NOW WITH LESS SWESRING! Yeah, un hindsight there wasn't really less swesring in this episode after all. It was quite an undertaking to produce this episode across so many (busy) locations. But I hope you enjoy the episode guys and thanks to everyone who said hi to us along the way! It was the absolute highlight of the journey getting to chat with you all. And a special thanks to the fine folks at Sakuraco for sponsoring this video: 🍡Use Code "ABROAD" for $5 off your first #Sakuraco team.sakura.co/abroadinjapan-SC2406 box today! Experience Japan from the comfort of your own home.
Why do you turn the volume in your video audio to max and compress it? Assuming most of your audience watches the videos on cheap headphones or speakers? I have to turn the audio to minimum to be able to listen the video at all. I'm using Genelec speaker system if wondering.
Good on you for taking advantage of the facilities in Japan because I can promise you that Seoul/Pusan would be a nightmare for anyone in a wheelchair. Heck, they're hard for people without wheelchairs as Koreans don't really understand public toilets. There's so few public toilets in South Korea and when they are available, there's no paper or, it's an awful squat toilet. Yeah, I used to be an editor on those antique thingies called Lonely Planet travel guides.
When visited, everyone said I HAD to visit Peter. I was worried about the hype, but they were right. Fun experience; great value. Would visit Peter again! But I do worry that with so much social media exposure, Peter will become overtouristed as well.
I once lived in Japan pre-COVID and am currently living in Japan post COVID. In my experiences Senso-ji in Asakusa has always been crowded, so there's no way to avoid it. (You can always visit early in the morning but you won't be able to buy anything since all the shops don't open until past 9am-ish.) Either way, I'm always finding myself visiting that place. I enjoy the street food there and I'm always finding something new in Asakusa, so I recommend giving it a visit. That goes for any "tourist trap" in Japan regardless of the "over-tourism". Just try it once. You don't have to visit again if you don't like it.
I was in Asakusa for about a week this March/April, found Shin-Nakamise and Orange street had a lot to offer. Nakamise itself not as much. Senso-ji definitely was a lot less crowded in the evening. Overall was a very convenient place to be near. Going to be staying there again in a few months.
One of the highlights of Asakusa, by far, is Dave Bull's traditional Japanese printshop. He also streams on Twitch which is also cool to catch whenever possible :) Canadian guy that moved to Japan 30 or so years ago and has been doing the craft for decades and is actually quite popular and accomplished. I recommend it to everyone. He's doing excellent work keeping the historic art aspects of Japan alive. Sadly, it's a dying craft in its purest form and he does the best he can to keep it genuine as to how it's been done for centuries and is well versed in the processes and alot of the history involved. He's also a great guy that loves to talk, so that's also a plus.
Yes, visited his shop before the pandemic and had a good time attending a short print making workshop conducted by Dave! His passion is admirable and infectious. We bought a lot of prints as gifts for friends/family and to display at home.
@@馒头-s6s That's incredible! Awesome that you got to meet him :) One of the coolest, most talented and humble people on the planet in my opinion and definitely worth the time (and money).
Really close to Asakusa there is also a traditional washi paper shop called 'watashino' if you're into crafts! You can get a course to try it yourself even and the shopkeepers are also super friendly :)
Exactly. In Japan, the worst that can happen to you is being 'scammed' by choosing the obviously overpriced product/service. And it's not even a proper scam, because they flat out advertise their stupid prices.
Dworshia, have u also heard of the touts in japan? They’re these dudes that come up to u and say “hey we have cheap drinks” and take u to an obscure bar. But then the drinks are extremely expensive like $50 a drink or they drug u and u wake up with $3000 missing
Higashi Honganji is such an underated temple in Kyoto. I literally checked it out during a rainy-day last year during my trip in Kyoto, and it was very peaceful and beautiful in the rain. It felt like I was transported into a movie or anime. I especially loved walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the architecture.
I spent 2 years in Japan and did a lot of touristy things in a lot of places, and I always found no matter how busy, touristy, famous, or overblown a place was, tourism in Japan is much more enjoyable, less offensive, and less blatantly predatory than anywhere else I’ve travelled.
Sensouji temple might be a "tourist trap" but it does actually have some great places worth visiting in its immediate vicinity. Do not write the area off entirely.
So if you are looking to have a slightly touristy time and don't mind a small price hike, it's a fun experience if you know what you are getting into? That's kind of what I have understood
Well said! People get scared off by these notions and there's just no need for it. Also even if a place is packed, you only have to endure it for a time, then can walk like 2 streets away from any of these places and it's nice and quiet again. It's really not a big deal!
I'm off to Japan from Canada next February and my youngest is in a wheelchair. As you were walking around Sensoji, I was wondering about navigating it with the kid. Getting a short testimonial from people using chairs was pretty unexpected and awesome. Thanks for that.
Ok not a wheelchair user myself but have travel around the city several times and have exerience helping family in wheelchairs (not in Kyoto thow) - Kyoto is mostly flat but sloped areas can get quite steep, so make sure the breaks are good and may be worth having some form of roll-block just in case. - Trasport - *Busses* ~ dont remember many having wheelchair space. *Train/Metro* ~ most stations i've been to have some form of lift access, just might be a little tricky to fined at times but dont be affade to as station staff. The Carages, most enough space for a wheelchair even if no dessignated area, but avoid work-time rush (the sardien meme exist!). *Taxis* ~ Dont use very much so not sure, sorry.😅 - The Sights - Area access should be fine, it will be entering older buildings/temples themselve that might by a the challeng... if viable, piggy-backs may be the simplest solusion.🤔 Feel free to DM me on intagram and I can try asking/putting you in touch with some local contacts if you like.🙂 (insta- Same name but different pic - white wolf, blue backround) Hope this helps and best of luck.🍀
There is a UA-cam channel @KingKogi that focuses on Japan and Korea and always mentions accessibility in the areas they go. Hope this can help you plan your trip!
My mom is in a wheelchair and I thought it was so sweet to see these people in chairs getting to still travel so far from home. I wish I could take my mom with me to Mexico where the rest of our family is, but that area isn't accessible. Have fun in Japan!
OMG!!! Those are my cousins Anna Marie and Michael @17:27. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw them on your channel. I am glad you got to meet them. They have such wonderful souls 🥰
I really appreciate this video. Its great to see that the news articles are a bit exaggerated as I've been genuinely worried about re-visiting, but those worries are now squashed. Thanks again Chris!
My work colleague was recently in Japan for 2 weeks on holidays and she said it was really clean, beautiful, surprisingly devoid of large masses most of the time and the people were really respectful, despite the fact she only knows a handful of words in Japanese (She was also in Gion, Kyoto). Due to all the Articles and people on the internet telling you the situation in Japan is crazy I expect the worst, but she told me it’s not like that at all. I’m glad to hear the real boots-on-the-ground situation in Japan is actually relatively chill contrary to what a lot of people claim. Thank you Chris, continue the good work!
To be fair, Nishiki is a shell of its former self. It used to be predominantly fish mongers, fruit and veg shops and tsukimono pickle stores. Over the last ten years so many have closed down due to local restauranteurs and shop keepers stopping shopping there due to overcrowding. Now it is full of shiny new craft ale, green tea, souvenir, fancy mochi, wagyu etc shops. It's nice for the tourists I guess. But it is no longer a functional market in the traditional sense.
Second this. I visited on a rainy day about 9 years ago and it was much quieter and much less trendy. Lots of pickles and fish and veg shops, plus some random shops like shoes and purses.
I fourth this. I was there 32 years ago and revisited last year, excited to show my partner this fabulous market. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Complete tourist trap.
I spend some months in Kyoto last year and many places (that get recommended, anyway) felt like that. I think Nishiki and Kinkakuji were the worst though (didn't even try to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha, though it's probably similar). I hope that Kyoto can solve the overtourism problem somehow in the future.
I’ll be honest, you’re one of the very very few people I subscribe to, and one of the few UA-camrs that my wife tolerates, and your appropriately placed swesring is part of the reason for that. Keep the awesome content coming
I live right next to higashi temple so seeing you film there is so surreal! anyway, as a kyoto local, the overtourism does get pretty bad in the most central areas. however, the majority of kyoto is actually pretty quiet outside of those tourist hot spots. you can still absolutely find quiet, serene places to enjoy your day without getting caught up in a swarm of humanity (something that's happened to me several times when i visited shijo, unfortunately). i know kyoto has a bad rep when it comes to this kind of thing, but i personally still love it and i'm glad to call it my home.
I had the honor to life in Japan when I was a student many moons ago and I still visit Japan once in a while. While I was living far away from Kyoto, I always found this city to be my most favored destination. And as you said: There are so many places you can go and find yourself in a quiet place. But then of course it comes handy if you know at least a little Japanese. And by the way: The Higashi Temple always impresses me, I visit it each time I'm in Kyoto. It helps of course that it's so central.
I'm planning a trip to Japan in 2026 and Kyoto is on the list! But I know we definitely want to find more "hidden gems" rather than only stick to tourist hot spots. Do you think you recommend no-so-common places in the area to check out?
I live in Kyoto too! I try to avoid the tourist-y places as much as possible because they are simply not built to hold the sheer amount of people that visit. The crowds looked alright in the video but in my experience, April and July/August are the most packed. Gion-shijo, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu, Fushimi tend to be really packed. The trains heading to Fushimi are my least favourite because they are so so packed with not just tourists, but people going to Osaka
@@tbeth in my opinion it's best to just explore for yourself, but i know a trip might mean you have limited time to do so. i recommend kitayama for indie shops and beautiful views. the botanical gardens are right next to the station, and a bit further up there's takaragaike park, which is popular with locals. shodenji temple is also worth a stop! honestly, north kyoto in general is my absolute favourite place and usually tourist-free, so i highly recommend it. hope you enjoy your trip!
Solid investigation Chris! I visited Kyoto this May on a work trip, on a Wednesday, and the big locations varied considerably in crowds. Kiyomizu-dera temple and the paths leading up to and down from it were jam-packed, but most other locations were quite pleasant. The company I visited hired a Maiko for an afternoon to accompany us, which was lovely, but unfortunately for her, she joined us throughout that busiest portion - you can imagine the carnage. I was walking with her and observed the best and worst of international tourism - some, mostly Japanese, tourists watched respectfully from the side. Others literally ran up, leaned over her shoulder and took a selfie. I felt like a bodyguard at times, trying to fend them all off! PS - great tip about Asakusa when the shops aren't open. I accidentally visited one time in the morning before they opened - not that early either, I think it was only 9am ish - and it was deserted. Oh and you're right about Harajuku, any evidence of the fashion it's known for is long gone - I think it's a bit like visiting Carnaby Street or The King's Road in London today and hoping to enjoy the swinging sixties or punk 70's. Not a chance.
there are so many shops in takeshita dori selling underground clothes, what are you saying ? 😂 did you take the time to go inside the shops and go upstairs ? there are countless treasures.
@@GaelleZelink But compared to before, it's not the same thing. It used to be a spot for alternative/underground and harajuku-style clothing but it has lost some of its flair over the years.
Pre-2015 Tsukiji fish market was amazing. It was the first thing I visited on my first trip to Japan, a wonderful chaotic warren. So glad i got to go there in its old form.
the sakura co sponsorship in this video is golden. why pay tourist trap price for food in japan when you can pay tourist trap price for food at your own home? lmao
I haven't watched Abroad in Japan for a few years now but I love how you always find ways to eat food. You are so good at that and i'm glad you are continuing to do what you love.
@@Thuggerblonded first the geisha clearly doesn’t want to photographed and the woman is just looking insane trying to get pics of her… the woman isn’t a prop to be taken pictures of lol
Second Sensoji at night. We stayed a few streets away and went during the day when it was PACKED. I returned later that night around 8pm and it was really quiet, only a handful of individuals. The temple is beautifully lit by lanterns and lights so highly recommend!
The evening is also when many of the better eateries open. But I think Asakusa is fun to visit at any time... well, except for New Year's eve, and the first week of the year. Should you be in the area at that time and thinking about doing your New Year's prayer, go to any of the other 100+ Temples and Shrines, in walking distance from Asakusa.
went there at 6:30 in the morning two years ago, it was really beautiful and peaceful seeing the painted shutters with no crowds and the sun barely risen.
I just came back to the US from a Japanese vacation yesterday, visited many of the places you highlighted in this video. (I'm a man in my 40's and I avoided Harajuku!) I loved Kyoto - I agree the beef skewers at Nishiki were disappointing but they have delicious creme brulee donuts there for 300 yen each. My best purchases at Nishiki were Japanese knives - I really liked Kikuichi. Overall though, my impression was that the typical tourist places were quite busy but if you go slightly off the beaten path even just 3-4 blocks away from the tourist areas, you get more authentic shops and restaurants and get better value for your money. The other thing that I'd recommend is if you want to see Mt. Fuji, rent a car. I rented one in Kawaguchiko and was able to see sights that weren't tour-bus laden over-crowded tourist markets (like Oshino Hakkai), and visited incredible waterfalls and quiet lakes with amazing views of Mt. Fuji.
@@aerox21091991 haha you're right, my bad i guess ? It is sea urchin, maybe that's why they tell people to avoid it. Still weird for them to tell people off a dish except if they have gout.
I'll be finally going to japan (after literally over 10 years of saving/wanting to.) and your videos are a godsend to me. Every single one mentions something ive not seen or heard of yet and I know id have missed so much if i hadnt started looking through your videos. Thank you for all the work you put into them!
Just got back from a two week trip to Japan. Visited Tokyo for five days and Kyoto for five days and most places were completely empty. We purposely scheduled during the rainy season and prayed for a good weather, and fortunately it only rained one day for us. The one day it did rain we went to the Arashiyama bamboo forest and it was completely empty until about lunchtime. People seem to constantly complain about the heat and humidity, and tell people to never come in the summer, but compared to where we live in America, it was almost the exact same climate so it really was nothing new for us. (It was actually less humid and had lower temperatures than back home during our 2 week stay.) 27:54
I lived and worked in Kyoto for years and I can confirm that outside of golden week and the weekends, Kyoto is a really relaxed and calm place to visit and the crowds are mild during the week. Many people travel to Kyoto even on weekends to escape the crowds in Osaka and relax. Even on the busiest times of year, if you get to know the city you can easily get around via the smaller back shopping streets and avoid the crowds easily. Kyoto was by far my favorite place to have lived in Japan and I lived in many different cities across the country. Kansai is a better place to live than Kanto. Its a very enjoyable and comfortable place to live. Tokyo is just too big and crowded, it feels stressful and you feel trapped in it. In Kansai its very easy to escape the cities.
I remember going to japan with a tour guide and we went through a ton of busy places but i didnt actually feel like its choking in people. I just found something akin to there is harmony in chaos type of thing. Japan is just really beautiful, steeped in so much tradition.
I just came back from Japan a few weeks ago, and I can confirm Kyoto was weirdly quiet the day you went. Kiyomizudera was super crowded when I went on a Tuesday. I’m not sure how busy Nara normally is, but I happened to go on a Monday and it was also pleasantly quiet-I almost didn’t go, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!
The most tourist trap-y place I ever found in Japan was Tsutenkaku tower. They almost elevate it to an art form, it's kind of awesome to behold in all its campy glory. Actually, I feel any "tower" in Japan is kinda iffy on the tourist trap scale... like Tokyo Tower or Skytree.
For me it was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion...You see it right away, it's alright, then you shuffle out of there with a million people for the next half an hour. Huge disappointment.
That's common for towers for some reason. I used to live near Seattle, and the Space Needle was insane. Spent ten years up there and never once went up it. Too expensive, and most days there was a massive line.
@@Solarstormflare I second Landmark Tower. Yokohama seems a lot more laid back compared to Tokyo. And if I recall I don't think I've ever seen it get as busy as Skytree or Tokyo Tower
When we went to Tokyo last month, Asakusa was definitely the worst. Tourists in rental kimonos everywhere, taking pictures and videos right on the street, which is already small enough as it is. The only day we got very aggravated being there. Harajuku wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!
When the wife and travelled in 2019 we made it a point to look for the out of the way spots to eat and I can say it was never a bad experience. It also set us up to meet and interact with locals. We dropped in to a small place one morning and found a group of the local women as we found out having a weekly meal out together and we were quickly brought into the group and welcomed like old friends. Most of the busy tourist spots were over packed and left you feeling a bid intimidated. We found a small ramen place in a back street in Kyoto and again were treated like old friends. I cannot wait to go back and again explore outside the tourist guides. I hope it doesnt change too much before then.
Great vid as always! I spent two years in Japan and had a great time seeing all those touristy spots. The most interesting places were always the ones off the beaten trail. I stumbled upon A LOT of hole in the wall temples that I was able to get a stamp from. I love finding small spots that no one seems to pay attention to. It feels like discovering a real hidden treasure.
No idea what to write now. "Thanks for yet another video" seems a bit understated to a man who is wining and dining with royalty. "Thanks for all the fish" would have probably been appropriate once upon a time but now? Perhaps not. I suppose we have to go with: You're a great ambassador for the island nation of Japan, and thanks to you I will still come and visit one day. I would have before I knew of you but after years of watching your videos I still will. Unfortunately I'm stuck in the UK at the moment but I'll be closer soon, and then it's just a short hop to get there!
thanks for basically planning my future trip to japan one day over the years. You've done a great job highlighting unknown finds and shown realistic expectations of what to avoid.
But then you visit the Dotonbori or any area close to Nanba in Osaka in the evening and you weren't ready at all to that amount of crowds. I have to go there several times a week and dread it every time. The old men on bicycles not giving a single damn and trying to plow right through the crowds (as if you're the one in the way) is just a cherry on top.
No Ambassador for British /Japanese relations with a personal friendship with royalty should put up with this kind of shoddy treatment, That's what he has CDawg for.
OMG wish I watched this before we came - We loved Tokyo but Takeshita Street was the lowlight (I can’t believe it got onto our itinerary). We are now in Kanazawa thanks to you Chris and it’s AWESOME! Thanks for your amazing content - it was a major player in our trip and always enjoy your videos
I think it's fair to point out that for some people, the crowds and tourism are appealing. Not always of course, but sometimes it's a certain vibe that you can enjoy.
Hi, I feel this is the right time to give my point of view since I visited Kyoto last november (2023), and Kyoto was extremely busy, the experience was TERRIBLE, you couldn't even walk in the street where the last interviewee was talking about it being quiet. Kiyomizu-dera and the adjacents roads were a nightmare to visit and i'm shocked by the low amount of people i've seen in this video, taking a picture was a battle between the 25 other tourist trying to grab one or putting themselves in front of the buildings. Heck even the part where you went to nishiki market made me cry because in Osaka walking in Shinsaibashi-suji road towards Ebishubashi bridge was 5x more crowded god damnit
You are describing the typical experience for visiting Kyoto in November. Advertised "best months" to visit are March through May and September through November. That said, November is said to be the second most popular time to visit -- only second to Spring cherry blossoms.
I was also in Kyoto in November (last few weeks)...I didn't have the crowd issue at all, but I hit most of the tourist spots at 6:30-10:00a.m. As i left the Arashiyama area there were buses full of people arriving so I guess I just timed it right. 😅 Going again in March next year, somehow I doubt I will be as lucky, but honestly being the only obvious Tourist out there was at times uncomfortable, so might be a nice change.
Just a quick note: Japan's best, most wonderful, seriously f-ing amazing tourist trap is (drum roll): Meiji Mura. Outside of Nagoya, it's a theme park in which every single thing there is a real thing from the Meiji period that was lovingly and painstakingly brought there and reassembled. It really is amazingly wonderful. Buildings, a jail, a lighthouse, a steam engine train, a tram. They even have the reflecting pool, facade, front entrance, and coffe shop from Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel. (The contract, design, and plans for it were completed in the Meiji period, but the emperor died, so it was built in the Taisho period. A bit of a cheat, you could say, but it's gorgeous.)
In early/mid 20's Asakusa was not so crowded. Neither was Harajuku. Back then, we had to actually use a map to get about. Not Google map. It was the greatest adventure for us. Just guys from Finland living their dream being in Japan.
Love your content, Chris! You legit got me through countless quarantines in '21 and '22, and through thousands, thousands, and thousands utterly endless book editing and reviews. 🙏 Thank you for the cheeky, funny, interesting, lively, fun, wholesome and genuinely creative content!
I stayed in Asakusa with my 16 year old son and he loved it because he was able to roam around solo and game at Taito Station, visit the Hanayashiki amusement park, spend money at Don Quijote and visit cat cafes. There's also a water taxi stop in Asakusa that takes you to Odaiba. Yes it's touristy but it's fun and convenient with lots to do. There's also smaller temples and parks in the neighborhood where you can enjoy quiet time away from the crowds. I agree though that if you're interested in seeing the temple it's better to visit at night.
I think, givem the quick way they said it, it was a massive coincidence that they too were saying "yeah", but that would be a little funny if they were parotting her 😅
9:53 "Tastes pretty good actually". I'm glad Pete was there to point out that it is just pure sugar and therefore would be expected to taste pretty decent.
I had the best time in Gion, in a bar partying all night long with the staff and other customers, drinking, playing darts and singing karaoke without even speaking japanese... Power of alchool and italian skill to communicate with hands
Both Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market were pretty packed in April when I ended up visiting on two separate occasions, so I think the season has a lot do with over-tourism in Kyoto - spring is primetime because of sakura, summer is quieter because of rain and heat, and autumn and winter are the best times to visit for the smallest crowds.
We got the strawberry daifuku from the place Chris did at Nishiki Market - good stuff! We also got candied fries at the stall he walks past in the video. We were there on a Thursday afternoon in October last year, and it was substantially more busy that it was when Chris visited on a Monday! Likewise Kiyomizudera and Gion. That said, the only place that really felt overcrowded was Nishiki; the second-most crowded was Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), though that was mostly Chinese tourists coming on bus tours.
Another great video! I was in Japan a month ago and didn't have any problems with the crowds, except for 1 moment. Sensoji temple was the worst I ever experienced there. It was on a Friday so not even weekend. It took us almost an hour to make it from one end of the shopping street to the other without looking at the shops because we had a stroller with us and people kept tripping over it (specially the Chinese tourists). For the rest had no problems with crowds. I did have problems with people misbehaving (again mentioning the Chinese tourists). And with peoples walking on a busy sidewalk locked in on theire phone.
we were in kyoto at the end of may one year and it was great for crowd size and it only rained 1 day we were there. coming from vancouver thats noothhinnng.
Japanese don't associate tourism with their economic growth. They can't put 2 and 2 together. They just see tourists as a nuisance who keep coming to Japan for some weird unknown reason (and dare not to behave according to their insanely strict made-up societal norms). There's no understanding of the fact that people outside Japan grow up in completely different environments with different values. So any slightly different behavior from their own, like your body language or they way you talk makes them freak out internally and you won't even know or notice you've done something "horrible" and caused them an inconvenience by just simply being a foreigner.
I lived in Japan for 1 year pre-Covid and did all the typical touristy things during that time. Now I have the luxury of having some friends that live in and around Tokyo and while I'm still a tourist of course when I visit, being able to experience the city in a much less touristy fashion is super nice. One friend lives near Asakusa and I usually always spend a few nights at her place when I vist, so now that whole area feels almost like a second home than a tourist spot for me. It's super interesting to be able to see all that in a different light.
Quite the interesting video idea, I’d watch this happily as a series. It hadn’t really occurred to me how pricey some places could be so I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for this. I love the hilarious edited shots in-between.
Hey Chris you probably won't see this, but I just wanted to say that I recently studied in Japan for a month. Honestly my favorite part of Japan was my 1 week home stay with my host family. It's allocated in an area near Tomio Station in Nara, a very quiet and down-to-earth area. I went to so many places with beautiful scenery in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, and Chiba, but none of them struck the same as that small town. I loved the tourist stuff in Japan and what it had to offer, but there's so much more depth the places outside of them. When I doing my stay in Tokyo, Ueno captured my heart way more than Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Asakusa, Harajuku, Akiba, etc. (I know Ueno in itself is a populated area, but not as well talked about). What I'm trying to get at is, these tourist sites definitely have their purposes and things to offer, but they only scratch the surface of what made Japan so special for me. I'm definitely going to study for a full year when I can and experience that medial life a bit more.
NOW WITH LESS SWESRING!
Yeah, un hindsight there wasn't really less swesring in this episode after all. It was quite an undertaking to produce this episode across so many (busy) locations. But I hope you enjoy the episode guys and thanks to everyone who said hi to us along the way! It was the absolute highlight of the journey getting to chat with you all.
And a special thanks to the fine folks at Sakuraco for sponsoring this video: 🍡Use Code "ABROAD" for $5 off your first #Sakuraco team.sakura.co/abroadinjapan-SC2406 box today! Experience Japan from the comfort of your own home.
Hello everyone, good viewing🐼
Thanks for the continued uploads!
Chris, Where is Chris Okano? Did you eat him? 👀
Why do you turn the volume in your video audio to max and compress it? Assuming most of your audience watches the videos on cheap headphones or speakers? I have to turn the audio to minimum to be able to listen the video at all. I'm using Genelec speaker system if wondering.
@@wekkimeif7720it sounds fine on good headphones
Was an honor to run into you guys lol Thanks for putting my wife and I in the video!
Good on you for taking advantage of the facilities in Japan because I can promise you that Seoul/Pusan would be a nightmare for anyone in a wheelchair.
Heck, they're hard for people without wheelchairs as Koreans don't really understand public toilets. There's so few public toilets in South Korea and when they are available, there's no paper or, it's an awful squat toilet.
Yeah, I used to be an editor on those antique thingies called Lonely Planet travel guides.
I think a I is getting really smart. Your comment popped up right as it showed you on screen😂. ( You know how youtube is rotating comments now)...
Great to meet you guys! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Japan!
"Thank you for putting I in your video." This is one of those cases where it should be "me". 😛
@@englishatheart I'm pretty sure "my wife and I" is proper grammar lol.
When visited, everyone said I HAD to visit Peter. I was worried about the hype, but they were right. Fun experience; great value. Would visit Peter again! But I do worry that with so much social media exposure, Peter will become overtouristed as well.
And with all that SWESRING!
Is… is that LegalEagle? Does LegalEagle enjoy Abroad in Japan?
What is happening right now. Am I hallucinating?
I once lived in Japan pre-COVID and am currently living in Japan post COVID. In my experiences Senso-ji in Asakusa has always been crowded, so there's no way to avoid it. (You can always visit early in the morning but you won't be able to buy anything since all the shops don't open until past 9am-ish.) Either way, I'm always finding myself visiting that place. I enjoy the street food there and I'm always finding something new in Asakusa, so I recommend giving it a visit. That goes for any "tourist trap" in Japan regardless of the "over-tourism". Just try it once. You don't have to visit again if you don't like it.
I was in Asakusa for about a week this March/April, found Shin-Nakamise and Orange street had a lot to offer. Nakamise itself not as much. Senso-ji definitely was a lot less crowded in the evening. Overall was a very convenient place to be near. Going to be staying there again in a few months.
One of the highlights of Asakusa, by far, is Dave Bull's traditional Japanese printshop. He also streams on Twitch which is also cool to catch whenever possible :) Canadian guy that moved to Japan 30 or so years ago and has been doing the craft for decades and is actually quite popular and accomplished. I recommend it to everyone. He's doing excellent work keeping the historic art aspects of Japan alive. Sadly, it's a dying craft in its purest form and he does the best he can to keep it genuine as to how it's been done for centuries and is well versed in the processes and alot of the history involved. He's also a great guy that loves to talk, so that's also a plus.
Yes, visited his shop before the pandemic and had a good time attending a short print making workshop conducted by Dave! His passion is admirable and infectious. We bought a lot of prints as gifts for friends/family and to display at home.
@@馒头-s6s That's incredible! Awesome that you got to meet him :) One of the coolest, most talented and humble people on the planet in my opinion and definitely worth the time (and money).
Had a wonderful conversation with him about the impermanence of music an the legacy of curation. What an awesome guy
Really close to Asakusa there is also a traditional washi paper shop called 'watashino' if you're into crafts! You can get a course to try it yourself even and the shopkeepers are also super friendly :)
Can't believe the King of England and Emperor of Japan got to meet you in person.
And there was certainly no swesring when I met them.
@@AbroadinJapanA true honour, they got to meet Chris.
@@AbroadinJapan yeah, certainly... 😏
I bet Charles likes a good ol' swesr.
It’s like a magic.
The worst tourist traps in my home country would leave you without a phone, without a wallet, and possibly without your kidneys.
As someone who lives close to San Francisco I agree.
Exactly. In Japan, the worst that can happen to you is being 'scammed' by choosing the obviously overpriced product/service. And it's not even a proper scam, because they flat out advertise their stupid prices.
London?
Dworshia, have u also heard of the touts in japan? They’re these dudes that come up to u and say “hey we have cheap drinks” and take u to an obscure bar. But then the drinks are extremely expensive like $50 a drink or they drug u and u wake up with $3000 missing
@@MUSHIN_888 Ah, yes, I've read about the stories. The drug thing is extremely rare tho afaik. And no one should follow touts, anywhere, ever.
Higashi Honganji is such an underated temple in Kyoto. I literally checked it out during a rainy-day last year during my trip in Kyoto, and it was very peaceful and beautiful in the rain. It felt like I was transported into a movie or anime. I especially loved walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the architecture.
ざけんなよ。浄土真宗の聖地だぞ。仏教冒涜を許さない
I love these videos that show and talk about the real Japan rather than the idealised version that gets more easy clicks.
I spent 2 years in Japan and did a lot of touristy things in a lot of places, and I always found no matter how busy, touristy, famous, or overblown a place was, tourism in Japan is much more enjoyable, less offensive, and less blatantly predatory than anywhere else I’ve travelled.
So overall worth it ?
Sensouji temple might be a "tourist trap" but it does actually have some great places worth visiting in its immediate vicinity. Do not write the area off entirely.
@@missplainjane3905 Yes it's worth it
So if you are looking to have a slightly touristy time and don't mind a small price hike, it's a fun experience if you know what you are getting into? That's kind of what I have understood
Well said! People get scared off by these notions and there's just no need for it. Also even if a place is packed, you only have to endure it for a time, then can walk like 2 streets away from any of these places and it's nice and quiet again. It's really not a big deal!
I'm off to Japan from Canada next February and my youngest is in a wheelchair. As you were walking around Sensoji, I was wondering about navigating it with the kid. Getting a short testimonial from people using chairs was pretty unexpected and awesome. Thanks for that.
Ok not a wheelchair user myself but have travel around the city several times and have exerience helping family in wheelchairs (not in Kyoto thow) -
Kyoto is mostly flat but sloped areas can get quite steep, so make sure the breaks are good and may be worth having some form of roll-block just in case.
- Trasport -
*Busses* ~ dont remember many having wheelchair space.
*Train/Metro* ~ most stations i've been to have some form of lift access, just might be a little tricky to fined at times but dont be affade to as station staff. The Carages, most enough space for a wheelchair even if no dessignated area, but avoid work-time rush (the sardien meme exist!).
*Taxis* ~ Dont use very much so not sure, sorry.😅
- The Sights -
Area access should be fine, it will be entering older buildings/temples themselve that might by a the challeng... if viable, piggy-backs may be the simplest solusion.🤔
Feel free to DM me on intagram and I can try asking/putting you in touch with some local contacts if you like.🙂
(insta- Same name but different pic - white wolf, blue backround)
Hope this helps and best of luck.🍀
There is a UA-cam channel @KingKogi
that focuses on Japan and Korea and always mentions accessibility in the areas they go. Hope this can help you plan your trip!
@@donovanbachThank you! I actually reached out to Martina earlier this year and she gave me some great recommendations.
3/4 year wait for Japan trip sounds like torture. Feel like it's better to just do 3 month wait
My mom is in a wheelchair and I thought it was so sweet to see these people in chairs getting to still travel so far from home. I wish I could take my mom with me to Mexico where the rest of our family is, but that area isn't accessible. Have fun in Japan!
OMG!!! Those are my cousins Anna Marie and Michael @17:27. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw them on your channel. I am glad you got to meet them. They have such wonderful souls 🥰
Are they rich?
@@surft how does that come into context?
@@pannajohns5255he is just vain for that to be first question...
Is he a Zen priest? Soto Zen priests wear similar black robes
“I nearly fell out of my chair” I thought that was some kind of a dark joke but I’ll just leave it at that 💀
I really appreciate this video. Its great to see that the news articles are a bit exaggerated as I've been genuinely worried about re-visiting, but those worries are now squashed. Thanks again Chris!
My work colleague was recently in Japan for 2 weeks on holidays and she said it was really clean, beautiful, surprisingly devoid of large masses most of the time and the people were really respectful, despite the fact she only knows a handful of words in Japanese (She was also in Gion, Kyoto). Due to all the Articles and people on the internet telling you the situation in Japan is crazy I expect the worst, but she told me it’s not like that at all. I’m glad to hear the real boots-on-the-ground situation in Japan is actually relatively chill contrary to what a lot of people claim. Thank you Chris, continue the good work!
To be fair, Nishiki is a shell of its former self. It used to be predominantly fish mongers, fruit and veg shops and tsukimono pickle stores. Over the last ten years so many have closed down due to local restauranteurs and shop keepers stopping shopping there due to overcrowding.
Now it is full of shiny new craft ale, green tea, souvenir, fancy mochi, wagyu etc shops. It's nice for the tourists I guess. But it is no longer a functional market in the traditional sense.
Second this. I visited on a rainy day about 9 years ago and it was much quieter and much less trendy. Lots of pickles and fish and veg shops, plus some random shops like shoes and purses.
I third this. Visited in early 2000s and it was a world apart from what it is today.
I deadass thought this was gonna be a yakuza joke
I fourth this. I was there 32 years ago and revisited last year, excited to show my partner this fabulous market. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Complete tourist trap.
I spend some months in Kyoto last year and many places (that get recommended, anyway) felt like that. I think Nishiki and Kinkakuji were the worst though (didn't even try to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha, though it's probably similar). I hope that Kyoto can solve the overtourism problem somehow in the future.
I’ll be honest, you’re one of the very very few people I subscribe to, and one of the few UA-camrs that my wife tolerates, and your appropriately placed swesring is part of the reason for that. Keep the awesome content coming
I live right next to higashi temple so seeing you film there is so surreal! anyway, as a kyoto local, the overtourism does get pretty bad in the most central areas. however, the majority of kyoto is actually pretty quiet outside of those tourist hot spots. you can still absolutely find quiet, serene places to enjoy your day without getting caught up in a swarm of humanity (something that's happened to me several times when i visited shijo, unfortunately). i know kyoto has a bad rep when it comes to this kind of thing, but i personally still love it and i'm glad to call it my home.
I had the honor to life in Japan when I was a student many moons ago and I still visit Japan once in a while. While I was living far away from Kyoto, I always found this city to be my most favored destination. And as you said: There are so many places you can go and find yourself in a quiet place. But then of course it comes handy if you know at least a little Japanese. And by the way: The Higashi Temple always impresses me, I visit it each time I'm in Kyoto. It helps of course that it's so central.
I'm planning a trip to Japan in 2026 and Kyoto is on the list! But I know we definitely want to find more "hidden gems" rather than only stick to tourist hot spots. Do you think you recommend no-so-common places in the area to check out?
I live in Kyoto too! I try to avoid the tourist-y places as much as possible because they are simply not built to hold the sheer amount of people that visit. The crowds looked alright in the video but in my experience, April and July/August are the most packed. Gion-shijo, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu, Fushimi tend to be really packed. The trains heading to Fushimi are my least favourite because they are so so packed with not just tourists, but people going to Osaka
@@tbeth in my opinion it's best to just explore for yourself, but i know a trip might mean you have limited time to do so. i recommend kitayama for indie shops and beautiful views. the botanical gardens are right next to the station, and a bit further up there's takaragaike park, which is popular with locals. shodenji temple is also worth a stop! honestly, north kyoto in general is my absolute favourite place and usually tourist-free, so i highly recommend it. hope you enjoy your trip!
Solid investigation Chris! I visited Kyoto this May on a work trip, on a Wednesday, and the big locations varied considerably in crowds. Kiyomizu-dera temple and the paths leading up to and down from it were jam-packed, but most other locations were quite pleasant. The company I visited hired a Maiko for an afternoon to accompany us, which was lovely, but unfortunately for her, she joined us throughout that busiest portion - you can imagine the carnage. I was walking with her and observed the best and worst of international tourism - some, mostly Japanese, tourists watched respectfully from the side. Others literally ran up, leaned over her shoulder and took a selfie. I felt like a bodyguard at times, trying to fend them all off! PS - great tip about Asakusa when the shops aren't open. I accidentally visited one time in the morning before they opened - not that early either, I think it was only 9am ish - and it was deserted. Oh and you're right about Harajuku, any evidence of the fashion it's known for is long gone - I think it's a bit like visiting Carnaby Street or The King's Road in London today and hoping to enjoy the swinging sixties or punk 70's. Not a chance.
Yogi Berra, who is usually quoted as saying, "Nobody ever goes there anymore-it's too crowded."
there are so many shops in takeshita dori selling underground clothes, what are you saying ? 😂 did you take the time to go inside the shops and go upstairs ? there are countless treasures.
@@GaelleZelink But compared to before, it's not the same thing. It used to be a spot for alternative/underground and harajuku-style clothing but it has lost some of its flair over the years.
chris deserves an award for best intros tbh 👏🏿👏🏻👏🏾👏🏼👏🏽
The secret is less swesring
Less than 100 likes after 3 months lol
Hands down your best video thus far this year, interviewing people/ tourists is a nice added touch
Pre-2015 Tsukiji fish market was amazing. It was the first thing I visited on my first trip to Japan, a wonderful chaotic warren. So glad i got to go there in its old form.
It was undeniably epic. I'll never forget visiting at 4am and feeling like crap every single time while watching the tuna auctions.
You should have seen it in 1990!
It was even better in 1935! Man, you guys missed out!
You should've seen it in 1887, it was incredible!
It was even more amazing in 1804!
the sakura co sponsorship in this video is golden. why pay tourist trap price for food in japan when you can pay tourist trap price for food at your own home? lmao
Its great for people that wanna try stuff from Japan but can't afford an actual trip (its me, I'm the poor person)
I haven't watched Abroad in Japan for a few years now but I love how you always find ways to eat food. You are so good at that and i'm glad you are continuing to do what you love.
That woman trying to get that pic of that geisha was insane
Crazy right, I just showed it to my son, she literally blocked her pathway, I would have decked her!
Why?
@@Thuggerblonded first the geisha clearly doesn’t want to photographed and the woman is just looking insane trying to get pics of her… the woman isn’t a prop to be taken pictures of lol
@@Thuggerblonded Insanely inconsiderate.
@@TelekineticKhai Why?
I was waiting for this video! I saw you in tsukiji market (the guy in the gooneys shirt) when I was in Japan. Love the videos dude
Second Sensoji at night. We stayed a few streets away and went during the day when it was PACKED. I returned later that night around 8pm and it was really quiet, only a handful of individuals. The temple is beautifully lit by lanterns and lights so highly recommend!
If you go to Sensoji I'd say go in the evening after everything's shut. Far less people and the pictures come out lovely with it all illuminated
Totally agree. Some of the painted roller doors on the closed shops are beautiful too.
The evening is also when many of the better eateries open.
But I think Asakusa is fun to visit at any time... well, except for New Year's eve, and the first week of the year. Should you be in the area at that time and thinking about doing your New Year's prayer, go to any of the other 100+ Temples and Shrines, in walking distance from Asakusa.
went there at 6:30 in the morning two years ago, it was really beautiful and peaceful seeing the painted shutters with no crowds and the sun barely risen.
I think Chris should do a video showing the most accessible tourist locations - wheelchair/crutches mobility, presence of benches, etc
I would love this! I have a spinal injury that requires I take frequent rest breaks!
Maybe it can be a wacky weekend special where Connor has to push Chris around in a wheelchair for first hand experience.
I just came back to the US from a Japanese vacation yesterday, visited many of the places you highlighted in this video. (I'm a man in my 40's and I avoided Harajuku!) I loved Kyoto - I agree the beef skewers at Nishiki were disappointing but they have delicious creme brulee donuts there for 300 yen each. My best purchases at Nishiki were Japanese knives - I really liked Kikuichi. Overall though, my impression was that the typical tourist places were quite busy but if you go slightly off the beaten path even just 3-4 blocks away from the tourist areas, you get more authentic shops and restaurants and get better value for your money. The other thing that I'd recommend is if you want to see Mt. Fuji, rent a car. I rented one in Kawaguchiko and was able to see sights that weren't tour-bus laden over-crowded tourist markets (like Oshino Hakkai), and visited incredible waterfalls and quiet lakes with amazing views of Mt. Fuji.
PLEASE TURN THIS INTO A SERIES CHRIS PLEASE ITS SO GOOD
3:55 "It's delicious for people with gout, but please avoid it !!!" classic google translate
It's not that bad of a translation. It says: "To those suffering from gout, this is delicious, but please refrain from eating it."
@@aerox21091991 What was the Japanese word that translates in English gout?
@@aerox21091991 haha you're right, my bad i guess ? It is sea urchin, maybe that's why they tell people to avoid it. Still weird for them to tell people off a dish except if they have gout.
@@erzsebetkovacs2527 it says "痛風の方は美味しいけどご遠慮ください" : 痛風 = gout , 方 = person, 美味しいけど = good but , ご遠慮ください = refrain from it please. Hope that helps
@@JBouBei sea urchin and other food like liver can make gout worse
Love seeing the variety of viewers you run into. Your content really does appeal to everyone and love how everyone was super chill 😁
I'll be finally going to japan (after literally over 10 years of saving/wanting to.) and your videos are a godsend to me. Every single one mentions something ive not seen or heard of yet and I know id have missed so much if i hadnt started looking through your videos. Thank you for all the work you put into them!
Just got back from a two week trip to Japan. Visited Tokyo for five days and Kyoto for five days and most places were completely empty. We purposely scheduled during the rainy season and prayed for a good weather, and fortunately it only rained one day for us. The one day it did rain we went to the Arashiyama bamboo forest and it was completely empty until about lunchtime.
People seem to constantly complain about the heat and humidity, and tell people to never come in the summer, but compared to where we live in America, it was almost the exact same climate so it really was nothing new for us. (It was actually less humid and had lower temperatures than back home during our 2 week stay.) 27:54
I lived and worked in Kyoto for years and I can confirm that outside of golden week and the weekends, Kyoto is a really relaxed and calm place to visit and the crowds are mild during the week.
Many people travel to Kyoto even on weekends to escape the crowds in Osaka and relax. Even on the busiest times of year, if you get to know the city you can easily get around via the smaller back shopping streets and avoid the crowds easily. Kyoto was by far my favorite place to have lived in Japan and I lived in many different cities across the country. Kansai is a better place to live than Kanto. Its a very enjoyable and comfortable place to live. Tokyo is just too big and crowded, it feels stressful and you feel trapped in it. In Kansai its very easy to escape the cities.
the amount of work that goes into these is insane
12:44 that Megumin float.
HAHAHAHA NICE EYE
Did a double take when I saw it.
True men of culture built that
Best part of the video!!!
EXPLOSION!
I remember going to japan with a tour guide and we went through a ton of busy places but i didnt actually feel like its choking in people.
I just found something akin to there is harmony in chaos type of thing. Japan is just really beautiful, steeped in so much tradition.
I just came back from Japan a few weeks ago, and I can confirm Kyoto was weirdly quiet the day you went. Kiyomizudera was super crowded when I went on a Tuesday.
I’m not sure how busy Nara normally is, but I happened to go on a Monday and it was also pleasantly quiet-I almost didn’t go, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!
Nara is cool. Todaiji temple is quite the sight
I also just returned from my trip from Japan. You went to Japan in summer, so it’s mot as crowded as it used to be.
The highly quotable Yogi Berra: "Nobody ever goes there anymore - it's too crowded."
Lol
Who
That is indeed an awesome quote... I gotta remember this.
Pretty sure Yogi Bear said sometimes along the lines of 'Hey, hey, hey"....🤔😊
The most tourist trap-y place I ever found in Japan was Tsutenkaku tower. They almost elevate it to an art form, it's kind of awesome to behold in all its campy glory. Actually, I feel any "tower" in Japan is kinda iffy on the tourist trap scale... like Tokyo Tower or Skytree.
For me it was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion...You see it right away, it's alright, then you shuffle out of there with a million people for the next half an hour. Huge disappointment.
yokohama landmark tower and yokohama marine tower are great
That's common for towers for some reason. I used to live near Seattle, and the Space Needle was insane. Spent ten years up there and never once went up it. Too expensive, and most days there was a massive line.
Tokyo Tower has a cool history. It's made of recycled American tanks from the Korrean War!
@@Solarstormflare I second Landmark Tower. Yokohama seems a lot more laid back compared to Tokyo. And if I recall I don't think I've ever seen it get as busy as Skytree or Tokyo Tower
When we went to Tokyo last month, Asakusa was definitely the worst. Tourists in rental kimonos everywhere, taking pictures and videos right on the street, which is already small enough as it is. The only day we got very aggravated being there. Harajuku wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!
When the wife and travelled in 2019 we made it a point to look for the out of the way spots to eat and I can say it was never a bad experience. It also set us up to meet and interact with locals. We dropped in to a small place one morning and found a group of the local women as we found out having a weekly meal out together and we were quickly brought into the group and welcomed like old friends. Most of the busy tourist spots were over packed and left you feeling a bid intimidated. We found a small ramen place in a back street in Kyoto and again were treated like old friends. I cannot wait to go back and again explore outside the tourist guides. I hope it doesnt change too much before then.
Great vid as always! I spent two years in Japan and had a great time seeing all those touristy spots. The most interesting places were always the ones off the beaten trail. I stumbled upon A LOT of hole in the wall temples that I was able to get a stamp from. I love finding small spots that no one seems to pay attention to. It feels like discovering a real hidden treasure.
No idea what to write now. "Thanks for yet another video" seems a bit understated to a man who is wining and dining with royalty. "Thanks for all the fish" would have probably been appropriate once upon a time but now? Perhaps not. I suppose we have to go with: You're a great ambassador for the island nation of Japan, and thanks to you I will still come and visit one day. I would have before I knew of you but after years of watching your videos I still will. Unfortunately I'm stuck in the UK at the moment but I'll be closer soon, and then it's just a short hop to get there!
I can't believe he finally went to Tokyo Disney
I'll be damned.
with Aki
I think that wouldn't qualify because locals fall for that trap, too.
A true fairytale ✨️
thanks for basically planning my future trip to japan one day over the years. You've done a great job highlighting unknown finds and shown realistic expectations of what to avoid.
15:22 I was hoping to see you wear the mustache in the next shot, this would‘ve been peak comedy right there
One of the highlights of my Japan trip was meeting Chris in Asakusa,so glad Eddie and I made the cut for this video 15:53 . Thank you Chris san!
It's nice seeing this video just before my trip to Japan in a few day. I'm ready for big crowds but know what to expect.
If you can go to Hiroshima, and take a trip out to Miyajima
have fun!
@@SalisburyKarateClub Miyajima will be one of the main things on my trip
But then you visit the Dotonbori or any area close to Nanba in Osaka in the evening and you weren't ready at all to that amount of crowds. I have to go there several times a week and dread it every time. The old men on bicycles not giving a single damn and trying to plow right through the crowds (as if you're the one in the way) is just a cherry on top.
I love how different types of viewers you encounter. Everyone finds your information incredibly interesting, and I liked how laid back everyone was.
Actually loving this format!!
No Ambassador for British /Japanese relations with a personal friendship with royalty should put up with this kind of shoddy treatment,
That's what he has CDawg for.
OMG wish I watched this before we came - We loved Tokyo but Takeshita Street was the lowlight (I can’t believe it got onto our itinerary). We are now in Kanazawa thanks to you Chris and it’s AWESOME! Thanks for your amazing content - it was a major player in our trip and always enjoy your videos
I will be very sad if "abroad investigation" does not become a series. Its what we need, maybe not what we asked for but WHAT WE NEED!
Chris is the Earl of Japanese entertainment. So glad you found your way back to the roots ❣
The narration is the best!!
Do a tour of libraries next! Also, jazz or orchestra? Japan has some cool performances...
Just a few minutes in, but I can already tell that this is going to feel like a good ol classic video all the way through the end. Love these kind!
I love watching your videos while relaxing after a long day of work. Your humor is refreshing and entertaining.
I think it's fair to point out that for some people, the crowds and tourism are appealing. Not always of course, but sometimes it's a certain vibe that you can enjoy.
Hi, I feel this is the right time to give my point of view since I visited Kyoto last november (2023), and Kyoto was extremely busy, the experience was TERRIBLE, you couldn't even walk in the street where the last interviewee was talking about it being quiet.
Kiyomizu-dera and the adjacents roads were a nightmare to visit and i'm shocked by the low amount of people i've seen in this video, taking a picture was a battle between the 25 other tourist trying to grab one or putting themselves in front of the buildings. Heck even the part where you went to nishiki market made me cry because in Osaka walking in Shinsaibashi-suji road towards Ebishubashi bridge was 5x more crowded god damnit
You are describing the typical experience for visiting Kyoto in November. Advertised "best months" to visit are March through May and September through November.
That said, November is said to be the second most popular time to visit -- only second to Spring cherry blossoms.
I was also in Kyoto in November (last few weeks)...I didn't have the crowd issue at all, but I hit most of the tourist spots at 6:30-10:00a.m. As i left the Arashiyama area there were buses full of people arriving so I guess I just timed it right. 😅 Going again in March next year, somehow I doubt I will be as lucky, but honestly being the only obvious Tourist out there was at times uncomfortable, so might be a nice change.
I am glad you cut back on the swesring. Shows real growth
Another great video, Chris! I loved the impromptu interviews with both shop owners and viewers! Also, American Pete is always a nice bonus 🙌
Thank you for this amazing video, Chris. Truly gives a lot of relief for someone who is planning a trip to Japan
Yogi Berra, who is usually quoted as saying, "Nobody ever goes there anymore-it's too crowded."
Just a quick note: Japan's best, most wonderful, seriously f-ing amazing tourist trap is (drum roll):
Meiji Mura.
Outside of Nagoya, it's a theme park in which every single thing there is a real thing from the Meiji period that was lovingly and painstakingly brought there and reassembled.
It really is amazingly wonderful. Buildings, a jail, a lighthouse, a steam engine train, a tram.
They even have the reflecting pool, facade, front entrance, and coffe shop from Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel. (The contract, design, and plans for it were completed in the Meiji period, but the emperor died, so it was built in the Taisho period. A bit of a cheat, you could say, but it's gorgeous.)
I love this new type of series Chris! Please do more of these!
"Maybe its Monday"
Chris casually stealing what the locals were saying and getting people to agree with him LMAO
Top detective work 😂
In early/mid 20's Asakusa was not so crowded. Neither was Harajuku. Back then, we had to actually use a map to get about. Not Google map. It was the greatest adventure for us. Just guys from Finland living their dream being in Japan.
Love your content, Chris! You legit got me through countless quarantines in '21 and '22, and through thousands, thousands, and thousands utterly endless book editing and reviews. 🙏 Thank you for the cheeky, funny, interesting, lively, fun, wholesome and genuinely creative content!
I stayed in Asakusa with my 16 year old son and he loved it because he was able to roam around solo and game at Taito Station, visit the Hanayashiki amusement park, spend money at Don Quijote and visit cat cafes. There's also a water taxi stop in Asakusa that takes you to Odaiba. Yes it's touristy but it's fun and convenient with lots to do. There's also smaller temples and parks in the neighborhood where you can enjoy quiet time away from the crowds. I agree though that if you're interested in seeing the temple it's better to visit at night.
8:58 the girls in the back repeating it LOLLLL
Loooool
yeah yeah
I think, givem the quick way they said it, it was a massive coincidence that they too were saying "yeah", but that would be a little funny if they were parotting her 😅
Yeah!
LOOOOL
I didn't even realize that XD
I'm visiting Tokyo in August, so this video was perfect timing to see how crowded these places actually are! Thanks Chris!
Prepare for heatstroke. I went in August and got so sick from heat. Be careful!
I really liked the investigative and informative style of video
Excellent video Chris, I really appreciate all the work you put into these mate.
Man, my "Japan!" playlist will soon tear apart from the sheer amount your useful videos I keep there... Good job as always, take care!
My God Chris... This video was"next" level. Thought I was watching this on Netflix or Discovery channel. Love it!! 😊
17:54 Chris always knows just what to say. "I feel so bad standing here"
9:53 "Tastes pretty good actually". I'm glad Pete was there to point out that it is just pure sugar and therefore would be expected to taste pretty decent.
I had the best time in Gion, in a bar partying all night long with the staff and other customers, drinking, playing darts and singing karaoke without even speaking japanese... Power of alchool and italian skill to communicate with hands
Did they even play the song “Dupe - Mbappe” there ?
12:44 EXPLOSIOOOOOON!
OOSIOOON!
The Crimson Demon hath wrought her machinations on this town once more. 💥
You're a natural, keep doing what you do
Both Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market were pretty packed in April when I ended up visiting on two separate occasions, so I think the season has a lot do with over-tourism in Kyoto - spring is primetime because of sakura, summer is quieter because of rain and heat, and autumn and winter are the best times to visit for the smallest crowds.
Wow. Our first day of an organised tour of Japan. Can't wait to test your work!
Not enough swesring
I approve of Detective Chris going out there to debunk tourist traps. More of Detective Chris!
05:23 Beautiful nails, Chris.
Asakusa was amazing even when it was crowded. I ate there the worst dango ever but also the best shaved ice.
We got the strawberry daifuku from the place Chris did at Nishiki Market - good stuff! We also got candied fries at the stall he walks past in the video. We were there on a Thursday afternoon in October last year, and it was substantially more busy that it was when Chris visited on a Monday! Likewise Kiyomizudera and Gion. That said, the only place that really felt overcrowded was Nishiki; the second-most crowded was Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), though that was mostly Chinese tourists coming on bus tours.
Another great video! I was in Japan a month ago and didn't have any problems with the crowds, except for 1 moment. Sensoji temple was the worst I ever experienced there. It was on a Friday so not even weekend. It took us almost an hour to make it from one end of the shopping street to the other without looking at the shops because we had a stroller with us and people kept tripping over it (specially the Chinese tourists).
For the rest had no problems with crowds. I did have problems with people misbehaving (again mentioning the Chinese tourists). And with peoples walking on a busy sidewalk locked in on theire phone.
PLEASE don’t stop swesring.
Yes please keep swearing 😢
Honestly Chris, I think your videos are one of the things I look forward to the most each week!
Defintely puts a smile on my face!
we were in kyoto at the end of may one year and it was great for crowd size and it only rained 1 day we were there. coming from vancouver thats noothhinnng.
I’ve never been so early for a video before. Im weirdly proud of myself.
As you should be!
With plummeting yen and gloomy economic predictions, surely now is not the best time to be upset with the flood of tourists?
Japanese don't associate tourism with their economic growth. They can't put 2 and 2 together. They just see tourists as a nuisance who keep coming to Japan for some weird unknown reason (and dare not to behave according to their insanely strict made-up societal norms). There's no understanding of the fact that people outside Japan grow up in completely different environments with different values. So any slightly different behavior from their own, like your body language or they way you talk makes them freak out internally and you won't even know or notice you've done something "horrible" and caused them an inconvenience by just simply being a foreigner.
I just love the polished level of quality that all your videos have, 12/10. Ryotaro should take some notes.
I lived in Japan for 1 year pre-Covid and did all the typical touristy things during that time. Now I have the luxury of having some friends that live in and around Tokyo and while I'm still a tourist of course when I visit, being able to experience the city in a much less touristy fashion is super nice. One friend lives near Asakusa and I usually always spend a few nights at her place when I vist, so now that whole area feels almost like a second home than a tourist spot for me. It's super interesting to be able to see all that in a different light.
Loved it. Didn't want the video to end!
Quite the interesting video idea, I’d watch this happily as a series. It hadn’t really occurred to me how pricey some places could be so I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for this.
I love the hilarious edited shots in-between.
Hey Chris you probably won't see this, but I just wanted to say that I recently studied in Japan for a month. Honestly my favorite part of Japan was my 1 week home stay with my host family. It's allocated in an area near Tomio Station in Nara, a very quiet and down-to-earth area. I went to so many places with beautiful scenery in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, and Chiba, but none of them struck the same as that small town.
I loved the tourist stuff in Japan and what it had to offer, but there's so much more depth the places outside of them. When I doing my stay in Tokyo, Ueno captured my heart way more than Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Asakusa, Harajuku, Akiba, etc. (I know Ueno in itself is a populated area, but not as well talked about).
What I'm trying to get at is, these tourist sites definitely have their purposes and things to offer, but they only scratch the surface of what made Japan so special for me. I'm definitely going to study for a full year when I can and experience that medial life a bit more.