Winter in Japan: Thrift Deals, Snow Tires & Onsen Bliss
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- It is time to get snow tyres (studless tyres) on my Suzuki Every Kei van so that I can drive on snowy roads. My parents arrive from Australia so we also go thrift shopping for some warm Japanese clothes and find some awesome bargains. Finally we visit an Onsen after driving down the coast road in Wakayama.
Book Nook ~ Here is a link to the shop I found: amzn.to/4iKpTjY
If you are new to the channel, my name is Chani and I am a middle aged Australian who was stuck in a rut and moved to Japan to live. I bought an Akiya or empty house and started renovating. I'd love it if you joined the community.
🇯🇵I also have a website where I offer Japanese Language Courses, One on One Consultations and a Japanese Blog. www.chanijapan... 🇯🇵
☕️ Thanks for all your support of the channel, I really appreciate it so much. If you would like to help me continue to make videos and support my ability to keep the channel going, here is the link:
ko-fi.com/chan... ☕️
I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀
@ChaniJapan
It's so special that your parents came to visit you at Christmas. Lovely parents.
I’m very lucky to have them travel here! 🥰 Thank you ❤️🎄
And you can go home for the Australian winter in 6 months when it won't be sweltering there.
This whole video. Everything. From superb service to little models and Millie fixing futons; thrift store delights and Mom and Dad. What a blessing to still have a Mom and Dad.
Yes! All the above! I just started learning the language and I was thrilled to understand "Kakkoii" (cool!) when you were getting the snow tires put on. A warm welcome to your lovely parents--I hope you all have a wonderful visit.
I am very lucky to have them here. ❤️Thank you for your kind comment 😃
Some winter driving tips:
-Leave lots of room to the car ahead of you.
-Always do your braking in a straight line (IE slow down before corners, dont touch pedal while on corner)
-When you first get on the road for the day, "test" the conditions by braking hard in a safe area so you know how much grip it has (can change hourly as sun moves)
-In areas with a rough crust of ice, lower your air pressure 1-2psi so the tire flexes to conform to the shapes better
-Go to a flat, clear parking lot and "do doughnuts". It's important to learn what it feels like to lose control, and how to recover.
I really appreciate these tips. Thank you so much. I have never tried driving in snow. I think I'll do exactly as you say. I really need to try it out somewhere as you say to get a feel for it.
Can you get someone to teach you how to handle a car in snow? Our Canadian dads usually did this in empty parking lots so that we could learn to correctly steer out of a skid and so on. It's also good to be aware of where you might encounter black ice--not visible to the eye, but sometimes lethal.
I've always imagined my car as a giant ice skate and driven accordingly! A little gas to push the car along and plenty of room and time to gently come to a stop.
Seconding all these tips and adding one: in a standard transmission, you can take off in second gear instead of first to get more traction on snowy/icy roads. Used to do that all the time in the city!
@susanma4899 It's an excellent approach to winter driving- visualizing the car as a giant ice skate. I wonder if Chani has ever ice skated (in an indoor rink).
Again what sensation service by the Tyre team. You can tell the way he talks to you, gives you insight re the hoist, shows magnetic screws etc. Japan is WAY AHEAD of customer service. Loved this xxx
It was so cool seeing the process! The branch manager personally looked after me. Really friendly guy.
The one piece of advice I have for winter driving is if you go on any salted roads visit an underbody car wash afterwards to wash the salt off to prevent rust.
That is great advice, thank you! I see they have bags of salt ready in the side of the road. I never thought to wash the car after. Thank you ❤️
chaniさん
先日は有難う御座いました
タイヤの調子はどうですか
煙樹ヶ浜にも行ったんですね
定期的にタイヤの空気圧点検に
立ち寄ってください
お待ちしています😊
ありがとうございます 😊 I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing you in March. 煙樹ヶ浜は素晴らしかった❤️🚙
What a lovely person you are. Chani is lucky to have you looking out for her!
Hello, I’m a newcomer here. Your English is easy to understand for us whose native language is not English. A foreigner lives here alone ? Wow. Incredible ! I wish your life in Japan was comfortable. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time ♬ God bless you.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you are enjoying my channel 😊
i love how Millie is watching you so attentively while you put the book nook together 😅🥰
Anything new needs her inspection and approval 🤣
I just love your channel, each video is unique and interesting, and I love that you show life for an older person instead of most channels just showing young 20 year old life
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoy the channel and that it's different to the norm. 😊
Love to see Millie supervising. I am sure she wants Grandma and Grandpa to be comfortable.💜
I enjoyed the mixture of informative, heartwarming, fun, and beautiful, content of this video. I hope you all have a happy Christmas.
I NEED to say that: your parents are lovely! Your Mom is so beautiful, with the brightest smile ever - and your dad is such a handsome, charming gentleman! Best wishes to the whole family from Germany. :)
Thanks, very kind of you ❤️Best wishes to you too🎄❤️
Oh Millie you can and will be having cuddle huggy times with grandma!!!!!
Grandma brought her many treats. 😽😽😽
Oh my gosh. We definitely need a millie Chrismas present video😂
that hotel view was BEAUTIFUL !
Really nice view from all the rooms in that hotel !
My mechanics here (in NH, USA) also wrap up the tires for me when I have to change them, seasonally. Interestingly enough this courtesy seems more common in the rural areas of the state than in the cities. But it might just be a coincidence.
I just bought Dunlop’s for my bicycle
13:11 I am again so grateful to you for sharing your adventures and your lovely family. I hope your Christmas 🎄 is extra special with family gathering around. I also hope that the weather stays clear with maybe a little ⛄️ snow for the holiday.
Happy holidays!🎄❄️
Thrift shopping, great! What fun to have your parents there.😊😊😊
Another lovely video! I hope your parents have a great time!
I also wanted to say that the dowel idea for your wood work is brilliant!
Thank you. Being able to remove the bed was key to the design. The only way around it was the dowel. ❤️😃
I don't think I've ever been to any tire shop that's even half as beautiful as that one.
Aw, so so lovely! Go Dad, stylin’in the TH ! Your folks are gorgeous. Hahaha calling them the oldies-so Aussie! ❤
It’s nice to have them here for the winter. 😊
I’m learning English with your videos😊
I hope they are helping! 😊
Another enjoyable video. Your parents seem lovely and what beautiful hair your Mother has!
Thanks, she's always had great hair! 😄
Piensan en todo! Serviciales y prácticos ❤
Qué lindo que tus padres estén tan bien y puedan acompañarte! ❤❤
Thanks!
Thank you and Merry Christmas ❤️🎄
It's so lovely to spend time in your new home, your new land, with your parents, especially at this time of year. And what a wonderful thrift store (or second hand shop as we say in the UK). Some bargains in there. I do hope your parents had a wonderful time.
Thank you so much! It’s great to have them here this time of year 🎄❤️
Wonderful to meet your lovely parents. Happy Holidays to you too. See you in the New Year!
Happy Holidays to you too! See you next year! 😊
Glad your Mom and Dad are staying with you for Christmas which makes it extra special. They look like a fun loving couple. Beautiful views from the hotel in Wakayama too. I'm glad the guest room passed Millie's specifications! ♥♥♥
They are really happy to be here for Christmas. ❤️
Merry Christmas to you, your parents, and Milly🎄🐾
Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄🐾
Really enjoying your vlogs. Just fascinating how life is in Japan. From housewares, bedding, your cute Suzuki and more. Thanks for sharing your life and lovely parents. Happy Holidays, New Year🌲🎄🌟🎉
Thank you so much! It’s great to share with you.
I grew up driving in snow. I think you should practice throwing on your brakes in a parking lot without cars. Feel what it’s like to slide. Always turn your wheel towards the slide. It seems wrong, but it’s correct. Practice will make you feel more confident.it’s not difficult, it’s just new.
Thanks so much. I need a lot of practice. I will give it a go in a snowy carpark or something to see how it feels. I appreciate the tip.
Great suggestion! I totally agree. That first time you slide is a nervous one.
Merry Christmas Chani
Merry Christmas ❤️🎄
You could, of course, check to see if there's a train trip up in the mountains if you want to visit snow. Much safer than driving and less stressful 😊Merry Christmas to you and your family. Give Milly a scritch from me❤
Yes. There are trains but I’m keen to have a drive in the snow ❄️🚙
@ChaniJapan we don't get much snow here in South Carolina either so I don't blame you! Have fun and be safe 🥰
Wow! The onsen looks incredible. The view is beautiful 😍 Nice to see your parents looking so well.
Merry Christmas 🎅
It’s a really nice onsen with a great view! ❤️
That magnetic plate is so smart! I love anything with magnets!
Really clever.
So happy for you and your parents getting to spend the holidays together in Japan! Truly a blessing for Everyone! Wishing you and your parents Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Boxing Day on the Beach! ❤😍🎄🎁
Thank you so much! It’s wonderful to have them here! 🥰🎄 and YES it will be a cold but hopefully fun Boxing Day BBQ on the beach! Have a wonderful holiday ♥️👋
Great to have the car to be able to drive your parents around. It'll take the stress out of travelling for them. I'm on holiday in Kyoto now. :)
If you like to camp here's one of my favorite things to eat is breakfast burritos . If you can find tortillas, get some sausage, egg and hash brown potatoes. Fry up all ingredients and put them into the tortilla and add some grated cheese roll it all up and fry in pan on 2 sides until slightly browned . Add your favorite sauce and chow .😊
Sounds delicious! 😋
This is such a brilliant video, I love that your parents are visiting, you are a wonderful daughter.
Thanks, I am so glad they are here for the holidays! 😊
Great update. This time last year we had our son & family back in Hakuba with us for 5 days. Granddaughter Izzy’s first time in snow was priceless. We had to change to change to snow tyres but easier with 2 people in our garage.
So clean!! And respectful 🌞
That's cool that the tire guy let you on the floor to observe the repairs. In the US shops won't let you "on the floor" for safety (insurance) purposes. That green area around the car is what I'm talking about.
It was their official day off. I was allowed on the floor under supervision. I was really glad I could see what happens 😃
Lovely to 'meet' your parents Chani. I thought they looked cool at the airport (your mum's hair), then i was very pleasantly surprised that they are vegetarian. Me too. Have a fantastic time together, happy holidays! 🍻✌🏼🌻
Thank you so much! Happy holidays ❤️👋
8:35 those wooden models are great. My daughter also likes the paper models - we bought a bunch when we visited in November. The detail is crazy.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family 🌲
Happy holidays!
Best wishes to You and your parents! Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you for the another insights from Japan.
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too 🎄❤️
It's sad that even with the tires you can't travel to certain places. Your cat is so cute! I hope your family visit was wonderful.
I've always considered moving abroad but I can't get over the fear of my family feeling like I've abandoned them, especially my senior parents. Maybe in future videos you can address how to overcome feelings of guilt when moving far away.
You mention a very important topic ❤️ Moving away from family is a very hard thing.
We moved back to NZ because of this guilt. My Mum has MS so visiting would be impossible for her. We also felt we were depriving them of time with their grandchild. However, we're on holiday in Japan today and this evening we're going out to dinner with our son's (honorary) Japanese grandparents.
Happy Holidays to the Aussies in Japan🎉🎉
We will try and have an Aussie BBQ on the beach
Hi, I just got back last week from my month in Japan. You are so correct about service. Everyone is so kind and goes above and beyond. I with the US would get on board with some of their practices. Also, when driving on snow when going up hill try to not go below 25 mph. If you hit a patch of thawed and refrozen snow or ice you won’t make it up even a small hill. Also, if you don’t have an ice scraper with brush you should consider getting one in case your car is outside. Get one with a long handle. Love your videos.
Happy holidays to you, Millie and Mom and Dad❤
I am definitely getting the wooden puzzle!!! Christmas gift from me to me 💖
Such a great gift! 😊 I had a lot of fun making it.
So lovely to see your parents enjoying themselves with you! Marry Christmas Chani 🎄
Merry Christmas! It’s always great to spend time with them. ❤️🎄
Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas 🎄 🎉 I look forward to catching up with your videos in the new year ❤
Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄❄️
The tires look so good!! So fun with mom and dad!!
I love putting book books together!! I’m going to be doing a coffee house one shortly! That one is really super cute!
❤❤❤ How nice- have fun with your parents. Happy holidays🎄
Happy Holidays to you too!
Happy Christmas, Chani - been great following your life this year, and 50k followers now! Richly deserved. 😊
Thank you! 😊
You took them to eat okonomiyaki! You are truly an A+ daughter!
Happy Christmas Chani. Hope you have a lovely time with your parents.
Thank you! I’m spending the holiday with them, it’s been lovely. 😊
Merry Christmas to you, Millie, and your Mum & Dad, Chani. What a great video. I just put my son on a plane back to Australia tonight (we've had 8 days together in Tokyo) and he was constantly blown away by the service here. Your winter tyre experience epitomised this.
That onsen looks amazing and your parents are adorable! Have a wonderful time together. I hope to see you soon! x
Lovely video. Have a very merry Christmas and enjoy all the holiday spirit. So glad your parents are with you to celebrate.
Happy holidays! I’m very glad they are here ❤️🎄
Wonderful to see your parents visiting and celebrating the holidays with you. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday.
Happy holidays to you as well! 😊🎄
When I was working as a missionary in Japan, we would have winter retreats at a cabin at the top of Mt. Akagi. We would have to put chains on our tires in order to go up the mountain. I grew up in snowy South Dakota. My dad taught me that you never step on the brake, nor the accelerator, quickly. When you are trying to slow down, do so slowly and gently. Put your car gear into neutral in order to come to a gentle stop so that you won't slide.
I bet your parents will love Japan, my son has gone to Japan (Tuesday) for a 3 week visit. So far he's loving it.
Wonderful ❤️
ミリーたん、かわいい☺️
😽
So glad your parents are visiting, enjoy each other. Greetings from Malta
Thank you so much! Hi there in Malta 👋
What a joy! Thank you for sharing this with us. So happy your parents are visiting.
They are really happy to be here ❤️🎄
Great video, having the family is the best. I’m a little bit sad that my daughter is not going to be with me for Christmas. Enjoy your parents as much as you can and have fun and make memories ❤
I understand about your daughter ❤️My youngest son will arrive soon but my eldest son can’t make it so I will miss him.
I just recently discovered your channel. So soothing.... I love everything about it.
Mom and dad looks great! I'm very excited for my next visit to Japan, I can't wait to check out the thrift stores!
I think you will love the thrift stores! 😃
Fabulous! Thank you
Goodness I would love to be let loose in that second hand store ❤️
Amazing 🔵 What a good removal bed inside the car 🔵🥸🇯🇵
Happy Holidays to you and your family, and a Meowy Christmas to Millie.🎄
Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you too! 🥰🎄
Have a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas ❤️🎄
i really like this channel very much..keep up the good work
Thank you very much! ♥️
Very interesting video, good to see yr parents sharing Japan. Very best wishes for Christmas, thank you for yr lovely videos.
Thank you so much! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too!🎄❤️
Getting tires in Japan seem much better than the US. There's no wrapping up the summer tires for you or anything, plus the staff seem much nicer. It's good you got wheels and tires for your winter tires so they're easiesr (and most likely less expensive) to switch between seasons. I don't know many people in my Midwestern US area that switch tires for the season because the wheels and winter tires are so expensive here and you have to pay each time to get them removed/put on each time. It was also great to see your parents! What a fantastic video as always!
Thank you for this video and Merry Christmas too. Your parents are very cool and nice. The service in Japan is really incredible. I also had some wonderful experiences when I was in Japan this year that I could hardly believe.🎄
Happy holidays!🎄❤️
Absolutely love watching your videos, they are so calming and soothing .
It’s also fascinating to watch the day to day details of life in Japan that most people don’t show you , as well as daily interactions with local people.
I just got back from Japan and that was my favourite part- small conversations with local people about random things. 😊
Merry Christmas to you and your family - and to Millie !
Merry Christmas! I'm so glad you had such a great time in Japan. 🥰
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family ! Your fans from Hong Kong ❤
Merry Christmas to you too! Thank you for your kind wishes!
As always, thank you for sharing your life with us! So happy you have your parents with you now 🙂
Thank you for watching! It's so nice to have them here! ❤️
Love your van, so cute! Gorgeous coastline
It’s a great car to explore the country in.
Hi Chani. Thank you for another excellent video 😊. Driving in the snow ❄️ can be difficult at first, so here are a few tips:
1. Drive slowly and make sure you keep your distance with the car in front.
2. Try to slow down using your gears, and avoid using the break as much as possible.
3. If you hit black ice (you won't see it on the road), stay calm and try to control the movement of your car using your steering wheel and handbrake. It happened to me once and I ended doing a 180° turn. Luckily, I didn't hit anything 😅.
4. If you struggle to move out of a parking spot, keep going up a gear until your tyres grip, then adjust accordingly. I came out of work one day after it had been snowing all day. I had to put my car in 4th gear in order to get it out of the spot 😂.
I hope that you, Millie 😻 and your mum and dad have a great Christmas 🎄 and a prosperous New Year 🎉🎊❤️. Thank you for all your 2024 videos 😊
Great tips! Thanks so much. I’m carefully reading all the tips on driving in snow. I’m keen to give it a go. ❄️🚙
You're welcome. Don't forget extra food and drinks). When I was learning to drive it snowed heavily on the day of my driving lesson. My driving instructor was a retired traffic policeman. He didn't want to waste the lesson (due to all the excess traffic that accumulates as a result), so we went to an empty car park on an industrial estate. He taught me how to drive in the snow, brake in the snow and how to do handbrake turns. I was nervous at first but I really enjoyed it in the end. A real girl racer 😂😂. Take care Chani 🫶
Great story thanks for sharing family Christmas adventures - Merry Christmas 💛
Merry Christmas! ❤️🎄
Beautiful video, Chani! Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family x
Not to be weird but my goodness your smile is just so absolutely beautiful and bright! Your teeth are so perfect. Wow. Lots of love and God's blessings to you and your family 💛
I am really enjoying your style of videos! It so refreshing and different from other Japan bloggers!
That’s so nice of you to say. I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Happy Holidays. You are lucky to still have your parents, and together.
Again, this is a most interesting video. I love watching and learning. I hope your parents enjoy their visit with you. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! 😊🎄
Here are some winter driving tips from my 50 years of experience in Canadia . Drive slow. Keep a safe distance from the car in front. For a sudden stop, gently pump the brakes to come to a stop. Do not lock your brakes by one hard pushing the brakes to the floor.
If the car slides, gently pump the brakes while steering the car to the opposite of the slide.....like a zigzag motion. Safe drive 🚗
Thanks for the tips! I really need to get some practice in.
@@ChaniJapan Picture worth a thousand words. Just saw this video on Dan Robinson's channel : How to correct a slid on an icy road.
Hope this can help.
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Chani!
Thank you so much! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season too. 😊🎄
Oooh, lovely! Hope you enjoyed your time with Family ✨✌️🎄🙌
Merry Christmas 🎄❄️
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
Merry Christmas everyone !
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
😊Merry Christmas from New Zealand!☺
Thank you, Merry Christmas from here too! 👋
Happy Christmas 🎄 loved the video!
Thanks for watching! 🎄
Merry Christmas! 🎉✨🎆🎄Hopefully everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday times.
Happy holidays! ❤️🎄
How wonderful that your parents visit for Christmas. I hope you all have a beautiful time together. 😊❤
Thank you so much! It’s a truly special time to have them here.🥰
This video was a great surprise. we’ve been planning a trip to Osaka in January and wanted to go to mt koya as well. Seeing folks talk about the snow weather conditions made me feel connected to you in such a nice way ☺️ even the beach hotel was one my husband recommended we should try. we have been planning on moving to Japan to be around Osaka area and are using this holiday to get a better feel for the area ❤ who knows we might actually get to be there at some point 🥹
You should! I think you’ll love the hotel. 🎄❤️
Your parents are so lovely! Looks like a wonderful visit ❤
They are really happy to be here for the holidays. 🎄❤️
So lovely to see you’re having a wonderful time with your beautiful parents. Your mother’s hair is amazing 🤩 Wishing you all happy and joyful holidays together 🎉🎉💚
Yes. She has embraced her white hair ❤️
@@ChaniJapan Lovely!
She is one gorgeous inspiring lady 😍😊