I Spent a Day at Japan's Worst Tourist Trap

Summary

In this investigative journey, the host explores Japan's notorious tourist traps to assess the reality behind sensational headlines about 'over tourism.' Visiting iconic locations like Tsukiji Outer Market, Harajuku, and Kyoto's Nishiki Market, the host discovers that while some spots may be overpriced or crowded, the overall experience remains enjoyable with the right approach. The video offers practical tips for travelers, including visiting on weekdays and avoiding overhyped foods, concluding that Japan's tourist spots are still worth exploring despite the hype.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The video discusses the concept of 'over tourism' in Japan, highlighting the sensationalized media portrayal and contrasting it with the actual experiences on the ground.
• 😱 The script humorously introduces the idea of a 'worst word' in Japanese, which turns out to be 'over tourism', playing on the audience's curiosity and expectations.
• 📰 The video references various sensational headlines about issues in Japan, such as overcrowding and health scares, to illustrate the disconnect between news and reality.
• 🤔 The narrator embarks on an investigation to explore tourist traps in Japan, aiming to assess whether they live up to their negative reputations.
• 🍣 The Tsukiji Outer Market is presented as a bustling food destination with some overpriced items, but also offers reasonable deals if you know where to look.
• 👘 Harajuku is depicted as a polarizing location, with the narrator disliking it for its commercialism but acknowledging that others may find it enjoyable.
• 🍢 The script humorously describes trying various street foods, some of which are overpriced or not as expected, reflecting the hit-or-miss nature of food tourism.
• 🏯 Asakusa is portrayed as a mix of cultural heritage and touristy shops, suggesting that while it can be crowded, it still holds charm for some visitors.
• 🍶 Nishiki Market in Kyoto is recommended as a place to avoid on weekends due to crowds, but it offers a unique experience with a variety of food and drink.
• 🏞️ Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, has implemented measures to protect its cultural integrity, showing a response to over tourism and the importance of respect for local customs.
• 🤑 A key lesson from the video is to be wary of overpriced items, particularly 'Kobe beef', and to seek value for money when exploring tourist destinations.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is an exploration of the concept of 'over tourism' in Japan, particularly focusing on the experiences at various tourist traps and the reality versus the sensationalized media portrayal.

What is the 'worst word' in the Japanese dictionary mentioned in the script?

The 'worst word' mentioned in the script is 'over tourism,' which the speaker humorously describes as hideous and disgusting, but then reveals to be a literal term for the excessive number of tourists in an area.

What are some of the sensational headlines mentioned in the script that contribute to the fear of over tourism in Japan?

Some of the sensational headlines mentioned include 'The Great Mount Fuji blocked by a wall of foreigners,' 'foreigners riding and crashing go-karts in Tokyo,' and 'a flesh-eating bacteria spreading among the masses.'

What is the actual number of cases of the flesh-eating bacteria in Japan in the first half of 2012, according to the script?

According to the script, there were 977 cases of the flesh-eating bacteria in the first half of 2012 out of 125 million people.

What is the name of the snack box service mentioned in the script?

The name of the snack box service mentioned in the script is 'sakuro,' which offers a monthly subscription box of Japanese artisan snacks.

What are the five tourist traps visited in the script?

The five tourist traps visited in the script are Tsukiji Outer Market, Harajuku, Asakusa, Nishi Market in Kyoto, and Gion in Kyoto.

What is the main criticism of Tsukiji Outer Market in the script?

The main criticism of Tsukiji Outer Market in the script is the high prices of certain food items, particularly the 'inbound dog' rice bowls, which are overpriced compared to regular prices in Tokyo.

What is the general feeling towards Harajuku expressed in the script?

The general feeling towards Harajuku expressed in the script is one of disdain, with the speaker describing it as standing against everything they believe in, including shopping, fashion, and fun.

What is the surprising revelation about the crowds at Nishi Market in Kyoto?

The surprising revelation about the crowds at Nishi Market in Kyoto is that it is not as crowded as expected, and the market is actually quite calm, especially on weekdays.

What advice does the script provide for visiting Kyoto?

The script advises to avoid Kyoto on weekends as it is less crowded on weekdays. It also suggests visiting during the rainy season in June, as it is less crowded, and not to spend too much money on overpriced Kobe beef.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ The Scourge of Overtourism in Japan

The speaker humorously addresses the concept of 'overtourism' in Japan, highlighting sensationalized media headlines that exaggerate the negative effects of tourism. They express skepticism about these stories and decide to investigate the reality of five major tourist spots in Japan, including Tsukiji Outer Market, Harajuku, and others, to see if they live up to their apocalyptic reputations. The tone is light-hearted, with a promise to engage with fellow travelers and share their perspectives.

05:01

🍣 Tsukiji Outer Market: Overpriced Delicacies?

The speaker visits Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its street food, and investigates claims of inflated prices due to tourism. They compare the cost of items like 'inbound don' and 'fatty tuna slices' to their usual prices in Tokyo, finding them significantly more expensive. Despite this, they find some reasonably priced food like unagi eel and discuss the overall experience, including the market's atmosphere and the impact of the new Toyosu Market on its customer base.

10:03

🛍️ Harajuku: A Fashionable Fiasco?

The speaker and a companion explore Harajuku, a district known for its unique fashion and culture, which the speaker dislikes. They humorously navigate the area, trying local street food and engaging with viewers who have a more positive view of the district. Despite their initial disdain, they find enjoyment in the experience, suggesting that Harajuku may be overhyped but still holds a certain appeal for some visitors.

15:03

🌈 Harajuku's Rainbow Cheese Sandwich: A Taste of Color or Culinary Catastrophe?

The speaker tries a colorful rainbow cheese sandwich in Harajuku, a dish that seems more about appearance than taste. They express disappointment with the quality of the food, likening it to an 'edible form of plastic' rather than actual cheese. This experience adds to their critique of Harajuku's overhyped food scene and contributes to their overall impression of the district.

20:04

🏮 Asakusa: Temples, Shrines, and the Taste of Tradition

The speaker visits Asakusa, known for the Senso-ji Temple and its bustling Nakamise shopping street. They discuss the crowded atmosphere and the commercialization of the area but also find enjoyment in the traditional Japanese snacks and the quieter side streets. They suggest visiting in the evening for a more peaceful experience and highlight the balance between cultural appreciation and touristic commercialization.

25:05

🍢 Nishiki Market: A Foodie's Paradise or Pricey Trap?

The speaker visits Nishiki Market in Kyoto, expecting it to be extremely crowded but finding it surprisingly calm. They caution against overpriced Kobe beef skewers and instead recommend enjoying the market's atmosphere and reasonably priced food like 'dango' and 'saké'. The speaker learns from local shopkeepers that weekdays are quieter, providing a tip for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience.

🎎 Gion: The Geisha District's Struggle with Overtourism

The speaker explores Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, noting the efforts to protect the area's heritage from overtourism, including restrictions on photography and entering private alleyways. They observe that tourists are becoming more respectful of the rules and find the area peaceful, contrary to their expectations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting local culture while traveling.

🏯 Kyoto's Unexpected Tranquility Amidst Tourist Boom

The speaker concludes their investigation in Kyoto, reflecting on their experiences and the reality of overtourism. They find that despite the tourism boom, the areas they visited were more manageable than expected. They offer practical advice for travelers, such as visiting on weekdays and avoiding overpriced food items, and express a renewed appreciation for the balance between tourism and cultural preservation in Japan.

Keywords

💡Overtourism

Overtourism refers to a phenomenon where an excessive number of tourists visit a particular destination, potentially leading to detrimental effects on the environment, culture, and the quality of life for residents. In the video, the concept is explored through the lens of Japan's tourism boom, with the host investigating whether the sensational headlines about overcrowding and negative impacts are as dire as they seem.

💡Fish Market

A fish market is a place where fish and other seafood are sold, often fresh off the boats. In the script, the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo is highlighted as one of the largest street food markets. The discussion around overpriced 'inbound don' (rice bowls) at the market exemplifies the impact of overtourism on pricing strategies aimed at tourists.

💡Harajuku

Harajuku is a district in Tokyo known for its youth fashion and culture. The video script describes it as the birthplace of Japan's 'kawaii' culture, emphasizing cuteness. The host expresses a personal dislike for the area, associating it with overhyped tourist experiences and the challenge of navigating crowded streets filled with fashion stores and street food.

💡Kyoto

Kyoto is a city in Japan renowned for its temples, shrines, and traditional culture. The script discusses the perception of Kyoto as a victim of overtourism, with the host visiting to assess the reality of the situation. The video suggests that visiting on weekdays and during the rainy season can provide a less crowded experience.

💡Gion

Gion is a district in Kyoto famous for its geisha culture. The script mentions the area as the 'scene of the crime' for overtourism, with measures taken to protect the historic neighborhood from disturbances. The host explores the balance between respecting local customs and enjoying the area's unique cultural offerings.

💡Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a shopping street in Kyoto known for its variety of food and dining options. The video script contrasts the expected crowdedness of the market with the actual experience, which was less busy than anticipated. The market is also highlighted for its food offerings, such as Kobe beef skewers and sake.

💡Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is a type of beef from Japanese Wagyu cattle, renowned for its quality and marbling. In the script, the host discusses the high cost and perceived overpricing of Wagyu beef at Nishiki Market, suggesting that tourists should be cautious about such expensive food items.

💡Asakusa

Asakusa is a district in Tokyo that is home to the Senso-ji Temple, the city's oldest temple. The script describes Asakusa as a tourist magnet with traditional back streets filled with shops. The host suggests that while it can be overcrowded during the day, visiting in the evening can provide a more relaxed experience.

💡Cultural Enlightenment

Cultural enlightenment refers to gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of a culture, often through direct experience. The video script uses this term to describe the potential benefits of visiting cultural sites like temples and shrines, but also highlights the challenges posed by overtourism that can detract from this experience.

💡Sake

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. In the script, the host mentions drinking sake as a way to 'drown sorrows' after an overpriced food purchase, illustrating the role of sake as a part of Japanese food culture and as a means of social interaction.

💡Tourist Trap

A tourist trap is a place that attracts visitors with attractions or entertainments but often relies heavily on inflated prices or misleading advertising. The script discusses several locations in Japan that are considered tourist traps, with the host investigating whether these places live up to their reputations and providing insights into their actual experiences.

Highlights

The transcript discusses the phenomenon of 'over tourism' in Japan, exploring its impact on local culture and economy.

The author humorously introduces the concept of 'over tourism' as a 'word' that strikes fear into the hearts of some.

An investigation is launched into whether popular tourist spots in Japan live up to their hype or are overrated.

The Tsukiji Outer Market is visited, revealing high prices for certain food items but also reasonable alternatives.

The transcript humorously describes the high cost of 'inbound dog' rice bowls, a phenomenon attributed to tourism.

Harajuku is portrayed as a place of 'Kawaii culture' with a critical view of its commercialization and tourist appeal.

The author and a companion explore Harajuku, humorously engaging with its fashion and street food.

Asakusa is visited, revealing a mix of traditional culture and commercialized tourist experiences.

The transcript discusses the unexpected quietness of Kyoto, contrary to expectations of overcrowding.

Nishi Market in Kyoto is explored, with a focus on food pricing and the overall atmosphere of the market.

A warning is given about the high cost and misleading advertising of Kobe beef in Kyoto.

Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, is visited, noting the measures taken to protect its cultural integrity from tourists.

The transcript reflects on the overall experience of visiting Japan's most touristy spots, finding them surprisingly manageable.

Practical advice is given for visiting Kyoto, suggesting off-peak times and caution against overpriced food.

The author concludes that despite the concerns of over tourism, Japan's tourist spots remain enjoyable and navigable.

A final humorous note is struck about the author's own reputation for using strong language and the challenges of discussing sensitive topics.

Transcripts

there's a word going around right now a

word so hideous and disgusting it

strikes fear into the hearts of grown

man if the so much as hear it as a a

whisper on the wind I shall not speak of

this word all right I'll tell you I'll

tell you it's just I've got a bad enough

reputation for my use of bad language as

it is what's your language too much

ssing too much ssing indeed okay I'm

going to tell you the word the worst

word in the Japanese dictionary and the

word is the word is

over

tourism literally over tourism in

English sounds much cooler in Japanese

doesn't

it you've seen the headlines you know

the story The Great Mount Fuji blocked

by a wall foreigners riding and crashing

go-karts in Tokyo a real life Goblin on

the Loa plaguing the local gisha a flesh

eating bacteria spreading among the

masses what what's that all about then I

haven't heard that one a rare flesh

eating bacteria that can kill people in

48 hours is spreading in Japan

terrifying mortality rate death in 2

days oh maybe it's time to go on holiday

again but wait a minute 977 cases in the

first half of 20124 out of 125 million

people that's not too bad oh and

apparently comes from the UK as well and

we all know nothing that comes from the

UK could ever be bad nonsense just wash

your hands a bit is it but look if we to

believe Believe The Sensational news

headlines and there are many so very

many Japan has become a real life

hellscape it's like something between

Mad Max Mordor [ __ ] Mario Kart if

I've learned anything from headlines

over the years it's that exaggeration is

the name of the game there's often a

disconnect between the headlines and the

situation on the ground look I get that

Japan has a record number of overseas

tourists this year but for every

obnoxious gisha tormenting Goblin the

other 99% of Travelers aren't this

disgustingly obnoxious and I'm at risk

of becoming part of the problem by

talking about it here over and over on

YouTube so that ends today I'm going out

there I'm going to take one for the team

I'm going to run the gaunlet we're going

to explore Japan's biggest baddest

tourist traps and see if they're really

as apocalyptic as they're made out to be

and we're not going to just one tourist

trap we're going to five skije Fish

Market Harajuku Asaka Nishi Market in

Kyoto and guon and as we journey through

each location we'll chat with fellow

travelers to see what they make of it

all as well before coming back here to

reach our conclusions it's time for our

first ever abroad investigation gosh I

can't wait to slam a book shot at the

end of the video and say Case

[Music]

[Applause]

Closed Ski's outer Market is what

remains of the world's former biggest

fish market after most most of it

relocated 4 km across the bay to Toyota

in 2018 however the outer Market is

still going strong as one of the largest

street food markets in all of Tokyo but

after reading a recent article declaring

tourists should avoid the market at its

high prices amidst the phenomenon of

inbound Dawn a reference to overpriced

Dy rice bows aimed at inbound tourists

it seems what better place to kick off

our first

investigation so I haven't been to ski

outer Market in about 5 years since I

came here with riotoro and I enjoy it I

like it don't get me wrong it is a

tourist trap you know it's very touristy

and the food prices I've heard recently

are exorbitant so it's time to go

full-blown detective and see just how

bad these prices are and it's not long

before we have ourselves a lead as our

first suspect shows up the aformentioned

inbound dog what the

7,700 Yen I could scarcely believe it

that's why I need this bloody magnifying

glass cuz it's such a ridiculous price

for some frame of reference the bowl of

uni typically costs around 3 to 4,000

yen in most restaurants in Tokyo

likewise another nearby shop selling

cuts of fatty tuna is charging 5,000 yen

for four pieces granted it's the most

expensive car of tuna but even in a

mid-range sushi restaurant you'd expect

to pay about half the price for the

exact same thing and with table servers

thrown in seen some really really

expensive bowls of unit like 6,000 Yen

there was one that was 22,000 Yen down

the street a minute ago I spoke to the

woman that ran the shop as she said they

were organic so maybe May that's the

reason why but I think when you come to

a Street Market You're Expecting

Bargains right and here in ski why you

can expect all the food in the world you

can try pretty much any Japanese dish

going the number of Bargains are few and

far between so bear that in mind so far

today everything I've seen has been on

the pricey side for a Street Market

anyway I'll admit I hope to eat some

breakfast here at skije today but I'll

be damn if I'm paying for an overpriced

Fishbowl fortunately though I soon lay

my greedy Eyes Upon an unagi eel stand

with the scent of the salty sticky sweet

eel sauce wafting through the market and

it's actually at a reasonable price

surely it's too good to be true is this

really the good stuff tagi is one of the

most expensive fishes in Japan it's

about 1,000 yen but it's a lot of bang

for your

buck not too bad not too bad it's

interesting in canaza Fish Market it was

500 yen for one stick of unagi um but I

don't think there was as much as this so

yes it's a little bit pricey here but

you do get a lot of bang for buck and it

is quite

good oh so good I'd like to point out

the reason everything is red is not

because there's been a blood bath

because of these low low prices because

there's a massive red sheet above us I

think most foreign tourists coming here

might Overlook eel cuz it's not very

nice sounding dish but actually best

Valley fish I've had in the market all

day or seen and it tastes amazing you

know I'm really starting to enjoy this

investigation especially as I soon run

into Griffin an awesome American viewer

who's enjoyed a seafood Bowl but quickly

realized there's a far more

tantalizingly priced alternative

awaiting fellow Travelers so I got that

family Mark chicken because of you yes

don't come to SK you just get some

family chicken I mean you don't need

anything more than the family more

chicken let's be real like he's a wise

man Griffin thank you so much keep up

the good work thank you I don't eat too

much chicken go off a

bed promises so would I actually

recommend skije surprisingly yes the

atmosphere is still a ton of fun I love

getting lost down the markets many retro

streets and Alleyways hell it wasn't

even as crowded as I remember perhaps as

the new modern toyosu Market has stolen

away potential customers and tourists

just make sure you do your homework and

have a rough idea what you should be

paying so you don't walk away from skii

with a hole in your wallet when it comes

to Seafood balls and Sushi and so with

the touristy ski proving not to be quite

as bad as I'd initially feared it's time

to switch the game difficulty straight

to hard mode that's right it's time for

[Music]

all right so you might be wondering why

do I hate Harajuku so much and the truth

is it stands against everything that I

believe in shopping fashion most

importantly fun I despise it all still

no scientific investigation of Japan's

over tourism would be complete without

plunging head first into the Technicolor

[ __ ] show nightmare that is tees stre

said to be the birthplace of Japan's

Kawaii culture the style that places

emphasis on cuteness that since gained

traction around the world creating

offsho sh such as kiml Kawaii referring

to something so gross it's actually cute

and speaking of kiml kawaii I found the

perfect person to help me Tre these

cursed streets as I'm sure as hell not

doing it by

myself Tesa Street shopping capital of

Tokyo not just my least favorite place

in Japan but perhaps in the known

universe when you get to come to your

least favorite place you get to have a

side character we've

got hey thanks a lot takori help me Pete

this is one of the most horrific places

for two men nearing 40 years old we

don't belong here we don't know what

we're doing here there's no good food

here and by God I'm sober I got candy

floss I'm in let's go okay and so as two

men with an average age of 40 Trek down

the streets of their own midlife crisis

we engage in all that Harajuku has to

offer like fashion welcome to my

underground lair

it is appealing if you were maybe in

middle school or high school it has a

lot of like counterculture and clothing

stores none of which would fit us but

not every face on teesa street is as

sour as these two disgruntled YouTubers

as we run into some viewers who have a

more positive outlook on Tokyo's fashion

Capital this is like kind of consider a

bit this this is the Venice Beach it is

it is but are you guys enjoying it still

would you recommend it totally you

definitely recommend it to yeah totally

super fun cool shops cool fashion yeah

and you get to run into Peete as well

yeah well you know I don't want to take

them too much of the space but they are

here to see me it's pretty good I hang

out now I'm kidding but and so we

Soldier on what better way to understand

whether Harajuku is overhyped or not

than by trying some of the horrific

local street foods that plague Instagram

and Tik

Tok it's bigger than my head so wait

what's the uh practical way of eating

this cuz when I was a kid was just on a

little stick and you had a little bit

I'll be [ __ ] if I know PE you're the

expert an American tradition it

is you've seen the movie Alien with the

face hugger it's the

same like

that my it's like a character I have no

we though there you go there you go

peak's new friend he's made on his

journey it tastes quite good actually

it's sugar that's all this is Don't

Judge

Me content in the knowledge that today

was surely worth it we head on to search

for the final atrocity I mean dish one

might say a treasure the end of the

rainbow a maab rainbow cheese [ __ ] show

sandwich more food coloring than food so

I've got a bit of a reputation for

eating anything with cheese in it but

even this next dish stretches the

boundaries of my imagination and my

depravity look at this rainbow cheese

sandwich it's going to be good have you

had it before no but but the grilled

cheese sandwich is my favorite food in I

like history even in rainbow form even

in rainbow form uh let's I feel like

there's no way we could possibly mess

this up this might be a clinical

disaster

but look at

that this is

horrible the question is how do they

color the cheese cuz it is chees it's

mozzarella cheese right this is not

cheese okay this is an

edible form of plastic that has been

colored to suit a cheeselike substance

this is not this is not food look that's

not cheese you can't do that looks like

a fruit

rollup kind of like it

now still a cheese sandwich oh dear

certainly a lunch befitting of Harajuku

well thank you Pete for being my

bodyguard SL side character friend for

this ordeal do you enjoy your afternoon

in Haruki yep just five short minutes

down the street and we gained 14 lbs it

was great you know I actually enjoyed

this quite a bit uh my memory of huku

initially was dread when you told me

come meet me for the day I was like I

don't really like this place but given

the context I actually had a good time

today thanks for bringing me along was

it the company or was it the rainbow

cheese I think it was the company this

time not the rainbow cheese lovely so I

hate to ad Miss it that we had fun I did

I thanks best friends cuz it's har go I

hate to admit it but we had a good time

today from I'll see you again soon yeah

see you

guys well guys we've had some very

interesting Japanese dishes so far today

but what happens if you can't come to

Japan and try the tasty goodness all for

yourself there's a way you can enjoy

Japanese treats and the comfort of your

own home thanks to today's sponsor

sakuro sakuro is a monthly Japanese

Artisan snack box this P's local snack

makers with each box Pack full of 20

traditional authentic Japanese treats

including teas and even unique table

wear and this Mon's theme is close to my

heart as it's themed around the

festivals of tohoku the stunning region

in north Japan and home to some of the

liveliest celebrations in the country

throughout the summer season the Box

begins with this beautiful book CL

exploring the stories of each and every

snack feature within the box as well as

the all important allergy information

and the Box ends as always in my mouth

starting with pear gummies from Yamagata

whenever I used to go between Sendai and

Yamagata to visit Nai I pick these up

along the way Yamagata is famous for its

fresh fruit and by putting it in gummy

sweets they've worked out the perfect

way to deliver that fresh fruit Delight

that's so good my God next up we have

Walnut mchi karumi mchi and this is an

awesome blend of mchi rice cake and soy

sauce and it's in an edible wrapping

paper I love it it's got that chewi and

also the crunchiness of the walnuts as

you take each and every bite bloody G

disturbingly satisfying and what better

way to wash all that down with Eon

matcha G MAA tea from Kyoto featuring

roasted rice and green tea I feel like

I've been transported to the tea fields

of Kyoto wonderful stuff and this month

we've got this charming Neco tenui cat

hand towel which is just the ticket to

mop my brow after eating all these

delicious snacks too delicious some

might say whether you're looking to gift

your new best friend a box of the finest

Japanese snacks or greedily keep it all

for yourself you can grab your box from

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our next stop is perhaps Tokyo's biggest

tourist magnet asakasa the historically

and culturally important District

surrounding the grand senoji Temple top

of most Travelers itineries the more

traditional back streets are blighted

with tacky gift shops at every turn but

perhaps that's half the charm if

anywhere in Tokyo is the focus of over

tourism it's certainly here but despite

that is it still worth a visit it looks

like another job for abroad

investigations

[Music]

so here we are at camaron literally

thundergate and it leads to nakam Street

which leads in turn to senoji Temple the

largest temple in Tokyo love it here

really cool area but make no mistake it

probably is the busiest point in Tokyo

and now we must begin navigating

thousands of people historically the

area around nakam Miss shopping street

used to be one of Tokyo's largest

entertainment hubs with Kabuki theaters

and other uh less Savory forms of

entertainment on hand nowadays as you

swim through the Sea of people

clambering to take a selfie next to the

iconic gate it's practically impossible

to move let alone enjoy any degree of

cultural Enlightenment Japan a land of

cultural historic historic culture what

better place to sell cartoon costume

mustaches who comes to S SOI Temple and

thinks yes what I want today is a

mustache to stick onto my face what

weird shot when we came down here made a

video a few years ago we came to the

conclusion it's nicer in the evening you

can enjoy the senoi temple all to

yourself and avoid the crowds and the

shops but pure photography I prefer

night time still the Allure of Seno's

atmospheric streets seems to outweigh

the crowds at least for the viewers I

meet wandering down nakam Miss stream

have you guys enjoyed it so far would

you recommend it actually coming here

yeah I would yeah the Stalls they are

touristy but they there quite nice

little tree kids you don't mind the

crowds and things the crowds for for an

hour or two for an hour or two yeah it's

quite authentic it's quite cool you

people think it's like a tourist trap

but like I think it's a fun experience

fun experience yeah have you bought

anything today have you spent anything

money on anything I bought this amazake

amazake non-alcoholic sake that's a good

where'd you get that I'm might have to

get something for

myself still while the crowds of nakam

Street a tantamount to an intensive

cattle farming experience head off down

one of the quietest side streets that

surround aaka and the district quickly

redeems itself especially when there's

delicious treats to be had Japanese

potato croat in a ring now I've seen

everything it's also the perfect way to

propose to your other half my favorite

thing about coming to Asaka isn't the

temples The Shrine of the culture it's

seeing the increasingly bizarre food

they come up with like every week

There's Something New prob actually a

little bit dry but it's actually not bad

if you'd asked me a couple of weeks ago

would I recommend aaka in the senoji

temple I would have been like yeah sure

go it's a cool place and yet now after

doing every single stop on the amote

line right a few weeks ago and exploring

places where you can have all of this

where you can have like temples and

shrines all to yourself I don't know if

I would recommend it anymore I don't

know so yeah I sucks give it a visit but

know that there are places where you can

kind of relax a bit more and enjoy the

temples and shrines and have them all to

yourself not that far from here but of

course no at those places you can't have

a potato in the shape of a ring and

that's what counts

just as I'm about to set off for Kyoto

some awesome viewers spot me at the side

of the road unfortunately in this case

stuffing my face with a potato ring and

it's to them that I'll leave the closing

thoughts on Asaka as a tourist

destination do you think it's it's worth

coming here I think so this is our first

time our first time I think so it's kind

of tough for for people on the

wheelchair this is life this is what we

have but I think it exceeds my

expectations first grade here I feel bad

standing here like stuffing my face with

this like potato ring enjoy your time

inan course have a good one well so far

despite all the apocalyptic headlines I

somehow remain relatively unscathed from

my travels albe it's some nasty

indigestion from the rainbow cheese

sandwich my God never again but no

investigation of Japan's worst tourist

traps and over tourism in general would

be complete without visiting the scene

of the crime itself C and so I hop on

the shinan S and head 2 and 1/2 hours

West to see just how bad the streets

have gone as I ride the shinhan S I'm

overcome with fear will I be swept away

in a river of tourists will I survive

the crowds unscathed well yes because

there's nobody here where the bloody

hell is everyone this is right in front

of Koto station here we are Kyoto we're

at higashi honganji Temple look at that

nobody here what over tourism and in

fact this site as well as being here

since the 17th century has got the fifth

biggest Bell in all of Japan the first

biggest B of course is incendi and he's

called rioto

Sakurai okay Koto might not be the ghost

town I've made it out to be we've simply

just stumbled across one of the many

spectacular temples that doesn't really

make the guide books so instead then

let's see how we fare at the most

crowded spot

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downtown dating back over 400 years and

affectionately referred to as Cotto's

kitchen our first stop in CTO is Nishi

Market which resides down a single

narrow bustling Street five blocks long

and jam-packed with over a 100 shops and

restaurants serving everything from

fresh fish and meat to confectionary and

sake unlike skii which is spread across

our whole neighborhood Nishi feels far

more intense given it's just the one

strength still how do the prices here

compare to the Preposterous inbound Dom

found on our first outing once again let

the eating I mean investigating begin

nishim Mar I've always wanted to come

here but painfully aware that it is

probably the busiest Market in Japan

I've always avoided it question is is it

worth it is it worth a visit we're about

to find out once I've battled my way to

this crowd we're truly spoiled for

choice in theki Market but perhaps

unsurprisingly the first thing that

catches my eye or rather my nose are The

Buttery wagu skewers sizzling away on a

nearby Grill Kobe beef skewers 2500 Yen

skewer it's not cheap but if it's real

actual cor big then it is worth it and

that's a good price smells pretty

reassuring [ __ ] me I've only been in NY

Market 5 minutes and I've already

splashed out 5,000 yen on two skewers of

so-called Kobe beef this had better be

good it's good but it's not A5 KOB

tastes good but it's a bit cheery would

I get it again no no I would it's

cheerer than rly chewing

up the beef wasn't like what you

imagined cor you to be like wagu in

general it was quite cheery almost like

British beef you know back when we were

in takma last year I had an A5 wagu on a

stick for 600 Yen it was incredible like

a dream this place was 2,500 y for a

lesser cut of beef it set out front cor

right Kobe wagy be and there's a nice

cut of an A5 looking kig in plastic form

out front so I thought it's going to be

that it wasn't whatever it was it was

pretty chery and uh well seasoned but be

careful I find W gear is one of the most

misleading advertised kind of dishes

you'll find in Japan and that was

certainly not worth

2,500 Yen absolute ripoff be

careful oh dear given I've blown most of

my pocket money on a skar of Waggy beef

I promptly decide to drown my sorrows at

a store selling obscenely cheap

socket I love these overflow cups cuz

when you spill it inevitably it just

goes into the cup beneath which you can

also drink

from my God 100 yen for this and it's

actually it's not one cup sucker this is

the real deal very good that makes up

for the Wag that really does I have to

say nushki Market is nowhere near as

busy as I thought it would be but yeah

maybe it's cuz it's summer I don't know

but it's it's actually not that busy

here I hope I don't regret drinking all

this Sak on a mostly empty stomach

especially we're going to gon next the

respectable Geisha District it's not

going to end well is it there's going to

be some new news stories coming out in a

few hours

time for of refreshing Saki and billion

dollar beef it's nearly time to head to

our next tourist Hots spot but something

feels a Miss I genuinely expected Nishi

to be unbearably crowded and it's been

anything but and so I seek out a couple

of shopkeepers to try and discover why

things are so oddly

quiet

for that's really interesting I spoking

to two shopkeepers now and they both

said weekdays thisi Market really isn't

that busy they always sounded

disappointed so if you want to come here

avoid the weekends because this place

what I thought would be like the busiest

Market in Japan is actually kind of calm

so drink the sake avoid the wagu and eat

the D fuku strawberry Moi rice cake M

and now it's time to go to gon so we can

spot neia just kidding we're not going

to harass them like everyone else

[Music]

does so here we are in guon the

entertainment capital of Kyoto and if

over tourism was a misdemeanor this

would be the absolute scene of the crime

earlier on this year they did close down

a few of the roads to tourists to

protect that historic quarter that

historic neighborhood where the gisha

still live work operate what I will say

today though is the only crime I've seen

so far has been the daylight robbery

that was the wugu beef costing 2,500 Yen

on a stick I was robbed I was robbed in

Kyoto that should be the title of this

video anyway rant aside let's go and

have a look at guon and see what the

situation is in the area and the street

where people can't film anymore which is

going to make filming this certainly

rather

[Music]

interesting this is new there's a sign

here sort of warning people what not to

do for example please stand M gisha it's

a true profession have respect don't

walk around where they work

impersonating M for photo of

impersonation I haven't seen that before

I've seen M being chased down the street

but never like impersonated uh don't sit

on the bridge and don't sit on the fence

just like we saw several people doing on

the bridge moments ago clearly the sign

is not as effective as people would

like at the heart of Kyoto's over

tourism wo lies Hannah mikori Street a

kilometer Long Street instantly

recognizing

as much for its characterful o tea

houses as the many threatening signs

that Linger on every corner warning

tourists to refrain from photography

less they be F several thousand yen as

we mentioned at the start of the episode

after several well publicized incidents

of tourist disturbing private property

and harassing gisha a ban has been put

in place on many of the private

Alleyways prohibiting non-residents from

entering it's time to wander down the

street which is perfectly fine and see

what we can find and in order to respect

the rules obviously we won't be filming

so you're going to have to take my word

as gospel trust me on this one so that

was encouraging just took a stroll down

Hannah mcoi Street spotted one Michael

and only saw a handful of folks get

their phones out and sneak a photo in

actually people were a lot more

respectful than uh previous times that

I've had a stroll down that street so

yeah definitely seems to be a change so

that's a good thing very encouraging

stuff only saw one Michael get run over

in a

goast reassured by my Hannah mccoi

Street stroll once again surprised at

how oddly peaceful my trip to Kyoto has

been so far we head to the final boss

battle up the mountain side towards the

K mudera Temple and the city's ultimate

photo spot along the way so we're in

higashiyama now and this is the busiest

place in Kyoto with Rick Shaws all the

Rick shaes there we go is certainly busy

but the approach up to the uh yasa Boda

can't be beat what a beautiful

view oh oh God not beef again not again

it's 1,000 yen here

2,000 Yen for Mia Zaki [ __ ] 4,000 Yen

4,000 Yen for kobby B is it really Corby

beef do I want to get ripped off

again no no I don't people come from all

over the world to get a photo of Kyo

Starbucks made entirely from wood it's

quite the S I will say the first time I

saw it I mixed feelings I was like is

this the place you want to put a

Starbucks they've made it blend in

rather well and the crowds love it and

that's all that matters

[Music]

well we've nearly reached the end of our

journey and as we rush up the mountain

to the soon to be closing Kera Temple I

run into Kazu a viewer who's on holiday

in Japan and who seems to be surprised

by the lack of overcrowding on Kyoto

streets this afternoon how's it been

like generally generally um today I

don't know I felt like a little bit

quieter yeah yeah I found that it's

weird I saw like because a lots of

people said like a lots of t

about no it's ready comfortable maybe

it's Monday yeah exctly Monday yeah and

also rain season and Rain yeah well guys

we made it up to the K mider Temple and

what a reward stunning view that's

really interesting I just spoke to Kazu

a Japanese guy living in the UK and he's

back here on holiday and he proposed the

reason Kyoto was so quiet in June is cuz

it's rainy season people don't come here

for that which is something I'd never

actually thought of so what I've learned

today is a come to Kyoto on a Monday B

come to Kyoto in June well is quite HP

and C don't buy the overpriced Wy beef

never do

that okay so here's what we've learned

Japan might not be Mad Max meets Mordor

after all honestly I expected to be

stuck in a literal immovable crowd

several times today and it only happened

once still I'd say we came away with

five useful tips for travelers coming to

Japan number one avoid Kyoto at weekends

it's actually not too bad on the weekday

as we saw and heard from the shopkeepers

wanting more customers number two

Harajuku is still off a really quite

awful I honestly never want to go there

and eat edible rainbow filth ever again

but if I do go back going for bid I'll

be sure to take pee you could really

tell he was having a great time at

number three Asaka isn't quite as good

as I remember it's a nice District but

during the day it's absurdly overcrowded

if you actually want to feel moved maybe

visit one of Tokyo's 4,000 temples and

shrines that aren't like a football

stadium or go in the evening after 8:00

p.m. when the shops are shut you can

enjoy the sen soji temple in a more

relaxed atmosphere number four skije

Market still rules when it comes to

street food and actually the only really

overpriced thing we found were the

ludicrously priced Seafood bowls and

number five don't blow all your pocket

money on the Waggy beef at Nishi Market

but do go to the market itself it

actually turned out to be my favorite of

the five locations we visited on this

trip honestly I wish I could have spent

all day standing around drinking

reasonably price socket but I have to

say I came back from this overall

investigation reassured that amidst

Japan's kind of Tourism boom all five of

the worst tourists traps in the country

are still remarkably bearable well

nearly all anyway and so as we conclude

our first episode of a broad

investigation there's only one thing

left to say and that

is Case Closed [ __ ] yeah that was

awesome watch your language too much swe

ring oh oh yeah sorry

[Music]