We're holding the next Abroad in Japan meet up at Yours - see you there! I'm always reminded of the joys of travel when having awesome encounters with strangers along the way; a Buddhist monk, a pizza salesman, and a German cyclist all made my day. Hope you enjoyed this change of pace and the more vloggy style. Toying with doing it more often if this does well! Either way, I enjoyed my annual summer pilgrimage to Sakata and I look forward to the next one. ⭐ And a big thanks to Insta360 for sponsoring this video with their awesome new camera (FREE Screen Protector until Aug 31st): www.insta360.com/sal/go-3s?INRF3T8
i really like how it’s almost a movie, i know you enjoy creating videos that look visually impressive like the fukushima reactor video, you should make some more like these!
I love how the beginning of this video from 00:40 to 00:48 reminds me so much of Japanese movies. (And the bit before that was very energetic.) I can see you being a movie director in the future more and more with every video. Video just started so I am looking forward what creative shots you did in the rest of video.
Based on a recent documentary about the UK there is no longer such a thing as an affluent British town. Apparently London and its economy are the only thing keeping the British Isles afloat. Everything outside of London is in really dire straits apparently... Love the "vloggy style" though! Thanx for the fun content!
The sign Dōgen talked about. When your Japanese is subpar, it's "Nihongo Jōzu" for you. But if your Japanese is good, the reaction becomes a curious "How long you've been here??"
One of your best videos. Personal, insightful, funny, beautiful. Your friendship with Natsuki is something special. Thank you for continuing to make such high quality content.
ngl, this was probably one of the best videos lately, little music just ambience, seeing a thing or two, chris being honest without nagging, and natsuki cracking a thing or two, perfection
I was almost convinced and knowing Chris, it's probably true. It just felt a bit too much salesmanship like. If Chris showed which clips from older videos came from that brand would sell me to be honest😅
My wife's parents live in Fukui, I feel at absolute peace every time we go back. The big cities are nice, but the countryside really does hit different.
I swear, by now the government of Japan should just make you sone sort of cultural ambassador, you've done a really good job showcasing both the good and bad of Japan
He already has a job that I'm sure he doesn't want to quit. If he became an ambassador I'd assume it was just in title only. Chris doesn't have the time to do Abroad in Japan and work as an ambassador.
True, a lot of the latest videos was 50% just sitting and eating (maybe more). Which was kinda boring, this videos was what I love about abroad in Japan.
There's something so comforting about the idea of a bar as tiny and intimate as the Union Jack Collector, and all of its equivalents across Japan. It's like a small social gathering where the bartender is more like a friend than just a bartender.
This is a wonderful refresher for the audience too; the video has that nice old natsukashi vibe from when I started watching 6 - 7 years ago and most of the videos were a bit more smaller scope, but with all the advantages of 6 - 7 extra videography and editing experience.
I just came back from a trip with my university where we visited japanese schools. Hearing those kids scream "HELLO!!" To you the same way they did me made me smile
I love the amazing wide shots of the sights of Japan, but it's those little friendly interactions with locals that just *make* the videoes. Fantastic vids, as always, Chris 🤍🎌
I was really worried when making this video that I wouldn’t run into enough strangers - especially as folks in rural Japan can be quite shy. And yet the interactions just kept on coming 😅
Awesome video, you guys are the inspiration for me to travel to inaka Japan. I went to yamadera and stayed in Sendai and met with rock n roll museum Haru and Sachiko. I’ve been to 31 prefectures so far. Awesome natsuki played teen spirit nirvana. Thank you for all the cool videos take care Aloha.
Many thanks Jared! Delighted to hear you've visited Yamadera, one of my favourite spots in north Japan - yet somehow I've never filmed it for AiJ. Keep up the good work travelling the country!
Chris, I've been watching your videos for at least 10 years now and tomorrow I'm finally going to Japan! Thank you for your videos, they've given me some courage to finally take the trip.
This is one of the best videos you’ve made imo, more of this please! I love when you spend time really exploring a place and chatting with locals instead of quickly darting from place to place.
I really love the casual job transition from school principle to monk, and the fact that the school was so nearby. It's just funny to imagine one's old principle being across the street doing monk stuff.
Actually, a lot of schools and kindergartens in Japan are owned by temples and shrines. I used to go to a kindergarten in Nagoya where the principal was a monk. Don't know who's running the place now since both the principal and his wife passed away suspiciously a few years ago. RIP
I honestly don't care what type of videos you make, because they are always so well thought out and edited that it's a small cinematic escape from my daily life every time I watch them. When you put your soul into your work and enjoy yourself in the process, I think it really shows through the screen and I think that's what has keeping all your subscribers hooked for all these years. You are truly an amazing cinematographer and storyteller, thank you for showing us how beautiful Japan can be ❤ sending you and Sharla lots of love 🤗
Idk about anyone else, but this feels like an entirely new format of video and I love it. It seems super intimate/off-the-cuff but is obviously very well produced as one would expect from a Abroad in Japan video
I feel like here he's back to how he used to make videos - being a bit nutty but now much more joyful, not that his recent videos are disagreeable. The way he used first person view here is truly new and I have to say it is pretty cool. In any case, this is my favourite video to date!
Thanks! This video has the best music you have used of all. I wish there was a playlist I can check out, specially the song you used in 18:45 Intense Mountain Hike
Many thanks for the kind words! Spent a lot of time working on the sound design on this one - the song is called Ikebana by Shin Suzuma. A stunning track.
"I've no problems catching what you are saying" is the most reinforcing thing someone can say to you, no matter the language you are learning As an obvious non-english speaker, that phrase is my favourite thing to hear when I try to speak and starts to stress out about it ahaha
When I visited Japan with my friend, we went to the usual Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. However, we also visited Kamakura and it was by far our favourite destination. The beach, the smaller town feel, the scenery, and the best ramen I had on the trip. There is a small rail line going through the city, it really gave it charm! We were thinking of going to Yamagata originally and your video definitely convinced me!
This is truly one of the most "real" videos on youtube so far. Enjoyed it very much, watched it twice, feels like I'm there with you sharing the nostalgia. Great job mate👏
This has to be one of my favorite videos from you, Chris! Of course I love all your videos, but there's something special about this one seeing how you fondly talk about your beginnings in Japan. Also the scenery is beautiful! Whenever I make it out to Japan in the future I definitely want to stop there alongside other rural/countryside areas!
I absolutely love this format Chris. Your reflections on the small things are a really nice change of pace. It's incredibly enjoyable to watch, keep right on!
Really loved this video! It shows a side of Japan you don't see very often in media, a calm summer day in the Japanese countryside without any big events. The small things like talking to a stranger, eating something delicious or seeing some nice scenery can make any day feel special. Thanks for this, Chris!
Hi! I love your videos! Do you think hiking Mt. Haguro during the second week of December is a good idea? Will it be too snowy? I'm going to be around during that time, and I'd love to go there.
It could be rather snowy in which case I wouldn’t recommend the hike up - maybe just a hike to the pagoda. You can also stay overnight up at the temple itself so that could be an option!
@@AbroadinJapan Thank you! I rewatched this video again (love it) and considered your answer, and I decided that I will plan a trip for October 2025 to enjoy those magical places properly :)
I barely ever comment on videos. Not sure why. But I just want to say that this was a truly beautiful one. I'd love to see you make more of these, altough I realise that this might be really hard to do.
love seeing these 1-day trip documentaries of places of interest around the country, especially exclusive locations that tourists wouldn't have had known - like the giant Buddha statue next to a school, and the story about the former principal (now monk). also seeing Natsuki and Chris hanging out, reminds me of what was in the book - their chanced meeting (almost like magic)!
Petition to get the acoustic version of Too Much Volcano? Also, Sakata reminds me a lot of Morioka. I only lived there briefly, but the Japanese countryside really is something else.
I always enjoy these bits. Ofcourse it's fun to see Chris hanging out in Tokyo with all the other content creators and when he makes videos about general Japanese stuff, but these have their own charm. Just a day in the life of a dude meeting up with friends and meeting new people.
How is Natsuki so fucking funny? He was on for like 2 minutes and I am absolutely dying laughing in my own room. The man is an incredible treasure. I just love him every time even when I think I saw everything already.
Thank you for introducing Mt. Haguro, Yura Onsen and other areas of the Shonai region. You and Sharla are very much loved by everyone in Tsuruoka and Sakata. Please come back soon. 🥰
This is my favorite video format. I feel like I’m hanging out with good friends I’ve known forever. You know it will be good when both Sharla and Natsuki are in a video!
I love these kind of videos that show smaller towns and the countryside. Tokyo is great and all that, but there is more to Japan than Tokyo. Keep up the good work.
I love these chill types of videos, that include interactions with the locals, some dope-ass scenery. It never ceases to amaze me looking at the lush vegetation, little rivers and waterfalls there.
I was just enjoying the video like normal until that little bit had me literally crying with laughter 😂 "Wha- iu- i- uh, nn- eh- i-its it's it's... it's Yours..."
I always appreciate when you include conversations with locals. It adds a personal touch to your videos that others might miss out on when it’s only hearing from a foreigner. Another wonderful video 👍
That Nirvana x ASO volcano cover slaps! We need an internet-wide release! Rural Japan seems really underappreciated nowadays, but it's probably not that enticing to most tourists - especially when you consider how much there is to see in and around Tokyo... I would love to go on a rural road trip in the future - mountains, valleys, shrines, and handheld pizza - that sort of thing!
the quality of your videos are amazing! The vloggy style feels more personal and it was refreshing. It's like you're literally sharing parts of your life with us. Thanks for all you do :) がんばって!💪 お楽しみよ💕
Chris, whatever you did in this video feels like *the* Abroad in Japan magic. I'm a bit late to watch but this is such a treat this morning, thanks for doing what you do.
Every time Natsuki is on camera, he dials the ham factor up to 11. Real hard to have a bad day when Natsuki is there to make us all laugh. Keep up the good work everyone.
This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours in recent memory, Chris. I had just listened to your audiobook on Spotify and was pleasantly surprised to see you back in Sakata. Theres just something about the countryside that soothes my soul. Much love and looking forward to whats to come.
Great video! I taught English in a small city in Hokkaido back in the 90s and I agree, rural Japan is gorgeous! Plus, being a skier, winters were epic! My girlfriend lived in Sapporo so I frequently rode the train to visit on the weekends. Got to help carry an Omikoshi in a festival with a bunch of Jieitai soldiers! Met lots of really cool people, some of whom I'm still in touch with. Some of the best times of my entire life. Nice job on the YOUR*S bit!
Absolutely loved this, nice to see the countryside but also you bring in your current life to the previous life. You do amazing work Chris and love all that you do!
Not sure what was different about this video, but this was my favourite one by far in a while. It just felt a lot more authentic. Keep up the great work.
Watching this made me realize 3 things: - The way you shot the Haguro is amazing, I could watch hours of that. The cinematography in Abroad in Japan videos is always stunning. But the way you capture and show surroundings, be it in the city or in nature, just has like your unique and compelling vibe to it. It makes Japan look enchanting in a way no tourism campaign could hope to match. - I feel like recent videos especially feel less " Filtered". I mean this in comparisson to other youtube videos. What I mean by this is, allthough I dont smoke myself, it feels oddly liberating seeing Natsuki casually smoking. Also like last time with the cigars. It feels like watching a movie made like "Back in the day" but with modern high quality. - We need an accoustic version of to much volcano! Amazing video, as always.
Idk why I left this video in my plan to watch for this long. This is the type of stuff I love - those laid back travel vlogs, random encounters with kind locals and Natsuki shenanigans
What a lovely trip down memory lane. Its like an ending of a chapter of a long journey, a place to rest before you start another big adventure and knowing you I may not be off the mark with that statement. :D
Chris, you're spot-on observing the tourism 80-20 rule. When eighty percent of the tourists visit the same 20 percent of spots, that leaves the rest of the country wide open for the rest of us.
This was a very entertaining vlog. From seeing the Buddha at the elementary school to you and Shameleon tooling around in your K car and taking the hike to spending some time with our beloved Natsuki this episode gave us lots to enjoy.
The best video in a while (for me). I've been a big fan of your adventures over the last 7 or 8 years and this really brings it back to the style of some of my favorite content. Keep it up, keep it authentic. It's a great escape. Love it.
Recently found out about the working holiday visa. As a fellow German, seeing that German dude using it has probably strengthened my resolve of one day utilising it too.
Not to take away from the awesome personalities displayed in Chris's videos (including himself), but I think one of the big reasons for his success is his/his team's skill in filmmaking and editing. The videos are almost always perfectly paced, vibrantly shot and well written.
This video was so chill , the commentary is always the best , the camera shots and the background music were all well done . Sir Natsuki's jam session at the end was also great , the guitar play man that was so good I think it matched the calm theme of this video , it was a great way to end the video .
We're holding the next Abroad in Japan meet up at Yours - see you there!
I'm always reminded of the joys of travel when having awesome encounters with strangers along the way; a Buddhist monk, a pizza salesman, and a German cyclist all made my day.
Hope you enjoyed this change of pace and the more vloggy style. Toying with doing it more often if this does well! Either way, I enjoyed my annual summer pilgrimage to Sakata and I look forward to the next one.
⭐ And a big thanks to Insta360 for sponsoring this video with their awesome new camera (FREE Screen Protector until Aug 31st): www.insta360.com/sal/go-3s?INRF3T8
O wow, a third Escape movie with Snake Pliskin Colin.
i really like how it’s almost a movie, i know you enjoy creating videos that look visually impressive like the fukushima reactor video, you should make some more like these!
I love how the beginning of this video from 00:40 to 00:48 reminds me so much of Japanese movies. (And the bit before that was very energetic.) I can see you being a movie director in the future more and more with every video. Video just started so I am looking forward what creative shots you did in the rest of video.
Reminds me of earlier kinds of videos you guys (or Chris by himself?) would make, nevertheless great vid!
Based on a recent documentary about the UK there is no longer such a thing as an affluent British town. Apparently London and its economy are the only thing keeping the British Isles afloat. Everything outside of London is in really dire straits apparently...
Love the "vloggy style" though! Thanx for the fun content!
Seriously…. Nags about needing a haircut, visits His best friend who has a hair salon… does not get a haircut 😂
That was also my first thought when Natsuki's salon was empty. Completely wild
I thought that too but then thought that he would definitely give Chris a ‘trendy’ haircut 😂
@@JadeCC92 sounds good to me 👍
That what I thought was going to happen.
@@JadeCC92what sort of magazine would one find such Trendy haircuts in?
That buddhist monk is so cool! Knows english, history, invites foreigners into his temple. Amazing!
Wasn't expecting to have a POV of Chris waterboarding himself in the shower in the first minute
Quality content at every turn
@@AbroadinJapannever change Chris 😂
@@AbroadinJapannext we must see a POV of you eating sausages
mr affable having an affable bath
Well... At least it wasn't a pov of him on the loo! 😳
It was great to see Natsuki playing guitar, hearing he used to be in a band in many videos, so was nice to actually hear him play.
Too Much Volcano - Unplugged Version
He plays so well!!
That was natsuki? I could have sworn that was Kurt Cobain
7:28 We finally got the real life conversation between Chris and Japanese local. Nihongo Jouzo! Ken Watanabe would be proud
And he didn't have to lie about how long he'd been there this time!
@@flookaraz That's what I call character development 😂
His character arc is complete.
The sign Dōgen talked about. When your Japanese is subpar, it's "Nihongo Jōzu" for you. But if your Japanese is good, the reaction becomes a curious "How long you've been here??"
@@flookaraz i was so proud of him ❤😂
One of your best videos. Personal, insightful, funny, beautiful. Your friendship with Natsuki is something special. Thank you for continuing to make such high quality content.
Delighted Natsuki and I are still hanging out same as always after ten years! Thanks for the kind words and support 🙏
@@AbroadinJapan Chris I will kiss you
ngl, this was probably one of the best videos lately, little music just ambience, seeing a thing or two, chris being honest without nagging, and natsuki cracking a thing or two, perfection
🙏 Thanks mate much appreciated
It is very old school the Vibe, takes me back a few years
riiight, I feel that too
Took the words out of my mouth, absolutely loved it!!
it is extremely refreshing to see a sponsorship that chris actually cares about. when he talks about the insta360 I genuinely believe his endorsement
I was almost convinced and knowing Chris, it's probably true. It just felt a bit too much salesmanship like. If Chris showed which clips from older videos came from that brand would sell me to be honest😅
Totally fair enough sponsorship to me. It’s a product he actually uses
Elderly mom and pop owners will never not warm my heart when they're wholesome like in this video.
"never not" translation into English "always" ESL?
@@justme-n-gracie Never heard of a double negative before mate?
@@srlatch7953ESL means English is their second language
My wife's parents live in Fukui, I feel at absolute peace every time we go back. The big cities are nice, but the countryside really does hit different.
Yeah, but as Chris said, winters are brutal af and if you're under 40 and want to do something with your life, options limited.
I swear, by now the government of Japan should just make you sone sort of cultural ambassador, you've done a really good job showcasing both the good and bad of Japan
I mean, he was invited to that dinner with the Emperor and the King
Hear me out though:- Cultural Ambassador Natsuki
@@generalmazur I can see him at Buckingham palace already, going up to the king, yelling "ohhhh, royal dick man!"
He already has a job that I'm sure he doesn't want to quit. If he became an ambassador I'd assume it was just in title only. Chris doesn't have the time to do Abroad in Japan and work as an ambassador.
@@generalmazur I can see him now at Buckingham Palace meeting the king, going "Oooh! Royal dick man!"
Natsuki playing Nirvana on acoustic guitar was not what I expected today, but it’s what I needed
When Chris mentioned taking Sharla to his **favorite** temple, I half expected him to bring her back to the one he just found by the kindergarten.
😂
Yeah same here😂
same lol
@@MrGamer-ew1ue😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Would've been peak comedy
That temple, the surroundings, the water.
This is what i pictured in my head Japan would look like when i was 10 years old. That place is beautifull.
Gonna be honest, banger of a video. Best in a long while. This is the Abroad in Japan content I've missed and been looking for.
True, a lot of the latest videos was 50% just sitting and eating (maybe more). Which was kinda boring, this videos was what I love about abroad in Japan.
this and the one from last year that was day in the life involving surfing with PewDiePie are two GEMS
There's something so comforting about the idea of a bar as tiny and intimate as the Union Jack Collector, and all of its equivalents across Japan. It's like a small social gathering where the bartender is more like a friend than just a bartender.
Ngl, I loved opening. Especially since you avoided any reflections
It was an absolute nightmare 😅
You can just tell that Natsuki is such a special friend to Chris by the way he smiles and laughs when he's with him. It's so fun to watch ❤
The timing of Sharla's call and you stopping over at the Your's store absolute COMEDY
Very Four Candles.
It's known as a "Who's on first" comedy routine.
"what do you mean you're at ours?!?"
"No, no, I told you, I'm at YOUR'S!"
"😡"
Minor "I'm at soup" vibes
@@CyUzi5280WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE AT SOUP??
This is a wonderful refresher for the audience too; the video has that nice old natsukashi vibe from when I started watching 6 - 7 years ago and most of the videos were a bit more smaller scope, but with all the advantages of 6 - 7 extra videography and editing experience.
Natsuki's personality is so fantastic that I feel like I know him, even though I'll never meet him in real life. What a special person!
I just came back from a trip with my university where we visited japanese schools. Hearing those kids scream "HELLO!!" To you the same way they did me made me smile
These smaller, more personal videos are definitely my favourite. Also always a pleasure seeing Chris having real, candid moments with locals.
love your video's keep up the amazing work my friend
I love the amazing wide shots of the sights of Japan, but it's those little friendly interactions with locals that just *make* the videoes. Fantastic vids, as always, Chris 🤍🎌
I was really worried when making this video that I wouldn’t run into enough strangers - especially as folks in rural Japan can be quite shy. And yet the interactions just kept on coming 😅
@@AbroadinJapanfinally interact with locals challenge completed successfully what a amazing day.
@@AbroadinJapan I've read you have some level of notoriety now. Are you getting more interaction because they already know who you are?
Awesome video, you guys are the inspiration for me to travel to inaka Japan. I went to yamadera and stayed in Sendai and met with rock n roll museum Haru and Sachiko. I’ve been to 31 prefectures so far. Awesome natsuki played teen spirit nirvana. Thank you for all the cool videos take care Aloha.
Many thanks Jared! Delighted to hear you've visited Yamadera, one of my favourite spots in north Japan - yet somehow I've never filmed it for AiJ. Keep up the good work travelling the country!
Natsuki is actually the hero of Abroad in Japan. Chris is just his sidekick.
It’s Natsuki’s world, and we’re just living in it!
Chris, I've been watching your videos for at least 10 years now and tomorrow I'm finally going to Japan! Thank you for your videos, they've given me some courage to finally take the trip.
This is one of the best videos you’ve made imo, more of this please! I love when you spend time really exploring a place and chatting with locals instead of quickly darting from place to place.
I really love the casual job transition from school principle to monk, and the fact that the school was so nearby. It's just funny to imagine one's old principle being across the street doing monk stuff.
Actually, a lot of schools and kindergartens in Japan are owned by temples and shrines. I used to go to a kindergarten in Nagoya where the principal was a monk. Don't know who's running the place now since both the principal and his wife passed away suspiciously a few years ago. RIP
I honestly don't care what type of videos you make, because they are always so well thought out and edited that it's a small cinematic escape from my daily life every time I watch them. When you put your soul into your work and enjoy yourself in the process, I think it really shows through the screen and I think that's what has keeping all your subscribers hooked for all these years. You are truly an amazing cinematographer and storyteller, thank you for showing us how beautiful Japan can be ❤ sending you and Sharla lots of love 🤗
Idk about anyone else, but this feels like an entirely new format of video and I love it. It seems super intimate/off-the-cuff but is obviously very well produced as one would expect from a Abroad in Japan video
Can never be bored with Chris' video. I think I have seen every single one of his videos. His and Trash Taste's are the only one.
I feel like here he's back to how he used to make videos - being a bit nutty but now much more joyful, not that his recent videos are disagreeable.
The way he used first person view here is truly new and I have to say it is pretty cool.
In any case, this is my favourite video to date!
I feel like I see more female youtubers do day in my life vlogs than men, but it could just be me. I defo see a bit of Sharla's influence here!
Thanks! This video has the best music you have used of all. I wish there was a playlist I can check out, specially the song you used in 18:45 Intense Mountain Hike
Many thanks for the kind words! Spent a lot of time working on the sound design on this one - the song is called Ikebana by Shin Suzuma. A stunning track.
@@AbroadinJapan Thanks for letting me know, I can enjoy it fully now!
"I've no problems catching what you are saying" is the most reinforcing thing someone can say to you, no matter the language you are learning
As an obvious non-english speaker, that phrase is my favourite thing to hear when I try to speak and starts to stress out about it ahaha
When I visited Japan with my friend, we went to the usual Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. However, we also visited Kamakura and it was by far our favourite destination. The beach, the smaller town feel, the scenery, and the best ramen I had on the trip. There is a small rail line going through the city, it really gave it charm! We were thinking of going to Yamagata originally and your video definitely convinced me!
7:32 Chris got hit with the "Nihongo jouzu" 🤣
no foreigner is safe. it can come for all of us!
This is truly one of the most "real" videos on youtube so far. Enjoyed it very much, watched it twice, feels like I'm there with you sharing the nostalgia. Great job mate👏
His conversations with Sharla between "Ours" and "Your's" are hilarious 😂
16:40 😂
Almost Monty Python-esque.
Why are you buying clothes at *your's*?!
Classic rush hour moment
Who's on first?
This has to be one of my favorite videos from you, Chris! Of course I love all your videos, but there's something special about this one seeing how you fondly talk about your beginnings in Japan. Also the scenery is beautiful! Whenever I make it out to Japan in the future I definitely want to stop there alongside other rural/countryside areas!
ESCAPE FROM TOKYO sounds like an awesome comedy, drama, action series.
What's EFT got to do with anything here
Escaping Tokyo
He's been teasing of escape from Japan 😂 no video yet😠but atleast we got this😁👍🙄
Aside joking I would watch whatever he makes lol
With Kurt Russel.
I swear this was the name of one of the Journey Across Japan videos 😅
The "Yours" bit was genuinely funny.
Y'know with all the funnyman antics you sometimes forget Natsuki has actual life skills like playing the guitar xD
Gosh I am so jealous you get to hang with Natsuki. He seems so fun and down to earth.
I absolutely love this format Chris. Your reflections on the small things are a really nice change of pace. It's incredibly enjoyable to watch, keep right on!
Really loved this video! It shows a side of Japan you don't see very often in media, a calm summer day in the Japanese countryside without any big events. The small things like talking to a stranger, eating something delicious or seeing some nice scenery can make any day feel special. Thanks for this, Chris!
Love these videos that highlight the more rural parts of Japan, especially in the north of the country 😁
7:20
"Which country are you from?"
"The UK"
"You give off the vibe"
Of course, Mr. Affable must have the UK vibes
I do find it hilarious that the UK has an apparent vibe to the Japanese.
If Chris had been American, the guy probably wouldn't even have needed to ask. 😅
Okay, the crepe pizza is ingenious, I want one now.
it's like a half open calzone
It's basically just New York pizza.
Too Much Volcano: Unplugged. It was beautifully done ❤
Colin in Japan posted. My friday is saved.
Hi! I love your videos! Do you think hiking Mt. Haguro during the second week of December is a good idea? Will it be too snowy? I'm going to be around during that time, and I'd love to go there.
It could be rather snowy in which case I wouldn’t recommend the hike up - maybe just a hike to the pagoda. You can also stay overnight up at the temple itself so that could be an option!
@@AbroadinJapan Thank you! I rewatched this video again (love it) and considered your answer, and I decided that I will plan a trip for October 2025 to enjoy those magical places properly :)
I barely ever comment on videos. Not sure why.
But I just want to say that this was a truly beautiful one.
I'd love to see you make more of these, altough I realise that this might be really hard to do.
love seeing these 1-day trip documentaries of places of interest around the country, especially exclusive locations that tourists wouldn't have had known - like the giant Buddha statue next to a school, and the story about the former principal (now monk).
also seeing Natsuki and Chris hanging out, reminds me of what was in the book - their chanced meeting (almost like magic)!
Petition to get the acoustic version of Too Much Volcano?
Also, Sakata reminds me a lot of Morioka. I only lived there briefly, but the Japanese countryside really is something else.
I always enjoy these bits. Ofcourse it's fun to see Chris hanging out in Tokyo with all the other content creators and when he makes videos about general Japanese stuff, but these have their own charm. Just a day in the life of a dude meeting up with friends and meeting new people.
How is Natsuki so fucking funny? He was on for like 2 minutes and I am absolutely dying laughing in my own room. The man is an incredible treasure. I just love him every time even when I think I saw everything already.
NGL, I'm jella as hell Chris has a Japanese male friend as cool as Natsuki. I've been here even longer than Chris, and no such luck.
Thank you for introducing Mt. Haguro, Yura Onsen and other areas of the Shonai region. You and Sharla are very much loved by everyone in Tsuruoka and Sakata. Please come back soon. 🥰
We love shonai so much 🫶🏻💕💕
This is my favorite video format. I feel like I’m hanging out with good friends I’ve known forever. You know it will be good when both Sharla and Natsuki are in a video!
I love these kind of videos that show smaller towns and the countryside. Tokyo is great and all that, but there is more to Japan than Tokyo. Keep up the good work.
This whole video gives warm and comfy vibes, highlighting how much joy you had during your escape from Tokyo. It was beautiful. Thank you.
this video was full of SOUL
It is so cool to see that your friendship with Natsuki is still going strong after all those years. Like a magic indeed 😃
I love these chill types of videos, that include interactions with the locals, some dope-ass scenery. It never ceases to amaze me looking at the lush vegetation, little rivers and waterfalls there.
That bit of "I"m at Your's" made me think of "I'm at SOUP!"
I thought that was the reference
"WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO BUY CLOTHES AT A SOUP STORE????"
I was just enjoying the video like normal until that little bit had me literally crying with laughter 😂
"Wha- iu- i- uh, nn- eh- i-its it's it's... it's Yours..."
How can you be AT soup?!?
I always appreciate when you include conversations with locals. It adds a personal touch to your videos that others might miss out on when it’s only hearing from a foreigner. Another wonderful video 👍
That Nirvana x ASO volcano cover slaps! We need an internet-wide release!
Rural Japan seems really underappreciated nowadays, but it's probably not that enticing to most tourists - especially when you consider how much there is to see in and around Tokyo...
I would love to go on a rural road trip in the future - mountains, valleys, shrines, and handheld pizza - that sort of thing!
the quality of your videos are amazing! The vloggy style feels more personal and it was refreshing. It's like you're literally sharing parts of your life with us. Thanks for all you do :) がんばって!💪
お楽しみよ💕
you can genuinely tell how much you loved making this video, total banger. more of what you want and less of what you think we want please!
Chris, whatever you did in this video feels like *the* Abroad in Japan magic. I'm a bit late to watch but this is such a treat this morning, thanks for doing what you do.
When you slap the cherries onto the table they open back up, but in the next shot theyre closed on the table. I bet that box annoyed you to no end.
Every time Natsuki is on camera, he dials the ham factor up to 11. Real hard to have a bad day when Natsuki is there to make us all laugh. Keep up the good work everyone.
Would love more VLOG-style videos like this!
And I'm glad you've reverted to the full swesring content we know and love.
Love this style of video. Just talking to locals in Japanese and a good mix of narration. Amazing !!
This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours in recent memory, Chris. I had just listened to your audiobook on Spotify and was pleasantly surprised to see you back in Sakata. Theres just something about the countryside that soothes my soul. Much love and looking forward to whats to come.
The love between Natsuki and Chris is honesty beautiful
Natsuki coming out of nowhere with the Nirvana was not something I was expecting
Great video! I taught English in a small city in Hokkaido back in the 90s and I agree, rural Japan is gorgeous! Plus, being a skier, winters were epic! My girlfriend lived in Sapporo so I frequently rode the train to visit on the weekends. Got to help carry an Omikoshi in a festival with a bunch of Jieitai soldiers! Met lots of really cool people, some of whom I'm still in touch with. Some of the best times of my entire life. Nice job on the YOUR*S bit!
Natsuki singing "I want a bottle of water" like Parappa the Rapper is definitely gonna need its own video
step on the gas
step on the brakes :')
Absolutely loved this, nice to see the countryside but also you bring in your current life to the previous life. You do amazing work Chris and love all that you do!
Not sure what was different about this video, but this was my favourite one by far in a while. It just felt a lot more authentic. Keep up the great work.
It’s cause unlike the Tokyo list stuff you have no idea where Chris will visit next in the video.
I’ve been watching these videos for so long that they are now nostalgic. Don’t ever stop.
I love these vlog type videos you make, reminds me of the original Journey Across Japan. Fantastic video Chris!! 😄
Watching this made me realize 3 things:
- The way you shot the Haguro is amazing, I could watch hours of that. The cinematography in Abroad in Japan videos is always stunning. But the way you capture and show surroundings, be it in the city or in nature, just has like your unique and compelling vibe to it. It makes Japan look enchanting in a way no tourism campaign could hope to match.
- I feel like recent videos especially feel less " Filtered". I mean this in comparisson to other youtube videos. What I mean by this is, allthough I dont smoke myself, it feels oddly liberating seeing Natsuki casually smoking. Also like last time with the cigars. It feels like watching a movie made like "Back in the day" but with modern high quality.
- We need an accoustic version of to much volcano!
Amazing video, as always.
Thanks for such a laid back, relatable and kind of nostalgic episode. I really enjoyed it
Idk why I left this video in my plan to watch for this long. This is the type of stuff I love - those laid back travel vlogs, random encounters with kind locals and Natsuki shenanigans
What a lovely trip down memory lane. Its like an ending of a chapter of a long journey, a place to rest before you start another big adventure and knowing you I may not be off the mark with that statement. :D
Chris, you're spot-on observing the tourism 80-20 rule. When eighty percent of the tourists visit the same 20 percent of spots, that leaves the rest of the country wide open for the rest of us.
This video really translates the warmth of this place and how you feel about it, very cozy and chill! Good content!
One of the best videos I’ve seen on your channel. All the locals are so sweet and I wish more people who visit Japan sakata
The production standard in Chris's videos always amazes me. Natski looking cool as usual too.
We can all use a friend like Natsuki. What a hilariously chill dude.
Another abroad in japan video? Im all in
Ya. It is 3 am and I am watching the video
This was a very entertaining vlog. From seeing the Buddha at the elementary school to you and Shameleon tooling around in your K car and taking the hike to spending some time with our beloved Natsuki this episode gave us lots to enjoy.
The best video in a while (for me). I've been a big fan of your adventures over the last 7 or 8 years and this really brings it back to the style of some of my favorite content. Keep it up, keep it authentic. It's a great escape. Love it.
Recently found out about the working holiday visa. As a fellow German, seeing that German dude using it has probably strengthened my resolve of one day utilising it too.
It’s a good day when Chris posts ❤
Definitely
Not to take away from the awesome personalities displayed in Chris's videos (including himself), but I think one of the big reasons for his success is his/his team's skill in filmmaking and editing. The videos are almost always perfectly paced, vibrantly shot and well written.
I have been waiting for the driving in japan kinda video from years ago. This is it.
Same. I love this kind of content.
This video was so chill , the commentary is always the best , the camera shots and the background music were all well done . Sir Natsuki's jam session at the end was also great , the guitar play man that was so good I think it matched the calm theme of this video , it was a great way to end the video .