I totally agree with you regarding the old but well maintained trains and trams. Unlike in other countries where they keep changing it to newer models but in Japan they just keep it well maintained. It somehow brings out a sense of nostalgia. I even rode an old tram in Hiroshima that survived the atomic bomb, to think that such a piece of machinery is still running as public transport and in good condition no less leaves me amazed.
I discovered you videos while researching buses for Kyoto and now I catch all your videos, they are very entertaing , educational and your humour is on point! Keep up the good work !
I love your style of narration and the way you tell a story. Next year I’m gonna go to Japan for the 3rd time and your videos are always inspiring and full of insights and ideas. Thank you.
Absolutely brilliant editing. I visited many of the places from the video last September - thank you for letting me see them again in such an entertaining way 🙂
I completely agree! So many people tell you not to do the touristy things, but they're touristy for a reason. On my honeymoon back in March/April we went for 10 days and tried to do as many touristy things as possible (to the pain and tears of my poor feet) and we loved every minute of it. We plan to go back and see some of the more rural Japan at some point. When? I don't know, as Japan is half the world away. But, we fell in love with the country and particularly Kyoto and want to see so much more. There was a part of me who thought I could live there while visiting, but soon realised living in Japan and visiting are probably two vastly different experiences.
I leave for 14 nights in Japan on the 17th October for our first visit, with stays at Osaka, Tokyo,Kanazawa and Kyoto. I've been so stressed about the itinerary and have found it so overwhelming. Mate, this is one of the best travel videos I've seen for Japan....and I've watched hundreds. Edited perfectly,straight to the point and I found it reassuring. Great job
Your videos are really informative and entertaining. Not boring. I love that you do not invalidate anyone's intinerary. You emphasize that every tourist spot has its own charm. ❤
Thank you for documenting your 7 day trip so well. I'm currently planning a trip to Japan next year... probably will stick to the Kansai region but your video has given me some food for thought on how I could plan my trip.
Just recently spent a week in Tokyo myself (returned about 2+ weeks ago) and there is no way in hell I could’ve made a better video that literally covers everything I want to convey about Tokyo. My whole time was spent only in Tokyo bc my opinion is that of Tokyo having waaaay too many distractions in order to try to squeeze in other cities. It’s not fair to the one city and all it has to offer. On my next trip (and better fkn believe there will be a next trip), I will do other cities. This quality of editing is awesome. Good ishhh
love your videos, man. And the same as you, during my 1st and 2nd trip i saved Kamakura for one last daytrip, it's always good and relaxing. And just as you said in the video, the first trip is just natural to go to the common things, the touristy stuff and yeah you just enjoy it so much. The second ride for me was more to explore Sapporo and Hiroshima, and the 3rd one, yeah, i guess the great Kyushu starting from Fukuoka comes to my mind. Any recomendation?
Thank you. I needed your insight as I was told about these “overrated” tourist spots. Now, I will go see them with this mindset of appreciation instead.😊
You packed an impressive amount into some of the days. I was considering skipping Kyoto on my first trip because of how touristy it's supposed to be, but ended up booking a flight into KIX and then leaving from Tokyo, so now I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend where. Staying in Kyoto seems useful to avoid some of the crowdedness since you have the morning and evening when others are traveling from Osaka can't be there. But I'm a bit hesitant to switch places I'm staying too often, due to the amount of extra time that might take and having to move luggage about. So many variables with planning...
Don't worry too much about the crowds though, unless you are a photographer and have specific shots you want to take, the crowds aren't usually too much of an issue. Public transport is great in Kansai and it is really easy to get around, so no need to get too nervous about it.
Laughed so bad at the Skewer accident cuz it happens to me so many times and the locals (who generally have a smaller appetite) will look at me worried 😂 Love your naration my man, I am invested 200% and 29 minutes went by so quickly. Your tips and sharing are impeccable.
Both are pretty similar transport-wise so it really comes down to do you want a more fast-paced experience & better nightlife or (relatively) more traditional atmosphere and riverside chill vibes. Shinjuku for the former, Asakusa for the latter.
Can you talk about your logic in spending so much time in Kyoto and Osaka? And not more time in Tokyo? Coming from someone going to Japan next year for 7 days and unsure how to split the time. Thanks and wonderful video.
It's really down to your personal preferences. Kyoto's cultural legacy and overall atmosphere resonate with me more. Osaka & Tokyo are just...big cities. Not to say that they are not great, but to me Kyoto is just a tad more unique.
hey loved the video i am planning to buy a regional jr pass but i had a question if my regional jr pass does not cover an area do i need to exit a train and board an other one or can i just continue i the same train and just pay the extra at my destination
If you give an example I could help a bit. If it is the same train crossing the boundary of your pass you can in most cases continue on and adjust the fare at the destination. If you intend to take a limited express train with reserved seating that crosses the pass boundary I recommend reserving your seat at a manned ticket office. If you are are changing trains at the same station your pass ends I recommend exiting the station and buying a new ticket before reentering. If the train has a conductor and checks your pass in a section where it is not valid they may ask you to buy a ticket on the spot, carry enough cash.
Thanks for your response ! Here is an example for you The Tokyo wide area pass only covers the shinkansen to sakudaira However if I want to continue to nagano do I have to get out of the train and board a seperate shinkansen or can I continue in the same train and pay the excess fee
@@amithvikram5329 Good example, here are a couple of ways to do it. You can go to a manned ticket office before you travel and reserve a seat all the way to Nagano. Show your pass and pay the difference and you can travel without any interruption. At the exit you may may need to insert/show your pass, the reserved seat ticket, and the additional base fare ticket sold to you at the manned ticket office. Or you can just travel in an unreserved car all the way to Nagano, get off and show your pass at the manned exit gate. You will pay the additional fare then. If you reserve a seat using a ticket machine you can only do so up until Sakudaira. At that point you need to move to an unreserved car or you will be asked for your ticket. If you do move to an unreserved car you exit via the manned gate showing your pass where you pay the additional fare.
Again thanks a lot ! My whole point of this detour is to simply see the matsumoto Jo castle Do let me know if there is any cheap ways of getting there I saw one where I would have to switch trains in shinonoi for around 2000 yen
@@amithvikram5329 Well if using the Tokyo Wide Pass via Shinkansen you need to pay 2860 between Sakudaira and Nagano, then pay 1170 (local) or 2370 (limited express) from Nagano to Matsumoto. Total at least 4030 each way in addition to the pass. The best way if trying to save money is probably to go go via Kobuchizawa (limit of the Tokyo Wide Pass) which departs from Shinjuku. The fare difference there from Kobuchizawa to Matsumoto is only 2190 each way. Reserve that seat before travelling for best convenience. About 2.5 hours from Shinjuku without needing to transfer. You still need to calculate whether the Tokyo Wide Pass will save you money depending on the other trips you are taking. The normal fare from Shinjuku to Matsumoto is 6620 each way, but the Tokyo wide pass is 15000 for 3 days. If you are doing another long trip from Tokyo it will save you money.
was that the jidai matsuri or maybe the aoi matsuri in kyoto? 🤔I believe jidai is in october (unless this is footage from back then) -- missed it by just a day when i visited last year :( lol
Hi, can I ask you something about the trip to Kawaguchiko? I need to make the trip from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo, because of the hour I will need to do the trip I know I need to take the local train to Otsuki and then a limited express to Tokyo... can you please explain how I buy tickets for this? Do I need two tickets? Do I use an ICcard for the first part of the trip and a ticket for the second? In that case do I need to get out of the station at Otsuki so I will be able to start the new trip? I'm so confused and I've seen your vídeos explaining transportation so well (I know it will be better if I go by bus but I don't want to take a bus to Tokyo at 8h and then be stuck because of traffic)... Thank you so much and I hope you can help me hahaha
It's strange that you need to take a limited express train. I'm not sure which train you are taking but if you are sure that's the correct transfer for you, this is what I know: You can just use your IC card for the local train, when you arrive at Otsuki, you'll want to exit the gates and buy tickets for the limited express train at a ticket machine or a ticket counter inside the station. When you have your ticket, just go to the platform on your ticket and that's it.
@@Will_Zhao thank you so much. I put the route on google maps and it give me that... local train from Kawagushiko to Otsuki and then limited express from Otsuki to Shinjuko. I have the bus but I'm going at 8h and don't want to be stuck in the traffic... and can't take the fuji express train because he doesn't ride from Kawaguchiko at that hour. I only have 15/20 min between trains, I'm thinking of buying the limited express ticket at Kawagushiko station.
@@joanafigueira4548 Again, not sure which limited express train you are taking but you should know that Kawaguchiko Station is a Station for Fujikyu, a private rail company, if your limited express train is from JR, you might not be able to buy the tickets there, they are two different companies. However, I know that the JR Chuo line connects Otsuki to Tokyo so if you couldn't catch the limited express tain, you can probably still take the regular train that departs every 30 min or so.
I totally agree with you regarding the old but well maintained trains and trams. Unlike in other countries where they keep changing it to newer models but in Japan they just keep it well maintained. It somehow brings out a sense of nostalgia. I even rode an old tram in Hiroshima that survived the atomic bomb, to think that such a piece of machinery is still running as public transport and in good condition no less leaves me amazed.
I totally get it too ... I never cared about trains at all, but one visit to Japan has turned me into a train nerd.
Came for the travel tips, stayed for the videography, editing and wonderful dry humour
Love it ❤
phenomenal man... that last shot of fuji gave me chills. Excellent pacing, i was gripped this whole time
Love your sense of humor and thanks for all your travel information.
I discovered you videos while researching buses for Kyoto and now I catch all your videos, they are very entertaing , educational and your humour is on point! Keep up the good work !
Same!
Same ❤
My man....I am going to japan for the first time at the end of this month....I will be there for a week. This video has been PERFECT. THANKYOU!
I love your style of narration and the way you tell a story.
Next year I’m gonna go to Japan for the 3rd time and your videos are always inspiring and full of insights and ideas.
Thank you.
I absolutely loved the videos that you made on Japan. Keep up the good work. Very interesting and engaging. Thank you very much.
Absolutely brilliant editing. I visited many of the places from the video last September - thank you for letting me see them again in such an entertaining way 🙂
The color grading on this is so on point.
Thank you!
I completely agree! So many people tell you not to do the touristy things, but they're touristy for a reason. On my honeymoon back in March/April we went for 10 days and tried to do as many touristy things as possible (to the pain and tears of my poor feet) and we loved every minute of it.
We plan to go back and see some of the more rural Japan at some point. When? I don't know, as Japan is half the world away. But, we fell in love with the country and particularly Kyoto and want to see so much more.
There was a part of me who thought I could live there while visiting, but soon realised living in Japan and visiting are probably two vastly different experiences.
6:20 I completely understand. The smaller lines feel like such a labor of love.
I love everything about your video. Your narration, the video itself. everything is very informative yet beautiful at the same time
Thank you!
I leave for 14 nights in Japan on the 17th October for our first visit, with stays at Osaka, Tokyo,Kanazawa and Kyoto. I've been so stressed about the itinerary and have found it so overwhelming. Mate, this is one of the best travel videos I've seen for Japan....and I've watched hundreds. Edited perfectly,straight to the point and I found it reassuring. Great job
Your videos are really informative and entertaining. Not boring.
I love that you do not invalidate anyone's intinerary. You emphasize that every tourist spot has its own charm. ❤
I like your storytelling or sense-telling. That adds a different dimension to the scenery. Thank you
Thank you for documenting your 7 day trip so well. I'm currently planning a trip to Japan next year... probably will stick to the Kansai region but your video has given me some food for thought on how I could plan my trip.
I love the Christmas background music. So authentic. 13:54
Love the videography and humor! Subscribed ❤
Just recently spent a week in Tokyo myself (returned about 2+ weeks ago) and there is no way in hell I could’ve made a better video that literally covers everything I want to convey about Tokyo. My whole time was spent only in Tokyo bc my opinion is that of Tokyo having waaaay too many distractions in order to try to squeeze in other cities. It’s not fair to the one city and all it has to offer. On my next trip (and better fkn believe there will be a next trip), I will do other cities. This quality of editing is awesome. Good ishhh
Man what a video!! Beautiful storytelling, great entertainment with valuable info...immediately subscribed.
your videos are amazing, can't wait to experience japan aswell this year
Another epic video!
love your videos, man. And the same as you, during my 1st and 2nd trip i saved Kamakura for one last daytrip, it's always good and relaxing. And just as you said in the video, the first trip is just natural to go to the common things, the touristy stuff and yeah you just enjoy it so much. The second ride for me was more to explore Sapporo and Hiroshima, and the 3rd one, yeah, i guess the great Kyushu starting from Fukuoka comes to my mind. Any recomendation?
Will, you make my day 💫
Thank you. I needed your insight as I was told about these “overrated” tourist spots. Now, I will go see them with this mindset of appreciation instead.😊
your videos are great!! thank you!!
I love the music choice
Great job Will! Beautiful
i super love this video!! getting notes for my Japan travel this October. 💃🏻
oh and also i love your humor lol hahaha
Thank you for sharing your travels with us Will, another masterpiece.
DAMM a whole 30min masterpiece. strap up, make some ramen, you know you're in for a treat 😌
As always, such a fun and awesome video!!! And thank you for all the extra insights that are not usually mentioned by others.
You packed an impressive amount into some of the days. I was considering skipping Kyoto on my first trip because of how touristy it's supposed to be, but ended up booking a flight into KIX and then leaving from Tokyo, so now I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend where. Staying in Kyoto seems useful to avoid some of the crowdedness since you have the morning and evening when others are traveling from Osaka can't be there. But I'm a bit hesitant to switch places I'm staying too often, due to the amount of extra time that might take and having to move luggage about. So many variables with planning...
Don't worry too much about the crowds though, unless you are a photographer and have specific shots you want to take, the crowds aren't usually too much of an issue. Public transport is great in Kansai and it is really easy to get around, so no need to get too nervous about it.
refreshingly different and entertaining
I might not always agree with your choice of places to see Will, but I am here for the cats. Wish you all the best!
Thanks for the video man
True, just be a tourist. Enjoy Japan!
This video is insane. So good. Good job will
Laughed so bad at the Skewer accident cuz it happens to me so many times and the locals (who generally have a smaller appetite) will look at me worried 😂
Love your naration my man, I am invested 200% and 29 minutes went by so quickly. Your tips and sharing are impeccable.
@@WayneLLC Thank you! Yes it was a very awkward moment to say the least...😅
great video
Another very informative video!
osaka is cool af
What week were you seeing the apricot trees flowering in?
It was middle of February.
@@Will_Zhao amazing! 😻
Love your content man, i would like to ask your opinion on whether staying in Akasaka or Shinjuku as base to stay in Tokyo?
Both are pretty similar transport-wise so it really comes down to do you want a more fast-paced experience & better nightlife or (relatively) more traditional atmosphere and riverside chill vibes. Shinjuku for the former, Asakusa for the latter.
good job thanks for the video
As an Aussie who has been through some horrible bush fire seasons, the thought of intentionally setting a hillside on fire... Aiiii..
goddamn man, i know it's cliche to says this, but you really are the most underrate channel i have seen after 10+ years on this site
Thank you fellow MGS fan😆
Title pulled me in BECAUSE THIS IS SO TRUE, don't goto reddit for the validation and advice
I get it.
Hey man I've been loving your videos, very calm and informative at the same time. What music do you use in them?
I just use copyright free music from UA-cam's library 😆
Can you talk about your logic in spending so much time in Kyoto and Osaka? And not more time in Tokyo? Coming from someone going to Japan next year for 7 days and unsure how to split the time. Thanks and wonderful video.
It's really down to your personal preferences. Kyoto's cultural legacy and overall atmosphere resonate with me more. Osaka & Tokyo are just...big cities. Not to say that they are not great, but to me Kyoto is just a tad more unique.
@@Will_Zhao Thank you! You Rock
This is a great video and even funnier on 1.5x speed
hey loved the video
i am planning to buy a regional jr pass but i had a question
if my regional jr pass does not cover an area do i need to exit a train and board an other one or can i just continue i the same train and just pay the extra at my destination
If you give an example I could help a bit.
If it is the same train crossing the boundary of your pass you can in most cases continue on and adjust the fare at the destination.
If you intend to take a limited express train with reserved seating that crosses the pass boundary I recommend reserving your seat at a manned ticket office.
If you are are changing trains at the same station your pass ends I recommend exiting the station and buying a new ticket before reentering.
If the train has a conductor and checks your pass in a section where it is not valid they may ask you to buy a ticket on the spot, carry enough cash.
Thanks for your response !
Here is an example for you
The Tokyo wide area pass only covers the shinkansen to sakudaira
However if I want to continue to nagano do I have to get out of the train and board a seperate shinkansen or can I continue in the same train and pay the excess fee
@@amithvikram5329 Good example, here are a couple of ways to do it.
You can go to a manned ticket office before you travel and reserve a seat all the way to Nagano. Show your pass and pay the difference and you can travel without any interruption. At the exit you may may need to insert/show your pass, the reserved seat ticket, and the additional base fare ticket sold to you at the manned ticket office.
Or you can just travel in an unreserved car all the way to Nagano, get off and show your pass at the manned exit gate. You will pay the additional fare then.
If you reserve a seat using a ticket machine you can only do so up until Sakudaira. At that point you need to move to an unreserved car or you will be asked for your ticket. If you do move to an unreserved car you exit via the manned gate showing your pass where you pay the additional fare.
Again thanks a lot !
My whole point of this detour is to simply see the matsumoto Jo castle
Do let me know if there is any cheap ways of getting there
I saw one where I would have to switch trains in shinonoi for around 2000 yen
@@amithvikram5329 Well if using the Tokyo Wide Pass via Shinkansen you need to pay 2860 between Sakudaira and Nagano, then pay 1170 (local) or 2370 (limited express) from Nagano to Matsumoto. Total at least 4030 each way in addition to the pass.
The best way if trying to save money is probably to go go via Kobuchizawa (limit of the Tokyo Wide Pass) which departs from Shinjuku. The fare difference there from Kobuchizawa to Matsumoto is only 2190 each way. Reserve that seat before travelling for best convenience. About 2.5 hours from Shinjuku without needing to transfer.
You still need to calculate whether the Tokyo Wide Pass will save you money depending on the other trips you are taking. The normal fare from Shinjuku to Matsumoto is 6620 each way, but the Tokyo wide pass is 15000 for 3 days. If you are doing another long trip from Tokyo it will save you money.
was that the jidai matsuri or maybe the aoi matsuri in kyoto? 🤔I believe jidai is in october (unless this is footage from back then) -- missed it by just a day when i visited last year :( lol
It's the jidai matsuri. Yeah the trip was recent but not THAT recent.😁
@@Will_Zhao ohh, gotcha! fair enough haha. well in that case, we might've been in town at the same time! that's pretty funny
@@bloodpine666 we actually might have, that's pretty cool!
You're very funny!
When did you make this travel?
last winter
The Memes make the video even better
Hi, can I ask you something about the trip to Kawaguchiko? I need to make the trip from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo, because of the hour I will need to do the trip I know I need to take the local train to Otsuki and then a limited express to Tokyo... can you please explain how I buy tickets for this? Do I need two tickets? Do I use an ICcard for the first part of the trip and a ticket for the second? In that case do I need to get out of the station at Otsuki so I will be able to start the new trip? I'm so confused and I've seen your vídeos explaining transportation so well (I know it will be better if I go by bus but I don't want to take a bus to Tokyo at 8h and then be stuck because of traffic)...
Thank you so much and I hope you can help me hahaha
It's strange that you need to take a limited express train. I'm not sure which train you are taking but if you are sure that's the correct transfer for you, this is what I know: You can just use your IC card for the local train, when you arrive at Otsuki, you'll want to exit the gates and buy tickets for the limited express train at a ticket machine or a ticket counter inside the station. When you have your ticket, just go to the platform on your ticket and that's it.
@@Will_Zhao thank you so much. I put the route on google maps and it give me that... local train from Kawagushiko to Otsuki and then limited express from Otsuki to Shinjuko. I have the bus but I'm going at 8h and don't want to be stuck in the traffic... and can't take the fuji express train because he doesn't ride from Kawaguchiko at that hour. I only have 15/20 min between trains, I'm thinking of buying the limited express ticket at Kawagushiko station.
@@joanafigueira4548 Again, not sure which limited express train you are taking but you should know that Kawaguchiko Station is a Station for Fujikyu, a private rail company, if your limited express train is from JR, you might not be able to buy the tickets there, they are two different companies. However, I know that the JR Chuo line connects Otsuki to Tokyo so if you couldn't catch the limited express tain, you can probably still take the regular train that departs every 30 min or so.
Be a tourist,
Indeed, Japan may not come to understand in a decade or thereabouts.
I refuse to be a tourist
Love your sense of humor and thanks for all your travel information.