NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Of all the epic places we visited, where do you want to go the most? In case you missed last year's 14 Day itinerary for the Golden Route be sure to check it out. And thanks to Skyscanner for making this massive country wide shoot possible! 🌟Grab their app here and sort your flights! skyscanner.app.link/AbroadInJapan
Very good use of the Rules of thirds by your cameraman... also depth of field, focal distance etc ... the entering and exiting frame is perfect also... nice to see how far the production values have come over the last decade Chris... ok back to the video haha still watching now .. just thought to post a comment due to I notice such things working in TV and Film vfx since the 80s till now.
@@kurodah7210 日本人ですが、横から失礼します。 変わった場所は「地獄谷野猿公苑｜ようこそ、ニホンザルの世界へ」 は如何ですか？ 温泉に浸かるお猿さんを見れます。 I am Japanese, but excuse me from the side. How about "Jigokudani Yaen-koen｜Welcome to the world of Japanese monkeys" for an unusual place? You can see monkeys soaking in hot springs.
Truth be told this is exactly what all the sidelined prefectures need. All the usual tourist destinations are overtouristed already, yet Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku areas got cold shouldered because the bilingual infrastructures and transportations are less convenient than the level of Tokyo, which may scares away tourists that are not fluent in the language.
@@adamguerrero4220 Depends on what area you're from, I'm from Singapore and this next trip will be my 4th. Budget airline is around 600~700 SGD for me. Accomodation I try to stick with hostels and they can go up to reallllly cheap for 30 SGD/night in Kansai Area or 60 SGD/night If you buy the JR Pass, 7 days which is 50,000 ¥ it's very worth it if you're planning a long stay and exploring a lot of region. In my case, I went Nagoya,Inuyama,Kinosaki Onsen, Okayama,Kurashiki,Hiroshima, YudaOnsen, Takamatsu. Even took the sleeper train back to Tokyo. If you plan to just stay within Kyoto I would advise getting it. Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe can all be access with their local trains. My 2nd trip in December where I stayed for 21 days, Tokyo+Osaka+Kyoto+Kobe was approximately around 3 to 4k in expenses. I ate well and went everywhere I wanted. My 3rd trip that I took in November was 2 weeks and approximately that much was spent too. Because I bought a JR pass and went to a lot of collaborations and ate expensive food LOL. I would say 3k to 4k is a comfortable amount!
Honestly I'm impressed at how varied and unique this list of suggestions is. I was in Japan for a little over a month, and I thought my route was pretty unique, but aside from the shimanami kaido, there isn't a single suggestion here that I did personally, goes to show how much there is to explore in Japan, and makes me want to visit it again...
i went for two weeks with a bunch of friends last october, first in tokyo, then kyoto, then osaka and back to tokyo for departure. So many more things want to see and i cannot wait to go back again.
I'm retired at 27, went from Grace to Grace. This video here reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, honest wife and 35k biweekly and a good daughter full of love
@@Shinigaami5 I did a budget trip so for 12 days of stay if you exclude the airport, it was about ~750€ per person. The trip we did was pretty much the same as Chris 14 days trip, minus Hakone.
@@Shinigaami5 i would say it depends on where you sleep and eat. It can be anywhere between 700USD all the way to 2000+ if you want to stay better hotels and eat better grade food. You will have to research and find what works for you
Oh my goddd - this is perfect and so timely. I've been to Japan 3 times already... each with different people who have never been there before and have done the same 3 places... with some detours in between and need something new! Thank you for this!!
I'm psyched you included Kinosaki! We just had our 3 week honeymoon to Japan back in October and Kinosaki was high on my "need to visit" list (actually thanks to Sharla's video a few years ago!). 2 nights was perfect to take in the vibe and visit the baths. Walking around town in yukata visiting baths followed by post bath beers and retro arcade shenanigans was definitely a highlight!
As a fan of Architecture, I've spent hours roaming around Japan cities and the country side looking for interesting buildings, houses and Castles. Thank you for including places that Ive missed.
I followed your 14 day itinerary to the point with my friends earlier this year. Nice to get an update for my upcoming travels to Japan. Abroad in Japan never disappoints
I am at the part of the stork. The japanese actually watch a dutch livestream which send 24/7 video's about a pool at a rescue center for seals. Between 200 and a 1000 japanese people watch it the whole day. They love it when a bird appears, most favorite is a heron. The heron scares smaller birds away, that might harm the young seals, or even worse, steal their fish. So they call the heron "the director" "principal of the kindergarten". Meanwhile the heron is pretty much also there to steal food from the young seals. Japanese love their animals. Its very sweet and sometimes funny.
As someone who watches the Sea Otter live cam at Vancouver Aquarium - we have Stephen Seagull, Russell Crow and Rocky Raccoon and family who like to cameo😁
@@Woug they give the seals ussually easy names, like pear, apple, curry (this one escaped almost, but the japanese sounded alarm seeying a seal in the background walking away on the livestream). But they called the seal that was most loved by the Japanese "chabashira". While in most western cultures the 4 leaf clover means lucky, a tea leaf means luck in Japan. When seals relax in the water according to the japanese they look like a tea leaf. Chabashira means tea leaf. Chabashira was extreemly sick, but was a massive baby once they got released, to the point the japanese where making fun of the big cage to release chabashira compaired to the others.
Last year I went to Japan for 11 nights for my 30th, and spent 3 nights in Fukuoka. Tokyo and Kyoto are always discussed, but Fukuoka was an excellent city to visit, and so was the temple and the Reclining Buddha. Certainly worth a visit if you haven't already
Seeing this video makes me want miss Japan even more, I was there my 4th time during the dreaded August summer period in Fukuoka and travelling along Kyushu. And now I want even more to return there. Thank you for the incredible videos of Japan!
Loved it! I've been bikepacking there for 2 months this year, some months ago and everytime u meantioned some cities I did look up if I drove through it, recognized some scenes and pics you had shown. I still missed so much. Unfortunately I got rear-ended by a car in Tsuruoka, above Niigata, spent a week in a hospital, but what ever, I loved it
My most recent 21 day trip to Japan, included a 14 day solo motorcycle tour back in March. Thank you for another excellent video that will be invaluable in my planning of a 2025 trip with my wife🙏
Himeji was one of my favorite experiences in Japan. Chris is right about Himeji is best from the outside: Be sure to explore the gardens surrounding the castle, especially the traditional tea room. Servers in kimono will serve matcha as you gaze over the beautiful zen gardens.
Hi Chris! I’ve been meaning to say this for years while watching your channel-don’t ask me why, but you and your charisma (in appearance too) totally remind me of Robert Downey Jr. or maybe Tony Stark as a character, but even more positive and with a better sense of humor. 😂 You’re basically the Iron Man of Japan lol
Oh Chris, we met at Yamadera and made the most epic selfie!! You asked me about the highlights of our trip, right? Well, meeting you two was certainly one of them (and I made a lot of my friends jealous haha)!! Nice to see this whole video up and what an unforgetable experience ❤ edit: also realised we are in the background at 30:40 😅 (the three people in the middle standing still and looking over the landscape)
Amazing! As they say there is only one Japan, and as I say there is only one Natsuki! Both global heritage treasures! Yes please make more videos in the future from "less well known and visited regions" of Japan! It can help us discover local gems and preserve their towns through tourism, plus spread out the over tourism of say Kyoto etc!
I'm so glad to see these kind of videos again, i spent years watching your videos, and I feel like this is really close to how i remember the channel when i was just a young nerd wanting to travel to japan, now im a grown nerd whos moving there in just less than a year. Thank you and all your amazing friends/guests for keeping my dreams alive!
I just want to thank you and say that your videos have been a huge inspiration! I am travelling with my mum to see Central Japan and Kanazawa for two weeks and staying a bit longer after she has to go home. Many places we (and I) are visiting have taken inspiration from your videos!
I’m going to Japan for the first time and will be there for 3 weeks in October 2025. I’ve decided to stay in Osaka, Kyoto, Fujikawaguchiko, and then Tokyo. Half of my stay will be in Tokyo. Although I would like to venture off more outside the tourist area, I don’t understand or speak Japanese and don’t feel like I would do well as a first time traveler. I am also traveling alone. I heard that it would take at least a month or so to even explore around Tokyo, and people are more likely to understand English so that’s why I decided to stay there half my trip. Idk if I am making a wrong decision but as a first time traveler I’m excited.
Same, i'm going to Japan for the Athletics world championship held in Tokyo, meaning that most of my stay will have to be in the Kanto area with some day/two day trips here and there. I keep telling myself that won't be the first and only time I'll go to Japan ✨
One thing I would definitely want to see if I went to Japan would be the Kyoto Senior High School Band (THE Orange Devils) perform in person, some absolutely amazing musicians. I'd be even better if I could get to see Izumo Business and Kobe Koryo bands as well. Other than that, I'd just be happy taking in the culture and people, regardless of where it was in the country.
😮😮 Yay, you responded to my question about this in your Q&A video and mentioned you were making this and I've been waiting ever since! Thank you for making this video!
Oh boy another Abroad video. I love how Im able to count on Chris' vids for their consistency and good informative content. It's not flashy garbage like from certain money-grabbing youtubers. I hope I can visit Japan and doing all the things mentioned here and in the 14 day video.
Last year, I went on my third trip to Japan (for 16 days), and I had decided to do West/South Japan, which overlapped a lot with your itinerary. 🙂 During my trip I went to: Kumamoto-Kagoshima-Fukuoka-Kokura-Beppu-Hiroshima-Himeji, Kobe and Osaka. If I had that third week extra, I would've added in places like Nagasaki, Kurashiki (which are present in this video) and maybe Okayama. But there already was so much I wanted to see in 2 weeks and 3 weekends. There's just so much to do in the South & West, I still wouldn't have bothered with East Japan if I had a third week. So in my opinion that feels like weirdly tacked-on at the end. If anything, my next trip in a few years will be focusing on North/East Japan for another similar time period (around 16 days). So I'd rather see a dedicated 2-week itinerary for that.
I'm going to Sapporo and working my way down Tohoku to Tokyo this coming January because I was super inspired by your videos. This one coming out now just built the hype up even more!
I just came back from 2 weeks in Japan. I had a rental car the entire time. Spent two days in Gujo Hachiman there were hardly any tourists a handful and it was delightful. I stayed away from the more heavy crowds and it was so great. Drove from Kyoto back to Tokyo and was surprised by a terrific view of Mt. Fuji from the expressway way better than from the train. It was a wonderful drive from Karuizawa thru the mountains to Takayama.
Chris, I genuinely love your videos. Every single last thing about them is pure perfection. From the bottom of my heart, and im sure many others, thanks for always pouring your soul into these videos ❤
I’m actually flying to japan tomorrow for exactly 21 days, what a coincidence. As always, thank you Chris for this very informative video as I will use it for my next trip to Japan (whenever that will be)
Personally I had my first trip to Japan as a 24 day trip, and found it was great to do 2 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Hakone, 2 days in Kyoto, 2 days in Hiroshima with a trip to Miyajima there, a day trip to Himeji while going from Hiroshima to Osaka, 4 days in Osaka whcih included going to where Haruhi the anime took place and a day at USJ. Kanazawa for 2 days, 2 days in Takayama with 1 day going to Shirakawa-go, 2 days in Nagoya on a bus tour to see the fall cherry blossoms and then a 4 day in Tokyo to relax a bit and then head home. If you are doing a full day trip to Himeji I'd really recommend going to the garden right beside the castle it was beautiful.
Just got back a bit over a month ago from 23 days in Japan. First time there and did Tokyo, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, then back to Tokyo and let me just say...I'll ABSOLUTELY be going back!
I am going to Japan for the first time soon, and am not doing the typical route largely because of your videos featuring Northern Japan! I can't wait to go to Aomori City and Sendai for the second half of my trip!
This must be a sign. Next year will be 10 years since I have been to Japan. I have never not once stopped thinking about my trip. I am planning on stay 20 days or longer so perfect timing! Thank you!!! :)
We went to Kinosaki Onsen on our last trip in April 2023. One of the absolute highlights of the trip 😍. Highly recommend Nishimuraya Honkan Ryokan. It has one of the most beautiful gardens!
After 4 years of waiting (Covid + health stuff), I just spent the last few days planning our 3 week trip in May based on your 14 day video! Not sure whether to be annoyed or delighted 😅 But I know I'm going to love the video regardless 😁
Last november we did our first trip in japan, covering the big three plus a road trip in yamanashi, nagano, gifu, ishikawa. We love the road trip and we started planning something reallyreally ambitious for the next time....this video is a good starting point. Thanks
Awesome Itinerary. I'll visit Japan for the first time in 2025 and will fly to Tokio, then domestic to Fukuoka and from there to Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and back to Tokio over 3½ weeks. Looking forward to it before coming back in 2026 for Kyushu, Hokkaido & Sendai
I'm planning to do two japan trips in the next few years. One is for a month and basically do something like this. The other is for the 90 days a tourist visa can last from skiing season to so the cherry blossosm
I am going to Japan for at least 4 weeks next summer, as a solo traveler. I will binge watch all these videos with tips, they will be essential for my planning. My dream would be to meet Natsuki on one one of my 28 days
For anyone who is planning on visiting Nanzoin Temple in the near future to see the Reclining Buddha, I was there towards the end of November and there was scaffolding blocking the frontal view, but you can still access and rub the feet! Also, for a fee, you can even go inside the Reclining Buddha!
The day I have enough money saved up for a trip around Japan I’ll make sure I keep this one in mind since Chris is basically the rainbolt of Japan at this point
Had 7 weeks in Japan in April and May… that was one fantastic itinerary… Yakushima, Kyushu, Aomori, Honshu, Chubu, and so much more, and still we only saw about 5% of beautiful Japan!
Never gonna going to get to go to Japan, but these videos are always an interesting window into the parts of Japan you don't usually see portrayed in media
Enjoyed that. I'd really like a "Night on the town" series. Bar hopping is one of my favourite things to do in the evening and there isn't a tonne of informative content out there for different places (especially Kobe)
Absolutely lost it seeing you visit Kinosaki! I was there only a few weeks ago! It was incredible! We stayed at sennen no yu koman and it was amazing, and the food was to die for.
Himeji Castle is so freaking beautiful and was soooo worth the sore feet to walk it in socks. It's also worth checking out the other views of it around the city.
NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Of all the epic places we visited, where do you want to go the most? In case you missed last year's 14 Day itinerary for the Golden Route be sure to check it out. And thanks to Skyscanner for making this massive country wide shoot possible!
🌟Grab their app here and sort your flights! skyscanner.app.link/AbroadInJapan
LETS GOOO!
Do you think it's practical to visit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa in 14 days? Thanks for the great videos! Hello from Canada.
Conor's Apartment!
I love how much research you put into each video!!!
Very good use of the Rules of thirds by your cameraman... also depth of field, focal distance etc ... the entering and exiting frame is perfect also... nice to see how far the production values have come over the last decade Chris... ok back to the video haha still watching now .. just thought to post a comment due to I notice such things working in TV and Film vfx since the 80s till now.
You can't ever call a trip to Japan, "A Trip of a Lifetime" - because after a trip to Japan, you immediately start planning your next trip to Japan.
So true 😀 I'm hooked and am about to start planning my 5th 👍
@@inverlane1939 Since you've been there 4 times already, do you have any unusual places you'd like to recommend? Your favourites too of course!
Went for the first time this october for 3 weeks, now im already planning for next september 🤣
@@kurodah7210 日本人ですが、横から失礼します。 変わった場所は「地獄谷野猿公苑｜ようこそ、ニホンザルの世界へ」
は如何ですか？ 温泉に浸かるお猿さんを見れます。 I am Japanese, but excuse me from the side. How about "Jigokudani Yaen-koen｜Welcome to the world of Japanese monkeys" for an unusual place? You can see monkeys soaking in hot springs.
the first time we went last year we stayed 90 days and now we are going again in April 2025 for another 90 days
Glad to see one of the travel videos about Japan thats not just "Tokyo" and "Kyoto".
Exactly! So cool to see some of the less obvious places
Truth be told this is exactly what all the sidelined prefectures need. All the usual tourist destinations are overtouristed already, yet Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku areas got cold shouldered because the bilingual infrastructures and transportations are less convenient than the level of Tokyo, which may scares away tourists that are not fluent in the language.
Although these r awesome, yeah I agree there’s more
I would actually like a deep dive into Tokyo though, go to the places tourists and travel publications usually don't.
Ever heard of OSAKA
once again stunned by natsuki's phenomenal vocals... reduced to tears. Absolutely sensational.
Can't believe Natsuki is bullying people across the internet to the point of tears.
Gotta love that guy 😍
I'm in tears, absolutely sensational, my ears refuse to hear anything else after that.
I'm about to head to Japan for 28 days!!! Thank you for the perfect timing !!!
I literally just 30 min ago bought my flight to stay 29 days in japan haha. Perfect timing indeed.
@@meloonimirsLet's enjoy our time together 🥳🎉 If you're heading towards Kansai, I enjoyed Inuyama quite well as well!!
About how much did it cost to book everything? Or better question how much did you save up cuz I'm trying to figure out how much to save to go too
@@ein1383 Yep Spending 16 days of that trip around Kansai! And thank you!
@@adamguerrero4220 Depends on what area you're from, I'm from Singapore and this next trip will be my 4th.
Budget airline is around 600~700 SGD for me.
Accomodation I try to stick with hostels and they can go up to reallllly cheap for 30 SGD/night in Kansai Area or 60 SGD/night
If you buy the JR Pass, 7 days which is 50,000 ¥ it's very worth it if you're planning a long stay and exploring a lot of region. In my case, I went Nagoya,Inuyama,Kinosaki Onsen, Okayama,Kurashiki,Hiroshima, YudaOnsen, Takamatsu. Even took the sleeper train back to Tokyo.
If you plan to just stay within Kyoto I would advise getting it.
Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe can all be access with their local trains.
My 2nd trip in December where I stayed for 21 days, Tokyo+Osaka+Kyoto+Kobe was approximately around 3 to 4k in expenses. I ate well and went everywhere I wanted.
My 3rd trip that I took in November was 2 weeks and approximately that much was spent too. Because I bought a JR pass and went to a lot of collaborations and ate expensive food LOL.
I would say 3k to 4k is a comfortable amount!
Honestly I'm impressed at how varied and unique this list of suggestions is. I was in Japan for a little over a month, and I thought my route was pretty unique, but aside from the shimanami kaido, there isn't a single suggestion here that I did personally, goes to show how much there is to explore in Japan, and makes me want to visit it again...
come again!
i went for two weeks with a bunch of friends last october, first in tokyo, then kyoto, then osaka and back to tokyo for departure. So many more things want to see and i cannot wait to go back again.
I'm retired at 27, went from Grace to Grace. This video here reminds me of my transformation from a nobody to good home, honest wife and 35k biweekly and a good daughter full of love
As a beginner what do I need to do? How can I invest, on which platform? If you know any please share.
Wow that's huge, how do you earn that much?
I'm 37 years old and I've been looking for ways to be successful, please how??
Yeah, 253k from Maureen duke, looking up to acquire a new House, blessings.
I thank Maureen Duke who has always been there to help me with detailed analysis and recommendations that I would not have had access to otherwise.
YES! That is exactly her name (Mrs Maureen Duke). I saw her interview on CNN News and so many people highly recommended her and her trading skills❤️
Chris, I did your 14 days trip to Japan and it was the best thing I have done in my life ❤ THANK YOU!
Yea same! After I came back, I looked forward to my next trip in Japan to different locations, and here is the second video to give me more ideas haha
How much did it cost to do that excluding the flight tickets?
@@Shinigaami5 I did a budget trip so for 12 days of stay if you exclude the airport, it was about ~750€ per person. The trip we did was pretty much the same as Chris 14 days trip, minus Hakone.
@@Shinigaami5 i would say it depends on where you sleep and eat. It can be anywhere between 700USD all the way to 2000+ if you want to stay better hotels and eat better grade food. You will have to research and find what works for you
@@yummy_tatoes since when did japan get that cheap to travel. Thanks mate packing my bags to travel there asap
Oh my goddd - this is perfect and so timely. I've been to Japan 3 times already... each with different people who have never been there before and have done the same 3 places... with some detours in between and need something new! Thank you for this!!
I'm psyched you included Kinosaki! We just had our 3 week honeymoon to Japan back in October and Kinosaki was high on my "need to visit" list (actually thanks to Sharla's video a few years ago!). 2 nights was perfect to take in the vibe and visit the baths. Walking around town in yukata visiting baths followed by post bath beers and retro arcade shenanigans was definitely a highlight!
As a fan of Architecture, I've spent hours roaming around Japan cities and the country side looking for interesting buildings, houses and Castles. Thank you for including places that Ive missed.
Where was your favourite?
I followed your 14 day itinerary to the point with my friends earlier this year. Nice to get an update for my upcoming travels to Japan. Abroad in Japan never disappoints
I am at the part of the stork. The japanese actually watch a dutch livestream which send 24/7 video's about a pool at a rescue center for seals. Between 200 and a 1000 japanese people watch it the whole day. They love it when a bird appears, most favorite is a heron. The heron scares smaller birds away, that might harm the young seals, or even worse, steal their fish. So they call the heron "the director" "principal of the kindergarten". Meanwhile the heron is pretty much also there to steal food from the young seals. Japanese love their animals. Its very sweet and sometimes funny.
As someone who watches the Sea Otter live cam at Vancouver Aquarium - we have Stephen Seagull, Russell Crow and Rocky Raccoon and family who like to cameo😁
@@Woug they give the seals ussually easy names, like pear, apple, curry (this one escaped almost, but the japanese sounded alarm seeying a seal in the background walking away on the livestream). But they called the seal that was most loved by the Japanese "chabashira". While in most western cultures the 4 leaf clover means lucky, a tea leaf means luck in Japan. When seals relax in the water according to the japanese they look like a tea leaf. Chabashira means tea leaf. Chabashira was extreemly sick, but was a massive baby once they got released, to the point the japanese where making fun of the big cage to release chabashira compaired to the others.
Last year I went to Japan for 11 nights for my 30th, and spent 3 nights in Fukuoka. Tokyo and Kyoto are always discussed, but Fukuoka was an excellent city to visit, and so was the temple and the Reclining Buddha. Certainly worth a visit if you haven't already
Seeing this video makes me want miss Japan even more, I was there my 4th time during the dreaded August summer period in Fukuoka and travelling along Kyushu. And now I want even more to return there. Thank you for the incredible videos of Japan!
Thanks for this! I am currently saving for my first international trip! Japan is first!
For someone who knows nothing of where to visit in Japan, this was very cool to watch and learn I have a lot of cool places to see in Japan
Perfect timing, just arrived 6 hours ago. We are staying for 23 days. Great Video keep it up.
Loved it! I've been bikepacking there for 2 months this year, some months ago and everytime u meantioned some cities I did look up if I drove through it, recognized some scenes and pics you had shown. I still missed so much. Unfortunately I got rear-ended by a car in Tsuruoka, above Niigata, spent a week in a hospital, but what ever, I loved it
My most recent 21 day trip to Japan, included a 14 day solo motorcycle tour back in March. Thank you for another excellent video that will be invaluable in my planning of a 2025 trip with my wife🙏
I go on break in a week and was going to finish booking accommodation for 27 days in Japan next year. This video came at such a perfect time!!
The G.O.A.T RUclipsr has returned with a great video Best wishes Chris
Himeji was one of my favorite experiences in Japan. Chris is right about Himeji is best from the outside: Be sure to explore the gardens surrounding the castle, especially the traditional tea room. Servers in kimono will serve matcha as you gaze over the beautiful zen gardens.
Went to kinosaki last May. Only a handful of other foreigners there. Absolutely charming place.
Hi Chris! I’ve been meaning to say this for years while watching your channel-don’t ask me why, but you and your charisma (in appearance too) totally remind me of Robert Downey Jr. or maybe Tony Stark as a character, but even more positive and with a better sense of humor. 😂 You’re basically the Iron Man of Japan lol
The timing is perfect. Just finished a temporary itinerary for 7 days trip in japan. Gotta get some pointers from this video. Thanks a lot.
Im jealous, enjoy!
Oh Chris, we met at Yamadera and made the most epic selfie!! You asked me about the highlights of our trip, right? Well, meeting you two was certainly one of them (and I made a lot of my friends jealous haha)!! Nice to see this whole video up and what an unforgetable experience ❤ edit: also realised we are in the background at 30:40 😅 (the three people in the middle standing still and looking over the landscape)
Perfect timing as always Mr. Affable 😮💨🙏🏼
My wife and I just booked for 3 weeks in May! What a perfectly timed video, thank you sir.
Enjoy Chef!
3:25am in Japan and a new Abroad in Japan video just dropped? I know what I'm doing (after getting some famichiki and egg sandos) 😅
a???? from where?
oh my bad. 😂😂
i forgot japan has ACTUAL convenient stores. 😂
@AffectionateLocomotive haha no worries. There's a Lawson and 7-Eleven across my hotel in Hiroshima.
@datlam7836 hiroshima?! damn🔥🔥👍👍
My family and I traveled to Kurashiki inspired by your previous video, and we had an amazing time there. Thank you!
Amazing! As they say there is only one Japan, and as I say there is only one Natsuki! Both global heritage treasures! Yes please make more videos in the future from "less well known and visited regions" of Japan! It can help us discover local gems and preserve their towns through tourism, plus spread out the over tourism of say Kyoto etc!
Bonked my head pretty damn hard at the stairs at 5:52 some years ago. Completely forgot about it until I saw that scene again.
I'm so glad to see these kind of videos again, i spent years watching your videos, and I feel like this is really close to how i remember the channel when i was just a young nerd wanting to travel to japan, now im a grown nerd whos moving there in just less than a year. Thank you and all your amazing friends/guests for keeping my dreams alive!
I just want to thank you and say that your videos have been a huge inspiration! I am travelling with my mum to see Central Japan and Kanazawa for two weeks and staying a bit longer after she has to go home. Many places we (and I) are visiting have taken inspiration from your videos!
I love your vids so much and I hope to go Japan someday!
Yay, Natsuki! Perfect cinematography, per usual.
Currently planning my second trip to Japan this May, so this video came at the perfect time! 😂
You should set yourself up as a tour guide 😂. This was a great “alternative” to the usual touristy destinations.
I’m going to Japan for the first time and will be there for 3 weeks in October 2025. I’ve decided to stay in Osaka, Kyoto, Fujikawaguchiko, and then Tokyo. Half of my stay will be in Tokyo. Although I would like to venture off more outside the tourist area, I don’t understand or speak Japanese and don’t feel like I would do well as a first time traveler. I am also traveling alone. I heard that it would take at least a month or so to even explore around Tokyo, and people are more likely to understand English so that’s why I decided to stay there half my trip. Idk if I am making a wrong decision but as a first time traveler I’m excited.
Same, i'm going to Japan for the Athletics world championship held in Tokyo, meaning that most of my stay will have to be in the Kanto area with some day/two day trips here and there. I keep telling myself that won't be the first and only time I'll go to Japan ✨
One thing I would definitely want to see if I went to Japan would be the Kyoto Senior High School Band (THE Orange Devils) perform in person, some absolutely amazing musicians. I'd be even better if I could get to see Izumo Business and Kobe Koryo bands as well. Other than that, I'd just be happy taking in the culture and people, regardless of where it was in the country.
Having just finished the chapter of your book where you met Natsuki for the first time, it's amazing to see how far your friendship has come!
this comboed with the 14 days trip and the og one from like 10 years ago plus all his cities advice is perfect perfect way of exploring the country
As someone who's going in May for a 21 days trip (3rd trip there), that video comes in at a pretty good time! Thanks and keep up the good content!
😮😮 Yay, you responded to my question about this in your Q&A video and mentioned you were making this and I've been waiting ever since! Thank you for making this video!
Oh boy another Abroad video. I love how Im able to count on Chris' vids for their consistency and good informative content. It's not flashy garbage like from certain money-grabbing youtubers. I hope I can visit Japan and doing all the things mentioned here and in the 14 day video.
This is what I like about travelling. Going to hidden spots and the "road less travelled"
Another good one, Chris 👏
Last year, I went on my third trip to Japan (for 16 days), and I had decided to do West/South Japan, which overlapped a lot with your itinerary. 🙂
During my trip I went to: Kumamoto-Kagoshima-Fukuoka-Kokura-Beppu-Hiroshima-Himeji, Kobe and Osaka.
If I had that third week extra, I would've added in places like Nagasaki, Kurashiki (which are present in this video) and maybe Okayama. But there already was so much I wanted to see in 2 weeks and 3 weekends.
There's just so much to do in the South & West, I still wouldn't have bothered with East Japan if I had a third week. So in my opinion that feels like weirdly tacked-on at the end. If anything, my next trip in a few years will be focusing on North/East Japan for another similar time period (around 16 days). So I'd rather see a dedicated 2-week itinerary for that.
I'm going to Sapporo and working my way down Tohoku to Tokyo this coming January because I was super inspired by your videos. This one coming out now just built the hype up even more!
Thanks for the great video. Just got back from our first trip to Japan and cannot wait to return.
I just came back from 2 weeks in Japan. I had a rental car the entire time. Spent two days in Gujo Hachiman there were hardly any tourists a handful and it was delightful. I stayed away from the more heavy crowds and it was so great. Drove from Kyoto back to Tokyo and was surprised by a terrific view of Mt. Fuji from the expressway way better than from the train. It was a wonderful drive from Karuizawa thru the mountains to Takayama.
Its always a good day when Mr.Affable uploads, especially when Natsuki is there as well
What a beautiful country! ❤
Another sensational video...keep them coming Chris!
Haha, "Seven であります” - Natsuki. I love that guy, Definitely my favorite channel guest.
This is what we are waiting for! For those who is planning on returning back to Japan
Nice timing, refreshed and this popped up for the morning entertainment. Thank you for the videos
Camera work for Yamadera was 10/10 perfection. ❤
6:34 that's Hajime Saito's deadly technique from Rurouni no Kenshin. I knew Natsuki was the special one
Chris, I genuinely love your videos. Every single last thing about them is pure perfection. From the bottom of my heart, and im sure many others, thanks for always pouring your soul into these videos ❤
I’m actually flying to japan tomorrow for exactly 21 days, what a coincidence. As always, thank you Chris for this very informative video as I will use it for my next trip to Japan (whenever that will be)
Personally I had my first trip to Japan as a 24 day trip, and found it was great to do 2 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Hakone, 2 days in Kyoto, 2 days in Hiroshima with a trip to Miyajima there, a day trip to Himeji while going from Hiroshima to Osaka, 4 days in Osaka whcih included going to where Haruhi the anime took place and a day at USJ. Kanazawa for 2 days, 2 days in Takayama with 1 day going to Shirakawa-go, 2 days in Nagoya on a bus tour to see the fall cherry blossoms and then a 4 day in Tokyo to relax a bit and then head home. If you are doing a full day trip to Himeji I'd really recommend going to the garden right beside the castle it was beautiful.
Just got back a bit over a month ago from 23 days in Japan. First time there and did Tokyo, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, then back to Tokyo and let me just say...I'll ABSOLUTELY be going back!
I was waiting for this epic video!!!
I am going to Japan for the first time soon, and am not doing the typical route largely because of your videos featuring Northern Japan! I can't wait to go to Aomori City and Sendai for the second half of my trip!
I was JUST talking with my brother yesterday about a three-week trip to Japan!
This must be a sign. Next year will be 10 years since I have been to Japan. I have never not once stopped thinking about my trip. I am planning on stay 20 days or longer so perfect timing! Thank you!!! :)
We went to Kinosaki Onsen on our last trip in April 2023. One of the absolute highlights of the trip 😍. Highly recommend Nishimuraya Honkan Ryokan. It has one of the most beautiful gardens!
After 4 years of waiting (Covid + health stuff), I just spent the last few days planning our 3 week trip in May based on your 14 day video! Not sure whether to be annoyed or delighted 😅 But I know I'm going to love the video regardless 😁
Last november we did our first trip in japan, covering the big three plus a road trip in yamanashi, nagano, gifu, ishikawa. We love the road trip and we started planning something reallyreally ambitious for the next time....this video is a good starting point. Thanks
Himeji was my first stop on my first trip - So glad I did it, what a wonderful piece of architecture
Awesome Itinerary. I'll visit Japan for the first time in 2025 and will fly to Tokio, then domestic to Fukuoka and from there to Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and back to Tokio over 3½ weeks.
Looking forward to it before coming back in 2026 for Kyushu, Hokkaido & Sendai
I'm planning to do two japan trips in the next few years. One is for a month and basically do something like this. The other is for the 90 days a tourist visa can last from skiing season to so the cherry blossosm
I am going to Japan for at least 4 weeks next summer, as a solo traveler. I will binge watch all these videos with tips, they will be essential for my planning. My dream would be to meet Natsuki on one one of my 28 days
32:20 Aomori apple juice is also amazing
Immaculate timing as always, As I will be traveling next year.
For anyone who is planning on visiting Nanzoin Temple in the near future to see the Reclining Buddha, I was there towards the end of November and there was scaffolding blocking the frontal view, but you can still access and rub the feet! Also, for a fee, you can even go inside the Reclining Buddha!
I went last week (early Dec) and it wasn’t blocked off.
The day I have enough money saved up for a trip around Japan I’ll make sure I keep this one in mind since Chris is basically the rainbolt of Japan at this point
Natsuki is a national treasure
An international treasure; UNESCO World Heritage human being
Had 7 weeks in Japan in April and May… that was one fantastic itinerary… Yakushima, Kyushu, Aomori, Honshu, Chubu, and so much more, and still we only saw about 5% of beautiful Japan!
This only works if Natsuki is your travel companion. (Feel better Chris!! could hear it in your VO)
You blessing us Chris with all these videos is like Christmas coming early! Love it mate
24:38 How lucky that you got to enjoy a meal where Steve Jombzie once sat!
Damn I want to move to Japan. The streets are clean, plenty of greenery and lots of restaurants to dine at.
This video is so perfect for my next travel to Japan! Absolutely STUNNING video!
I’ve recently (within the past two weeks) booked a trip to Fukuoka, including an overnight stay in Yufuin. So excited for it
where do yall work where you can take 21 days off... I NEED TO KNOW
Not really an issue in a lot of European office jobs.
Europe.
Post office lol. I think I get 5 weeks a year of vacation time
Germany...
Just europe 🇪🇺
Never gonna going to get to go to Japan, but these videos are always an interesting window into the parts of Japan you don't usually see portrayed in media
The timing of this video is perfect for me. I was just planning the trip
Enjoyed that. I'd really like a "Night on the town" series. Bar hopping is one of my favourite things to do in the evening and there isn't a tonne of informative content out there for different places (especially Kobe)
I just came to Japan for my studies!! This will be immensely helpful
Absolutely lost it seeing you visit Kinosaki! I was there only a few weeks ago! It was incredible! We stayed at sennen no yu koman and it was amazing, and the food was to die for.
Himeji Castle is so freaking beautiful and was soooo worth the sore feet to walk it in socks. It's also worth checking out the other views of it around the city.
I stayed in that house in Kurashiki it's really nice lol - good to see it again 😊
Im having a bad time as of late and your channel is just the healing I need
thank you . Japan is amazing .
Chris thank you for all you do! You made my 8 months on working holiday in Japan unforgettable thanks to all these recommendations!
Natsuki-san is great. He's so great, that I don't think I could fully enjoy a trip to Japan without him present. Comon!
Thank you Chris (and friend) for yet another entertaining and educational video. Best wishes for the holidays from Ontario, Canada.
So happy I decided to add Kinosaki Onsen to my itinerary . What a lovely town