Why Kyoto's Traditional Homes Are Going EXTINCT

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  • Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024

Комментарии • 3,4 тыс.

  • @AbroadinJapan
    @AbroadinJapan  3 года назад +4179

    NOTIFICATION SQUAD: I've desperately wanted to film a video in Kyoto for years and I'm delighted to have finally done it! It's currently eerily quiet given the absence of tourists, with the exception of domestic travellers taking advantage of this unusually quiet period. The city is a cinematographer's dream and I look forward to heading back there in the coming months to shoot a couple more videos - if there's anything in particular you want me to film, let me know. Open to your ideas!

    • @texaneli1427
      @texaneli1427 3 года назад +1

      It’s too easy

    • @AJ-kx8mi
      @AJ-kx8mi 3 года назад +3

      I am first

    • @texaneli1427
      @texaneli1427 3 года назад +12

      @@AJ-kx8mi nice try 😎

    • @aqibc
      @aqibc 3 года назад +3

      Hello chris

    • @jayy_93
      @jayy_93 3 года назад +68

      Film whatever the hell you want, it is always amazing anyway.

  • @rachanikhil9436
    @rachanikhil9436 3 года назад +3883

    Can we appreciate the cinematography of this video, Chris's videos are almost documentary level in terms of production quality.

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 года назад +825

      Many thanks! Honestly, Kyoto is a photographer's dream come true.

    • @TheLaxboy81
      @TheLaxboy81 3 года назад +85

      @@AbroadinJapan Chris! If you're around Kyoto in the future, I'd love to see a trip down Byodoin Omotesando, the "tea street" located in Uji.
      Thanks for all your amazing videos!!

    • @simonschnedl
      @simonschnedl 3 года назад +3

      Always do.

    • @schwerenevonyildi1315
      @schwerenevonyildi1315 3 года назад +26

      @@AbroadinJapan I never thought I would reach the day where a complaining and sarcastic British person would become a serious documentary and accurate descriptor.

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 года назад +26

      @@AbroadinJapan I think Chris is ready for his own documentary series on Netflix 😊

  • @IKEMENOsakaman
    @IKEMENOsakaman 3 года назад +905

    Really sad that the traditional houses are disappearing. The wooden houses and architectures in Japan are very beautiful...

    • @blunderingfool
      @blunderingfool 3 года назад +95

      It’s almost as bad as people chopping up victorian townhouses into horrid flats in London.

    • @capitalb5889
      @capitalb5889 3 года назад +17

      They still make new traditional style houses too, but the pre-fab ones are so much cheaper.

    • @maxlopolo2415
      @maxlopolo2415 3 года назад +40

      @@capitalb5889 AND, they arent built with a 300 years old idea of technology. They have such futuristic comforts as GODDAMN INSULATION.
      The fun part is that you can still build them so that they LOOK the same inside and out, but the quality of living is honesty thousands of times better.

    • @capitalb5889
      @capitalb5889 3 года назад +13

      @@maxlopolo2415 - I think concepts about insulation are still novel in Japan, and far thinner than in the West. In part, this is because of the high humidity and the need to maintain air circulation. Other countries have various membranes and barriers to controls this, but Japan still thinks a cold draught is still the way to achieve this.
      My Japanese in-laws now have double and even triple glazing, which is a great advance, but many houses still have single pane windows without even a curtain to stop the flow of cold air.

    • @PinkBunnyCorporation
      @PinkBunnyCorporation 3 года назад +5

      Its happening all over the world. There is a balance to strike obviously. There are more people now, and we have to at some point realize we need to either build out or build up. Japan seems to build up generally. It saves nature, but pushes out old styles in favor of giant apartments. Very sad. I'd like to visit Kyoto for a little adventure of the side alleys. It is a wonderful place and I plan to go some day if the world will let us actually leave our cages again.

  • @ryanbowers5484
    @ryanbowers5484 3 года назад +1286

    I feel like a proud parent seeing how far this guy has come. He started out as a chubby guy complaining about the bird outside his window and now he's a legitimate filmmaker with arguably the highest production value of any RUclips channel. Brings a tear to my eye.

    • @doriswaddington2418
      @doriswaddington2418 3 года назад +116

      He’s still kinda Chubby...err sorry Chris

    • @Reprodestruxion
      @Reprodestruxion 3 года назад +44

      Yo, That’s an important bird

    • @moonlightblue9196
      @moonlightblue9196 3 года назад +38

      @@doriswaddington2418 nooo dont say that T^T chris is fine!

    • @grimsladeleviathan3958
      @grimsladeleviathan3958 3 года назад +20

      I feel like a proud parent even though I'm 17

    • @eveningrice
      @eveningrice 3 года назад +4

      ...and he got chubbier! Haha I've been watching Chris since the start as well. I do hope he's eating healthy :)

  • @YouTube
    @YouTube 3 года назад +2242

    😲The Zen Gardens, the views from the temple, the design of the townhouses!
    * Adds to bucket list *

  • @LunguA
    @LunguA 3 года назад +787

    Chris is slowly becoming a real estate agent. Petition to open "Adeal in Japan"

    • @UwBuis
      @UwBuis 3 года назад +83

      Real Estate Abroad

    • @williamarmstrong8337
      @williamarmstrong8337 3 года назад +12

      A place in the-land-of-the-rising sun.

    • @EFX5452
      @EFX5452 3 года назад +6

      An Ideal Deal Abroad!

    • @iMagicProGaming
      @iMagicProGaming 3 года назад +14

      An Ideal Real Estate Deal Abroad in Japan

    • @666Tomato666
      @666Tomato666 3 года назад +5

      wouldn't this be Abroad Real Estate?

  • @Patterrz
    @Patterrz 3 года назад +1742

    i'm a shower guy, but I would bathe so hard in that bath

    • @KCH55
      @KCH55 3 года назад +18

      that bathtub must smell wonderful

    • @Rem694u2
      @Rem694u2 3 года назад +21

      I would too, but only if Joey TheAnimeMan was in it as well.

    • @TheItalianoAssassino
      @TheItalianoAssassino 3 года назад +2

      Do more Pokémon letsplays pls

    • @Gj23jk2
      @Gj23jk2 3 года назад +6

      Wood is pretty, but also vastly more porous and permeable than unsightly plastic. There's a reason toilet seats aren't made of wood anymore, even in Japan. Not sure I'd be wild about the idea of a wooden bathtub in a rental townhouse catering to foreign tourists. I personally know somebody who got ringworm on his butt from a sauna in a 4-star resort.

    • @makegreenteanotwar
      @makegreenteanotwar 3 года назад +6

      @@Gj23jk2 Was the sauna in the west? Japanese wash up before entering the bath, the water is also changed about every 4 days according to their onsen regulations, less chlorine-ppm than. But you have a point foreign tourist might not follow the rule of washing before bathing.

  • @JungianHeights
    @JungianHeights 3 года назад +621

    When Chris films at home, it's a casual t-shirt... as soon as he films outside, we're treated to corporate Chris with that wooly long coat...

    • @elenap15227
      @elenap15227 3 года назад +9

      True fact: casual wear in japan is a lot less casual.

    • @IanSlothieRolfe
      @IanSlothieRolfe 3 года назад

      @@elenap15227 I have always been impressed how Japanese people I meet socially manage to look casual and formal at the same time :)

  • @majinosity
    @majinosity 3 года назад +633

    I honestly didn't know Chris was a Real Estate agent for the whole country of Japan.

    • @yaminogame7805
      @yaminogame7805 3 года назад +45

      He's Chris Heller, the home seller.

    • @ahumanmerelybeing
      @ahumanmerelybeing 3 года назад +31

      I feel like the whole country of Japan should sponsor his videos. He has single-handedly convinced me I need to go there.

    • @mikkojaatinen4508
      @mikkojaatinen4508 3 года назад +4

      seems like an ad

    • @vogel2499
      @vogel2499 3 года назад +3

      @@yaminogame7805 That explains why he is tough as hell. Marketing will crushed any unprepared souls.

    • @rinowx5
      @rinowx5 3 года назад +1

      Is anyone else a little bored of the realty content.

  • @timvantori
    @timvantori 3 года назад +845

    Makes me so sad that traditional buildings around the world are disappearing... hope people will realise how much character and culture is lost when these buildings go

    • @geordyvladimer1850
      @geordyvladimer1850 3 года назад +43

      Nowadays practicality is chosen over style not everywhere but in most places too bad we can't find a compromise between practicality and culture

    • @no_alias_for_me
      @no_alias_for_me 3 года назад +85

      @@geordyvladimer1850 Practicality isn't the reason why these building styles are disappearing (where I live at least, can't speak for Japan). In Europe it's because of regulations and energy efficiency. If you don't use certain building techniques the building won't be certified and you have to tear it down again. It's really sad. On the other hand we have a lot of strict laws regarding old buildings (built before or at around 1900) which you can't change that easily since they are considered "valuable cultural goods". So although no new "classic" buildings are being built the old ones aren't disappearing either. You can see that in the inner city of Vienna. You won't find any new buildings there unless they were destroyed in the 2nd World War.
      I just hope that around the world people will find a way to build traditional houses again without breaking any regulations and maybe revive a certain era from a cultures history.

    • @alphaxfang
      @alphaxfang 3 года назад +37

      well old house will go away because of several logical reason: it aged (old building usually use wood for their material and it can rot or eaten by termite), the structure is not sturdy enough to withstand fire/earthquake, or inconvenience (low ceiling, not enough insulation, hard to maintain/clean).
      the only solution is make a new house that fit the safety regulation and make the exterior and interior that looks like the traditional house. just like the building in this video.

    • @batatac4mil86
      @batatac4mil86 3 года назад +1

      Too much people in this world, requiring sacrifices to support their presence

    • @garryob9279
      @garryob9279 3 года назад +19

      Sad part is that eventually everywhere will look the same

  • @CHEFPKR
    @CHEFPKR 3 года назад +2610

    Kyoto was my absolute favorite city to visit. There was a teppanyaki restaurant behind the Hyatt Kyoto with a chef by the name of Masta-san. He made the BEST Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki I've ever had. I really hope he's doing well...

    • @justheretowatch4206
      @justheretowatch4206 3 года назад +242

      You could say he was a masta of his craft?

    • @alendonvaldor5808
      @alendonvaldor5808 3 года назад +56

      RUclips is getting smaller everyday, the people I watch watch each other.

    • @CHEFPKR
      @CHEFPKR 3 года назад +132

      @@justheretowatch4206 absolutely. His wife ran the front and he cooked it up while chatting with guests. Aye there twice in two days and met some awesome people at his restaurant while on a solo travel

    • @phenex8190
      @phenex8190 3 года назад +24

      I remember stumbling upon a small mochi shop, best mochi i've ever had in my life

    • @Kagewing
      @Kagewing 3 года назад +12

      yeah is a great city with a lot of culture ,just no visit during the summer the heat is extreme 🤒

  • @TokyoLens
    @TokyoLens 3 года назад +2854

    Beautifully shot. Beautifully put together mate~
    Thanks for putting in the effort to share this one

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 года назад +417

      Cheers man! Can't wait to get back there and shoot it in 8k!

    • @AxxLAfriku
      @AxxLAfriku 3 года назад +6

      @@AbroadinJapan I could cry when looking at my like dislike ratio. I have so many jealous people that my videos always get way more dislikes than likes. Please don't be jealous, dear abe

    • @ghxulish
      @ghxulish 3 года назад +39

      Chris's channel is probably the most high quality channel there is on youtube

    • @iancuk
      @iancuk 3 года назад +9

      Well, yes it's beautiful shots. I thought it was you on camera, Norm. 😅

    • @jb0258
      @jb0258 3 года назад +4

      The master of photography himself has spoken!

  • @Geerzy
    @Geerzy 3 года назад +1104

    Definitely want to visit Kyoto as soon as possible!

    • @thenameisss
      @thenameisss 3 года назад +1

      yoooo Geerzy!
      I'm a huge fan of yours keep up the great work! and why have u not uploaded on 2 months

    • @bobovieri1985
      @bobovieri1985 3 года назад +6

      One of the most beutiful places ive been. it looks better irl

    • @Tea-Spin
      @Tea-Spin 3 года назад +4

      I just realized the meaning of "as soon as possible" in this context has pretty much different now than it used to be

    • @theramendutchman
      @theramendutchman 3 года назад +5

      @@bobovieri1985 Honestly, in my home town and the city I'm living in now, I don't consider myself a city person at all!
      Cities are crowded, with idiots disrespecting the rules and their fellow idiots, it's noisy and even shops look, feel and just are stressful! I don't like going to city centres.
      But in Kyoto I just went to walk and explore for 2 hours or more, with no plan in advance, just to find beautiful streets with trees lining each side, narrow streets with a random family run pottery or sweets shop, and the store owner has such a burning passion for it, too!
      I'd go out the door thinking "I'm going to walk through the city" for fun!
      God I miss Kyoto

    • @SiobhanS1868
      @SiobhanS1868 3 года назад

      same!!

  • @kianj
    @kianj 3 года назад +560

    This Chris guy from Ryotaro Japan is a pretty good presenter. You can really tell he got his inspiration and style from him.

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 года назад +74

      And don't forget Ryotaro taught Chris how to talk proper British 😉

    • @Hewhowantstoknow
      @Hewhowantstoknow 3 года назад +24

      Yes hello police, I would like to report a murder

    • @bellabrink8610
      @bellabrink8610 3 года назад +1

      @@Hewhowantstoknow lmfaooo😂😂

    • @gkygrl7
      @gkygrl7 3 года назад

      😂

  • @Mazekynn
    @Mazekynn 3 года назад +242

    Whenever I start to watch any of Abroad in Japan's videos, I need to prepare food just in case he has food it in.

    • @BrAnDsHeE
      @BrAnDsHeE 3 года назад +11

      he always eats something in his videos xD i always come prepared

    • @Mazekynn
      @Mazekynn 3 года назад +3

      @@BrAnDsHeE I knoww rightt, that's why I prepared food too

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 года назад +5

      Even when there is no food in the video, I get hungry just looking at Chris 😋

    • @lexnite22
      @lexnite22 3 года назад +1

      same.

    • @ThakYuki
      @ThakYuki 3 года назад +2

      I need to remember this. I've reached the end of the video and now I'm super hungry. It's after midnight here right now...

  • @samsingletary7004
    @samsingletary7004 3 года назад +37

    My grandmother was born and raised in Kyoto. She moved to the U.S. in the 1950’s, but I went back to Kyoto with her in the early 2000’s and saw her childhood townhouse. Her neighbor from the 1950’s still lived next door! She invited us in and fed us dorayaki and tea. She was the sweetest old lady, with an arched back from years working in the rice fields. Beautiful lady, beautiful home, beautiful city.

  • @ferrousbuller
    @ferrousbuller 3 года назад +487

    "Why don't I have one in my house?" Next video: a low-speed police chase thru the streets of Kyoto as Chris tries to steal his Hinoki bathtub in one of those tiny flatbed trucks. :)

  • @fdajax5107
    @fdajax5107 3 года назад +159

    The amount of property videos Chris has made recently makes me think he's just house hunting in disguise

    • @XSemperIdem5
      @XSemperIdem5 3 года назад +27

      While making it a deductible business expense.

    • @leitto-corleone
      @leitto-corleone 3 года назад +9

      a clever move indeed

    • @archaeoraptor6140
      @archaeoraptor6140 3 года назад +3

      Let‘s be honest, this is a Tokyo Creative thing. They are his agency and he gets paid by them to promote things... I would just wish that TC would be a bit more transparent when it comes to this as they never disclose paid sponsorships and somehow get away with it.

    • @jclark1693
      @jclark1693 3 года назад +2

      If you ever watch NHK you also notice that a lot of their media is very promotional and scripted even when it’s ostensibly a documentary.
      I feel like it may not be as jarring for them. And honestly, as long as the content is interesting, I’m not sure I mind if they’re being paid for it.

  • @SolCrown80
    @SolCrown80 3 года назад +135

    I'm a sucker for historic things, I always really dig staying in old buildings like that. One of my very favorite parts of traveling to Morocco was walking the medieval streets and staying in the old riads in the medinas; some of the buildings were literally a thousand years old. Those houses are so cool, so beautiful. If I went to Kyoto I would love to stay in one!

  • @mem3e170
    @mem3e170 3 года назад +381

    You’re my 2nd favourite British person to ever exist, above the queen in 3rd and bellow Ryotoro

    • @softcoreplebgaming9674
      @softcoreplebgaming9674 3 года назад +10

      Why would you like the British Queen?

    • @randomveezerr2582
      @randomveezerr2582 3 года назад +6

      @@softcoreplebgaming9674 because she's german

    • @cadan8790
      @cadan8790 3 года назад +8

      Why tf is the queen 3rd in your list. There’s so many better British people

    • @user-ff6lp5pk9k
      @user-ff6lp5pk9k 3 года назад

      Ouch. 😂

    • @donutreply1435
      @donutreply1435 3 года назад +1

      The British queen?! Lmao you have poor taste

  • @henryleavitt4057
    @henryleavitt4057 3 года назад +115

    I got a JET interview. Thank you for inspiring me at the beginning of this pandemic. If I make it I owe you a beer.

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 года назад +62

      Best of luck with the interview!

    • @mitchkat123
      @mitchkat123 3 года назад +11

      Good luck! I’m a current JET waiting to go to Japan once the foreign entry ban is lifted. I hope you can come join us! 😊

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 года назад +1

      According to Chris you will have more success with that interview when you are fun and jovial. So it may not be a bad idea to have some beers before you go instead of afterwards with Chris 😉

  • @johantitulaer1052
    @johantitulaer1052 3 года назад +86

    I almost sh*t myself when I saw you walking down that alleyway. It looks EXACTLY like the place I stayed in. And when you stepped inside, you confirmed it. And the host back then told me they couldn't make these kind of houses anymore because of fire hazards and old standards so he was caring for it as much as he could to preserve it. The nostalgia is insane, thanks for this amazingly coincidental video.

  • @JasonVong
    @JasonVong 3 года назад +618

    glad to see the scaffolding off of Kiyomizudera. I made a trek all the way there back in 2019 just to find out the most iconic part of it was under construction 😂

    • @NiekNooijens
      @NiekNooijens 3 года назад +33

      Was there in 2017: under construction
      2019: still under construction
      2020: cancelled because of covid-19
      2021: no idea if Japan re-opens the borders....

    • @invisuu6280
      @invisuu6280 3 года назад +6

      Can confirm, was there in 2019 autumn.

    • @vileindividual
      @vileindividual 3 года назад +1

      We must have been there around the same time cos I couldn't even see the damn thing through all the scaffolding

    • @NationKiwi
      @NationKiwi 3 года назад +1

      SAME LMAO

    • @sidtovey
      @sidtovey 3 года назад +1

      Snap!

  • @eburshtein
    @eburshtein 3 года назад +47

    13:26 I love how even when he genuinely enjoys/likes something the Brit in him still find a way to naturally scowl even though he's admiring the architecture. lol, never change man. You're the best.

  • @JustJakeTravel
    @JustJakeTravel 3 года назад +92

    You know it’s a great day when there is a new Abroad in Japan video lol

  • @naiRISE766
    @naiRISE766 3 года назад +316

    Chris looks extra Japanese spyman with that looks.

  • @Trainfan1055Janathan
    @Trainfan1055Janathan 3 года назад +659

    Those houses aren't very earthquake-proof. They're very top-heavy and the roofs often collapse, crushing the inhabitants. (The roofs are extremely heavy)
    I can see why it's not a popular design anymore.

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 года назад +128

      plus they LOOK good, but they're still designed and effectively built like they were before japan discovered good steel and at least the one in the video, they're designed for Japanese people BEFORE modern Nutrition doubled their physical size.

    • @Nico6th
      @Nico6th 3 года назад +185

      Well, they were built to withstand typhoons which are much more common than earthquakes. But wouldn't some modern techniques be able to solve the problem? There should be a way to replace the super heavy roof tiles with something lighter. Could still look the same and they could keep the original roofs on the ones that are used as museums and the like. Very rarely will people look closely at the roof of a "normal-not-museum" house.

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 года назад +77

      @@Nico6th Yes actually! I've been having this same conversation with my dad about Classic Cars, Historical Sites and the Neo-Retro revolution.
      Basically, if the Founding Fathers had access to Steel Beams they would have made their homes out of Steel Beam.
      and with todays technology it wouldn't be too difficult to completely reproduce Classic cars from 100 years ago out of Aluminum and plastic while keeping the original designs, drop in a modern v6 and all that but keep the design and spirit the same.

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 года назад +49

      Replace the old Terracotta Tiles with Polymer wood ones or even cheap but considerably lighter and more durable cinder ones that make them fire proof, 1/10th the weight and probably a few times stronger

    • @Nico6th
      @Nico6th 3 года назад +36

      @@dramspringfeald I think there are situations where the original things/styles should be kept though. Like in museums or to show the old craftmanship. But for normal homes, it's not really necessary. Better to modernize them on the inside (including the structures you can't even see) than to lose them altogether.
      Even for buildings that actually are museums/monuments etc there should be a limit to how far to go with conservation.
      I remember an example from my hometown: imagine an old baroque building (huge! think more like a palace, well, it was built by the king at that time...). it has a huge hall for dance, beautifully decorated, totally priceless. Sadly the old wooden floor was giving in. The old oak beams were rotting.
      You would think that they would take the old beams out and replace them. Maybe with something non-wood, lighter, more durable? Nope. They opened up the floor (first floor, btw, not gound floor), cut off the rotten ends of the beams, and replaced only the ends with new oak wood -.-
      Literally, no one will ever see that part of the building. And sooner or later the middle parts will be rotting too. Nothing about the worth or impression of the building would have changed,
      Do they seriously think the king wouldn't have used modern materials?

  • @dexterward6307
    @dexterward6307 3 года назад +44

    I'm almost convinced Chris is turning this channel into a Japanese Real Estate channel... Not that I'm complaining

  • @chris-hayes
    @chris-hayes 3 года назад +64

    Leave it to Chris to tell you how the wood smells like lemons, then smell it and tell you it smells nothing like lemons.

  • @amalilconfused
    @amalilconfused 3 года назад +9

    Props to mr. Maeda for renovating Kyoto machiyas and helping preserve the unique beauty and culture of Kyoto. Between Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, Kyoto is still my favorite place we went to. There’s just something magical about the old buildings and temples.

  • @Gurbo8
    @Gurbo8 3 года назад +490

    He's British, in Japan, AND can't cook! Chris is slowly turning into James May.

    • @MattJames37
      @MattJames37 3 года назад +8

      Oh Cook! 😅

    • @sarroumarbeu6810
      @sarroumarbeu6810 3 года назад +1

      xDDD

    • @tactiti0n
      @tactiti0n 3 года назад +3

      He's not the side kick of his group of three though : o

    • @MrDanisve
      @MrDanisve 3 года назад +18

      @@tactiti0n Sidekick? From my POV James is easy the most funny of them, i just love his intelligent humor. He is the only of the three i watch pretty much everything he makes.
      James and Ozzys wine adventure.. My god, i need to rewatch that shit :D TV show about May being drunk, quite hillarious.

    • @markoz673bajen8
      @markoz673bajen8 3 года назад +1

      He needs more BROWN and antique from 19th Century.

  • @andrewdunlop2780
    @andrewdunlop2780 3 года назад +58

    'I am the only one staying here tonight.'
    *cameraman sweats nervously*

  • @dough3e3
    @dough3e3 3 года назад +34

    It’s kind of awesome that you’re using your platform to not only help out Kyoto, but also helping the guy who renovates the town houses. Nice!

  • @joeallam
    @joeallam 3 года назад +626

    I love these townhouses so much! Would love to renovate one myself one day. I also really noticed how great the shots were around the city/landscape. Great colour and quality to them! 👌

    • @KillerTacos54
      @KillerTacos54 3 года назад +2

      Hey Joe!!

    • @narvaromer8516
      @narvaromer8516 3 года назад +3

      Mr.Joe, your ''Made in Japan'' video was such a masterpiece! ❤️🙏

    • @demun6065
      @demun6065 3 года назад +4

      Definitely a better video than those other boring million dollar homes.

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 года назад +82

      Thanks Joe! Honestly there's no better place in Japan to be let loose with a camera. Hope we can actually meet up in person and shoot together one day before the year is out!

    • @joeallam
      @joeallam 3 года назад +29

      @@AbroadinJapan I hope so too! It’s coming up a year since our original plan fell through, but I’m hopefully of doing something later this year 💪

  • @luxetlex
    @luxetlex 3 года назад +69

    This video is so professionally produced it feels like it could have been from a big budget studio. Beautiful work.

    • @Yertle_Turtle
      @Yertle_Turtle 3 года назад

      haha, sounds like it's time to give the crew a raise!

  • @xsamura5121
    @xsamura5121 3 года назад +83

    Chris lowkey practicing his skills on selling properties..... Is hes going to use this video as a job Application? 🤔

  • @kinfuilee9460
    @kinfuilee9460 3 года назад +218

    Living in a concrete house for 20 years, I really appreciate the wooden houses like this

    • @marzouk6270
      @marzouk6270 3 года назад +7

      Bro I'm British our house are like 300 years old made from bricks (They are modernised and bueatiful) but a nice wooden house would be amazing.

    • @Gj23jk2
      @Gj23jk2 3 года назад +9

      Try riding out an earthquake in a 100 year old house where the roof's the heaviest part of the building... lol

    • @2712animefreak
      @2712animefreak 3 года назад +11

      @@Gj23jk2 This happened in Croatia recently. Last year we had two strong earthquakes and a lot of older buildings were damaged. They just aren't as sturdy as new houses.

    • @rickshiandmoku4128
      @rickshiandmoku4128 3 года назад

      You wouldn't appreciate living in them they're not insulated at all. I'm more of a fan of full log homes myself. Much better insulation than paper then walls😂

    • @HattieMcDanielonaMoon
      @HattieMcDanielonaMoon 2 года назад

      @@marzouk6270 How are they modernized?

  • @Syakirin57
    @Syakirin57 3 года назад +227

    I bet Chris was missing Joey when looking at that wooden bath 😂

  • @jp2503
    @jp2503 3 года назад +12

    That is such a shame. But I'm glad the percentage of these houses being demolished are still relatively low and there are people renovating currently despite the high investment cost. While I was staying in Kyoto I also saw a number of these buildings being restored. I stayed in one myself, and they are absolutely, one of my most favorite parts about Japan.

  • @ExcenGaming
    @ExcenGaming 3 года назад +27

    Keeping the outside of these town houses in tact and modernizing the insides for safety and comfort. Sounds like an amazing livelihood. Props to this man for helping to keep that beautiful architecture from being demolished.

  • @Riu.f
    @Riu.f 3 года назад +120

    My parents fell in love with the Kyoto Machiya so much that they decided to renovate their own. They're now waiting for covid to end so they can finally move to Japan

  • @valou7328
    @valou7328 3 года назад +96

    Won me over with the words "Kyoto is like an RPG"

    • @rapthor666
      @rapthor666 3 года назад +5

      In rpgs you can max out your stamina tho

    • @marzouk6270
      @marzouk6270 3 года назад

      Same

  • @MouseGeist
    @MouseGeist 3 года назад +34

    13:34 that Chopstick was clearly hired by Ryotaro.

  • @KingJaeTV
    @KingJaeTV 3 года назад +227

    I miss Japan. When lockdown is done, I definitely want to go back for the food, culture and nice people.

    • @dareptor2620
      @dareptor2620 3 года назад +11

      Didn't expect to see you here, love your Tekken content!

    • @KingJaeTV
      @KingJaeTV 3 года назад +2

      @@dareptor2620 Thanks!

    • @wave8359
      @wave8359 3 года назад

      Yes!---mssing Japan too !

  • @LongusDongus03
    @LongusDongus03 3 года назад +92

    Everyone is talking about the houses, but how come no one is talking about Chris cooking something other than omelettes for once?

  • @YTCookieNinja
    @YTCookieNinja 3 года назад +356

    Perfect timing, just got done watching all your videos again lol

    • @ChelseaH1
      @ChelseaH1 3 года назад

      ALL of them?!

    • @alexmcamis420
      @alexmcamis420 3 года назад

      ????

    • @ginjabiccie936
      @ginjabiccie936 3 года назад

      Rip your soul

    • @jb0258
      @jb0258 3 года назад +5

      I've watched through his entire channel twice in the last year and a half lol. That's not counting the random video of his that I'll watch here and there either 😅
      Although I'm currently in college to join the JET program, so I'm always trying to surround myself with Japan.

    • @aliddlebird
      @aliddlebird 3 года назад +1

      When I first found AIJ, it took idk.... 4-5 months? to watch the entire channel. (I was taking tons of notes 💜) Last summer I was feeling nostalgic, -or should I say, "natsukashii" ✨ -Decided to rewatch the channel. I think it only took a couple weeks lol thanks covid. Going to do it again bc they're just that damn good.

  • @lazersword66
    @lazersword66 3 года назад +37

    I love how much personality these townhouses have before they are even decorated. My room looks like a white prison cell when it isn’t decorated

  • @cirene9590
    @cirene9590 2 года назад +6

    It's great Koji Maeda san has a personal interest in renovating machiya and being innovative by raising the ceilings - it really opens up the space. The machhiya is what gives Kyoto its identity and beauty.

  • @-Raylight
    @-Raylight 3 года назад +107

    *"The views from up here are nothing short of breathtaking, particularly if you climb all those stairs. Very breathtaking indeed."*
    Lmao that joke 10/10. No Chris, you're breathtaking!
    13:33 Oh no, the chopstick is trying to kill Chris. Must be Ryotaro's agent xD

    • @pptenshi
      @pptenshi 3 года назад

      Big 草

    • @Blunteffected
      @Blunteffected 3 года назад +1

      We're no strangers to love
      You know the rules and so do I
      A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
      You wouldn't get this from any other guy
      I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
      Gotta make you understand
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
      We've known each other for so long
      Your heart's been aching, but
      You're too shy to say it
      Inside, we both know what's been going on
      We know the game and we're gonna play it
      And if you ask me how I'm feeling
      Don't tell me you're too blind to see
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
      (Ooh, give you up)
      (Ooh, give you up)
      Never gonna give, never gonna give
      (Give you up)
      Never gonna give, never gonna give
      (Give you up)
      We've known each other for so long
      Your heart's been aching, but
      You're too shy to say it
      Inside, we both know what's been going on
      We know the game and we're gonna play it
      I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
      Gotta make you understand
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
      Never gonna give you up
      Never gonna let you down
      Never gonna run around and desert you
      Never gonna make you cry
      Never gonna say goodbye
      Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

  • @Figureight
    @Figureight 3 года назад +214

    I love Kyoto. It's a bit overrun with tourists sadly (and understandably), but it's such a beautiful city.

    • @donutreply1435
      @donutreply1435 3 года назад +37

      Spoken like a true tourist

    • @Figureight
      @Figureight 3 года назад +17

      @@donutreply1435 Well it's true I've sadly only spent tourist time there, and it's hard for me to say too many tourists as I was a tourist too. Just that some of the beautiful areas were just so overcrowded it was hard to enjoy them, but I also get why it's like that.

    • @coaster6777
      @coaster6777 3 года назад +41

      All cities where everybody wants to go are overrun by tourists. But only the tourist attractions. If you walk, let's say 500 meters into a side alley away from the tourist attractions, there are almost no tourists then. I noticed it many times in many cities.

    • @sbring00able
      @sbring00able 3 года назад +1

      There are a lot (well, not at the moment). However they tend to just visit the same 4 or so areas

    • @Bones12x2
      @Bones12x2 3 года назад +3

      @@ddnn974 truth...if only that could be permanent it would fix a lot of annoying problems.

  • @IncredibleMD
    @IncredibleMD 3 года назад +1

    An investment banker from Tokyo (who looks like he'd be very easy to draw) falling in love with Kyoto and moving there to renovate townhouses sounds like the premise of a manga about traditional culture. I'd read it.

  • @AmazinglyAwkward
    @AmazinglyAwkward 3 года назад +47

    Maeda-san is actually doing a great job by preserving these houses. I’m glad of the work he’s doing and glad you got to talk to him. I know next to nothing on both construction and the Japanese language but I’d love to help him and his team, even if it’s just making tea and bringing out the digestives and ginger nuts 😂

  • @mugensamurai
    @mugensamurai 3 года назад +85

    Looks like Natsuki made sure this guy's hair game is on point.

  • @niqabinextdoor1954
    @niqabinextdoor1954 Год назад +5

    These houses are beautiful and I love the minimalistic lifestyle they encourage. I wonder if it would be possible to make them better insulated to keep the heat in the winter and stay cooler in the summer without sacrificing the traditional style? Love the style of your videos, very professional and entertaining.

  • @andrewdslutsky
    @andrewdslutsky 3 года назад +105

    "Kyoto is like an RPG" might be the first time this has been said.

    • @majcrash
      @majcrash 3 года назад +7

      I first thought of the Russian weapon.

  • @SundaiLove
    @SundaiLove 3 года назад +253

    two of my favorite things houses and Kyoto 👍🏾 loved the behind the scenes look

    • @genzprepper954
      @genzprepper954 3 года назад

      Wow so crazy I love watching both of you guys I hope to be able to start making videos about my journey in japan in 2023 ❤️ been watching both of you guys for years

  • @otakuu9609
    @otakuu9609 3 года назад +51

    I finally know what chris is gonna do once he leaves youtube, he becomes a realtor.

  • @AK-vg1le
    @AK-vg1le 3 года назад +19

    Anyone have the feeling when after watching Chris’ videos, you are left wanting more and more because it’s so unique and enjoyable?

    • @animefanatic5080
      @animefanatic5080 3 года назад +1

      When I first found this channel, I was binge watching the videos cuz they were all so good!

    • @AK-vg1le
      @AK-vg1le 3 года назад +1

      @@animefanatic5080 same!

    • @megafro6999
      @megafro6999 3 года назад +1

      yep, part of me wants to just rewatch this video instantly after finishing, or rewatch any other video for the 10th time

    • @priyeshabsolute
      @priyeshabsolute 3 года назад +1

      It feels like it goes so fast too, only because it's so enjoyable.

  • @AcousticProfit
    @AcousticProfit 3 года назад +43

    I like when you talk to business owners like Maeda-san. I think he's doing important work. Thanks for this video!

  • @noname-dk7ri
    @noname-dk7ri 3 года назад +13

    若い人がこのような家を持ちたいと思わない限り、絶滅する運命になってしまうんですよね…。

  • @Rickuo
    @Rickuo 3 года назад +342

    Broke: destroy old houses and replace with new uninteresting ones
    Big Brain: build new houses that look and feel like old houses
    Make Kyoto beautiful again!

    • @Kaiyats
      @Kaiyats 3 года назад +5

      Agreed

    • @meiko431
      @meiko431 3 года назад +5

      Agree 👌

    • @Simmuh2
      @Simmuh2 3 года назад +5

      I swear if it changes before i arrive i will flip it

    • @PersonManManManMan
      @PersonManManManMan 3 года назад +8

      I hope builders in Kyoto get the same idea

    • @starstencahl8985
      @starstencahl8985 3 года назад +1

      Don’t know if it’s the same elsewhere, but in germany we have a thing called “Denkmalschutz”/Monument protection. It can be applied to a lot of architecturally / historically significant buildings and the owners are strictly forced to keep up the looks of the original house, no changes can be made to the layout or the style of the building.
      Helps to preserve gems like these

  • @FemiSmiles
    @FemiSmiles 3 года назад +38

    This makes me want to live in Kyoto, even though I already do.

    • @ryujin8842
      @ryujin8842 3 года назад +4

      I wanna live In Kyoto! Can you invite me to your residence? ^_^

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 года назад +2

      @@ryujin8842 Great idea !!! I hope Femi has enough room for 2 million of us 😉

  • @zoolra
    @zoolra 3 года назад +1

    Whenever I feel stress about my study I will ride my bicycle and just strolling around any road and alley in Kyoto city. I always find surprises every time I go around such as hidden small temples, mini zen gardens, even coffee shops that don't appear on google maps.

  • @IsraelBuenaobra13
    @IsraelBuenaobra13 3 года назад +136

    "The thing that gives Kyoto a sense of identity is... a Starbucks."

    • @BlueSatoshi
      @BlueSatoshi 3 года назад +8

      My first thought was how in Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, the Pokémon Center & Poké Mart have a different coat of paint so they fit in better with the more rustic architecture of Johto's towns. The region was inspired by the Kansai prefecture.

    • @maxgullberg9733
      @maxgullberg9733 3 года назад +3

      There is one in Kyoto where the back wall is glass, and on the other side there is a shrine.

    • @daniellemorcom8750
      @daniellemorcom8750 3 года назад +2

      The starbucks is very much Kyoto style and has drinks and food that you can only get in Kyotos branches x

    • @kellineburton
      @kellineburton 3 года назад +2

      Yeah and that Starbucks is pretty sweet looking on the inside too.

    • @TheBeatles..
      @TheBeatles.. 3 года назад +1

      @@daniellemorcom8750 spot on!

  • @doobie1984
    @doobie1984 3 года назад +31

    This video had a slightly different feel Chris, entertaining as usual but a hint more informative/educational. As a Japanese teacher, this video was spot on! I loved the pop-ups throughout the video and really appreciated the no swearing either, I'm really looking forward to showing this to my students. Thank you!

  • @kimberlydeverell2863
    @kimberlydeverell2863 3 года назад +6

    I've been to Kyoto twice now. Once when my husband and I visited during our first vacation in 2012 to visit some family, and again in 2015 when I studied abroad in Kyoto in college. I absolutely adore this city. It is my second home, and if we could live there, I would in a heartbeat. Tokyo is nice, but Kyoto for me felt like home. I loved the culture, the architecture, the people, the food. It's just an amazing city. The machiya style house is probably my favorite. I wish we could own one ourselves.

  • @Megadoomer125
    @Megadoomer125 3 года назад +17

    this makes me wanna go to japan so badly, the classic homes are seriously gorgeous.

  • @CAsaidit
    @CAsaidit 3 года назад +36

    Aw it’s so cute that Chris dresses up for this.

  • @8eck
    @8eck 3 года назад

    Those old houses look so calm and cozy. They are giving that feeling of warm home. Very cool.

  • @RusskiBlusski
    @RusskiBlusski 3 года назад +34

    If I were to move to Japan, this is the kind of place I'd like to live in.

  • @MeatPlanet
    @MeatPlanet 3 года назад +49

    "Hiding place; retreat" ahhh yes Chris is hiding away from Ryotoro for his own sanity.

  • @mastersingleton
    @mastersingleton 3 года назад

    Traditional architecture, construction methods and buildings are beautiful and this is what makes a city or country unique and distinct and must be preserved at all costs so that future generations could also enjoy and experience the beauty of traditional architecture.

  • @TheKeranor
    @TheKeranor 3 года назад +13

    No matter the topic, I feel like you manage to give it an interesting spin that other people wouldn't even consider. That's a thumbs up from me!

  • @anikado7884
    @anikado7884 3 года назад +9

    Dude the quality of your videos has definitly improved, not that the quality was bad at some point, but i'm really enjoying it! It is a mini documentery on a really high level and id love to see more.

    • @rishabhraja
      @rishabhraja 3 года назад

      I agree! Its lovely to see Chris come so far as to produce good quality high quality content, and that too editing his videos by himself

  • @rahimske
    @rahimske 3 года назад +6

    Honestly Chris takes RUclips production to a whole other level. Best creator on the platform for me.

  • @natedetailscars
    @natedetailscars 3 года назад +242

    "200,000..."
    Me: Oh 200,000 Yen, that's great!
    "... 200,000 US Dollars."
    Me: *gulp*

    • @jdotoz
      @jdotoz 3 года назад +56

      @Fire Heart That's not the purchase price, it's the renovation cost. I would imagine the land alone would sell for multiple hundreds thousands of dollars.

    • @guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077
      @guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077 3 года назад +1

      I thought the same! Haha

    • @SigTheSauceMan
      @SigTheSauceMan 3 года назад +13

      Uh... that's less than a decent 3-bed/2-bath house costs here in a small town. And $200k in a MAJOR, famous city, is quite reasonable.

    • @WERNUTZ
      @WERNUTZ 3 года назад +1

      Land purchase alone probally from 1000000 USD and up. It's in Japan and in a famous Urban City.

    • @TheAkashicTraveller
      @TheAkashicTraveller 3 года назад +2

      @@SigTheSauceMan The hell would you have 2 bathrooms in a 3 bed house? A bathroom and a seperate toilet at most surely. Also it was $200k for the renovation which seems insane to me.

  • @erineccentric5810
    @erineccentric5810 3 года назад +27

    I wish i could pay 200k to have a beautiful home like this. I hate how everything is fake materials now and just doesn't last.

    • @someguy7526
      @someguy7526 3 года назад +3

      Yee, I'm Australian personally and every housing stuff is super pricy, lol

  • @djdazzydeaf7568
    @djdazzydeaf7568 3 года назад +5

    You got to give credit to Koji Maeda for preserving a piece of Japanese History and updating these beautiful architecture of Japan. They are definitely a Tourist Gold mine as a Educational tool for teaching Japanese history to anyone that willing to listen. I'm going to add this to my list of thing to do and see in Japan when I make my 1st trip to Japan. Thanks Chris

  • @marianapeluffo
    @marianapeluffo 3 года назад +39

    Don't mind me, i'm just interacting to help the engagement of the video

    • @jessekifer2789
      @jessekifer2789 3 года назад +7

      Continuing to algorithm feeding. Great video, as always.

    • @elenap15227
      @elenap15227 3 года назад +5

      I too am algorithm feeding to support Chris

    • @dave9556
      @dave9556 3 года назад +3

      Same

    • @jhurley1577
      @jhurley1577 3 года назад +2

      Hear hear

  • @thestarspark2288
    @thestarspark2288 3 года назад +27

    I visited Japan in January 2020 just before covid hit. I much preferred staying in a ryokan than a western style hotel. The hospitality in the ryokan, and traditional Japanese minimalist aesthetic, features like tatami, shoji, futon etc. Whereas I found the Western style hotels to be very anonymous and quite sterile, sure they had some Japanese features but nothing compared to what you'd find in a traditional setting.

  • @Carlos-js7vf
    @Carlos-js7vf 3 года назад +11

    I don't know why, but this video hit different. It was really interesting to watch. Great job, Chris :D

  • @animeartadventures89
    @animeartadventures89 3 года назад +41

    “Take a peek behind closed doors” Chris you cheeky bastard!

  • @Jordan-inJapan
    @Jordan-inJapan 3 года назад +22

    Beautiful work, Chris. And I appreciated the ‘majime’ vibe on this one. AND a note for BEER people: look up Spring Valley Brewing. They’ve turned one of these gorgeous old places into a brew pub, and it’s definitely worth checking out next time you’re in town. 🍻

    • @JordanDrebot
      @JordanDrebot 3 года назад +2

      Yes! I’ve been there and I can attest to its awesomeness.

  • @thereisaplaceineastmelbourne
    @thereisaplaceineastmelbourne 3 года назад +1

    Kyoto is by far one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited

  • @silver7215
    @silver7215 3 года назад +10

    When I went to Japan, I always loved the sight of the traditional and historical sights from the buildings, to the food, to the culture, and I’m glad that there are people out there that want to keep that side of history alive for future generations to come. Thanks Chris for the lovely video and I always look forward to more!

  • @james3634
    @james3634 3 года назад +4

    It’s so sad how they are being torn down, they are amazing buildings, and it’s great to still see people with so much interest in them, thank you Chris for your work on the new video!

  • @HiimSpencer0808
    @HiimSpencer0808 3 года назад +1

    Its amazing to see these videos’ quality get better and better

  • @rachelonishi2546
    @rachelonishi2546 3 года назад +10

    These remind me of my ex mother in law’s house. I still dearly wish that she would renovate like this because it’s such a beautiful and large home.

  • @TopAnimeLoverEver
    @TopAnimeLoverEver 3 года назад +9

    The biggest thing I want to do in all of Japan is see an old, traditional village. Like, Edo era. So I'm really glad to see you covering this, a topic I honestly didn't expect from you-an appreciation of architecture.

  • @kenbinner
    @kenbinner Год назад +1

    Literally staying in this machiya's lounge as I type, can confirm this is the quintessential kyoto experience ❤

  • @soren7550
    @soren7550 3 года назад +8

    The place you stayed at Chris was so great and adorable! I think that I'd love to live in such a place, with a few adjustments (such as making the doors more solid to allow more privacy, and to prevent the cat from destroying them).

  • @BSAnime
    @BSAnime 3 года назад +4

    Sad to see the traditional homes disappearing but the combination of contemporary and modern style gives me hope that Japan will continue to have the exotic oriental culture that we know and love

  • @slypancake
    @slypancake Год назад +1

    I love the look of mostly wooden homes, its so beautiful and relaxing. Cypress wood also smells SO GOOD ahhhhhh. I wish it was easier for people to buy and renovate these traditional homes, maybe if there were a gov't program or something to help those who do... There is sooo much potential and it would be a shame to lose these places to rot.

  • @ferrjuan
    @ferrjuan 3 года назад +9

    Glad this guy from Ryotaro’s Japan finally got his own RUclips channel!

  • @balue707
    @balue707 3 года назад +16

    That weird moment you realize he says he’s staying there alone,but the camera is following him around lol

  • @FMHammyJ
    @FMHammyJ 3 года назад

    I cant believe how calming the interiors of these houses are.......I realize just how cluttered and "busy" my own dig are.......:(

  • @vezixig1195
    @vezixig1195 3 года назад +9

    The quality of your videos has gone so much up - this looks better than some professional documentaries shown on TV. I'm really amazed!

  • @darkmeow606
    @darkmeow606 3 года назад +5

    My heart is literally aching to visit Japan again. That machiya you stayed in was perfect... My husband snores so that secret, separate room is great for me to escape to. Oh can't wait!!

  • @MoonlightShadowC
    @MoonlightShadowC 3 года назад +3

    This is definitely my dream place. This place right here is why I became a teacher and wanted to teach in Japan. I'm thankful for this video. So many people who live in Japan make videos of stuff mostly about culture or street food or talking to people. You're the first person who has made such a beautiful video of Kyoto! I'm completely in love with this. If you ever go back to make videos, can you cover some local stories and folklore? That was something that really drew me to Japan but since I never got a chance to go there myself, I would really love to know more about it from someone who seems to do excellent research on things :) Thank you so much for making this video. - A fellow teacher from India.

  • @DaveStutts
    @DaveStutts 3 года назад +63

    Is it just me, or does Chris just keep getting more and more handsome?

    • @mattjones8016
      @mattjones8016 3 года назад +5

      It's all of us that see this

    • @Frugg
      @Frugg 3 года назад +5

      Accurate

    • @Ayasegaki
      @Ayasegaki 3 года назад +9

      Age like a fine wine

    • @SheeplessNW6
      @SheeplessNW6 3 года назад +10

      Found Chris's alt account

    • @firstlastname4672
      @firstlastname4672 3 года назад +5

      Yeah, especially in 480p like George Japan said.