Do Kyoto's Japanese Locals Want Foreigners to Return?
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- Опубліковано 5 гру 2020
- While Kyoto once struggled with over tourism, it has been comparatively empty for some time now. Today we go to Kyoto and speak to some of the local Japanese people to hear their feelings. Do the locals want foreigners to come back? Or are they happy with the way things are?
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NEXT BIG VID: ua-cam.com/video/RqYXKLvFq9s/v-deo.html - What it was like to survive Japan's Tsunami
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Thanks for filming and sharing， good documentary to understand Japan under this situation.🌹
Oh Norm, this was beautiful. Just like one woman said, it is 'a delicate balance'. We have seen the life that has come forth from this time of rest/quiet/emptiness--the coral reef healing, animals returning, nature having the chance to strengthen itself. This is also evident in the beautiful pictures and video you have shared with us of an emptier Kyoto. I do hope that people can once again return--to support locals and bring energy back into a space. Not just in Kyoto, but in all of the 'tourism' spots around the world. Maybe, somehow, this time--we can find a better balance and a better system that will simultaneously give needed economic support and maintain the sacredness of spaces.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Your videos are treasure🙏🙏🙏
When I got to the part of the video where people were saying they miss the visitors and the liveliness they bring it honestly made me want to try and look them up and visit them in particular.
If any of the people are public (they have a shop or any sort of tourist facing business that i could visit) i would appreciate it if you could share their address. :)
Great video brother, I want to see Kyoto.
This feels like what every tourist _wants_ Kyoto to be when they visit. Calm, peaceful, and beautiful.
I feel like that's Yokohama
Nice profile pic
Kyoto is always peaceful even when crowded. There are always shrines or a garden that few venture into.
@@henrychew235 I kind of agree, there is always calm spots to find if you wanna find them, but the hell that is peak-season, daytime Ginkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari (you'll be fine if you trek around the mountain dodging the tori gate path), Philosopher's Walk etc is not something I look forward to when visiting.
This is more or less like how it was 15 years ago when I first visited Kyoto.
Back then the vendors speak little to no English but we managed to communicate.
Ryoanji was a place where you could stay to enjoy the peacefulness.
Fushimi Inari shrine, there were no more than 10 people in sight when I walked up the hill full of tori gates.
I miss those days.
As someone who’s visiting Kyoto next month, I really hope the answer is “Yes”.
Beautifully shot as always mate!
Thanks so much as always mate~
I’m sure you’ll have an amazing visit
Looking forward to hearing about it
@@kennyrtk6400 it's a secret Risottoro account obviously
With so few people around, one could even get a clear view of Mt. Fuji!
New vid or a documentary in Kyoto? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Last i heard, Chris Broad and Natsuki were banned from visiting Kyoto so maybe you can go somewhere in the country ! 🤣😂🤣
My English isn't the best, but I'm also from Kyoto, by Fushimi Inari-Taisha.
A lot of people have been commenting about how empty it is, but not that life feels like it's in slow motion. Our lives were fast paced and full of life and people.
I feel like this is a blessing as it allows us to slow down and contemplate what everything means to us and we can hope to see everyone back enjoying our beautiful cities, shrines, temples and forests once again.
Thank you for making this video!
My first impression was that the "emptiness" of Kyoto could be in part due to lower birth rates in Japan and the migration of young workers to larger cities. It felt like there were a lot of elderly and fewer young people, this made me feel sad. I do wonder what Kyoto will look like or be like in another 10 to 15 years when more of the older generation pass on. It seems that the situation is deeper than just the tourism alone. It would be nice if Japanese companies could maybe sponsor some of their young Japanese employees to visit places like Kyoto and spend some time with the old people.
I wish I could visit sometime.
Ayako Suaki - your English is great, like this video! 👍🏻
"my english isnt the best"
: speaks fluent english
Japan is great country. Love from india
I'm a Japanese who had not been enchanted with Kyoto, before COVID-19.
Kyoto was just a famous and clouded sightseeing place to me then. But now Kyoto is a very calm and empty place which reveals the core of the spirit of Japanese history. I'm 60yrs.old and yet I had never felt a touch of real Kyoto till now, because of a cloud of tourists who are both locals and overseas. So, I thank nature, which gives us and places like Kyoto, a long holiday to look back the life.
Even in the US despite everything else it seems that life has slowed down, it was honestly wonderful to sit down on my back porch and just hear the birds and feel the breeze during the summer. While it's unnerving for those not used to it I can say I'm grateful for that.
Meanwhile here in Taiwan, streets are still buzzing with people and activity. I am surprised that the rest of the world slowed down so much by the pandemic. Never quite had this effect on Taiwan.
@@bifrostbeberast3246 Because the Taiwanese government must have done a good job.
I truly believe that you can see another great side of Kyoto when there are fewer tourists. On the other hand some cultural aspects might deteriorate. Temples or old buildings/ Ryokans who live on donations and tourists cant afford repair and maintanance.
Sadly modern infrastructures such as roads or bridges , to be maintained properly, need big money. And money comes from people.
“ I didn’t realize Kyoto had this few people” god damn bro, that hit hard for some particular reason and I’m not even from there.
Same
japan has one of the most lowest birthrate, thats why.
@@tulirongtuliro why is that
@@enchantralx715 a lot of japanese people arent interested in having a family
@@Patrick-cm5sl Same here in Europe, the population is aging and the next generation is always making less children than the previous generations did. Its a rather sad development and its because of our high standard of living that is partly to blame for it. There are of course numerous other factors that contribute to it as well. Its going to be problematic in the future here since there are lots of economic migrant waves coming from Africa and Arabic countries, they tend to make 4 to 5 times more children than we native Europeans do and their integration rate to our societies is extremely poor.
I liked it when the lady said she would make tea for people coming to her city because they miss the people..how kind and thoughtful. 😊
Me too! I teared up a lil at that. Like I'm over here worrying that I might be a bother to people if I went traveling and she's just out here putting out tea for visitors.
Me too! And that's when I hit the like button! ❤️
I would have tea with her and reciprocate with an American gift. The world was meant to be together
Such a sweet old lady 😊
@@davefuller84 then why is Asia so homogeneous? 🤣 Silly English
The locals riffing on being able to enjoy the quiet shines made sense. I visited that shrine in Kyoto a few years ago. All I can remember were the crowds. On the same trip I visited a number of more remote towns and shrines and the experience was... deeper. When you remove the tourist element, the purpose of a shrine just takes centre stage.
@Socratic I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you are visiting places that are touristy, the locals will be glad to have visitors back. And even before covid, if you were to go to more remote places and were respectful, all would be fine.
No worries, I can solve that dilemma. You have to just go and be seen as a tourist because in life, we cannot have it just one way, it's two ways, or no way. So either go, or don't go. Your heart will reveal your fate, but listen to its call.
@Socratic You can visit with the mindset of a pilgrim rather than the one of a tourist.
Because people are like sheep and follow other sheep. I visited Japan many times and last two times I didn't bother with Kyoto. Most of my time I was on Shikoku. It was great.
@@lesp315
Should I ever visit Japan, I have decided I'll go visit the less-popular prefectures. The country has much beauty to be seen beyond the usual tourism circuit.
I was a bit shocked when that one lady said she was 82. She looks a lot more in her late 60s or early 70s
Should go and visit her, take her treats and stories from our countries, since she said she won't be traveling anymore
That's asian genes for you. We could be 30 and still look like we're below 20
@@kindaedgy3548 I know, because when I was a senior in highschool everyone thought I was a freshman
A very commonly made observation here in Japan
Right! 82 years old and she seems pretty lively and healthy
"I didn't realize Kyoto had this few people"
Damn, must be weird for the younger generation living their whole life knowing that Kyoto is a place where the streets are never empty.
Right? It's interesting to see the difference between the older and the younger people. While the older folks are remembering of how Kyoto used to be, for the younger ones is a thing that they have never seen before.
The real weird thing is that foreigners or not, its still a city of well over a million, I cant imagine it being that quiet.
Yesssss that line really stood out for me!! I dont know why it blew my mind like it did
@@gabrokkerhun a city of million isn't uniformly spread and wdym can't imagine that quiet? Can't you see?
dont worry, ppl get use to the life without GAIJIN.
damn... I remember that old lady from the store when we visited Kyoto in 2019... Never thought I would recognize someone through a youtube video
A turtle also recognized her
@@just_a_turtle_chad like actually or are you just mememing
@@osuiro5206 Turtle 🐢
@@just_a_turtle_chad Understandable, have a nice day.
I recognize her to. I was there by the end of 2018 when we bought some souvenirs from her shop haha auch a cute and friendly old lady
i dont know why but hearing "i didn't realise Kyoto had this few people" hit me in the feels
That was a really impactful moment
@@kelownatechkid heeheee
I definitely started tearing up when the elderly ladies spoke of how they miss the tourists and how they feel so bad for the business. And the lady saying, that when she sees foreigners she puts out tea for them to show her appreciation. Bless her heart, that warmed my spirit so much. The humility of the Japanese people, it truly touches me ❤️🙏🏼
That lady saying she’d put out tea for foreigners almost made me cry. I miss Japan a lot, I cannot wait to be able to come back. I'm very grateful for this video and the warmth of these people.
Me too...
@Yotecai Luz never say never mate, who knows what future may bring, just give it your best.
That lady seems like an incredible, kind-hearted person.
And here i am who keep trying so hard. Because i have a dream that one day I can set my foot in Japan. I hope.
that old lady was out of her mind.
Narrator: "This lady is 82 years old."
Her: "I am 82 years old."
Me: "Checks out."
For someone taking and learning Japanese, it was nice to hear it being said actually than just reading it from the textbook.
It will be significant!
Me: She doesn't look 82 years old.
@@alexissey4023 Agreed.
It’s been years since my Japanese classes, but I always enjoy when I can understand small bits of what people are saying. I don’t want to lose the (albeit small) grasp I have of the language.
@@oatmongen4263 there were always asian elders younger than your elders
No one appreciates who they have until they're gone. Even for strangers this is a truth.
Real
thats one of the harshest truths of life right there
even someone you hate, you may eventually realize that you enjoyed their presence
@@xGoodOldSmurfehx It's not per se that you enjoyed those people, but you got used to them. And breaking habits is one of the most difficul things for human brains. That's why many people even miss times which they used to experience as negative, just because in their brain that was the norm.
This is ridiculous. Plenty of people are able to appreciate the people in their lives. While they may not know how life would be without them, they certainly appreciate them and prefer to have them around.
@@Black.Spades I agree. I loved the constant noise of cars honking and people yelling down the streets when I was in China. When I got back to Sweden I felt so empty as if I left reality. Where I live in Sweden theres barely any noise and people are so distant to each other.
“It’s a delicate balance...” It really is.
So true
If anything 2020 has made more appreciative of the smaller things like being able to travel and being able to meet new people as well as being able to connect with family.
like life ... live .... are a delicate balance
400th like
I really feel sorry for the business owners. They must have struggled a lot.
Everywhere & many have lost livelihoods
Prayers & Blessings
Yea, that's really sad. 😔
Covid really screwed us all good.
@@courier6945 Nature tends to do that every so often.
That's everywhere in the world though, especially america, where our government has essentially left us to die.
I want to hug that grandma who said she want to put tea out for foreigners . The kindness is beautiful....i want to cry.
It’s touching when the grandma says she’s feeling sad for those whose business struggled
The skaters are so cool.
Skaters: Thanks
Rolls away
My brother has the same deck as one of them
The Japanese street kids are the best, they got the coolness factor without the whole crime and violence thing usually associated with them in the west.
He was a sk8er boi he said see you l8r boi
It’s wonderful to see videos such as this; that no matter where we are in the world all dispersed hither and yonder there is so much in common how we live, move, make a living, visit the doctor, family, prayer.
@@WuzzupWhitey What??
The lady into traveling that said she'd welcome foreigners with tea melted my heart.
It really is a different culture. Very beautiful in a lot of ways
😪😪😪
When i was in kyoto, thats exactly how our hotel staff welcomed us. amazing experience
I love Japan. I love the smell, the sound, the taste, the sights and the people. I miss Japan. I know its different when you start living and working there but still, I know it wont change how I think about this beautiful country.
I've been watching all these older videos at my friend's house and I wanted to say that the way the interviews are done, it makes it so personal and I loved how vulnerable Kyoto looked. Not just the bustling city we all know.
I meet that obaa-chan before while taking a break from climbing the stairs at Inari last year. She is probably one of the kindest obaa-chan I ever met.
These grandmas must be protected at all costs 💕
They are wonderful
The 82 year-old woman was so lively and just precious. "When we do get visitors from abroad, I would happily put out tea for them." Excuse me while I bawl.
@@nicholasadams81 ikr. she seems so nice.
@@nicholasadams81 suddenly there's tears in my eyes when she said that
Great video man!
Thanks eh~
Hope you're well
Hi Jake I'm from 2025, go back asap to Japan
My dream is to visit Japan one day, and Kyoto is at the top of my list!
Really heartbreaking to see such a lively city become so "empty", but on the bright side, nature can recover a bit haha.
Here's hope that 2022 will be the year when I visit this majestic and beautiful country!
I'll pray for you random guy, good luck!
I wanna just sit down with these elders and listen to their stories, so heartwarming
"So I was part of the Imperial Army pacification force sent to Manchuria back in the war..."
I feel like you're playing with fire asking for old peoples life stories in some countries.
@@MisterZimbabwe I'd still happily listen to someone tell it. I may not like what's being told, but the chance to hear a first hand experience would be interesting.
exactly, I could listen to them for hours!
Yo same but I wouldn’t understand them sadly 😭
Ever since my grandma passed away recently I miss her story's of her past and I know it's sounds strange but I just want to walk up to an old lady say TELL ME A STORY BEFORE I DIE OF BOREDOM.
The attitude of that 82-year-old lady are really what I admire of the japaneses people. "I want to put out tea for them", like how wholesome is that
you know what? we have those kind of people in every country, they're just hard to find, japan have a lot of them though XD
@@zacharychamot6031 except that has nothing to do with the actual citizens of Japan. Not to mention that 82 year old lady would have been a baby during world war 2 so even she isn't the generation responsible for what you're referring to.
@@WastedTalent83 That is the difference, Japan has A LOT of them, well, maybe less so in Tokyo.
@@zacharychamot6031 I'm well aware of the reality of Japan but to say the citizens are responsible? I cant back that. That's the job of their government to be responsible. The job of the citizens is to acknowledge that part of their past and accept that it happened. I don't think Japanese people are bad people at all I just think they need a shift in perspective. Just as you argued about Japan's legal system and their unwillingness to speak on stigmas being unfair I think its equally unfair of us to sit here and fault people who more than likely have no involvement in the voice and attitudes of their country, not to mention the fact that its irrelevant to whats being discussed so its just rude to bring up.
@@iqbalmuhammad2920 From what I've seen in various peoples vlogs(both tourists and people who live there) there seem to be a lot in less touristy parts of Japan, like if you take a trip out to some of the smaller less visited villages.
This project was an absolute pleasure to watch. So emotional and can 100% understand the thoughts they have on loving the quiet and serene atmosphere to enjoy their home town with out having to worry about their place of worship being overcrowded or their roads or transport. But also upset about the emptiness because of business relying on tourist and also not liking that it's too quiet. I've been to Kyoto once and it will forever be an experience I will never forget and I hope to return there someday
This one hit me in the feels. The obasan who offers tea to visitors, it's for real. I appreciate the hospitality that we experienced on our trip in 2013. I can't wait to go back...
Can't believe I feel sad for a city that I've never been to.
Edit: Wow, this comment blew up lol
same but in my case, its a city that i want to visit, its on my list of places to visit when i go to japan
That's the beauty of being humans... We're all made in the Image and we just need to be empathic. I've been to Japan twice and I have such nostalgia to a place I wasn't even born or raised... I feel for the people and the lively hood of all in Japan.
The whole World even.
Everything is about to change.
Everyone is about to grow up.
And it will all be good.
I feel ya bro. I feel ya....
Just means you have empathy, I think...
This happens every year when tourists leave. Mostly on the Croatian islands and coastal cities and villages.
Props to this guy for talking to ALL the people. Not just the older people or average adult aged people. Paints a much better picture. I was honestly kind of shocked he talked to the skaters. Glad he did.
He is a skater himself :)
I once worked as an ESL tutor and most of my learners are elderly people. Some just wanted to have a session because they wanted to talk about something about their life like a promotion or something related to their family. Sometimes they would tell me about their families and how much they miss their children that they don't see often. They're so sweet and full of life. I wish to work there soon when I'm already qualified. *fingers crossed
That sounds especially worthy.
It's weird to see these once bustling streets so empty. It's kinda peaceful
I almost cried when the people started saying they wanted visitors to come back, and I haven't even been to Japan before!
I will show videos like this one to my ignorant circle of acquaintances who only read tabloid news and thinks everyone in Japan hates foreigners.
@@deliciousnoodles5505 yep some people don’t understand it’s not all Japanese I was born in Nagasaki
its called the "call of human solidarity", its part of human nature and our willingness to be connected to each other
we are all meant to be connected no matter where in the world
those who only wish to be left alone at all times simply havent met with others like them thats all
that's exactly how I felt and I was really glad that the people wanted tourist back cause one day I want to be one of those tourist
@@deliciousnoodles5505 Why are you even part of an ignorant circle of acquaintances. I used to have one myself but later cut ties because of that negative and ignorant mindset. They didn't do right and kept living in that small world of theirs. Years pass by and while I don't talk to them much, still visit maybe a couple times a year. They haven't changed at all. The same as always. Maybe I'm just not there to see it but those personalities and traits become habit and its hard to severe. Word of advice just becareful who you stick around and the people you hang out with.
As someone trying to study abroad in Japan, Kyoto is a town not too far away from the university I’d be at. A few hours away. It’s interesting to see the opinion of the locals. I appreciate the quiet just like they do. I’m very interested in Japanese history, along with double majoring in history and education, so I’ve truly enjoyed this video. They seem so sweet, kind, and reserved.
I've been to Kyoto twice, and the second time I went there I really appreciated the elderly folk who volunteered to guide tourists in busy areas. They were so friendly and eager to help you if you had questions. I like many things about Kyoto, but it's the locals I remember most and I should like to make another trip there some time.
I spent most of the pandemic living in Kyoto and I have to say I loved the tranquillity and calm brought on by the lack of tourists. It felt like a truly rare opportunity to experience Kyoto the way it once was in the ancient days.
@@rmns987 Which he probably knows better than most people commenting here since he actually lives there.
I used to live in a tourist town and am considering moving back home where tourism has increased to a point, where I can't sit at places we as teenagers met up, whenever we wanted to be by ourselves (by sit I mean on grass or pavement, it's just so crowded).
I understand enjoying the tranquility, even when you appreciate the good tourism can bring.
@@nightglider537 i mean yeah but yet again some people on video may not share the original commenter point of view
This is very interesting. I live in Melbourne Australia and as a similar experience, I enjoyed the lessened traffic, the almost empty malls and the few people I would meet outside. It felt like I could feel the environment around me without the hustle and bustle of people everywhere. I absolutely loved the calmness of it all. Our covid numbers are quite low at the moment and things have since about returned to normal however I don't think I'll forget the peace of a lack of human presence.
You'd warned us that this was a tear-jerker but I only lasted halfway in before I dissolved.
I want to go and hug everyone.
I miss Japan so much.
Another beautifully shot film. Thank you x
It was as touching to shoot as it was to edit
Really glad u enjoyed it and a VERY personal thank you from me for being one of the people who made this video possible. Means the world. Thank you
5:06 Oh, I think I remember this lady and her shop when I visited Kyoto back in 2015. It was particularly memorable because I managed to talk my friend into trying alcohol for the first time while also realizing sweets went great with alcohol. We were drinking sake while eating matcha shaved ice.
Wow... I knew Kyoto was a beautiful place but I never realised how stunning it looks when you can actually see all around, I'm British and I'm hoping to study abroad there soon so I really feel for the locals there who miss the crowds and the energy foreigners may bring
I was expecting that there will be mixed feelings, but by the end they all miss the old lively Kyoto. Great video and amazing cinematography. Really made me feel like being there.
Glad you enjoyed it so much~
Thank you so much for being one of the amazing people who made this possible
Like the old lady said, she wanted it to just be balanced. While they appreciate the place to be quiet, it also doesn't feel right after a while now. They managed to love the pre-Covid Kyoto together with its flaws and hoping this will eventually go back to once it was.
@@tidus1ph They want a time where they want the city to be quiet for a day before the usual crowding begun. too quiet is not good, but having a special one-day off where people could take a breather is what we needed.
"It feels so empty without people."
I do not know why exactly; but somehow this sentence stood out the most to me. It just tugged at my heartstrings, and created a special type of longing, mixed in with emptiness.
To me, this is a sad sentence.
I legit cried when people started talking about how they miss tourist...
Kyoto is easily one of the most beautiful cities, but the real beauty lies within the people who live there and make it so wonderful to visit.
ahh an empty Kyoto, so envious dude...
but I think its great that you took the opportunity to show the impact this has had on the locals.
A perspective that is often overlooked in the sea of tourists.
Another great video Norm!
Thanks so much eh
I’m grateful I had the opportunity
@@TokyoLens I'm so jealous. I want to go to Kyoto as my first destination of visiting Japan. as an introvert who like quiet place, going to Kyoto and travelling around while it's empty is like a dream come true for me. I can take so many amazing picture and moment that could be the best time of my life
I just wanna give those grandmas a hug, especially the one who wanted to travel this year
She melted my heart.
so you want to kill thoses grandmas right :thinking: :')
@@kannonfps Huh?
@@FewNewReasonss i was high when i posted this comment :') don't know why i said that tbh :')
@@kannonfps Fair.
I was lucky to visit Kyoto some years ago. I tried my best to be respectful and considerate as a tourist, but whatever consideration I was able to show paled in comparison to the warmth with which the locals met me.
Thank you to all the people of Kyoto for sharing your beautiful city with us
Honestly I’d love to just hang around in Kyoto at night time. Seems so chill and relaxing
This was so beautiful, so sad and so many things at the same time. You are definitely the lens that us who love Japan need.
Thank you so much for those kind words 😊
It's nice and fun for a short while when it's quiet but then you feel like a ghost town resident, nothing happening, nobody going anywhere or doing anything, just apathy.
Bueno verte por aca Maryan :D!!!
Absolutely nailed it with this video. As someone who grew up in Anaheim, California, known to tourists as Disneyland, I had to deal with heavy tourism the majority of my life. The torn feeling that people from Kyoto feel is something that I also share completely. Speaking with the people of Kyoto for this project helped me feel a small connection with them and I hope things can get better soon. And when it does, hopefully we can find a good balance that is best for everyone.
PS: The first lady we met and the lady at the shrine are gems. Much love to them for their hospitality and grace. I can't wait to visit them again.
Thank you Victor~
Little known fact for anyone who finds this comment...
The first woman came up to me! Until then I had minor concerns about how people would feel about the interviews, but she really set the bar~
I, too, come from Anaheim, and have spent a lot of time in Kyoto. Norm, your got it just right!
Being from Hawai`i it’s the same when it comes to tourism so I can relate to this as well
Being around the Orlando parks I feel the same. Some tourists can get on your nerves but ultimately it feels wrong without them here and I miss them
Oh man, that really hit me at the end when they were saying how much they missed having people around. I hope things are back to 'normal' now, and that nice lady got to do some travelling.
Been to other countries but Japan is the place that I keep on visiting. I really love this country: the people, food, their culture. Everything about Japan is worth discovering. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow, I visited in the exact same places around February this year. Covid was only on a hundred or so cases in Japan and travel was still allowed.
Usually on a bright sunny day, the shrines and especially the gion area would be packed full of people. It's so surreal seeing it so "Samishi"
The only time I've seen The Gion District that empty was during the early morning.
" I didn't realize Kyoto had this few people"
- That line hit the hardest for me.
It's reassuring to know that the locals want to welcome the visitors back. Once the world "opens up" again, the first place I'm visiting is the Kansai area of Japan.
Thank you for this video.
Gloco san💫
The same line hit me the hardest as well
I was there this january, was so many people...
Konnichiwa Gloco-sama
I went there at early February too
Japan has a special place in my heart. Everything is so perfect, from locals to food, to climate and the place itself. I will never get tired of visiting this place.
I haven’t been but I hope to go some day and I’m learning Japanese
Same for me, was there 6 times now, dont plan to stop. Never gets boring. Beautiful place and people.
I haven’t been to Japan, but I’d like to visit.
Mind you the working culture is bad only in major cities and it is changing now making it a perfect country .
I would honestly love to visit Kyoto as soon as possible. The old Lady was sweet to welcome visitors with Tea.
Even if I wasn't a fan of tea, I wouldn't hesitate to drink it if it means putting a smile on her face.
I've started learning Japanese a few weeks ago for the exact reason of visiting the country myself someday. Seeing this, not even the thoughts of the natives, just seeing this beautiful, gorgeous place makes me wish so bad for the learning part to be over already and for me to just be there. It's great motivation to keep going and it's gonna feel so damn rewarding when the day finally comes.
I actually cried watching this. I think at this time everyone just wants to go back to normal life.
Yeah feeling quite melancholic too after watching this. The slow pace of the video really made all the words and expressions stand out so much more and hit harder. A year ago I was in Japan and I could have never imagined that 2020 would be like this for the whole world! Stay safe & stay healthy :)
I cried too
We are all in a though spot right now but I'm sure everything will workout with time :) stay safe and stay positive. This pandemic taught me to be greatful for everything I had and to take nothing for granted. Take care guys :)
It’s so sad that most of the shop close down even though they have been open for so many years. It’s heart breaking to know many shop are close for good :(
There is nothing I want more than to live in Kyoto. It’s been a dream of mine for many years. This ambition to live and work in Japan started to dwindle more and more during my undergrad as I began to discover in my research the limiting factors of pursuing a career as an English teacher in Japan.
As I get ready to finish my undergrad this semester and begin grad school in the Fall, a part of me feels compelled to visit Japan at least once after COVID-19 is globally contained. This dream of mine has began to surface once more with a bunch of recent videos about Japan coming up on my feed even though I am not subscribed to any JVloggers. Maybe it’s coincidence, but I know for sure that after I finish grad school I am definitely making a trip to Kyoto. Who knows what the future holds after that; maybe I’ll reconsider living there, only time will tell.
Recently moved to Kyoto and I was so surprised how many tourists were here. Twenty five years ago it definitely was much quieter. Occasionally one could find a quiet spot in a temple or park to just sit a take in the beauty and history.
This really spoke to my heart (like I’m sure it did for many). It’s such a reminder of the fragile ecosystem of relationships and interactions. It’s lovely to see locals stay positive but I know everyone is missing something. Their reminiscing reminds me that the past is beautiful and that change is ok because the future can be too.
Thank you so much~
Miss you Japan :'(
Suryaputra does that mean born from sun
Bro can you please answer
@@prateeksrivastav8257 yes
@@2142Fenixor bro are you from Indonesia
@@prateeksrivastav8257 We are Thai. Both Thai language and Indonesian Bahasa were based from Indian Sanskrit. So you can find the similar of the language from his name.
Went back in time, forty years or more with seeing Kyoto during this.
Kyoto over here is a serene. My grandma reminisced when here mom walked her down the calm markets
Ooh, this is something I was actually interested in hearing more about. I imagined there would be mixed feelings.
Glad I could put this one together~
It is actually like watching videos from our cities in Italy: Venice, Rome, Florence. They are peaceful now, they are the way everyone hopes to visit but they are empty.
Went to Rome last year and fell in love with Italy (I’m even learning Italian right now with LingQ). I search UA-cam for live cams of different Italian cities and it’s crazy to see how relatively empty the cities are without tourists.
man, I was in Florence last year and I can't imagine Ponte Vecchio as empty as it is now, feels so weird.
i won a scholarship to stay in kyoto from mid june to mid july. seeing this video broke my heart but made me hopeful and reminded me of the beginning of quarantine.
life was, moving ever so fast for all of us. so fast to the point where it was the norm. and when the world stopped and businesses and peoples lives halted- they were given free time for once in their lives. things were; quiet.
but the lack of noise isn’t always a comforting thing. the quiet sounds of peace turned into the absent sound of life. and the happiness of nostalgia turned into the missing of the norm. i hope my program runs. i hope i can come and visit all these shops and meet friends.
This happen to every tourist attraction around the world, emptiness
hope I can visit Japan once again
Grateful for the peace, but unsettled by the emptiness. I think we can all relate.
Geez that nice old lady got a tear out of me when she said she'd pour some tea to welcome people. I'm pretty sure a lot of people miss those kind of meetings.
I can feel the struggle of the locals in this piece Norm. Kyoto will absolutely be one of the primary places I visit when I come from Canada for my honeymoon in spring 2023.
The country of japan is always been my heart, love it's culture, people, foods ,Anime's ,Manga's, Architectures,templates,Greenery Forest and the land itself...
This video especially is one of the best I'ven seen so far from your channel. Not only the cinematography and choice of music, but the way you captured the torn feelings of the residents, having a moment to reflect on old times and how it used to be but quickly remembering that times have changed and without tourism their livelihoods are threatened. Well done Norm, definitely a great video format you have been using recently! Call it a 'cinemantary'
Wow
Thank you so much for these kind words
I really appreciate it
I think this highlights the importance of being respectful tourists, especially when visiting places that hold a spiritual significance to the local residents. I would never want to interfere with someone wanting to go pray for the sake of me doing something touristy.
I think this shows how big the "traveling craze" got in these last few years. Too much over tourism in so many places. We need to balance things
I don't really see the problem, the economy is booming in a lot of places travel has become more affordable than ever and the internet makes learning about new places easier and faster which means that people want to visit new places
It's globalization, it connects people from separate places, it has it's cons yeah but i feel the pros are more and have more power
@@carso1500 the problem with too many tourist is how it can have the chance of destroying a place like for example a shrine collapse or partially broke because there were too many visitors
@@carso1500 but I understand it's pros also
@@carso1500 I dont agree, globalization is a burden to different cultures and way of life. The Host country should have a say if they want people there or not. Maybe without foreigners their birth rates might bounce back.
@@christopheraldrich3154 birth rates have nothing to do with foreigners.
After watching this video, it’s made me realize how welcoming and wholesome Japanese people truly are. Kyoto is a beautiful city and I’d REALLY want to visit Japan now. And, maybe live in it for awhile.
I visited Kyoto in June 2015. It's to date my favourite city, and I went at a time when there weren't so many tourists, so I actually got to enjoy a mostly laid back visit except in certain places like Kiyomizu-Dera and Ginkakuji Temple. I arrived at my dorm at about 4pm, and after checking in, I dropped my bags and too the train to Inari temple. By the time I got there, I had barely an hour of daylight left, but on the other hand, I got to enjoy it in peace, as a temple rather than a tourist experience. Throughout my stay in Kyoto, I found it very conducive to my introversion, whether it was walking alone late at night in Gion, or down the Philosopher's Path and past the beautiful graveyards along the way. Even my trip to Nara was largely quiet and peaceful, so when I arrived in Tokyo, the hustle and bustle just shocked me. I literally felt overwhelmed as soon as I exited the shinkansen upon arriving at Tokyo central station. I still enjoyed my trip there, but I knew deep down I resonated more deeply with Kyoto than any other city I've been to.
If I get the chance, I would love to return to Kyoto someday, maybe even live there for a spell. It's a beautiful city, full of culture, art, and history, and plenty of warm people. Kyoto feels like the right balance between living in a city while never being far away from nature.
That was really good dude.
Eyyy cool to see you here too lol
I'm moving to Kyoto next year after living in Tokyo for 2 years. Wish me luck!
Best of luck 😊
Good luck 🍀
🍄 enjoy, good luck ! 🐞
you sure are lucky dude
Kyoto don't want you.
I've never wanted to go to Japan until now.
It's so beautiful when it's serene.
I know no Japanese, but I've always hoped to visit the country someday. Asian cultures, scenery, and just general traditions and way of living is so facinating and beautiful to me. I'd love to embrace it and witness parts of it firsthand. Someday I want to be able to sit in a tea shop and have a pleasant conversation with some elder folks. I want to be able to walk through their parks and absorb the beauty around me. Even venture into the major cities to see how despite the hustle and bustle of this generation, the old is still within the new. I can't do it now, but I swear that one day I will, and when I do it will be one of the best days of my life.
As much as I’d love to visit Kyoto while the number of tourists is down, it really is heartbreaking at the same time. I sincerely hope for things to get closer to “normal” as soon as possible. Beautiful video, with wonderful people!
The lady the was planning to travel need a go fund me she seem like a very wholesome lady kind and sweet she deserves to travel one last time
Meanwhile in Africa every 1 minute, 60 second pass
@@franchocou ,😔😔😔
I'm so glad I found your channel. Kinda mad that UA-cam's algorithm took this long to recommend one of your videos to me. You deserve millions of subscribers really.
That was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I just want to give the whole world a big hug. I appreciate that you took the time to capture the atmosphere, the feelings and the thoughts of these lovely people. I would like to enjoy a nice cup of tea with each and everyone of them.
I envy you so much at this point in time. I would absolutely love to travel Japan whilst it is so empty. However, I know that so many people are struggling because of the lack of tourism and that also breaks my heart. Chris Broad also discusses this subject on his podcast and channel. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to document this rare moment in Japan's history. I really enjoy your videos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and leave a comment~ I really appreciate it
7:13 she made me well up and want to leave now. Just to have tea with her. The appreciation she has for people to visit is heartwarming ❤️
Been to Kyoto 10 years ago, it is one of my absolute favorite cities. This gave me goosebumps
dont worry we will be back japan honestly the most friendly and beautiful place visually to be in
That man's appreciation for a solo Heian visit -- I felt that.
I’m honestly a little lost for words. There was such a beautiful melancholy to this story.
You have such a beautiful way of showing respect, reverence, admiration, and love for everyone you meet and all the things you do during all of your little adventures. What a wonderful visit to Kyoto! Thank you for sharing this time and place with all of us.
this is a video too good for this world..
What a pleasure to the eyes..
The music, the visuals, everything sent chills down my spine every 2-3 seconds
The comment that struck me the most for some reason was "I didn't realize Kyoto had this few people..." I felt that in my soul.
@@oddballsok Well for example in Tokyo you wouldn't feel so much of a difference, when tourists are missing, since it's already crowded. But Kyoto is really not a crowded city.
The population lives in a big area, with all the parks an temples, so it easyly feels empty. There are as many people living as in my city (Munich), but space wise my city is less then half of Kyoto. My city also normally is filled with tourists, but it still doesn't feel as empty as in Kyoto, tough I actually can't know what people there really are feeling.
I hope they can enjoy their current status as much as the back to normal status, that hopefully soon comes.
Honestly I've never been to Japan, it's only thanks to channels like these that I managed to get at least a glimpse of such a beautiful country. In general overtoursim isn't exclusively a Japan thing, it happens all over and I would only imagine that most places that gets a heavy traffic of foreigners passing through would get a huge blow when all of the sudden the stopped showing up. Some people may enjoy the feeling of "having there home back" but like one of the residents said a portion of them have grown to enjoy the overwhelming tourists around. That's all I meant by my comment really, some of them may genuinely miss that, even with the negative it brought.
@@benmateo5762 definitely. I don't know how Japanese tourism is stoped right now. But Kyoto and Nara are also places Japanese people from other cities often visit. I guess even they are not coming this year. So not only the foreign tourists are missing. A lot of work in Kyoto is concentrated to tourism, so I guess like you said, its good for a while to have your home back, but they are missing not only the lively visitors but sure also a big amount of their income.
@@missbrauchbar Very true, it's not only visitors in Japan but also the natives that aren't going out to frequently traveled places like the ones you mentioned and many more all around because of this current situation. I just hope we can all jump back from this some way or another.
This is free content. Let that sink in. It's done so well!
This is so beautiful! The beautiful shots and music... everything is well put together. Listening to Kyoto locals' thoughts is very interesting to say the least. Thank you for creating this!
Your documentaries are allowing us to feel as if we are there with you talking to those people and hearing their story. Thanks for sharing it all with us!
when the auntie wants to offer tea for visitors... aaww thats really sweet!