I'm not the biggest fan of taking the bus, but Kyoto has a very easy bus system and I was able to get a bus route map at the train station, which made things much easier.
I love Kyoto and cant wait to go back. We stayed at an airbnb in the Gion district and it was inexpensive, even in the summer! I agree with all of your points. The nice thing about the temples and shrines in kyoto is the diversity. They are all different. Silver temple gold temple. Fushimu Anari with all the gates. We do like taking the metro but wih a suica card the bus is fine and you feel more like a local. I remember seeing little elementary aged kids taking the bus alone. They couldn’t even see out the window but knew where ti get off. You just dont see that anywhere. 7 year old kids traversing the city alone by bus. One of my favorite walks was in the philosophers path from one temple to another. It can be a lot of walking so it is nice to slow down and there are very few tourists there. Also. We found that most tourist go to the entrance of a shrine or temple and take the Instagram photo and leave. If you go deeper in you can have it all to yourself. Like Fushimi inari Nobody is at the too if the mountain
editing this video really made me miss Kyoto. I had so much more B-Roll that I wanted to put in, but there was just not enough time in the video. Such a great place
I actually had temple burnout, and immediately decided to go off-script and visit other places. I visited a train museum, a manga museum, saw some samurai performances, and focused on more early-modern developments in Meiji Japan and visited some cool cafes and tea-houses - as opposed to just visiting temples and shrines alone. You are right about school. There was a traffic officer who said start and stop with body postures and words as kids crossed the streets. This was meant to be performative and he encouraged kids to mimic him. It was fun.
Went to Japan in February, perfect timing crowds were not an issue even in Kyoto. Combination of people, food, nature, and always felt safe as a solo traveler its going to be hard to for another county to beat Japan. I am nervous with buses in foreign counties but having a portable wifi made it so easy to get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. Hope we can all get traveling again safe and soon.
@@tannerwilson4843, no, I wouldn't want to visit during the Olympics when Japan is crowded and expensive. But I might have liked to return for a normal trip at some point. My first trip was a few years ago and amazing.
It's a fun trip. I flew in to NRT and took the bullet train to Osaka, where my hotel was, arriving late in the day, taking day trips to Kyoto. I planned on going back this winter, but it's going to have to wait.
Japan is so amazing! I have been there 3 times and I will definitely go back! Kyoto is very beautiful and possibly my favourite big city in Japan. Sure, the trains are lacking, but that's on purpose to preserve the old feel and infrastructure of the city. The buses go everywhere and definitely look into getting a Suica or Pasmo card to make train and bus travel much easier. Japanese people are very friendly and they are usually willing to help you. And yes Mark, If you see a long line of locals in front of a restaurant, GET IN THAT LINE!
Kyoto resident here. I agree with everything you said. Just to add some extra information: - Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples are not close to city center, but not really outside of the city. I used to live near Kinkakuji; the areas around have a lot to offer and buses are always crowded (aside from Covid season). - About restaurants: although language barrier can be a thing, most good restaurants that locals go to have no or limited English menu. Always ask for help. Go to the less touristy areas for authentic food. Very informative video anyway.
Love Liam face after trying the charcoal ice cream 🍦 😂 Japan is one of our favourite destinations but totally agree with you on temple fatigue. We ended up breaking up going to temples with a quick trip over to Nara to see the deer 🦌. Can’t wait to go back...one day!
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Fushimi Inari-taisha are both some amazing places to see. Especially the Bamboo Grove at sunrise or sunset, with the sun streaming through the bamboo.
I am lucky to have been to Kyoto twice because my son lives there. That means I have had the advantage of going to places the average tourist has not. Also, I got to experience a Shinto wedding . (My son married a Japanese woman.) I do not know if you have mentioned these spots in other videos but a must see if the Arashiyama monkey park. The Arashiyama area is beautiful in itself, with shops, temples, and the bamboo forest, but the 30 minute hike up a mountain takes you so see monkeys in the wild. You can go in a hut to buy food for them, but you stay in the hut and they come to get the food through a screen. It is like you are in the zoo and they are watching you. They also come very close to people outside but you must keep your distance. I also love the Umeda sky tower. You take several flights of futuristic elevators to get to the top where you can see the most wonderful view of the city.
Your videos are some of the best travel videos. When I start investigating a destination, I always check to see if you have videos on it. You've prepared me for several destinations. Thank you.
I, and my family, came from Kyoto and more or less I also agree to what you said. If you want to avoid 'temple burnout', just pick those that suit your taste especially if you just want to have somehing to post in instagram. There are lots of places that is worth the visit. Food is also diverse and fun to explore. If you want to avoid large crowds, go to the area early in the morning.
As soon a the world opens up AGAIN....Kyoto is definitely on my travel list. I have visited Tokyo and Yokohama in 2017/2018 in the summer heat 🌞 never again..it's too humid! The language barrier is a little tough but, we were proud of ourselves that the little bit we did learn helped. Thanks for sharing your adventures and the outtake with charcoal ice cream was too cute.🤗
⛩ Oh, Mark. This gives me hope indeed. I've mentioned before that your original videos from Japan were some of your best ever. The Don'ts; The Culture Shocks; Tips for Kids were all super interesting, well put together and helpful to first time visitors. But then the series was basically over. Done. No more. Hopefully you have more in your archives!! 😀👍
Thank you for doing this video! Last time I was in Japan, I did not get a chance to travel to Kyoto. Hopefully, when I feel safe traveling, this will be one of my bucket list destinations. Did you and your family use Google Translate app? It helped me A LOT in talking to people who did not understand or speak English in Japan. Also, what tips do you have for riding on a bullet train in Japan? This is also something I never got to experience.
great video, are there enough restrooms to use the toilet 🚻, just asking, I have a small bladder thats why, again great video 📹 👍, I like the sites and scenery of Kyoto, I hope to move there some day, thanks for taking the time to read this...
We visited Kyoto! We stayed at the Westin and oh my word! people were so good to us there. Japanese wedding goers (fellow guests) sweetly telling us hello in Japanese. Such a fine culture. We did get to see the 'political van guys' (I know you'd know whom I'm talking about), they were over by the museum. I absolutely love how they have 'umbrella-parking' (my word for it). I bought some umbrellas and not ashamed to use them here in TX against the sun. Love this channel, thank you as always!
You haven't been to Japan unless you visit Kyoto. I had one of the best meals I've every had there and I'm not 100% sure exactly what I ate. I did have the live long shrimp that you submerge in a hot broth and then eat. Outside of the crowds there is nothing to hate about Kyoto it is a beautiful city.
Mount Arashima monkey park is great and you have a beautiful vieuw over the entire city. And Kyoto main station is worth a visit as is the train museum. Personally I want to visit mount Hiei next time.
Comparable, or even cheaper than Los Angeles imo. Some of the set meals (i've been around Kyoto, Tokyo and Sapporo) were only 1000 JPY, about $10 USD. In L.A. they probably would've been $15-18 plus tax for the same thing. Also public transport is very convenient and affordable in the city
We had a little house in the Gion district that only cost $54/day! Thanks airbnb The Rhokura Inn and a nearby grocery made it very affordable. The shrines are free and the temples are reasonably priced if not free. Eating out is what will hit you. So if you dont mind grabbing a meal at the 7/11 or lawsons and stocking your small fridge it isn’t bad.
Great video Mark! I remember when you said you were coming here and hoped to run into you (I live in Kyoto) but of course that was a shot in the dark! I definitely agree on taking a break from the temples and shrines (limiting yourself to one or two a day, or having a non-temple day here and there) but probably dealing with all the tourists is the biggest cause of fatigue. I'm grateful for the lull we have in tourism now which means I can actually go visit all these amazing places - I usually avoid them like the plague, or go at night, since the crush of people is just too much for me. My only complaint from the video is that I wouldn't call Nishiki Market a traditional market anymore - it's for tourists only, and the food and goods they sell there are for tourists. Matcha ice cream? Not a traditional food. Most locals avoid that area because there really isn't anything for them anymore, and dealing with the crowds is not something they want to deal with on a regular basis.
Going here for part of my honeymoon next year. The fiance is gonna have to learn to use chopsticks and enjoy sea food. One will be easier than the other haha
Been to Tokyo but not Kyoto. I’ve heard a lot of good things from others as well. I have a hard time ommunicating in Japan because of the no English situation & I felt claustrophobic in the hotel room
Man I forgot how entertaining and informative your videos are! Did you know that the Japanese word "arigato" comes from the Portuguese word "obrigado", and means thank you? So, arigato and obrigado for the great videos!
@Diego England This is a popular myth because Japan has many loanwords from Portugal but arigato is *_NOT_* one of them. The Portuguese arrived in Japan around 1550 but arigato has been used in Japan since around 850. But yes, many words of Portuguese origin are still used today. *_Pan_* for bread and many bread products - melonpan, curry pan and plain white bread shokupan. And the most famous Portuguese introduction to Japan is *_tempura!_* I wonder if Mark ever realized that the batter fried green beans he ate while living in Lisbon is the original tempura. 😀
@Diego England A Japanese word I really like is Oyakodon. I'm sure you know that donburi are Japanese rice bowls. Oyakodon is a traditional and popular donburi consisting of chicken and egg and literally translates to "parent and child rice bowl." Think about that for a second. 😂
One of the first stay safe Mark by the way I have a question even though some of the other things weren’t voted very much will you still do them eventually like the shocks of Kansas City
Going to KYOTO , in Japan and "hating" that there are too many Japanese is definitely a First World Stupidity Problem. "GEISHAS" in KYOTO are called 'MAIKOS" (young apprentices) and GEIKOS (professionals). In general: TEMPLES are Buddhist SHRINES are Shintoist To see "Geishas" performing in their "natural habitats" can be expensive, to very expensive to practically impossible $$$$. They do appear in person in public during the many festivals and public events that are held in Kyoto throughout the year. They have also been known to appear at the opening of a shopping mall, or three.
The restaurants closing between lunch and dinner would really catch us out, we’re always so busy doing everything that we forget to eat then end up stopping around 3-4pm for late lunch. Think we’ll just have to buy supermarket lunch out there. Do Japan have rules about eating outside though? Your kids faces at the end with that food🤣
No official rules as far as I know but eating and drinking while walking are considered pretty rude. I definitely did it a couple times when I was in a rush, but I did feel bad about it.
Been to Japan 16 times (should have been 17 if not for the pandemic....) and quite a few times in Kyoto, but I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the city. And for most part that is for it's popularity: Kyoto is one of the very few places in Japan that feels overly touristy. But at the same time, all of those tourists are there for a good reason: there is an awful lot to see in Kyoto.... But that's also the thing with Japan: there are so many other wonderful places most tourists (or even Lonely Planet) have never heard of. Places where you can see temples just as great as in Tokyo, but without the hordes of tourists. You just have to travel around a bit more. So while I do very much like everything Kyoto has to offer, it's nowhere near the top of my list of favorite cities in Japan.
Oh I really want to visit it, but I'm still thinking how to plan things there. Is it hard, because I don't have experience in planning vacations outside of my country.
Kyoto is sounding like a MUCH better destination for me than the capital: more nature, more history & culture, less congestion, and (to me) a more accessible dialect of Japanese. I would ask, though: what's the *bicycle* situation thereabouts?
It was interesting for me to see how Just 2 Good right before the US entered Quarantine visited the temples in Tokyo vs Taylor Bybee of Coaster Studios joined 2 older coaster enthusiasts who have visited Japan many times visit these remote amusement parks no one visits. Everyone talks about Disney Sea, Universal Osaka, Fuji Q Highland, Nagashima Spa Land, Yomiuriland, and Tokyo Dome City. There are people that talk about Tobu Zoo and Yokahama Cosmos World because of their signature coasters (Kawasemi [means Hummingbird] and Dive Coaster Vanish, dubbed the "clickbait coaster" because of its main drop). Taylor did a video on why those are the only major parks in Japan.
There is a Legoland in Nagoya now, but there is nothing special for US or European travelers ther . I feel each US park is different enough for me as an American to return to Florida, visit New York once it opens, tack Callie on a California road trip. I would rather pick the major Merlin parks in the UK over Windsor but I might visit it someday. However, growing up loving Lego and being an enthusiast I would add the original in Billund to a trip to Denmark, but not the one in Germany on similar grounds. Sure both the Japan and German parks have a certain flat ride that the others don't, but many parks in Europe like Hansa-Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach have the exact same ride.
Another thing Taylor mentioned is that even though they had a plan of doing X park(s) this day, but they threw that out the window once they got there as transportation, even if its busses, is not actually a hate overall
I would like to add one love and one hate from a singles perspective on my trip there. 1. Love was getting a Japanese style bed with Japanese sleep wear and Japan bath to myself for $15 a NIGHT. Sweet deal!!! 1. Hate is the train 1st thing in morning. I did not have coffee and casually went to train to go catch bus. Japanese LOVE to work and just got off their holiday that morning. So they were fired up and ready to go to work. Our train was so full. I thought they would shut door. NO WAY!!! The Japanese got on train and pushed everyone to make sure they got on for work. I was falling over with luggage. That memory is imprinted in my mind forever. My Japan friend loved showed me the spot Tom Cruise was at on bridge for his movie. Great city and worth going, agreed.
This was obviously shot last year. I've seen recent live-streams from some of these places and the number of people is much less ... because foreign tourists can't get into the country BTW. I've been preparing to go to Kyoto for so long that I recognise every single outdoor location in this video.
HATE the busses in japan. Hard to understand and even harder when no one speaks English. If anyone has seen the article about the “cat temple” in Kyoto. Don’t bother. It’s a fancy cat cafe way out on the outskirts of Kyoto where you gotta go by bus (and possibly get lost and turned around a dozen times like us) just to go to an expensive cafe where the cats may not even be out cuz they’re sleeping. 🙄 Also. The Geishas are pretty hard to find. We didn’t see any and we tried to hang out in areas they’re known to be seen. But that’s expected. They need to be sneaky so they don’t get bothered or bombarded with pictures. Their existence is a service you must pay for. If you’re lucky to see one in “the wild” please be respectful. There are some places in Kyoto that have banned photographs (unless you’re a professional with a permit) and some of those places are where the geishas are. All in all. Kyoto is beautiful and we hope to go back cuz our time there was far too short.
I'm not the biggest fan of taking the bus, but Kyoto has a very easy bus system and I was able to get a bus route map at the train station, which made things much easier.
it really did. just need to wait nicely in the line and you can get anywhere. so nice
Love seeing those colorful leaves! Gets me excited for fall lol
It was gorgeous there in the fall
When we went in 2017 we found plenty of places with English menus thankfully. Miss it every day
I love Kyoto and cant wait to go back. We stayed at an airbnb in the Gion district and it was inexpensive, even in the summer! I agree with all of your points. The nice thing about the temples and shrines in kyoto is the diversity. They are all different. Silver temple gold temple. Fushimu Anari with all the gates. We do like taking the metro but wih a suica card the bus is fine and you feel more like a local. I remember seeing little elementary aged kids taking the bus alone. They couldn’t even see out the window but knew where ti get off. You just dont see that anywhere. 7 year old kids traversing the city alone by bus. One of my favorite walks was in the philosophers path from one temple to another. It can be a lot of walking so it is nice to slow down and there are very few tourists there. Also. We found that most tourist go to the entrance of a shrine or temple and take the Instagram photo and leave. If you go deeper in you can have it all to yourself. Like Fushimi inari Nobody is at the too if the mountain
editing this video really made me miss Kyoto. I had so much more B-Roll that I wanted to put in, but there was just not enough time in the video. Such a great place
I actually had temple burnout, and immediately decided to go off-script and visit other places. I visited a train museum, a manga museum, saw some samurai performances, and focused on more early-modern developments in Meiji Japan and visited some cool cafes and tea-houses - as opposed to just visiting temples and shrines alone. You are right about school. There was a traffic officer who said start and stop with body postures and words as kids crossed the streets. This was meant to be performative and he encouraged kids to mimic him. It was fun.
do you know the name of the airbnb you stayed at? I’m thinking of going next year but accommodation is tricky as i’m indecisive.
Japan is a wonderful country to visit... and the FOOD!
The food is incredible!!!
Went to Japan in February, perfect timing crowds were not an issue even in Kyoto. Combination of people, food, nature, and always felt safe as a solo traveler its going to be hard to for another county to beat Japan. I am nervous with buses in foreign counties but having a portable wifi made it so easy to get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. Hope we can all get traveling again safe and soon.
I *HATE* that I can't be in Kyoto and Japan right now because of coronavirus epidemic. :(
Anthony LaMesa Did you have hope of getting to see the Tokyo Olympics?
@@tannerwilson4843, no, I wouldn't want to visit during the Olympics when Japan is crowded and expensive. But I might have liked to return for a normal trip at some point. My first trip was a few years ago and amazing.
Mark after the pandemic is over Japan is my next destination I already know all the cities I want to visit for 2 month period???2022
This is my bucket list place. Fly in to Tokyo, stay in a capsule hotel and head to Kyoto.
Its a good plan :)
The airport...(we flew into Narita).. how it should be done! You'll see. :-)
Did that last october, it was amazing!
It's a fun trip. I flew in to NRT and took the bullet train to Osaka, where my hotel was, arriving late in the day, taking day trips to Kyoto. I planned on going back this winter, but it's going to have to wait.
Same for me, but Osaka. I might visit my friend in Kyoto next Spring. He is going to school in Japan starting in december
Japan is so amazing! I have been there 3 times and I will definitely go back! Kyoto is very beautiful and possibly my favourite big city in Japan. Sure, the trains are lacking, but that's on purpose to preserve the old feel and infrastructure of the city. The buses go everywhere and definitely look into getting a Suica or Pasmo card to make train and bus travel much easier. Japanese people are very friendly and they are usually willing to help you. And yes Mark, If you see a long line of locals in front of a restaurant, GET IN THAT LINE!
Japan does look wonderul
Great tips, thank you!
Japan is on my bucket list 😍
Thanks Leo
Kyoto resident here. I agree with everything you said. Just to add some extra information:
- Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples are not close to city center, but not really outside of the city. I used to live near Kinkakuji; the areas around have a lot to offer and buses are always crowded (aside from Covid season).
- About restaurants: although language barrier can be a thing, most good restaurants that locals go to have no or limited English menu. Always ask for help. Go to the less touristy areas for authentic food.
Very informative video anyway.
Love Liam face after trying the charcoal ice cream 🍦 😂 Japan is one of our favourite destinations but totally agree with you on temple fatigue. We ended up breaking up going to temples with a quick trip over to Nara to see the deer 🦌. Can’t wait to go back...one day!
Same here. Boys keep asking to go back. I'm supposed to speak at a conference in May if it doesn't get canceled
We went in Dec/Jan and it was perfect. Weather was great!
awesome!
OMG! Kids expressions at the end of the video! Priceless!!! Such amazing memories for your family. Have a great week!
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Fushimi Inari-taisha are both some amazing places to see.
Especially the Bamboo Grove at sunrise or sunset, with the sun streaming through the bamboo.
I love Japan! Been there 5 times since November 2017!
I am lucky to have been to Kyoto twice because my son lives there. That means I have had the advantage of going to places the average tourist has not. Also, I got to experience a Shinto wedding . (My son married a Japanese woman.) I do not know if you have mentioned these spots in other videos but a must see if the Arashiyama monkey park. The Arashiyama area is beautiful in itself, with shops, temples, and the bamboo forest, but the 30 minute hike up a mountain takes you so see monkeys in the wild. You can go in a hut to buy food for them, but you stay in the hut and they come to get the food through a screen. It is like you are in the zoo and they are watching you. They also come very close to people outside but you must keep your distance. I also love the Umeda sky tower. You take several flights of futuristic elevators to get to the top where you can see the most wonderful view of the city.
Love Kyoto! Love Japan! So much to do, see and eat. Amazing.
Thank you for the video -- I plan to go there over New Years. Fingers crossed things settle!
Your videos are some of the best travel videos. When I start investigating a destination, I always check to see if you have videos on it. You've prepared me for several destinations. Thank you.
I, and my family, came from Kyoto and more or less I also agree to what you said. If you want to avoid 'temple burnout', just pick those that suit your taste especially if you just want to have somehing to post in instagram. There are lots of places that is worth the visit. Food is also diverse and fun to explore. If you want to avoid large crowds, go to the area early in the morning.
Very walkable. Hard to recommend but I walked from my hostel to all the temples on the outskirts and back. I easily walked 50 miles in two days.
The railway museum in Kyoto is amazing.
I was able to use my Pasmo IC card on Kyoto transit.
Nice video. Thank you for sharing😊🇯🇵🌸
As soon a the world opens up AGAIN....Kyoto is definitely on my travel list. I have visited Tokyo and Yokohama
in 2017/2018 in the summer heat 🌞 never again..it's too humid!
The language barrier is a little tough but, we were proud of ourselves that the little bit we did learn helped.
Thanks for sharing your adventures and the outtake with charcoal ice cream was too cute.🤗
Cheers Linda! I am hoping things open up. I am supposed to be there this coming May for a conference talk
As soon as...🈵 I meant to say. But of course you knew that.😀
@@lindabrown-navilys4844 yep :)
Another Wonderful video - Kyoto looks a cool place
⛩ Oh, Mark. This gives me hope indeed. I've mentioned before that your original videos from Japan were some of your best ever. The Don'ts; The Culture Shocks; Tips for Kids were all super interesting, well put together and helpful to first time visitors. But then the series was basically over. Done. No more. Hopefully you have more in your archives!! 😀👍
Fall is my favorite time of the year. I'm really excited to see Kyoto. We got temple out too when we went to China.
Thank you for helping me get my travel fix during quarantine Mark.
I live in kyoto😊
Thank you for sending Kyoto to the world💓
Thank you for doing this video! Last time I was in Japan, I did not get a chance to travel to Kyoto. Hopefully, when I feel safe traveling, this will be one of my bucket list destinations.
Did you and your family use Google Translate app? It helped me A LOT in talking to people who did not understand or speak English in Japan.
Also, what tips do you have for riding on a bullet train in Japan? This is also something I never got to experience.
great video, are there enough restrooms to use the toilet 🚻, just asking, I have a small bladder thats why, again great video 📹 👍, I like the sites and scenery of Kyoto, I hope to move there some day, thanks for taking the time to read this...
We visited Kyoto! We stayed at the Westin and oh my word! people were so good to us there. Japanese wedding goers (fellow guests) sweetly telling us hello in Japanese. Such a fine culture. We did get to see the 'political van guys' (I know you'd know whom I'm talking about), they were over by the museum. I absolutely love how they have 'umbrella-parking' (my word for it). I bought some umbrellas and not ashamed to use them here in TX against the sun. Love this channel, thank you as always!
I loved Kyoto!! BUT very HOT in July!!! One of those exceptional life experiences!!
I love your tips, very practical. I hope to make it to visit Japan someday, it looks so beautiful!!!
You haven't been to Japan unless you visit Kyoto. I had one of the best meals I've every had there and I'm not 100% sure exactly what I ate. I did have the live long shrimp that you submerge in a hot broth and then eat. Outside of the crowds there is nothing to hate about Kyoto it is a beautiful city.
Mark can I blame you if I'm suddenly getting a hankering for Japanese food? The kind that can only be assuaged by visiting Japan.
Good advice thanks. I can't wait until I can travel to Japan
Good job !
Mount Arashima monkey park is great and you have a beautiful vieuw over the entire city. And Kyoto main station is worth a visit as is the train museum. Personally I want to visit mount Hiei next time.
Do you have a video on how expensive/cheap is Japan? I mean compared to London, Paris and NYC
prices are comparable to London and NYC
Comparable, or even cheaper than Los Angeles imo. Some of the set meals (i've been around Kyoto, Tokyo and Sapporo) were only 1000 JPY, about $10 USD. In L.A. they probably would've been $15-18 plus tax for the same thing. Also public transport is very convenient and affordable in the city
Beautiful video. I so nice to always see you at the place you are talking about. Japan is definitely on my list.
thank you
I loved it there. What a wonderful place.
But temple burnout totally is a thing
Kyoto manga museum is must visit for those into manga. That place is a school converted into museum!
The bus system is super easy to follow. There are bus maps at every stop ans google maps works very well.
did you film this pre-covid?
We have been restricted for only a few months. We're half way there, if people do their part it can be under control in just 6 weeks.
@woltersworld On a scale from 1 to 10, how expensive do you think Japan is? Btw excellent video :)
7 to 8. And thank you
We had a little house in the Gion district that only cost $54/day! Thanks airbnb The Rhokura Inn and a nearby grocery made it very affordable. The shrines are free and the temples are reasonably priced if not free. Eating out is what will hit you. So if you dont mind grabbing a meal at the 7/11 or lawsons and stocking your small fridge it isn’t bad.
I hope you get to visit India someday! I would love to hear your take on that country.
7:37 sounds weird if you listen differently. Haha but great video!
Great video, thanks mark and family. I hope to go there some day :-)
looks amazing Mark! thanks for sharing that with us
Were some of those clips from Maruyama Park? That was my favorite place in Kyoto. I got there early on a weekday, and it was nearly empty
That was most definitely the Weeping Cherry Tree in Maruyama park
One of the locations at the top of my bucket list. How many days minimum would you suggest for a Kyoto trip?
Great video Mark! I remember when you said you were coming here and hoped to run into you (I live in Kyoto) but of course that was a shot in the dark! I definitely agree on taking a break from the temples and shrines (limiting yourself to one or two a day, or having a non-temple day here and there) but probably dealing with all the tourists is the biggest cause of fatigue. I'm grateful for the lull we have in tourism now which means I can actually go visit all these amazing places - I usually avoid them like the plague, or go at night, since the crush of people is just too much for me. My only complaint from the video is that I wouldn't call Nishiki Market a traditional market anymore - it's for tourists only, and the food and goods they sell there are for tourists. Matcha ice cream? Not a traditional food. Most locals avoid that area because there really isn't anything for them anymore, and dealing with the crowds is not something they want to deal with on a regular basis.
Ive booked tickets to tokyo this december.. will they open the country?❤️😭From India
This is on my list of places where I would like to travel. Such a beautiful place.
I went to Tokyo in 2018. I wanted to go this year BUTTTTT that's impossible. So maybe 2022?
yeah, i am supposed to go in May again... not sure if that will happen :(
Going here for part of my honeymoon next year. The fiance is gonna have to learn to use chopsticks and enjoy sea food. One will be easier than the other haha
is it cheaper to fly in to kyoto and then ride to tokyo if possible, or fly in to tokyo and ride to kyoto, where would be the best home base?
Grand Mastah flying to Tokyo is cheaper generally, but flying to Osaka/Kyoto is not much more expensive, depends on many things actually
Been to Tokyo but not Kyoto.
I’ve heard a lot of good things from others as well.
I have a hard time ommunicating in Japan because of the no English situation & I felt claustrophobic in the hotel room
your videos are AMAZING!!
Man I forgot how entertaining and informative your videos are! Did you know that the Japanese word "arigato" comes from the Portuguese word "obrigado", and means thank you?
So, arigato and obrigado for the great videos!
@Diego England This is a popular myth because Japan has many loanwords from Portugal but arigato is *_NOT_* one of them. The Portuguese arrived in Japan around 1550 but arigato has been used in Japan since around 850. But yes, many words of Portuguese origin are still used today. *_Pan_* for bread and many bread products - melonpan, curry pan and plain white bread shokupan. And the most famous Portuguese introduction to Japan is *_tempura!_* I wonder if Mark ever realized that the batter fried green beans he ate while living in Lisbon is the original tempura. 😀
@@tosht2515 Thanks for the clarification Tosh! My favorite Japanese word is Kuromatsu because I think it is such a beautiful tree 😉 greetings
@Diego England A Japanese word I really like is Oyakodon. I'm sure you know that donburi are Japanese rice bowls. Oyakodon is a traditional and popular donburi consisting of chicken and egg and literally translates to "parent and child rice bowl." Think about that for a second. 😂
@@tosht2515 crazy 😅
A place I would like to see before I'm 50
One of the first stay safe Mark by the way I have a question even though some of the other things weren’t voted very much will you still do them eventually like the shocks of Kansas City
I will eventually get the shocks of KC out. May wait to put it out for first football game for the chiefs winning the superbowl
Going to KYOTO , in Japan and "hating" that there are too many Japanese is definitely a First World Stupidity Problem.
"GEISHAS" in KYOTO are called 'MAIKOS" (young apprentices) and GEIKOS (professionals).
In general:
TEMPLES are Buddhist
SHRINES are Shintoist
To see "Geishas" performing in their "natural habitats" can be expensive, to very expensive to practically impossible $$$$. They do appear in person in public during the many festivals and public events that are held in Kyoto throughout the year. They have also been known to appear at the opening of a shopping mall, or three.
It's on my bucket list Mark
Oh I love this channel
thank you beneder :)
Man. When are they going to open up Japan!?!?
岡崎公園は超近所だ
The restaurants closing between lunch and dinner would really catch us out, we’re always so busy doing everything that we forget to eat then end up stopping around 3-4pm for late lunch. Think we’ll just have to buy supermarket lunch out there. Do Japan have rules about eating outside though? Your kids faces at the end with that food🤣
No official rules as far as I know but eating and drinking while walking are considered pretty rude. I definitely did it a couple times when I was in a rush, but I did feel bad about it.
also 5 things to love and hate of Tokyo japan thanks
We have a couple videos on Tokyo. Just search wolters world Tokyo and they should pop up
Wolters World it didn’t pop up Tokyo 5 things to love and hate
Wolters World it didn’t pop up 5 things to love and hate of Tokyo
@@matthewelmakias3667 i have a shocks and don'ts of tokyo, not a five love and hates
Wolters World yeah Tokyo would be great to love and hate about Tokyo
Was the octopus alive? :)
Would you consider visiting Israel, India or even Ukraine? I'd highly recommend Israel when theres a chance
Can we travel in Japan eating only Vegan...
Been to Japan 16 times (should have been 17 if not for the pandemic....) and quite a few times in Kyoto, but I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the city. And for most part that is for it's popularity: Kyoto is one of the very few places in Japan that feels overly touristy. But at the same time, all of those tourists are there for a good reason: there is an awful lot to see in Kyoto....
But that's also the thing with Japan: there are so many other wonderful places most tourists (or even Lonely Planet) have never heard of. Places where you can see temples just as great as in Tokyo, but without the hordes of tourists. You just have to travel around a bit more. So while I do very much like everything Kyoto has to offer, it's nowhere near the top of my list of favorite cities in Japan.
Please get a 4k camera
Kyoto beer is the best 😀
Yummy
No temple worn-out for me!
I just spent two weeks in Kyoto, no tourist!!
lol @ charcoal ice cream reactions.
what does it taste like?
Thanks Mark, I don't have to go to Kyoto any more, 😊⛩️
But you should go :) its gorgeous
Oh I really want to visit it, but I'm still thinking how to plan things there. Is it hard, because I don't have experience in planning vacations outside of my country.
Kyoto is sounding like a MUCH better destination for me than the capital: more nature, more history & culture, less congestion, and (to me) a more accessible dialect of Japanese.
I would ask, though: what's the *bicycle* situation thereabouts?
It was interesting for me to see how Just 2 Good right before the US entered Quarantine visited the temples in Tokyo vs Taylor Bybee of Coaster Studios joined 2 older coaster enthusiasts who have visited Japan many times visit these remote amusement parks no one visits. Everyone talks about Disney Sea, Universal Osaka, Fuji Q Highland, Nagashima Spa Land, Yomiuriland, and Tokyo Dome City. There are people that talk about Tobu Zoo and Yokahama Cosmos World because of their signature coasters (Kawasemi [means Hummingbird] and Dive Coaster Vanish, dubbed the "clickbait coaster" because of its main drop). Taylor did a video on why those are the only major parks in Japan.
There is a Legoland in Nagoya now, but there is nothing special for US or European travelers ther . I feel each US park is different enough for me as an American to return to Florida, visit New York once it opens, tack Callie on a California road trip. I would rather pick the major Merlin parks in the UK over Windsor but I might visit it someday. However, growing up loving Lego and being an enthusiast I would add the original in Billund to a trip to Denmark, but not the one in Germany on similar grounds. Sure both the Japan and German parks have a certain flat ride that the others don't, but many parks in Europe like Hansa-Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach have the exact same ride.
Another thing Taylor mentioned is that even though they had a plan of doing X park(s) this day, but they threw that out the window once they got there as transportation, even if its busses, is not actually a hate overall
I would like to add one love and one hate from a singles perspective on my trip there. 1. Love was getting a Japanese style bed with Japanese sleep wear and Japan bath to myself for $15 a NIGHT. Sweet deal!!! 1. Hate is the train 1st thing in morning. I did not have coffee and casually went to train to go catch bus. Japanese LOVE to work and just got off their holiday that morning. So they were fired up and ready to go to work. Our train was so full. I thought they would shut door. NO WAY!!! The Japanese got on train and pushed everyone to make sure they got on for work. I was falling over with luggage. That memory is imprinted in my mind forever. My Japan friend loved showed me the spot Tom Cruise was at on bridge for his movie. Great city and worth going, agreed.
when it's packed is it tourists or mostly locals?
Nintendo was founded in Kyoto.
another reason to love Kyoto :)
Best things about Japan: food, hyper-clean, great cartoons, great toys, Godzilla. Worst things about Japan: overcrowded, earthquakes, Godzilla.
This was obviously shot last year. I've seen recent live-streams from some of these places and the number of people is much less ... because foreign tourists can't get into the country
BTW. I've been preparing to go to Kyoto for so long that I recognise every single outdoor location in this video.
You’re kids are so cute 🙉
Your*
Portland Maine tourist trap
HATE the busses in japan. Hard to understand and even harder when no one speaks English. If anyone has seen the article about the “cat temple” in Kyoto. Don’t bother. It’s a fancy cat cafe way out on the outskirts of Kyoto where you gotta go by bus (and possibly get lost and turned around a dozen times like us) just to go to an expensive cafe where the cats may not even be out cuz they’re sleeping. 🙄 Also. The Geishas are pretty hard to find. We didn’t see any and we tried to hang out in areas they’re known to be seen. But that’s expected. They need to be sneaky so they don’t get bothered or bombarded with pictures. Their existence is a service you must pay for. If you’re lucky to see one in “the wild” please be respectful. There are some places in Kyoto that have banned photographs (unless you’re a professional with a permit) and some of those places are where the geishas are.
All in all. Kyoto is beautiful and we hope to go back cuz our time there was far too short.
Where do you get the money to do all this?
Spoiler alert...
What they let you into Japan? They won’t let us Brits in.
This was filmed in the fall
Maybe I'm just picky but dang that food looked nasty!
what cool is...
this must've been filmed pre-covid
Yes. Fall