg! I’ve missed your stuff so much! Im glad for this post and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this long feature! It makes my resolve to visit Northern Japan stronger!
After watching the local news this morning, this is sooo calm and relaxing. The foot and hand bath is new to me. Thanks for this video!
I loved how calm this video was and very enjoyable. It's always great to see your vidoes Greg!
This was such a fun adventure! Thank you for sharing!
this might be your best video yet - incredible vibes and views with a perfect dose of personality
Always a pleasure to take a journey back to the countryside of Japan. Thank you for the nostalgia trip.
Loved this video! I lived in Niigata prefecture for three years and appreciate you traveling the one man trains. This was a really beautiful video, and I hope you create more rural Japan travel videos! Seeing the koshikari rice products also brought back happy memories.
I like how you added scary music during the shrine visit
Loved this video!🥰 So natural and genuine. And I love that someone is focusing on other travel methods than driving a car. Yes, it's more difficult to get around, but not impossible, and the whole experience is actually creating unique and fun memories. Also sending all the love to Akko, who is amazing 🤗
Love these long video productions . These videos are informative and enjoyable. Such a relaxing video to watch . Thank you 👍
Thank you for taking us along this trip, that was very enjoyable!
Love this. Thanks for filming this.
I really enjoyed this video in fact i enjoy all of your videos. They are typically much longer than videos i normally watch but they're extremely interesting to me i guess they're so much different from what I'm used to watching.What you show us in your videos is at least for me so very different from what I'm used to seeing either in real life or in videos of other places around the world. Japan is truly beautiful and unique. thank you so very much for showing us your world.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Shinkansen is nice but these trains are such a gem to ride on with slower pace and one can really enjoys the scenery along the way. Everything is so clean and orderly. Beautifully filmed Greg. Thank you for these nice video.
One of the best Japan’s countryside trip ever seen really enjoyed it thanks
Wonderful content! I learned so much. Especially how すみません is so often used as a way to say thank you. I'm so used to saying ありがとございます but I'll have to start mixing it up. Thank you!
Thank you so much for making this video! It was an absolute joy to watch. In addition to being a whole hour (amazing!!) it is so lovely getting to see areas largely outside the foreign tourist trail. Also, it is very comforting that even native Japanese sometimes get things wrong!
The way you do subtitles and voice over is also the perfect amount to practice my Japanese listening, but can definitely still follow what is happening. ありがとうございます🎉
Great video! Thank you Greg and Akko! Peace!
This was such a fun video! Traveling on local trains is definitely a special experience in Japan, exhausting but fun and rewarding
Genuinely heartwarming. I love this. Thankyou both.
This was such an interesting video, thank you so much for showing the lesser known parts of Japan!
Wow, I was not expecting a hour long video. ❤❤❤
Absolutely stunning images. Thank you and Akko for this visual treat.
Absolutely wonderful video, Greg and Akko! Great to watch traveling on local trains and buses. Beautiful countryside views.
What a wonderful scenery with all the cherry blossom trees!
Man you did it again. You just gave me a lot of idea on what to do in Japan. I am saving up and planning again for the past 4 years for the grand Japan vacation.
Seeing small trains slowly go through the countryside is such a beautiful sight to see. It's almost magical in a way.
Great video, haven’t watched this channel in over a year. Excellent video. Thank you.
Amazing video, I really appreciate this view of japan beyond the big cities
I admire your deditacion. Loved seeing more of rural Japan!
I’m liking before even watching and saving for later tonight!! ❤
Loved the ride and the vibe!
Love it, absolutely enjoyed this. Thanks very much 😊
Thanks for sharing this journey w us Greg. Breathtaking and truly enjoy your videos!
My heart was right with Akko-san on those bridges
Thanks for the great video! Really enjoyed it.
As a brazilian and an italian/japanese descendant who never went to Japan (YET!!!!)...I feel a strong connection to the japanese countryside!! Can't explain it....just feels like home.
Loved the relaxing vibes. Fukushima's nature seems lovely
What a beautiful video ! I love it! We need more like this ✨❤️
I love this so much, you’ve really created a fantastic documentary of your trip.
I’ve just come back from Japan and I made this same trip up to Aizuwakamatsu. Very green in May, so picturesque. Loved your video, as I can literally picture myself being there again. Thank you!
very enjoyable episode, i really like the mix between the host
This has got to be one of my favorite videos ever!
What a beautiful love letter to the country side this video is. Thanks for sharing ❤❤