Why Kyoto's Traditional Homes Are Going EXTINCT

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  • Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
  • ⛩️ Kyoto's traditional townhouses (Machiya) are stunning to behold and amazing to stay in overnight. However, they're disappearing at a worrying rate. We go inside and discover the 5 characteristics that make up a Kyoto townhouse and uncover why they've become endangered.
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    A HUGE thanks to Koji Maeda for letting me loose with a camera inside his incredible townhouses!
    ⛩️ His Kyoto Machiya: www.risshisha-group.com/en/
    🏡 His Instagram gallery: / risshisha.group
    --------------------------
    🍿 The LAST time I was in Kyoto: • 24 Hours in Kyoto | Ja...
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    ► BEHIND the scenes Patreon: goo.gl/NWEoQm
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,4 тис.

  • @AbroadinJapan
    @AbroadinJapan  3 роки тому +4187

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

    • @texaneli1427
      @texaneli1427 3 роки тому +1

      It’s too easy

    • @AJ-kx8mi
      @AJ-kx8mi 3 роки тому +3

      I am first

    • @texaneli1427
      @texaneli1427 3 роки тому +12

      @@AJ-kx8mi nice try 😎

    • @aqibc
      @aqibc 3 роки тому +3

      Hello chris

    • @jayy_93
      @jayy_93 3 роки тому +68

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

  • @rachanikhil9436
    @rachanikhil9436 3 роки тому +3883

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

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 роки тому +825

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

    • @TheLaxboy81
      @TheLaxboy81 3 роки тому +85

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

    • @simonschnedl
      @simonschnedl 3 роки тому +3

      Always do.

    • @schwerenevonyildi1315
      @schwerenevonyildi1315 3 роки тому +26

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

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 роки тому +26

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

  • @IKEMENOsakaman
    @IKEMENOsakaman 3 роки тому +901

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

    • @blunderingfool
      @blunderingfool 3 роки тому +95

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

    • @capitalb5889
      @capitalb5889 3 роки тому +17

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

    • @maxlopolo2415
      @maxlopolo2415 3 роки тому +40

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

    • @capitalb5889
      @capitalb5889 3 роки тому +13

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

    • @PinkBunnyCorporation
      @PinkBunnyCorporation 3 роки тому +5

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

  • @Patterrz
    @Patterrz 3 роки тому +1740

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

    • @KCH55
      @KCH55 3 роки тому +18

      that bathtub must smell wonderful

    • @Rem694u2
      @Rem694u2 3 роки тому +21

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

    • @TheItalianoAssassino
      @TheItalianoAssassino 3 роки тому +2

      Do more Pokémon letsplays pls

    • @Gj23jk2
      @Gj23jk2 3 роки тому +6

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

    • @makegreenteanotwar
      @makegreenteanotwar 3 роки тому +6

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

  • @ryanbowers5484
    @ryanbowers5484 3 роки тому +1281

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

    • @doriswaddington2418
      @doriswaddington2418 3 роки тому +116

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

    • @Reprodestruxion
      @Reprodestruxion 3 роки тому +44

      Yo, That’s an important bird

    • @moonlightblue9196
      @moonlightblue9196 3 роки тому +38

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

    • @grimsladeleviathan3958
      @grimsladeleviathan3958 3 роки тому +20

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

    • @eveningrice
      @eveningrice 3 роки тому +4

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

  • @CHEFPKR
    @CHEFPKR 3 роки тому +2613

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

    • @justheretowatch4206
      @justheretowatch4206 3 роки тому +243

      You could say he was a masta of his craft?

    • @alendonvaldor5808
      @alendonvaldor5808 3 роки тому +56

      UA-cam is getting smaller everyday, the people I watch watch each other.

    • @CHEFPKR
      @CHEFPKR 3 роки тому +132

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

    • @phenex8190
      @phenex8190 3 роки тому +24

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

    • @Kagewing
      @Kagewing 3 роки тому +12

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

  • @kianj
    @kianj 3 роки тому +559

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

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 роки тому +74

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

    • @Hewhowantstoknow
      @Hewhowantstoknow 3 роки тому +24

      Yes hello police, I would like to report a murder

    • @bellabrink8610
      @bellabrink8610 3 роки тому +1

      @@Hewhowantstoknow lmfaooo😂😂

    • @gkygrl7
      @gkygrl7 3 роки тому

      😂

  • @timvantori
    @timvantori 3 роки тому +845

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

    • @geordyvladimer1850
      @geordyvladimer1850 3 роки тому +43

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

    • @no_alias_for_me
      @no_alias_for_me 3 роки тому +85

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

    • @alphaxfang
      @alphaxfang 3 роки тому +37

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

    • @batatac4mil86
      @batatac4mil86 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @garryob9279
      @garryob9279 3 роки тому +19

      Sad part is that eventually everywhere will look the same

  • @Geerzy
    @Geerzy 3 роки тому +1106

    Definitely want to visit Kyoto as soon as possible!

    • @thenameisss
      @thenameisss 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @bobovieri1985
      @bobovieri1985 3 роки тому +6

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

    • @Tea-Spin
      @Tea-Spin 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @theramendutchman
      @theramendutchman 3 роки тому +5

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

    • @SiobhanS1868
      @SiobhanS1868 3 роки тому

      same!!

  • @JungianHeights
    @JungianHeights 3 роки тому +621

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

    • @elenap15227
      @elenap15227 3 роки тому +9

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

    • @IanSlothieRolfe
      @IanSlothieRolfe 3 роки тому

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

  • @LunguA
    @LunguA 3 роки тому +789

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

    • @UwBuis
      @UwBuis 3 роки тому +83

      Real Estate Abroad

    • @williamarmstrong8337
      @williamarmstrong8337 3 роки тому +12

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

    • @EFX5452
      @EFX5452 3 роки тому +6

      An Ideal Deal Abroad!

    • @iMagicProGaming
      @iMagicProGaming 3 роки тому +14

      An Ideal Real Estate Deal Abroad in Japan

    • @666Tomato666
      @666Tomato666 3 роки тому +5

      wouldn't this be Abroad Real Estate?

  • @samsingletary7004
    @samsingletary7004 3 роки тому +37

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

  • @SolCrown80
    @SolCrown80 3 роки тому +134

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

  • @majinosity
    @majinosity 3 роки тому +634

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

    • @yaminogame7805
      @yaminogame7805 3 роки тому +45

      He's Chris Heller, the home seller.

    • @ahumanmerelybeing
      @ahumanmerelybeing 3 роки тому +31

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

    • @mikkojaatinen4508
      @mikkojaatinen4508 3 роки тому +4

      seems like an ad

    • @vogel2499
      @vogel2499 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @rinowx5
      @rinowx5 3 роки тому +1

      Is anyone else a little bored of the realty content.

  • @TokyoLens
    @TokyoLens 3 роки тому +2858

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

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 роки тому +418

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

    • @AxxLAfriku
      @AxxLAfriku 3 роки тому +6

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

    • @ghxulish
      @ghxulish 3 роки тому +39

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

    • @iancuk
      @iancuk 3 роки тому +9

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

    • @jb0258
      @jb0258 3 роки тому +4

      The master of photography himself has spoken!

  • @johantitulaer1052
    @johantitulaer1052 3 роки тому +86

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

  • @eburshtein
    @eburshtein 3 роки тому +47

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

  • @ferrousbuller
    @ferrousbuller 3 роки тому +487

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

  • @Mazekynn
    @Mazekynn 3 роки тому +243

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

    • @BrAnDsHeE
      @BrAnDsHeE 3 роки тому +11

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

    • @Mazekynn
      @Mazekynn 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 роки тому +5

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

    • @lexnite22
      @lexnite22 3 роки тому +1

      same.

    • @ThakYuki
      @ThakYuki 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @valou7328
    @valou7328 3 роки тому +96

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

  • @Trainfan1055Janathan
    @Trainfan1055Janathan 3 роки тому +660

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

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 роки тому +129

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

    • @Nico6th
      @Nico6th 3 роки тому +186

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

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 роки тому +78

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

    • @dramspringfeald
      @dramspringfeald 3 роки тому +50

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

    • @Nico6th
      @Nico6th 3 роки тому +36

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

  • @naiRISE766
    @naiRISE766 3 роки тому +316

    Chris looks extra Japanese spyman with that looks.

  • @YouTube
    @YouTube 3 роки тому +2242

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

  • @xsamura5121
    @xsamura5121 3 роки тому +83

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

  • @dough3e3
    @dough3e3 3 роки тому +34

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

  • @fdajax5107
    @fdajax5107 3 роки тому +160

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

    • @XSemperIdem5
      @XSemperIdem5 3 роки тому +27

      While making it a deductible business expense.

    • @leitto-corleone
      @leitto-corleone 3 роки тому +9

      a clever move indeed

    • @archaeoraptor6140
      @archaeoraptor6140 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @jclark1693
      @jclark1693 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @henryleavitt4057
    @henryleavitt4057 3 роки тому +115

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

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 роки тому +62

      Best of luck with the interview!

    • @mitchkat123
      @mitchkat123 3 роки тому +11

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

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @amalilconfused
    @amalilconfused 3 роки тому +9

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

  • @LongusDongus03
    @LongusDongus03 3 роки тому +92

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

  • @JasonVong
    @JasonVong 3 роки тому +618

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

    • @NiekNooijens
      @NiekNooijens 3 роки тому +33

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

    • @invisuu6280
      @invisuu6280 3 роки тому +6

      Can confirm, was there in 2019 autumn.

    • @vileindividual
      @vileindividual 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @NationKiwi
      @NationKiwi 3 роки тому +1

      SAME LMAO

    • @sidtovey
      @sidtovey 3 роки тому +1

      Snap!

  • @mem3e170
    @mem3e170 3 роки тому +381

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

    • @softcoreplebgaming9674
      @softcoreplebgaming9674 3 роки тому +10

      Why would you like the British Queen?

    • @randomveezerr2582
      @randomveezerr2582 3 роки тому +6

      @@softcoreplebgaming9674 because she's german

    • @cadan8790
      @cadan8790 3 роки тому +8

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

    • @user-ff6lp5pk9k
      @user-ff6lp5pk9k 3 роки тому

      Ouch. 😂

    • @donutreply1435
      @donutreply1435 3 роки тому +1

      The British queen?! Lmao you have poor taste

  • @jp2503
    @jp2503 3 роки тому +12

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

  • @otakuu9609
    @otakuu9609 3 роки тому +51

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

  • @Syakirin57
    @Syakirin57 3 роки тому +227

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

  • @cirene9590
    @cirene9590 2 роки тому +6

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

  • @Carlos-js7vf
    @Carlos-js7vf 3 роки тому +11

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

  • @joeallam
    @joeallam 3 роки тому +626

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

    • @KillerTacos54
      @KillerTacos54 3 роки тому +2

      Hey Joe!!

    • @narvaromer8516
      @narvaromer8516 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @demun6065
      @demun6065 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  3 роки тому +82

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

    • @joeallam
      @joeallam 3 роки тому +29

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

  • @JustJake0
    @JustJake0 3 роки тому +93

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

  • @niqabinextdoor1954
    @niqabinextdoor1954 Рік тому +5

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

  • @rahimske
    @rahimske 3 роки тому +6

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

  • @DutchKirby
    @DutchKirby 3 роки тому +490

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

    • @MattJames37
      @MattJames37 3 роки тому +8

      Oh Cook! 😅

    • @sarroumarbeu6810
      @sarroumarbeu6810 3 роки тому +1

      xDDD

    • @tactiti0n
      @tactiti0n 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @MrDanisve
      @MrDanisve 3 роки тому +18

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

    • @markoz673bajen8
      @markoz673bajen8 3 роки тому +1

      He needs more BROWN and antique from 19th Century.

  • @kinfuilee9460
    @kinfuilee9460 3 роки тому +218

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

    • @marzouk6270
      @marzouk6270 3 роки тому +7

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

    • @Gj23jk2
      @Gj23jk2 3 роки тому +9

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

    • @2712animefreak
      @2712animefreak 3 роки тому +11

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

    • @rickshiandmoku4128
      @rickshiandmoku4128 3 роки тому

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

    • @HattieMcDanielonaMoon
      @HattieMcDanielonaMoon 2 роки тому

      @@marzouk6270 How are they modernized?

  • @kimberlydeverell2863
    @kimberlydeverell2863 3 роки тому +6

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

  • @HiimSpencer0808
    @HiimSpencer0808 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @andrewdunlop2780
    @andrewdunlop2780 3 роки тому +58

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

  • @dexterward6307
    @dexterward6307 3 роки тому +44

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

  • @maxsmall3461
    @maxsmall3461 3 роки тому +2

    With so much beauty and attention to detail I find myself constantly going back 10 seconds to replay a segment or scene captured so well - appreciate the amazing work Chris! Like no other

  • @MoonlightShadowC
    @MoonlightShadowC 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @chris-hayes
    @chris-hayes 3 роки тому +64

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

  • @luxetlex
    @luxetlex 3 роки тому +69

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

    • @Yertle_Turtle
      @Yertle_Turtle 3 роки тому

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

  • @djdazzydeaf7568
    @djdazzydeaf7568 3 роки тому +5

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

  • @zoolra
    @zoolra 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @MouseGeist
    @MouseGeist 3 роки тому +35

    13:34 that Chopstick was clearly hired by Ryotaro.

  • @ExcenGaming
    @ExcenGaming 3 роки тому +27

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

  • @muda0051
    @muda0051 3 роки тому +1

    The cinematography makes your videos 10 times more amazing. And omg Kyoto is such a beuatiful place! Great job as usual👏

  • @rei4898
    @rei4898 3 роки тому +3

    I love watching Chris and his adventures. They are always such great quality and gives you the experience to see these sights, even if you can’t physically be there. Absolutely stunning. Keep up the amazing work!!

  • @-Raylight
    @-Raylight 3 роки тому +107

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

    • @pptenshi
      @pptenshi 3 роки тому

      Big 草

    • @Blunteffected
      @Blunteffected 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @YTCookieNinja
    @YTCookieNinja 3 роки тому +357

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

    • @ChelseaH1
      @ChelseaH1 3 роки тому

      ALL of them?!

    • @alexmcamis420
      @alexmcamis420 3 роки тому

      ????

    • @ginjabiccie936
      @ginjabiccie936 3 роки тому

      Rip your soul

    • @jb0258
      @jb0258 3 роки тому +5

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

    • @aliddlebird136
      @aliddlebird136 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @Frozennova18
    @Frozennova18 3 роки тому

    You bring great joy to my heart Chris. Keep up the great work.

  • @noname-dk7ri
    @noname-dk7ri 3 роки тому +13

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

  • @andrewdslutsky
    @andrewdslutsky 3 роки тому +105

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

    • @majcrash
      @majcrash 3 роки тому +7

      I first thought of the Russian weapon.

  • @SundaiLove
    @SundaiLove 3 роки тому +253

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

    • @genzprepper954
      @genzprepper954 3 роки тому

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

  • @pawe5495
    @pawe5495 3 роки тому

    I'm in awe of the quality of your videos, it's even much better than tv productions! Great job, please keep it up

  • @clearweather8272
    @clearweather8272 3 роки тому

    Beautiful! Very impressed with the quality of your reporting and video.

  • @KingJaeTV
    @KingJaeTV 3 роки тому +227

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

    • @dareptor2620
      @dareptor2620 3 роки тому +11

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

    • @KingJaeTV
      @KingJaeTV 3 роки тому +2

      @@dareptor2620 Thanks!

    • @wave8359
      @wave8359 3 роки тому

      Yes!---mssing Japan too !

  • @Riu.f
    @Riu.f 3 роки тому +120

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

  • @rafaelandresantunez
    @rafaelandresantunez 2 роки тому

    The shots and editing of this videos gets better by the year. Long time follower over here and WOW how has this channel evolved and grown.

  • @alexbrown2286
    @alexbrown2286 3 роки тому +1

    Love this kind of content! I really appreciate when you have little interviews with experts like this~ I lived near Kyoto's nishihonganji temple and there were so many beautiful townhouses.

  • @Figureight
    @Figureight 3 роки тому +214

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

    • @donutreply1435
      @donutreply1435 3 роки тому +37

      Spoken like a true tourist

    • @Figureight
      @Figureight 3 роки тому +17

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

    • @coaster6777
      @coaster6777 3 роки тому +41

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

    • @sbring00able
      @sbring00able 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @Bones12x2
      @Bones12x2 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @lazersword66
    @lazersword66 3 роки тому +37

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

  • @lhmark73
    @lhmark73 2 роки тому

    I discovered this channel about a week ago and it has become my favourite. Well put together, fun and informative to watch - Chris You are a great presenter , also love your mates - your channel is awesome - Thank you :)

  • @bernoGarcia
    @bernoGarcia 3 роки тому

    I’ve been absent from this channel for years. Now back. Missed watching Chris. Great video. Great editing quality and humor. Great topic. Thank you

  • @mugensamurai
    @mugensamurai 3 роки тому +85

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

  • @AmazinglyAwkward
    @AmazinglyAwkward 3 роки тому +47

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

  • @Independenceday95
    @Independenceday95 3 роки тому +1

    Chris, I just want to thank you for all of your videos. They're all so informative and your sense of humour is really funny. I'll have to add Kyoto to the list of places to see when I visit Japan in 2022!

  • @meyanamio3371
    @meyanamio3371 3 роки тому +3

    i once lived for a week in this houses (the more traditional one though) and they are very clean and very renovated! its awesome how they look old on the outside while looking traditional yet new on the inside. It was one the best experiences of my life

  • @Rickuo
    @Rickuo 3 роки тому +342

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

    • @Kaiyats
      @Kaiyats 3 роки тому +5

      Agreed

    • @meiko431
      @meiko431 3 роки тому +5

      Agree 👌

    • @Simmuh2
      @Simmuh2 3 роки тому +5

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

    • @PersonManManManMan
      @PersonManManManMan 3 роки тому +8

      I hope builders in Kyoto get the same idea

    • @starstencahl8985
      @starstencahl8985 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @MeatPlanet
    @MeatPlanet 3 роки тому +49

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

  • @llynhunter
    @llynhunter 3 роки тому

    I really loved this one. Very informative, cool renovations, great views, and small bits of your wonderful humor.

  • @SomeOne-mp6ym
    @SomeOne-mp6ym 3 роки тому

    Excellent Chris! Beautiful, informative. Well done!

  • @natedetailscars
    @natedetailscars 3 роки тому +243

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

    • @jdotoz
      @jdotoz 3 роки тому +57

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

    • @guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077
      @guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077 3 роки тому +1

      I thought the same! Haha

    • @SigTheSauceMan
      @SigTheSauceMan 3 роки тому +13

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

    • @WERNUTZ
      @WERNUTZ 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @TheAkashicTraveller
      @TheAkashicTraveller 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @FemiSmiles
    @FemiSmiles 3 роки тому +38

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

    • @ryujin8842
      @ryujin8842 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @user-nn1mf8lr2w
    @user-nn1mf8lr2w 3 роки тому

    I love your videos so much! They're a very good mix of informative and entretaining!

  • @mervynlau7865
    @mervynlau7865 3 роки тому

    Love watching these chill documentary type videos during my lunch break, keep up the great work! The cinematography in this video was top notch as always :)

  • @AcousticProfit
    @AcousticProfit 3 роки тому +43

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

  • @IsraelBuenaobra13
    @IsraelBuenaobra13 3 роки тому +136

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

    • @BlueSatoshi
      @BlueSatoshi 3 роки тому +8

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

    • @maxgullberg9733
      @maxgullberg9733 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @daniellemorcom8750
      @daniellemorcom8750 3 роки тому +2

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

    • @kellineburton
      @kellineburton 3 роки тому +2

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

    • @TheBeatles..
      @TheBeatles.. 3 роки тому +1

      @@daniellemorcom8750 spot on!

  • @eetadakimasu
    @eetadakimasu 3 роки тому

    Beautiful video! Very well done, thanks for all your hard work!

  • @MrVectrexUK
    @MrVectrexUK 3 роки тому

    Thanks Chris! Another superb video - so well shot and presented. Love to see this side of Japan.

  • @animeartadventures89
    @animeartadventures89 3 роки тому +41

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

  • @doobie1984
    @doobie1984 3 роки тому +31

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

  • @Spangletiger
    @Spangletiger 3 роки тому

    So glad there are people like Koji Maeda in the world! Great to see you out and about exploring again, as entertaining and informative as always. Arigato!

  • @davidjames-maddaford4531
    @davidjames-maddaford4531 3 роки тому

    By far your most interesting video to my liking, young man. To see history renued by that man is bold and beautiful.

  • @CAsaidit
    @CAsaidit 3 роки тому +36

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

  • @AK-vg1le
    @AK-vg1le 3 роки тому +19

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

    • @animefanatic5080
      @animefanatic5080 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @AK-vg1le
      @AK-vg1le 3 роки тому +1

      @@animefanatic5080 same!

    • @megafro6999
      @megafro6999 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @priyeshabsolute
      @priyeshabsolute 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @redesignhope
    @redesignhope 3 роки тому

    Incredible as always Chris, can't wait to see what you do next!

  • @Evilkwiet
    @Evilkwiet 3 роки тому

    Wow, those houses are very beautiful! Very nice video you made there. I always look out to watch your new video's!

  • @RusskiBlusski
    @RusskiBlusski 3 роки тому +34

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

  • @TheKeranor
    @TheKeranor 3 роки тому +13

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

  • @RedLogicYT
    @RedLogicYT 3 роки тому

    Hey Chris. Long time fan. Just wanted to say- Love you. Keep doing what you love. We're here to support you every step of the way.

  • @rsbrehm
    @rsbrehm 3 роки тому

    This was a gorgeous video, Chris.