How to Spend 14 Days in JAPAN 🇯🇵 Ultimate Travel Itinerary

Summary

Join us on a thrilling 14-day journey across Japan, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, we uncover the best experiences this fascinating country has to offer. Traverse ancient towns like Kamakura and Nikko, indulge in local cuisines, and stay in traditional accommodations. Discover why now is the perfect time to visit, with the yen at its weakest in decades and Skyscanner's help in finding the cheapest flights. This adventure is a testament to Japan's timeless allure, blending past, present, and future into an unforgettable experience.

Takeaways

• 🇯🇵 Visiting Japan for the first time can be exhilarating, fascinating, and confusing due to the abundance of choices for travel destinations, activities, and accommodations.
• 🗺️ The video offers a 14-day journey across Japan, providing insights into experiencing the country's rich history, culture, and cuisine within a short time frame.
• 🌆 Tokyo is the starting and ending point of the journey, with recommendations to stay in Shinjuku or Asakusa for their entertainment and traditional values.
• 🏯 Kamakura is highlighted as an ancient city with significant historical landmarks, including the Great Buddha statue and Hase-dera Temple's bamboo forest.
• 🍞 The city of Kamakura is also known for its unique food offerings, such as Curry pan, a popular local delicacy.
• 🚅 The video mentions the convenience of using the shinkansen (bullet train) to travel to different cities, like Kanazawa, from Tokyo.
• 🏰 Kanazawa is celebrated for its arts, crafts, and food, with a rich history as a merchant town, and is known for its gold leaf production.
• 🍵 In Kyoto, traditional experiences like staying in a machiya (traditional townhouse) and visiting temples and shrines are emphasized.
• 🎨 Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic red torii gates, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are highlighted as must-visit locations.
• 🍢 Osaka is known as the 'kitchen of Japan,' famous for street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and for its vibrant nightlife.
• ♨ Hakone is a popular destination for experiencing traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) and enjoying the region's hot springs and scenic beauty.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video about Japan?

The video focuses on a 14-day journey across Japan, exploring various locations, cultural experiences, local cuisine, and providing travel tips for first-time visitors.

Why is the Japanese yen particularly appealing to travelers at the time of the video?

The Japanese yen is the cheapest it's been in over 30 years, meaning travelers can get more value for their money during their trip to Japan.

How does the video suggest finding cheap flights to Tokyo?

The video recommends using Skyscanner, an app that searches the web for the cheapest flights by scanning across 80 billion prices daily and has partnerships across flights, accommodations, and car hire.

What are the recommended areas to stay in Tokyo for a first-time visitor?

The video suggests staying in either Shinjuku, known for its chaotic or inspiring entertainment district, or Asakusa, in the east of the city, which is slightly more laidback and near traditional areas like Senso-ji temple.

What is the significance of Kamakura in Japan's history?

Kamakura was the first capital of Japan along with Nara and Kyoto. It is known for its many shrines and temples, and it was the location where the first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, set up his military government in the 12th century, starting the Kamakura period.

What is special about the Kamakura Daibutsu and why is it a must-see?

The Kamakura Daibutsu is a 43-foot tall, 103-ton bronze statue of Buddha that has been overlooking visitors for over 500 years. It is a significant cultural and historical site and a major attraction in Kamakura.

What is the appeal of the Hase-dera Temple and its hidden bamboo forest in Kamakura?

The Hase-dera Temple is an important Shinto shrine, and its hidden bamboo forest provides a quiet, enchanting escape from the crowds. It's a place where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy matcha green tea while surrounded by nature.

What is the significance of the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama and what can visitors do there?

The Cup Noodle Museum is dedicated to the invention of instant noodles, considered one of Japan's greatest inventions. Visitors can learn about the history of cup noodles, and even create and customize their own cup of noodles.

Why is Kanazawa known as 'Little Kyoto' and what are some of its notable features?

Kanazawa is known as 'Little Kyoto' because, during the Edo era, it was ruled by Japan's second-richest clan, the Maeda Clan, who invested their wealth in cultural and artistic pursuits, inspired by Kyoto. Notable features include the Suzumon gate, Omicho market, and Higashi Chaya district.

What is the appeal of staying in a traditional Japanese townhouse (machiya) in Kyoto?

Staying in a machiya allows travelers to experience traditional Japanese architecture and design, with natural materials like tatami mats and shoji paper doors. It offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city and a sense of being immersed in Japanese culture.

What are some of the unique experiences offered in Takayama's old town?

Takayama's old town offers a variety of unique experiences, such as exploring preserved old buildings, enjoying street foods like Hida beef on a stick, and visiting the Takayama Sakae-kan Museum, which celebrates the Showa era with detailed recreations of shops and districts.

What is the significance of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and what can visitors expect to see?

Fushimi Inari Shrine is an ancient shrine dating back to the 8th century, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and fertility. Visitors can expect to see the famous pathway of thousands of red torii gates snaking through the forested mountain.

What is the cultural significance of Nara Park and its Great Buddha (Daibutsu)?

Nara Park is home to many of Nara's cultural treasures, including the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. The park and its attractions are significant for their historical and religious importance in Japan.

What is the appeal of staying in a ryokan in Hakone and what activities can be enjoyed there?

Staying in a ryokan in Hakone offers a traditional Japanese experience with hot springs (onsen), kaiseki dinners, and private baths. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of Mount Fuji, visit the Great Boiling Valley, and take a Hakone pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashinoko.

What are some of the unique experiences and attractions in Osaka?

Osaka offers unique experiences like staying at a robot-staffed hotel, exploring the vibrant Shinsekai district, visiting Osaka Castle, and sampling local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

What are some of the must-do activities in Tokyo according to the video?

Some must-do activities in Tokyo include staying in a capsule hotel, visiting a game center, going souvenir shopping in Ginza, strolling through Tokyo's parks, shopping for retro goods in Akihabara, and eating at a local ramen shop.

Outlines

00:00

🗻 Japan Travel Introduction

The script introduces a 14-day journey through Japan, highlighting the excitement and confusion of first-time visitors. The video aims to showcase the best places to visit, stay, and eat while exploring the country's past, present, and future. It mentions the current favorable exchange rate for the yen and the ease of finding cheap flights to Tokyo, thanks to Skyscanner. The journey begins and ends in Tokyo, with recommendations to stay in Shinjuku or Asakusa and a teaser for a comprehensive list of things to do in Tokyo at the end of the video.

05:00

🏯 Day Trip to Kamakura and Yokohama

This section details a day trip from Tokyo to the ancient coastal town of Kamakura and the port city of Yokohama. Kamakura is known for its Great Buddha statue and many shrines and temples. The video suggests exploring the city on foot and visiting the Hase-dera Temple and its hidden bamboo forest. Afterward, the trip continues to Yokohama, the second-largest city in Japan, known for its seafront and Chinatown district. The Cup Noodle Museum and the experience of creating custom cup noodles are highlighted, along with the vibrant atmosphere of Yokohama's Chinatown.

10:01

🍜 Exploring Kanazawa's History and Cuisine

The script takes viewers to the historic city of Kanazawa, rich in arts, crafts, and food. Once a wealthy merchant town, Kanazawa is known for its traditional architecture and cultural pursuits. The video features a stay in a machiya townhouse, the Omicho market, and the Higashi Chaya district. It also mentions the city's gold leaf production and unique food items, such as gold leaf-infused dishes and desserts. The script emphasizes the city's status as 'Little Kyoto' and its preservation of traditional arts.

15:03

🏞️ Takayama and Shirakawa-go Village Tour

The journey continues to Takayama, a mountain town known for its preserved traditional architecture and local delicacies. The script highlights the town's prosperity during the Edo era and its current status as a popular travel destination. It mentions the Takayama Old Town, the Takayama Shakan Museum, and the Hida Folk Village. A special focus is placed on the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses and beautiful landscapes.

20:06

🏯 Kyoto's Cultural and Historical Attractions

This section focuses on Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. The video explores the city's historic quarters, shrines, and temples, including the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates. It also features a stay in a traditional machiya townhouse and a visit to the Arashiyama district, known for its Bamboo Grove and the Tenryu-ji Temple. The script provides a glimpse into Kyoto's rich history and its status as a modern city with a deep connection to tradition.

25:06

🍢 Osaka's Food Scene and Accommodations

The script introduces Osaka, known as the nation's kitchen and the party capital of Japan. It highlights the city's vibrant nightlife, iconic street food like takoyaki, and the unique experience of staying at the Henn-na Hotel, staffed by robots. The video also features a visit to Osaka Castle and the Shinsekai district, famous for its tsukemen and kushikatsu dishes. The section emphasizes Osaka's reputation for delicious food and innovative accommodations.

30:11

♨️ Hakone's Hot Springs and Natural Beauty

The journey concludes with a visit to Hakone, a popular hot spring destination near Tokyo. The script describes the experience of staying at a traditional ryokan, enjoying kaiseki dinners, and relaxing in private hot spring baths. It also mentions the Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashinoko, and the Great Boiling Valley. The section showcases Hakone's natural beauty and the rejuvenating experience of its hot springs.

35:13

🌃 Final Days in Tokyo and Recommendations

The script wraps up the trip with a return to Tokyo, offering a list of recommended activities for the final days in the city. It suggests staying in a capsule hotel, visiting a love hotel, singing karaoke, enjoying panoramic views from Shibuya Sky, visiting Odaiba, shopping for souvenirs in Ginza, strolling through Tokyo's parks, exploring secondhand goods, and trying ramen. The video emphasizes the variety of experiences available in Tokyo and encourages viewers to make the most of their time in the city.

Keywords

💡Japan

Japan is the primary subject and location of the video, showcasing its cultural diversity, historical richness, and modern attractions. The video's theme revolves around traveling and experiencing different aspects of Japan, from ancient temples to bustling cities. The script mentions various cities and landmarks such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, highlighting the country's unique blend of tradition and modernity.

💡Cultural Capital

The term 'cultural capital' refers to Kyoto, which is known as the soul of Japan. It represents the city's historical and cultural significance, being the antidote to the modern concrete jungle of Tokyo. The script describes Kyoto as a place where one can spend days wandering through shrines and temples, indicating its wealth of cultural heritage and traditional Japanese architecture.

💡Shrines and Temples

Shrines and temples are significant cultural and religious sites in Japan. The video script mentions several of these, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, known for its thousands of red torii gates, and Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These structures are not only architectural marvels but also serve as places for spiritual reflection and historical learning.

💡Traditional Japanese Accommodations

Traditional Japanese accommodations, such as the machiya townhouses in Kyoto and ryokan in Hakone, offer a unique cultural experience. The script describes these accommodations as having natural materials, private gardens, and sometimes even private onsen baths. They provide a glimpse into the traditional Japanese way of living and are an integral part of the travel experience.

💡Onsen

Onsen refers to hot springs in Japan, which are popular for their relaxing and therapeutic qualities. The video script highlights the onsen experience in Hakone, where travelers can stay in a ryokan and enjoy a private bath, as well as the communal bathing culture. Onsen is a key element of Japanese relaxation and hospitality.

💡Cuisine

Japanese cuisine is a central part of the travel experience, as illustrated by the script's mention of various foods such as curry bread in Kamakura, matcha in Kyoto, and omy beef in Osaka. The video showcases the diversity and richness of flavors, as well as the cultural importance of food in different regions of Japan.

💡Entertainment District

The term 'entertainment district' is used in the script to describe areas like Shinjuku in Tokyo, known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous bars, and bustling streets. These districts are a key part of the urban experience in Japan, offering a contrast to the tranquility of shrines and temples.

💡Historic Cities

Historic cities such as Kamakura, Kyoto, and Nara are highlighted in the script for their rich history and well-preserved cultural heritage. These cities are home to ancient capitals, significant religious sites, and traditional architecture, providing travelers with a deep connection to Japan's past.

💡Natural Beauty

The video script emphasizes the natural beauty of Japan, from the scenic landscapes of Hakone to the picturesque town of Shirakawa-go. The natural beauty is a significant draw for travelers, offering serene environments and breathtaking views that complement the country's cultural attractions.

💡Travel Tips

Throughout the script, various travel tips are provided, such as using Skyscanner for finding cheap flights, staying in traditional accommodations, and trying local cuisine. These tips are meant to guide viewers on how to maximize their travel experience in Japan while also staying within budget.

💡Cultural Experiences

Cultural experiences, such as visiting shrines, trying on a kimono, and participating in tea ceremonies, are highlighted in the script as essential activities for understanding and immersing oneself in Japanese culture. These experiences allow travelers to engage with local traditions and customs.

Highlights

Exploring Japan for the first time can be exhilarating, fascinating, and confusing due to the abundance of places to visit.

The Japanese yen is at its cheapest in over 30 years, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers to visit.

Skyscanner is recommended for finding cheap flights to Tokyo through its partnerships and extensive price scanning.

Tokyo offers a choice between staying in the bustling Shinjuku district or the more laidback Asakusa area.

Kamakura, the ancient capital, is known for its Great Buddha statue and many shrines and temples.

Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, features a unique blend of a dynamic port town and a futuristic district.

Kanazawa is rich in arts, crafts, and food, with a historic connection to Kyoto and a reputation as 'Little Kyoto'.

Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village with unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses and World Heritage status.

Takayama is a mountain town with traditional architecture and a preserved old town area.

Kyoto, as Japan's cultural capital, offers a serene escape from the modernity of Tokyo with its shrines and temples.

Nara is home to Todaiji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and its famous Great Buddha.

Osaka is known as the 'kitchen of Japan' and offers a vibrant nightlife and a variety of street food.

Hakone is famous for its hot springs and scenic views, including the iconic Mount Fuji.

In Tokyo, Shinjuku offers an intense, futuristic experience with its entertainment district and nightlife.

Tokyo has unique experiences to offer such as staying in a capsule hotel, visiting a game center, and enjoying karaoke.

Shopping for souvenirs in Ginza and exploring Tokyo's parks are recommended activities for visitors.

Eating ramen in Tokyo is a must-do experience to round off the culinary journey through Japan.

Transcripts

visiting Japan for the first time is

exhilarating fascinating and perhaps

above all confusing where to go what to

do and where to

stay I mean there's a reason this is the

most requested video I've had for 10

years now and so the time has finally

come we're about to go on a 2E Journey

around the country to discover how you

can experience as much of Japan as

possible in just 14 days and rather than

simply sit in a room and list off places

where actually going to do the entire

route we'll get lost down kotor's

ancient streets one to the picturesque

sleepy Mountain Village of Shir Calo and

have a night out in neon lit Oraka from

ascending smoldering active volcanoes to

meeting the local wildlife in NADA we'll

reveal the best locations to stay and of

course taste the local dishes along the

way and while technically there's no

right way to see Japan if you're coming

here for the first time there's

definitely certain places you need to

see and experience to understand the

story of Japan past present and even

future but perhaps the biggest question

of all is why visit Japan right now for

many coming to Japan it is the trip of a

lifetime especially given it is so far

and it costs so much to get here and yet

right now the Japanese yen is the

cheapest it's been in over 30 years and

so your money will genuinely go a lot

further but what about the flights

thankfully it's never been easier to

find cheap flights to Tokyo either

especially thanks to today's sponsor

Skyscanner whenever I'm traveling

between UK and Japan Skyscanner is

always the first place I head to is the

best way to search the web for the

cheapest flights scanning the internet

across 80 billion prices every single

day just whip out your phone and open up

the app and thanks to their 1200

Partnerships across flights

accommodation and even Car hire you can

practically prepare your entire Journey

from start to finish all from within

your pocket grab the Skyscanner app now

on IOS and Android or on desktop at the

link below and find yourself the

cheapest flights so you can save all

that precious pocket ET money for all

the amazing things we're about to do in

14 days across

Japan the vast majority of tourists

flying into Japan arrive at Tokyo haneda

or Narito airport and so our Journey

Begins and ends in Tokyo where you have

the daunting choice of choosing where to

stay in my view the best two places are

either Shinjuku the chaotic or inspiring

Entertainment District or Asaka and weno

in the east of the city personally if

you're new to Japan I do recommend

staying in Asaka for the first stretch

in Tokyo where things are slightly more

laidback around the senoji temple and

the old traditional streets the first 3

Days of our itinerary will be spent in

Tokyo however given will be back here at

the end of our trip we've actually made

the entire list of things to do in and

around the Tokyo area at the end of this

video so stick around to the end to find

out what to do while the Tokyo area can

feel absolutely endless there's still so

many amazing day trips to be had just

outside of the city where you can catch

your breath and recover from the

traumatic jet lag all in a more relaxed

atmosphere and and so today we're off on

a trip to the ancient coastal town of

Kamakura and the neighboring Port City

of Yokohama with one long day it's

possible to explore both cities back to

back just a 45-minute train journey

outside of Tokyo and we start our day at

Kamakura a city that's often referred to

as the Koto of East

Japan despite being a relatively small

City Kamakura punch is well above its

weight in the 12th century the first sha

gun the military ruler min M no Yori

Tomo set up his military government here

ushering the era of the Kamakura shanut

that lasted two centuries as one of

Japan's three ancient capitals along

with Nara and Kyoto which we'll be

visiting later on during our trip

unsurprisingly your sport for Choice

with the city's many shrines and temples

but it's the jaw-dropping Kamakura daudu

that really steals the show looming

overhead at 43 ft and weighing an

astonishing 103 tons gazing down upon

wellwishers and a struck Travelers for

over 500 years and I'll never forget the

first time that I laid eyes upon it over

10 years

ago when I first moved to Japan 10 years

ago I lived very far north and my first

trip within the country was actually to

Tokyo and after about four or 5 days I

was thoroughly burnt out in the world's

largest city and then I came here to

Kamakura and I saw the great dutu statue

that was first built in 1252 I felt

something here in Kamakura that I didn't

really feel in Tokyo and uh I think if

you end up in Tokyo four or five days

maybe you'll feel how I felt and kamur

will be the remedy to being overwhelmed

as he will be in

Tokyo while Kamakura is great Buddha

might be the most photogenic it

certainly isn't the largest ancient dutu

statue in Japan as we'll discover later

on during our trip in Nara kakur is a

very walkable town and it's not uncommon

to spot tourists darting around the

quiet back streets dressed in kimonos

which she can rent at Shops throughout

the

city

tell the other Bears what you saw what

is this this is supposed to be a kimono

shop but it's never looked more

threatening these Bears just chained up

to the wall there you go if you want to

get dressed up to enjoy your time in

Kamakura this is the place to do

it well Kamakura most important Shinto

Shrine is sudal kimangu on a hill

overlooking the city today we're

actually going to sneak away from the

crowds and visit the quaint and

unassuming HW COI temple with its very

own enchanting hidden bamboo forest

around the back of the Zen

temple this is really really bloody

beautiful I think most people know the

arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto which

we're actually going to later on in this

trip but here behind hwk ofy Temple

Kamakura got a much smaller but much

quiet a bamboo forest with 2,000 trees

to enjoy honestly I think I prefer it

it's a secret don't tell anyone about

it one criticism of temples and shrines

is it can often feel like a very passive

experience typ ially without seats to

sit in and appreciate the atmosphere but

here you can sit relax and enjoy a

piping hot cup of Rich matcha green tea

while looking out across the sensory

Retreat of HW coach's luscious bamboo

forest of course matcha is no lunch and

for that we head back to downtown

Kamakura to the teaming shopping street

of kakachi Dori where you can pretty

much find anything including the

greatest food of all time the ever

fluffy Curry pan literally cry bread in

this case full of thick gooey cheese a

tourist destination in its own

right I have it on good authority that

this Curry bread is the one thing to

have in cakir

so oh

yeah it's very crispy there's some

cheese there's some

Curry this is good look at that I feel

Curry bread doesn't get a lot of love

when it comes to uh videos because it's

not the most photogenic thing right but

my God is it delicious the crispy outter

shell of the bread the nice thick curry

cheese inside definitely try this if you

come to Kamakura giraffa what a name

giraff why is it

giraffa while it is time to head off to

yokahama we've only just scratched the

surface of Kamakura and it's 80 temples

and

[Music]

shrines on my previous trip here I

actually rented some bikes and cycled

around town and it might just be the

best way to appreciate the atmosphere

and the quiet back streets and certainly

if you visit in summer be sure to spend

the afternoon down at Kamakura beach one

of the most popular Seaside spots in the

greater Tokyo

area riding the train for 20 minutes we

arrive in Yokohama the second largest

city in Japan a dynamic Port town with a

sprawling seafront despite being so

close to Tokyo it has a strong sense of

identity forged as a trading City

particularly when Japan opened up to the

world in the 19th century and now with

the futuristic District of minor midi

built around the iconic Landmark Tower

the tallest skyscraper in Japan up until

2014 everybody loves Mino midai that

idea of being in a big city but also

being able to escape to the coastline

and Mito midai literally means future

port and it does have a bit of a

futuristic Vibe maybe underpinned by the

very cool looking Landmark Tower which

looks like a giant chest piece I love

it

while half of minor mid's appeal is to

walk around the Waterfront an even

bigger appeal is the cup noodle Museum

an entire attraction dedicated to the

Revolutionary product regularly voted by

the people of Japan as the greatest

invention of the 20th century and

whether you agree or not here at the cup

noodle Museum you can hear the story of

how founder muku Andor turned the idea

of flash fried noodles into the nishing

cut noodle Empire that it is today with

the man himself nestled alongside

history's most famous inventors the

moment you enter the museum but perhaps

the real reason to visit is to create

and customize your very own cup noodles

it's pretty damn fun watching your empty

cup slowly be transformed as you choose

the flavor of the noodles whether it's

Curry seafood or in my case the original

soy sauce flavor then watching it being

carefully placed into the cup before

picking the fillings in my case cheese

fried onions and the rather ominous

sounding mystery meat to this day no

knows what it is while it kind of tastes

like beef in my view anyway the cup is

then sealed and vacuum packed before

being delivered to you ready to go

tomorrow's lunch sorted I mean I'd be

tempted to have it for dinner today if

we weren't about to visit Asia's largest

Chinatown District Yokohama

Chinatown from 1603 to 1853 Japan was

effectively closed to the world as part

of a bold isolationist policy called sok

enacted by the Shogun to limit outside

influen

on the country and when the doors were

finally reopened Yokohama became not

just a huge trading Port but a gateway

to the outside world reflected today

through the European style red brick

warehouses and the vibrant District of

Chinatown if like me you're into your

nighttime photography you'll be spoil

for Choice down the colorful streets

with lanterns blowing in the wind and

steam rising from buns and dumplings

being boiled and cooked at the many

stands throughout

town it's the perfect place to enjoy

some mouthwatering nighttime Street food

just be careful if you do go for the

dumplings they're as delicious as they

are

explosive after a pretty chill Kamakura

minor mid it's back to the action in

Chinatown the biggest Chinatown in all

of Asia after actual

China when it comes to Chinatown of

course you'll spoil for Choice I've gone

for these rather delicious pork

dumplings be careful they're insanely

hot I've just obliterated my mouth eat

with

care that was

lucky the juice exploded out the

dumpling and nearly hit someone in the

face again eat the dumplings with care

having slept off our chinat town

dumplings the next morning it's time to

say goodbye to the Tokyo metropolis and

hop on the shin conon bullet train 2

hours West across the central Japan Alps

to the historic city of canaza so I've

been to canaza about three or four times

over the years every time I do I come

down here down the ASO River the old Edo

era tea houses in the Kaz Mai chai

district and you kind of feel something

here there's difficult to feel in Tokyo

or even Kyoto by coming here to canaza

you can enjoy a midsize City but a city

that's very rich in arts crafts and food

it was once a merchant Town very wealthy

and that wealth is very much on display

to this very day during the Edo era from

16003 to 1868 canaza was ruled by

Japan's second richest Clan the maida

clan with wealth derived from the

Region's huge output of rice and given

the dangers of being the second richest

clan in Japan and so as not to arouse

suspicion from the Shogun and the all

powerful Tokugawa clan that ran the

country instead of spending their wealth

on militarization the MERS plowed the

money into cultural and artistic

Pursuits inspired by Kyoto leading Kazar

to be bestowed the title of little Kyoto

and that historic relationship with the

Arts is apparent the moment you arrive

at the station and step through the

breathtaking suzumi mon gate modeled

after traditional Japanese drums which

lights up in spectacular fashion at

night but the locals here can

practically take their pick of nicknames

for the city from Little Kyoto to the

envious title of City of Gold given 99%

of Japan's Gold Leaf production comes

from canaza and the locals certainly

aren't shy about sticking gold leaves on

just about everything especially

including the food as well as munching

on gold during our visit we'll also

wander through what might be my favorite

Market in all of Japan explore the

impressive Samurai District of nagamachi

and taste the decadent matcha green tea

confectionary but for our first stop

we're heading to our traditional

accommodation which happens to be a very

good reason to visit Kazar alone after

kyotto Kazar is the second largest

Japanese City to be spared from aerial

bombings during the second world war and

given the region has been fortunate to

avoid natural disasters such as

earthquakes the city retains much of its

traditional architecture and there's no

better way to appreciate the

architecture than by staying in it with

the tatami straw mats shy paper doors

and exposed wooden beams the natural

materials instantly cultivates an

atmosphere of relaxation and with the

windows still letting light in while

closed you can shut yourself away from

the world and have a quiet moment to

yourself it's almost like having a

holiday within a holiday when it comes

to stress relief there really is nothing

better than a matcha

townhouse with over 200 bustling shops

and stores omur has been cana's largest

market since the Edo era and whether

you're visiting for breakfast or lunch

there's a ton of street foods to enjoy

while lost in the Labyrinth of Alleyways

and passages within now I love omur

Market as you can pretty much find every

Japanese food imaginable hidden away

here and the vendors are remarkably

friendly with hungry Travelers queuing

up in every alley but maybe I'm just

biased because I can't get enough of the

unagi grilled eels typically a whole eel

costs an eyew watering

4,800 Yen but for just 500 yen you can

enjoy a skewer of the good stuff grilled

to Perfection and drizzled in the sticky

sweet unagi tar sauce made from sake

mirin soy sauce and sugar for the love

of God if you go to the market you've

got to try this stuff it's not all Meat

and Fish though charotte tucks into a

freshly cut local Pimon and follows it

up with a whole orange with the inside

shredded into a thick pulpy delicious

orange juice with everything from crabs

and craft beer to Lavish Seafood bowls

of kaisendon you'll have a hard time

pulling yourself away from the market

but once you've stuffed yourself silly

it's time to head on over to canesa's

Oldtown quarter in the hiashi chai

district canaza has three historic

entertainment districts the largest of

which is higashi chai for over 200 years

Gore the local gisha have entertained

wealthy merchants and businessmen alike

in stunning tea houses clad in the

iconic lattice design called kimore the

carefully angled latice design allows

customers inside to see out onto the

street while Sim ously concealing the

interior from nosy passes by to this day

the geal still exists serving loyal

local clients though many of their old

tea houses have been converted into

cafes and as we wander the streets

dodging Rick shores along the way one of

these cafes tempts us with the promise

of tasty green tea matcher infused

confectionary how can I resist look at

that gold 24 Karat solid gold I know

just blew it all away then oh my God I'm

blowing it away what am I doing this is

gold should be eating it not blowing it

away across the road you'll find a

shop serving up the visually striking

Gold Leaf ice cream because the gold

leaves are an incredible 110,000 of a

millimeter across the slightest gust of

wind and it will likely blow away so eat

it fast eating the ice cream itself

feels almost like an optical illusion it

may look golden but the flavor is

completely unaltered and you can't even

feel the texture of the gold on your

tongue the moment you touch it it pretty

much disappears

given Kazar is famed for its arts and

crafts it's the perfect place to grab

some omag souvenirs for Lucky friends

and family back home and for that we

head to kazawa HCK matchi store downtown

from meticulous handcrafted cups and

glamorous Chopsticks to Mani Neco

figurines and the star attraction of

course a 24 karat gold leaf face mask

orbe it for a rather pricey 6,600 yen is

it worth buying just to look like a bond

villain uh no probably not still for a

more reasonable 2,200 Yen you can get

what's cheeky described as the trial set

naturally I can't help myself I want a

taste of success I want a taste of real

power well not quite the real power in

canaza used to reside in nagamachi

Samurai District where we head for a

quiet stroll around the historic streets

lined with Earth and walls private gated

entrances and narrow Lanes leading to

gently gushing streams The District

offers a glimpse of what life may have

looked like here 200 years ago and for a

quiet contemplative evening stroll it

can't be beat I love it we've got a

samurai District dating back hundreds of

years full of History wealth culture and

then we've got the

Cafe why did they choose to name it that

we'll never

know continuing our stroll we find

ourselves stumbling across oyama Shrine

dedicated to Maier the first Lord of the

immensely powerful maida Clan and while

the temple itself is Pleasant it's the

distinctive gate that's the star

attraction with its European aesthetic

designed by a Dutch architect it may not

have been popular when it was first

built but today it's a national treasure

and speaking of the maida clan while we

didn't have time on our trip today Kazar

is also home to one of Japan's three

most famous gardens Ken noen beautifully

maintained by yes you guessed it the

maida clan from generation to generation

it's absolutely worth a visit as photos

and videos simply don't do its beauty

justice as we saw earlier at omur Market

Seafood is kind of a big deal in canaza

and for dinner we head to kirar Zushi

not too far from downtown canaza station

conve Belt Sushi restaurants are

typically associated with cheaper cuts

of sushi but here at kirari not only is

the sushi high quality but it doesn't

revolve either as it's whisked over to

you on Sleek bullet trains from the

kitchen sourced from the nearby Port the

fish is some of the best in town

although not all ingredients here come

from the sea because that's right not

even the sushi escapes the 24 karat gold

trip treatment oh good God Gold Leaf

Sushi this is nuro black throat fish

it's the local fish of kazawa and

they're so proud of it they drenched it

in Gold let's taste it ice cream is one

thing but fish with gold it could work

look at

that that's charlott's

piece yeah you can't taste the gold

thankfully just tastes very good fish

very good fish indeed but if you want

reasonably pric Su she a good place and

gold sushi n left come to kidar Sushi

pretty good place well it's been a fun

day here in Kazar and having eaten half

the city it's time to retreat to our

cozy matcha townhouse where I can

finally have my long awaited

[Music]

soak the gold the

gold

it's time to leave Japan's West Coast

behind and head Inland to the central

Japan Alps our destination the mountain

town of takayama about a 2-hour train or

bus ride however we're taking a detour

first because right in the middle of

takayama and kazawa lies the most

picturesque town in all of Japan it's

called shidao and it's a settlement that

was once hidden away from the rest of

Japan by the surrounding mountain peaks

today its that Ro farmhouses and

carefully tended Fields have been

awarded World her status and the unique

way of life opened up to the world the

first time I saw a photo of shid cagal I

thought it must be Photoshop surely it

can't be this good and then I came here

and it really is as jaw-droppingly

stunning as it looks and while it does

look best in summer when the rice is in

full bloom it's pretty damn nice in

Autumn as well and winter when it's

caked in snow and it's got a very cozy

Vibe going on I think no matter what

time of year you come to sh Cal you'll

certainly be rewarded it really is like

a high Al miazaki movie I say it a lot

but this time it really

is shido's that roof buildings are

called gash Zuki and they're not just

aesthetically pleasing but absolutely

essential in handling amongst the

highest snowfall on the planet in the

winter months when looking at the

Village you may notice all the buildings

face the same direction from north to

south a direction specifically chosen to

help minimize wind resistance but what

makes the town so special is that it's

not an open a museum but a real lived in

town with a local population in fact if

your schedule allows it the best way to

enjoy Shalo is to actually stay the

night in one of the farmhouses but

whether you're here for the night or

half a day you'll constantly be

surprised by the picture perfect nature

of the village and admittedly the rather

random goat just standing in the street

don't know how it got there you often

see people sharing videos of fish in the

waterways of Japan but actually it is

quite rare outside of mountain Towers

like this and should cowo but here

abundant looks pretty damn cool right

adds to the whole vibe and there's a a

goat over there randomly just walk in

the streets as well so the wildlife of

shirao you never know what you might

find if there's one dish to try shakago

it's actually a dessert Japanese custard

pudding served up in impressive glass

jars at the aptly named House of pudding

and my God is it delicious it's easy to

see how it recently won the title of

Japan's best pudding

2023 the house of pudding we had to

stop good go that is so

creamy oh my

God the aesthetic jar as well beautiful

Aesthetics don't come to shago for the

nice buildings or the goat come for the

house of pudding because it really is

that good this is insanely

[Music]

delicious heading a further 50 minutes

into the central Japan Alps and stuffed

full of treats from the house of pudding

at last we reach the mountain town of

takama takayama might just be my

favorite town in all of Japan I mean the

Journey Through The Towering Central

Japan outs to get here alone might just

be worth it for that but with it gushing

streams and traditional architecture

it's no surprise a lot of Travelers

coming here say it's a bit like stepping

back in time and the fact that every

street food here pretty much features

the local hi wagy beef is also a pretty

big bonus as

well despite its isolated location takma

has long enjoyed a level of prosperity

thanks to its high quality Timber and

EXP Craftsman that led to the region

being directly controlled by the ruling

Tokugawa shoga for the duration of the

Edo era they really did want that Timber

today there's an undeniable retro Vibe

around town with its old school

signboards and the shakan museum

celebrating 20th century Japan meanwhile

even convenience stores like family Mar

attempt to blend in by shunning their

bright green logo in favor of a more

Sleek wooden design checking into our

accommodation first while it may not be

quite as spacious as the canaza mat here

the view certainly makes up for it as we

gaze out across the mwa River and the

Oldtown quarter with the crisp Mountain

air blowing Downstream takayama Old Town

like canaza has done an impressive job

preserving its old buildings filled with

shops restaurants and even a sakur

brewery with Travelers queuing up for

the many Street Foods on offer and I

can't help but join in the fun after

spotting a stand selling the local hi

wagu beef on a stick wagu steak at a

restaurant will set you back about 6,000

Yen typically here you can enjoy a stick

of the good stuff for a mere 600 Yen

what a

bargain oh the one street food you need

when you come to dama you won't regret

it what I love about hi gear is they're

not very snobbish about how they use it

a lot of places when it comes to our you

have to have it in a certain way here

they serve it on a stick they serve it

on Sushi they serve it in buns they're

not afraid to use it and they're very

proud of it and I can certainly see why

my God Trish Trish when he come to AMA

thank me

later if there's one place worth

stopping by in takayama it has to be my

favorite museum in all of Japan takayama

shakan Museum well the shaw era spans

the reign of Emperor Shaw from 1926 to

1989 it's most commonly associated with

the postwar era when Japan experienced

an economic Miracle as the economy

boomed and the Arts flourished it was a

time Japan Found A Renewed sense of

identity and today it's looked back on

incredibly nostalgically especially as

the bubble burst in the early '90s and

the country went on to face the Lost

decade the attention to detail in the

museum is genuinely breathtaking with

entire shops and districts Faithfully

recreated with old memorabilia eagley

viewers may even recognize it from the

Dr Jelly commercial which we filmed on

location here in the Retro Diner where

history was made Dr jelly 2 commercial

shot right here about 3 years ago now

can't believe it well I love the way

there's just these little sets in every

part this one's a diner you've got

Cinema a school 1950s house hairdresses

such a cool place my favorite museum in

Japan by far it is like coming back in

time the attention to detail is

ridiculous honestly for the museum alone

a visit to takayama May well be

justified if I could live one place in

Japan it' be here every day would be the

60s every

day

traveling back in time is hungry

business fortunately just across the

road is a quaint and somewhat random

Scottish inspired Cafe aptly named

bagpipe of course it is the interior is

filled to the brim with clocks and

trinkets with the atmosphere of Mrs

doubtfire's sitting room having just

traveled back to the 60s at the Sha

Museum bagpipe feels like a natural

extension but with its delicious menu of

desserts sandwiches and coffee it's a

pleasant spot to sit relax and enjoy

looking out onto the streets of the

Oldtown

quarter if you're not able to make it to

shirakawago takayama is also home to the

hi folk Village while it's not a real

lived in town such as Shir cagor the

impressive open air museum is definitely

worth a visit so you can explore the

gashel zakuri homes firsthand it's also

a lot easier to get to than Shao just a

5-minute taxi ride from takayama station

it's been quite the journey through

Central Japan but it's time to say

goodbye to Charlotte and head 3 hours

West by train to Kyoto the first of

three cities that will visit in Kanai

region Kyoto is the soul of Japan as the

nation's cultural capital the antidote

to the modern Concrete Jungle of Tokyo

it's easy to spend days on end wandering

through the city's 2,000 shrines and

temples or lost down the back streets

enjoying a quiet moment arriving in

Kyoto we meet up with my good friend the

ever cheeky nski Who as a resident of

North Japan hasn't ever explored the

cities of Kyoto Oraka and Nara it's

certainly going to be a lot of fun

living vicariously through nsk's

reactions to some of Japan's most

spectacular sites over the next few days

and our first stop is to head to our

accommodation with an abundance of

options in Kor the best location to stay

is arguably higashiyama on the east side

of the city where you'll have easy

access to the largest historic quarters

and while hotels are in abundance we've

decided to stay in a matcha wooden

townhouse machia tow houses are sadly on

the decline with nearly 800 lost every

every single year the one silver lining

is the city's booming tourism sector is

helping to keep them alive with many

being renovated for travelers looking

for their own private slice of CTO

wow and with the all natural materials

and enclosed Garden hopefully you too

will find your own piece of Cal in the

middle of the bustling City it's very

small like a

[Music]

hobbit and when the rain gently pours

off the kada roof tiles as he gaze out

into the tiny private Garden from your

bath you too will know you've made the

right choice choosing to stay in a

machia the quintessential Kyoto

experience with naty's early afternoon

soak out of the way the rain finally

clearing we head to South Kyoto to climb

up the city's most famous Shrine Fushimi

inard with 10,000 red Tory Gates snaking

up through the Luscious forests of Mount

Inari Fushimi Inari is an ancient Shrine

dating back to the 8th Century before

Kyoto even became the capital of Japan

and it's dedicated to inard the Shinto

God of rice Agriculture and fertility

given Mount inard is 233 M you can reach

The Summit in about 30 to 40 minutes but

here there's no real destination it's

the breathtaking Journey Through The

Gates that's the reward you might be

wondering where all the gates come from

and they're actually donated by

companies and individuals looking for

good luck with their names and the dates

of their donations inscribed on each and

every gate and unsurprisingly a Tory

gate at fim andari certainly doesn't

come cheap how much do you think one of

these gates cost nasy

10 um it's cheap isn't it cheap cheap

one small gate is 400,000 Yen

off big big a big gate is about a

million y for $88,000 you've got a hair

saly on though your business yeah why

not get a gate for your business to you

know help the C good idea yeah for your

hair Sal how much money have you got

what we got here oh 5,000

5,000 yen we just need miniature doll

size we just need another $88,000 oh D

God I'm dream get to three naty's Tory

gate dreams seemingly shattered

hopefully dinner will cheer him up as we

return to hiashi and the finest tempura

restaurant in all of Kyoto tempura

Endor every time I find myself in Kyoto

I visit the restaurant and I've

essentially bribed natski to join our

trip with the promise of crispy gold

battered wonders that lie in store from

the moment you step inside you're hit

with the tantalizing Rich Aroma of the

batter and similar to a sushi restaurant

each dish whether it's fish vegetables

or meat is batted one at a time and

placed before you and how does it taste

well I'll let naski give the

verdict so good you'll drop your

[Music]

chopsticks the next morning we head to

arashiyama a 30-minute Journey to the

north of the city and home to many of

kotor's most treasured temples and

[Music]

shrines as he cross the Striking toed

secure bridge and wander along the banks

of the cataa river you'll find what may

be my favorite spot in the city with

boats quietly drifting Upstream against

the scenic backdrop of the neighboring

arashiyama

mountains our first stop is the Bamboo

Grove with a cool morning Breeze blowing

through the forest it's an almost

otherworldly ethereal site as we follow

the winding path through the the

trees stroll through the forest and

you'll soon come across the world

heritage site of tenui one of Japan's

greatest Zen temples built in the 14th

century in dedication to the recently

deceased Emperor

gordor ten nui's beautifully landscaped

garden and pond have been practically

untouched for 700 years and it's a place

to sit relax and enjoy a quiet moment of

contemplation but don't get too

comfortable as we climb Mount arashiyama

with the reward at the top isn't just

the incredible panoramic views over CTO

but an encounter with 120 snow monkeys

that call aatama Monkey Park

home it's quite a sight being able to

get up close to the monkeys as they walk

around the visitors without a care in

the world but it's important to point

out they are wild so don't get too close

and certainly don't look them dead in

the eye unless you want a trip to buy

some

bandages

good I should have known it wasn't the

temples the culture nor the history that

attracted did nki to Kyoto it was the

monkeys naturally wow great

monkey heading back down the mountain

it's time to visit koror's most

extravagant structure and the darling of

every Japan guide book front cover ever

made King kakaji AKA The Golden

Pavilion built as a Swanky holiday home

for Shun ashik kaga yoshimitsu The

Pavilion itself has tragically burned

down twice most recently in 19 1950 by a

fanatic monk before being rebuilt in

1955 King kakaji golden Pavilion

shimmering in the afternoon sun it is

stunning but you all have to fight for a

space to see it as we are we've had to

queue for quite a while but the view is

most certainly worth it it really is

pretty spectacular what do you think I

feel so rich man you feel so rich man

and you will too if you come to the

kingi

temple in the late afternoon an hour

before dusk we returned to higashi to

catch a glimpse of Kyoto at sundown from

K mizera Temple higashiyama is

absolutely huge and the journey through

the mazike streets really is half the

appeal of exploring the area the moment

we arrive we're instantly rewarded with

a view of the Asaka Pagoda a remarkable

five-story Pagoda which has stood here

on the hillside for over 600

years as we continue our walk up to K

Madera we increasingly find ourselves

sidelined by the many shops that line

the streets selling confectionary

Pottery crafts and Sak it's only a m

matter of time before the inevitable and

that's just bought a terrifying mask to

scare the locals it's not one of the

nice ones either brace

yourselves that's

key oh dear that's certainly one way to

stand out in koto's crowded streets K

midera literally meaning pure water

temple resides in an enviable spot on

the mountain side with sweeping views

over Kyoto and derives its poetic name

from the waterfall it was constructed

around in the 8th Century perhaps the

most impressive aspect of kadera is the

Towering wooden stage that rises 13 m

above the ground built without using any

nails and giving visitors spectacular

views over the cherry and maple trees

that span the mountain side from here as

you gaze across Kyoto with traditional

architecture in the foreground and the

monolithic modern day Kyoto station in

the distance you'll truly be able to

appreciate Kyoto's story past and

present and for just 500 yen you can

also appreciate your fortune as natski

grabbs an Omi literally a message from

the Gods written on a paper slip and

often found on sale at Shinto shrines

and Buddhist

temples Moment of

Truth too bad if you hadn't

bought the bad luck you wouldn't have

had

it and if at first you don't succeed buy

another message from the gods I get the

chance what have you got this time all

right drum

roll

good is he good

does it cancel it out good fortune bad

fortune Good

Fortune having successfully manifested

some good luck admittedly with the help

of his

wallet it's time to manifest some

dinner when it comes to dining out

kyto's Pont Alleyway is home to more

bars and restaurants than just about any

other stretch in the city it's well

worth a stroll for the atmosphere alone

however we're going across the bridge

into gon to a restaurant serving up the

local omy beef said to be one of the

three great beefs of Japan alongside

corber and matasaka here we're able to

sample The Buttery Rich A5 W as it's

gently and delicately sizzled before us

by the Master Chef ory beef is typically

cheaper than its rarer cousins of corit

and matasaka there is somebody who's

consumed a formidable amount of aru in

the last 10 years and admittedly on this

trip it's less to do with where the cut

is from and how it's grilled and

prepared and once again I'll leave the

verdict to naski

oh oh my

[Music]

god well we've only just scratched the

service of Kyoto given how truly

overwhelming Kai region is for its

sights it's time we ventured off to our

next city the ancient capital of

Nara Nar is a much smaller City and its

relaxed pace is much welcomed after

Kyoto's somewhat frenetic streets

especially as many of the city's

Treasures are situated in the Majestic

Nara Park as we stumble from the station

to the park we chance upon the most

famous shop in town serving up your mogy

mchi rice cakes deliciously fluffy

Parcels of rice that have been

relentlessly pounded down dusted with

soybean flour and filled to the brim

with generous amounts of gooey red bean

paste the perfect

breakfast Mai probably the most famous

Mai in Nara every New Year's Eve you see

this shop featured in Japanese news

they're pounding the rice pounding the

rice cakes down and uh yeah it's very gy

very nice bubble gum like bubble gum

it's quite a dangerous sweet though many

people actually die choking on the stuff

every year so be careful when eating it

it's very cheery don't talk while eating

it as

well as we make our way into Nar Park we

come face to face with the local deer

admittedly not that hard given 1,200

Seeker deer call Nar Park home

the deer are remarkably friendly

especially when they spot a fist full of

crackers who'd have thought it good

morning and before accepting the

crackers if you bow to the deer they too

will bow in return such civilized

creatures well not quite things can get

out of hand pretty damn fast once they

discover the crackers the seemingly

composed deer soon become well pretty

crackers as Nai unfortunately discovers

firstand if there's one thing to see in

Nara it's a Temple but not just any

Temple this alone is a good enough

reason to visit Nara the toig temple one

of the largest wooden structures on the

planet it's not just the fact the

exterior looks like the sort of place

you'd have a video game boss battle but

it's what's inside one of the largest

bronze brother statues in all of Japan

and it is

[Music]

spectacular toi means Great Eastern

Temple and it was built in 752 as the

head Buddhist temple in all of Japan a

colossal 49 ft tall busu awaits you

inside weighing an astonishing 500 tons

around the back you'll find a pillar

with a hole in its base the same size as

the nostril of the dutu it said if you

can squeeze through it you'll be granted

Enlightenment in your next life

unfortunately for nki though the next

life isn't looking so good right

now after two failed attempts and having

lost all his pocket money Nai

reluctantly gives up better luck next

time toi is quite the Blockbuster Temple

and it seems only fair that it's matched

by one of the most visually impressive

shrines in the country on the opposite

end of Nara Park we discover kasaa nar's

most celebrated Shrine built to protect

the city and famous for its 3,000

stunning lanterns donated by worshippers

hung from the walls around the shrine if

you want to see the lanterns illuminated

they're only lit up twice a year in

February and August something I imagine

the monks are fairly grateful for that's

certainly a lot of matches ah you know

after the chaos of Kyoto streets it's

been really damn Pleasant wandering

nar's Mountainside temples and quiet

streets but now it's time to dive back

into the grit and the glamour that is

Osaka my favorite city in

[Music]

Japan Oraka the nation's kitchen and the

party capital of Japan grittier and more

laid-back than its bigger brother Tokyo

Oraka is in its element at sundown when

the city's Billboards burst into life

around the dorton B canal

[Music]

luckily we're staying nearby but before

checking into our somewhat unusual

accommodation we first let natski take

it all in given somehow it's his first

time ever to set foot in

Oraka my God allaker at night I think

it's the only place that can rival Shabu

Crossing in Tokyo for the wow factor for

that moment where you take one big look

and go oh my God where am I and what's

going on I think this might well be my

favorite spot in Japan but the best

thing about Osaka of course is that it's

known as the kitchen of Japan so it's

time we sampled some of the things in

the

kitchen Street Foods in an abundance

around Autumn Bor at night yakatori

skewers pancakes and of course the most

famous street food of all takoyaki fried

octopus balls chopped up octopus

drenched in batter and doused with Tangy

werer sauce green onion Pickled ginger

and mayonnaise with eight balls all for

the price of 600 Yen what an absolute

steal but be warmed the food does come

with one ever so slightly dangerous

downside yeah the first mistake of

takoyaki wait about 10 minutes because

it is like moled lava oh my

God

careful oh dear we'll never

learn having incinerated our mouth it's

time to check into our accommodation the

area surrounding Dort B is in my view

the best place to stay in Oraka so you

can enjoy a night out but also because

it is well connected and tonight we're

staying at the henna Hotel staffed

entirely by

robots

wow as we're greeted at checkin by two

multilingual robot dinosaurs two leg the

hotel chain can be found throughout

Japan and straddles the fine line

between being cool and gimmicky But the

rooms a good value for money don't be

deterred if you're not someone who

enjoys robot dinosaurs what a sentence

to say out loud calling our hotel

stand the next morning we visit the

city's most important Landmark the

enormous Oraka castle with its

traditional architecture quite the

contrast against the city's gleaming

Modern

Skyscrapers Osaka Castle might not be

the best preserved Castle in Japan that

title goes to Himi or maybe matoto in

fact the entire inside of it is a museum

and there's an elevator which they

certainly didn't have back in the Edo

era but what you'll find when you come

here is a visually striking castle that

is breathtaking in its scale and the

fact that it's got the mo still there

that surrounds the castle a huge sping

Gardens it really is a sight to

behold Oraka Castle played a huge role

in the history of Japan from 1614 to

1615 the ruling Tokugawa Clan fought a

lengthy battle involving several

hundred, troops laying Siege to the

castle against toyot toi hiori the son

of the general who United Japan and buil

built the castle the defeat cemented the

power of the ruling Tokugawa shoga and

ushered in the Edo era similarly when

the castle fell in 1868 during the Civil

War to Imperial forces it marked the end

of an era and 200 years of rule by the

Tokugawa Dynasty while the view from

Osaka Castle is great the queue isn't

quite so appealing and so we head to the

Retro District of shinsekai and head up

to suen Kaku tower for an equally

impressive view of Osaka's vast

cityscape admittedly it may even be

better given you can see the castle

itself developed in 1912 and originally

inspired by Western architecture Shin

seai literally means new world today

however it's vibrant and evocative

Billboards look more like a Foreigner's

imagination of what Japan might look

like

Pirates it's here in the colorful

streets around the Tuten Kaku tower that

you'll find rest restaurant selling one

of Osaka's most iconic dishes cushy

katsu deep fried

skewers so shower perhaps the only flaw

of the dish is it's pretty damn hard to

discern what it is you're eating while

it all looks the same here we've got

cuts of pork beef onions potatoes shrimp

and my personal favorite cheese lots of

cheese happy

sausage take a skewer dip it into thick

ton catsu sauce essentially wory sauce

and never look back my God it's good

beautifully crunchy batter and a nice

friend

beer good good combination nice friend

nice friend

beer oh yeah lunch time on beer great

time well it's good to know Nas is so

easily one over but it's at this point

in the trip you've got to sort of Choose

Your Own Adventure stage with an extra

night to spare you can either visit

Hiroshima and the island of MIMA in the

west or head back towards Tokyo with a

stop off at the hot spring town of hon

and seeing as we've covered Hiroshima in

a dedicated video before linked below

we're going for hakon unsurprisingly I

don't want to share a bloody hotring

with natski which means it's time to say

goodbye to natski and hello once again

to

Charlotte Aon is 1 hour outside of Tokyo

by shinan and yet from the sheer change

of scenery you'd hardly know it was on

the doorstep of the world's biggest city

as skyscrapers are replaced with

luscious towering Peaks and if you're

lucky even a glimpse of Mount Fuji

itself in fact when riding the shinhan

send Tokyo bound from orak Kor be sure

to pick a window seat on the left side

of the train and you may just be

rewarded with the quintessential Japan

view hakona itself is nestled within the

complex volcano of Mount hakon

encompassing two overlapping calderas

several Peaks and the glistening Lake

ashy it's perhaps no surpris that this

seismically active National Park is some

of Japan's most famous in so eagerly

exploiting the precious Onsen hot spring

water bubbling up from below and for a

one night Excursion it's the perfect

place to experience a Japanese ran a

traditional in the key distinction

between a Rian and a hotel is that a

Rian is a holiday destination in its own

right a mini break with the food the hot

springs and the relaxing surroundings of

your room all serve to let you escape

relax and unwind whatever roran you

choose when checking in the ritual is

typically the same shoes are removed at

the entrance your dinner and breakfast

time chosen in advance a brief tour of

the characterful lobby and finally

escorted up to your room in this case we

find a beautifully illuminated room and

tucked away on the balcony a rotmo

outdoor bath the star of the show

overlooking the Mountainside scenery and

before heading down for our kaiseki

dinner how can I resist a cheeky

dip kaiseki means traditional

multi-course dinner and hot springs

aside it really is the star attraction

of staying at a riam and admittedly the

reason the experience costs a lot more

than a regular hotel with an emphasis on

Fresh seasonal ingredients and so

beautifully preserved you may even feel

a sense of guilt devouring it there's a

good chance it'll be one of the finest

meals of your trip to Japan so choose

your yoran wisely here we're served up

an assortment of seafood in no less than

12 Immaculate dishes followed up with

the most Picture Perfect Sukiyaki Hot

Pot topped with marbled A5 wagu beef I

don't know whether to eat it or take a

photo of it and mount it on my wall H

actually no I'll definitely just eat it

breakfast is no different either at 8:00

a.m. the next morning we awaken to find

yet another artistically prepared meal

of fish omelet mushrooms and rice

awaiting us

downstairs as we head out after

breakfast to enjoy the cash Kitty onent

while all the orans of Hot Springs

separated for men and women cash Kitty

means reserved private bath allowing

couples or families to enjoy eny a large

private bath all to themselves we've

managed to reserve it for a whole hour

although at 45° C around the 20 minute

Mark while submerged in the creamy

mineral Rich Waters you'll start to

transition from relaxation to boiled

frog fairly fast so be careful not to

enjoy it too much after drying off it's

time to head to the very source of the

hot spring water that's been spilling

into our bath 3,000 years ago Mount

hakon erupted leaving behind the sulfur

hellscape that is aak kudani literally

the great boiling Valley at 1,040 M near

the summit today thousands of Travelers

ride the hakon ropeway daily to see it

firsthand with the cable car rather

ominously almost directly over the

fuming vents below but seeing as we

rented a car we just drove up admittedly

a far less impressive Journey But

ultimately with the same rewarding view

of Mount Fuji magnificently looming

3,776 M over overhead my God we got

lucky today one of the best views North

Japan from the top of the hakon ropeway

Mount Fuji itself no matter how many

times you look at it it always takes

your breath away especially when it's

caked in snow in the early winter months

yes you have no idea how hard it is to

get this shot it's always in the clouds

so I'm very happy

today meanwhile over by the ropeway

crowds gather to gaze upon the great

boiling Valley up until 2015 visitors

could actually hike through the valley

but due to volcanic activity it was

subsequently closed off serving as a

Sinister reminder that Japan's

seismically active landscape is as

treacherous as it is

captivating Jesus it's like Mordor down

there the gateway to Hell itself all the

sulfuric steam puffing out billowing

across the mountain side but the view is

damn good not only Fuji but also looking

out towards Tokyo with the cable cars

going in front this is actually my first

time to ever come up the hack on a rope

play and I've been really impressed by

the views the atmosphere can't recommend

it enough definitely come up here and if

you're Lu lucky as we were today you

might just get the best view of Mount

Fiji in all

Japan if you're feeling peckish be sure

to try Kudo tagore literally black eggs

placed into baskets and dunked into the

80° hot spring for an hour the iron in

the water turning the shells black

according to local Legend it's said that

a hardboiled Kuro tamago will extend

your lifespan by up to 7 years not bad

for 500 yen if we hadn't spent an hour

stumbling around trying to find black

eggs we might have been able to go to

hack on a shrine that sits on the shores

of Lake ashinoko it's here you'll find

one of Japan's most photographed Tory

Gates protruding from the water after a

short stroll through the quain forest

meanwhile beyond the Tory gate you might

spot the haakon a pirate ship quietly

sailing across the lake why not hop

aboard and enjoy the local scenery while

living out your onepiece fantasies along

the way while we rented a car from odada

station and drove 45 minutes up the

mountain to hakon the area is incredibly

accessible without a car with buses and

local trains available but with that

it's time to return to

Tokyo well it's been quite the journey

but we're back where we started in Tokyo

with a few days to explore the world's

biggest city and this time we're staying

on the other side of town in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the Tokyo you've seen in the

movies and Anime intense futuristic and

Relentless the good thing about

exploring it all on the tail end of the

trip is he've kind of settled in at this

point and so you can appreciate it

better hopefully you'll feel a lot less

confused than when you first arrived and

given we're here in Shinjuku in the

evening it's time to discover what makes

Japan's largest Entertainment District

worthy of the title explore the narrow

Alleyways of a mu Yore literally memory

lane and Sample there's 60 tiny bars and

restaurants within with grilled yakatori

skewed Chicken in

abundance or grab a drink in Golden guy

a conglomeration of tiny retro bars with

an undeniable cyber Punk atmosphere for

my money Shinjuku is the best place for

a nighttime stroll in Tokyo but please

be careful not to follow the street TOS

folks on the street encouraging you to

visit their bars at discount prices

they're often linked to terrible scams

with drinks being spiked and credit card

bills being run up by unsavory

characters in fact I've made a whole

video dedicated to this that I'd

strongly urge you to watch before having

a night out in

Tokyo after Shinjuku shabuya is also a

great place to spend the night out while

not as big as Shinjuku Tokyo's most

eclectic shopping district is home to

the iconic crossing a sight to behold

with dozens of billboards blaring out

overhead but your final days in Tokyo

are a chance to do the many things you

may have missed on your travels across

Japan and given everyone's tastes are

completely different there really is no

correct way to experience the city so

rather than reel off a list of

neighborhoods you need to explore I want

to end our journey by sharing with you

10 things you need to do while while

you're in Tokyo number one stay in a

capsule Hotel somehow we haven't done it

on this trip so far and there's more

capsule hotels in Tokyo than any other

city it's a unique way to spend the

night that you simply won't find outside

of Japan so do it while you can number

two why not stay at a love Hotel don't

be fooled by the name there's nothing

inherently sleazy about it love hotels

can't be booked and are first come first

served just walk in and grab a room for

2 hours in fact you may want longer the

rooms are more playful and fun than

regular hotels with karaoke and jacuzzi

bars included and speaking of karaoke

number three go to karaoke it's cheap

fun and or you can drink when showing

friends around Japan all good holidays

end slumped over a beer in a karaoke

booth number four get a jaw-dropping

panoramic view of Tokyo while shabuya

sky is the new kid in town with perhaps

the best views of the city the cues can

be over an hour the alternative is to

visit myy Tower in rongi visit the

rooftop Sky Deck where you can stand 238

m above Tokyo and truly appreciate the

ridiculous scale of the world's largest

city number five visit a game center

from Mario Kart to the iconic tyon or

taten ultimate drumming game it's the

best place to blow off steam and get

immersed in a world where the fun never

ends until they close at 10 p.m. number

six take the monal over to Oda a future

touristic District on a reclaimed island

with sweeping views over Tokyo Skyline

from the eye-catching Fuji television

building to the 20 M to scale replica of

a gundamn robot but it's the monal

that's the star of the show winding

through Tokyo skyscrapers and across the

Rainbow Bridge number seven go souvenir

shopping in ginsa the trendy upm Market

District I never know what to buy

friends of family back home but aesu

plum wine always seems to do the trick

regular NIU sake is a a bit more of an

acquired

taste number eight stroll through

Tokyo's many parks whether it's oeno

park with the zoo yoyogi park for the

people watching or Shinjuku park for the

carefully tended Gardens they each have

their own charm although I think

Shinjuku Park is probably the nicest to

spend a couple of hours strolling around

number nine go shopping for retro

secondhand Goods nobody does secondhand

Goods better than Japan where people

actually take care of their possessions

whether it's super potato the video game

shop in akih habab

where you can pick up a super familyc as

if it's practically brand new or the

cavernous Nao Broadway shopping center

filed to the brim with rare items you

simply won't find anywhere else and

number 10 eat some Ramen because somehow

we forgot to do it on the rest of our

trip ichiran is a tourist favorite

although in my view it's good if not a

little bit overrated go to idor if you

want to visit the chain that all the

locals go to or better still visit an

independent family run Ramen Shop of

which you're pretty much sport for

Choice given there's thousands across

the

city and then finally the hard part get

on the plane and go home but don't worry

you'll be back many thanks for watching

guys I hope you enjoyed our epic 14 days

across Japan but what was your favorite

place we visited and remember most of

the locations we explored on this trip

have actually got entire videos

dedicated to them such as Oraka fuka or

even asakasa District in Tokyo we've

listed them all in the description box

below so you can find them easily and

put them to good use on your trip to

Japan and if I learn one thing from this

entire trip it's if at first you don't

get the fortune you want keep buying

fortune and eventually you'll get what

you want to

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hear