I have been shocked when I heard that some people allow themselves to touch the hair or kimono of maiko/geiko. In any country, no matter how liberal or conservative it is, it is inappropriate to touch a woman you do not know.
From what I hear, people do the same thing to black women here. I think the reason both black women in America and maiko/geiko in Japan get that problem with being touched without permission is because the people who do that kind of see them as exotic objects of interest and thus they believe the rules about "don't touch a woman without permission" don't apply to these women, only to women who aren't "exotic" according to their definition. And then when you tell them not to do it to black women, they accuse you of making a big deal over nothing - even though they wouldn't like strangers touching THEIR hair without permission - or the hair of their wives, girlfriends, or other women they knew, for that matter. And they wouldn't want one of those more (in their minds) "exotic" people doing that to them or the women they knew without permission, either. They don't understand that this rule is a two-way street and goes equally for all groups of people because it's rude to do that to anyone.
@@lsmmoore1 I kind of suspect people who do that kind of thing may really not be thinking of equality or even 'this country is a theme park' issues when they'll like touch geisha hair or African style hair or punk rock hair or young lads with buzzcuts hair, (Or, I hear redheads in Japan hair) ...I've sometimes had the experience with my pretty big mane of hair that'd get past my waist at times when I was younger, I think sometimes some primate grooming instinct overrides manners when people see hair they ain't used to or something. Like people stop thinking and they're like 'is that real.' I think to our mutual ancestors, it was not actually an unfriendly thing, but obviously not OK in polite societies now.
@OllamhDrab Yes, exactly. Some tourists think Maiko/geiko are there for them as “a theme park” (I liked that from you) and can’t think they are doing their own job in despite of tourists.
@@OllamhDrab It's true that there are those who just do that out of curiosity. But there are also people who do that and then refuse to apologize when called out for touching a stranger's hair without permission. Those who do that and act entitled to do this and accuse the stranger of making too big a deal out of it are acting from the place I was thinking of, even if they may not be fully aware they are doing so (that or from a place that claims that having boundaries is rude, which is just as much of a problem for different reasons, and every bit as likely a result of toxic teachings). But those who are merely being curious but who respect boundaries are more likely to realize that they shouldn't do that if told so.
Another taboo: Do NOT carve messages or your name on the bamboo trees at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Unfortunately, too many visitors feel the need to do this.
They are wild, uncultured, feral, mongrel creatures, often with little to no sense of class or decency. They probably never even heard of the term 'respect' since birth. Same type of people that piss in front of a church door or burp on your face deliberately, or go in a store and steal something, then when they are caught, they get all defensive and offended, trying to reason their way to how they are entitled to it.
Ah. When I visited Kyoto, one of the large temples we visited had the most amazing garden in the middle, I think with flowing water. The inner walkways between rooms were elevated above the garden by maybe 100cm. There were no-camera signs everywhere, so I couldn't take pictures which was a shame. But it was frustrating to see other tourists ignore this. one thing I did find, even with the places where photography was permitted. is that the pictures don't do justice to how beautiful some of the locations are. Can't wait to return.
It’s so incredibly sad that Maiko and Geiko have to basically hide in taxis and that the people of Kyoto miss out on a beautiful part of their own culture because of people’s disrespect. I do not understand how someone could find it acceptable to take photos/videos of Maiko and Geiko without their permission and to just stop them on the street and delay them. They don’t exist for your entertainment, they’re not walking tourist attractions, they’re human beings on their way to work. It shouldn’t be difficult to treat them with respect and just enjoy seeing their beauty and having a lovely cultural experience without accosting anyone. Also why, WHY, would you ever touch a strangers’ hair or clothing!! That’s incredibly creepy, insulting and disrespectful. I would feel so violated if someone did that to me, awful.
Geiko and maiko are forced to use taxi instead of walking on foot to the ochaya/restaurants, but the situation is still terrible because on busy streets like Hanamikoji, you will see tourists and photographers crowding around the taxi the maiko/geiko tries to get in. They shove their cameras just into the faces of the women and blind them with the flashes. Sometimes this madness reaches to the point when they are getting into the taxi's way and preventing the taxi from starting off. Please don't do this while you're in Kyoto or any other city/town which has geiko and maiko (like Nagoya, Niigata, Osaka etc). I understand that most tourists won't care to ask a geiko/maiko if it's fine to take a picture, but at least mind that they're on their way to work and don't put them in stress please.
Omg I can't imagine stopping a Meiko/Geiko upon seeing them in Kyoto. Admire from afar, savour the experience of seeing such exquisite make up and clothes and make that memory in your mind - sometimes taking a picture cheapens a memory. Thank you so much for making this video. I can't wait to see Kyoto and all of her beautiful neighborhoods and people!
Was blessed to the lovely sighting a Maiko and a Geiko going to work in evening when I was in Gino , Kyoto in Dec 2017. My first time in Kyoto too. Have always been fascinated with geisha ever since I watched the movie Sayonara when I was young girl. Reading up about them too. However, even before I went to Kyoto, I already knew that one should not harass the maiko/geiko. So when I saw them, I just smile wave to them. And that smile brings joy to my heart.
I Intend to visit Kyoto for a week in 2 years where I'll be 19. I always liked Japan for their unique architecture and natural beauty. And kyoto was a random shooting star that I got a liking for
Dear Shogo -- Kyoto is definitely on my list of places to visit in Japan someday. If you were ever to open your bar/club for fans, I would definitely attend. But you would probably get more tourist business than you knew what to do with!
I just found your channel and I am so thrilled that I did. The education that I’m receiving through you is an invaluable part of the overall research I’ve been doing into quite a number of topics (purely for my own edification as learning in general but especially about history, cultures, and languages from around the world is extremely important to me). I’ve watched so many of your videos already just today and I’m so excited to continue! Thank you so much for all you do!
I wish that smoking fine would be here in my country too. I'm tired of seeing so many cigarette butts on the ground... The bin is literally a few metres away yet people still throw them on the ground. T-T I also can't stand the smoke. Supposedly it's forbidden to smoke on the bus station since there's a sign for "no smoking" there yet people still smoke there. I always need to move away cause the smoke bothers me.
I dream of going to Japan, and I really hope you achieve your dreams!!! You're such a sweet soul. Your classes are amazing for the simplicity and respect, very humbling. Congrats on the channel!! Hope you have more than 1 million subs by January 1st 2023 hehehe
Shogo-kun! Wearing sunglasses 😎 while praying 🙏🏻 at a temple is forbidden 🚫 is quite an eye opener and I'm very VERY glad you said something because my sunglasses are PRESCRIPTION sunglasses 🕶. I would not have ever taken them off if you hadn't said anything! 😲🤭
This was most helpful. I just wanted to mention that I was very surprised going to a shrine and the local ladies were talking so loudly and walking around the shrine while the men were chanting. The head lady was the wife of the person leading the chants. I told her that we needed to be quiet. She looked at me oddly and just said, ‘why? ‘ and kept in talking. So please follow these rules and not always what you see ‘locals’ doing.
Japan is a place I've been very scared of visiting my whole life. I know I'd stand out a lot and that alone could ause discomfort, let alone my lack of understanding of the social norms. Your videos have helped ease my fear a lot. Kyoto is on my list now!
I'm sure you're a great person and everyone will be happy when you will go on your travel! I'm sure your kindness will make everyone like you, so you don't have to worry about standing out! Even if you would stand out it would be in a good way!
Learn the words; sumimasen,which means excuse me And gomen = sorry, and youll be fine Also use arigato gozaimasu = thank you, makes people apreciate your politenes
@@Meanness_Scar I do hope you're right. Last thing I'd want to do is be an unpleasant guest, so the least I can do is learn how to properly respect the place I'm in. In many places, that's as simple as "don't be openly rude to people", but in Japan I'd be more scared of being accidentally rude to others because I forgot to do something. I can just see myself forgetting to take my shoes off in someone's house. I don't think I'd make the mistake, but I'd probably forget something else for worrying too much about that. I think it's clear, I definitely do worry. Although, perhaps that's a good thing.
Sumimasu and Gomenasai has same meaning literally. Sumimasen is more polite than Gomenasai or even Gomen. Gomenasai only use by the person you know, family, brother, or your friend. Not to other people that consider rude to say Gomenasai or even Gomen (this is very rude). Say "Sumimasen" or when you talking to elder "Sumimasendesuga"
When the covid situation has stabalised, and my Japanese is better, I really want to get to Kyoto and take part in Iaido training to see the difference between UK and Japanese dojos
Great video. When I was in Okinawa and mainland Japan I was very respectful and luckily the Japanese were nice enough to helpl me when they noticed I needed help. On Okinawa there were places that I would enter and be told " no American " I would bow , say thank you and leave.
It is an honor and privilege to enjoy your channel. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, art and lifestyles. Thank you !
Japan is 100% a place I need to visit some day again, but not for business purposes this time. I very much appreciate your giving us these guides so that we can remain respectful of our gracious hosts, and who knows? Maybe we will bump into each other some day while I'm visiting, and I'll have the opportunity to thank you in person!
That's a great dream, Shogo - make it a reality! I had the pleasure of meeting you at your Samurai Experience Kyoto back in May 2019. I was amazed by your knowledge and skills! It was one of the best Japanese cultural experiences I've ever had, arigatou gozaimashita! 🙏
I always stash an extra pair of socks in my backpack. From experience, it comes in handy when visiting temples and shrines where some don't provide slippers. Even though these places are cleaned daily, I just don't like using the same socks that I used walking around, then putting my shoes on later. Yes, I wear a second pair of socks inside that I take off once I leave. Just my thing. It always amazes me how most of the locals can just slide their feet in their shoes in seconds upon leaving. Have yet to master that.
Kyoto was universally the favorite stop amongst my family members when we were in Japan for two weeks back in 2018. We did Tokyo, Nagoya, Shibu-Onsen, Kyoto, and finally Osaka. It was quite lovely and I honestly do not know another place I could think of where falling to the ground with a seizure (brain tumors are fun!) would elicit a lovely old lady coming out of her house to check on me. I was surprised by how cold it gets at night by the river, even in the summertime.
About #1 - that was my biggest nuisance the lack of trash cans!!! And each time I went to look for a trash can I was praying for a convenience store would be nearby within a 1 mile radius. But to Japan's credit's though, that's why the streets are so ridiculously clean.
thanks shougo point #5 is especially one thing i didn't expect and i feel embarrassed for having taken a picture with a maiko back when i went there 2-3 years ago (even if it was my mom who insisted) i used to call them geisha too but ever since this one anime named "maiko-san chi no makanai-san" came out, i learned more about their lives and what they were actually called
You suggest to speed up the video every time, but I think it's perfectly fine at regular speed. You don't speak especially slowly or anything, you're easy to understand, and the video has good pacing.
I had wanted to visit Japan some day but I hadn't really thought about which area I wanted to see. I knew that Tokyo can be very crowded and I wouldn't enjoy that much. After learning more about Kyoto I think that it would be ideal. There are many beautiful places I have seen in your and others videos, and you have also introduced many fine restaurants to me. I would love to visit in the fall and see the colorful trees at the temples and eat at some of those restaurants. Hopefully someday!
While Kansai (Kyoto) is a very popular area, I highly recommend visiting Tohoku instead. I'd say that basically all foreigners that live in Japan love Tohoku.
One time I was in Asakusa Ward in Tokyo in the evening and a pair of geisha were out for a walk. A small group of young Japanese men appeared to be mocking them as they passed. I couldn't make sense of the situation.
I just discovered this video through research as my husband and I are going to Japan next year in April. While most of our time will be in Tokyo, we definitely want to visit Kyoto for at least 1 day, 2 days if we can
Hi Shogo! I just found your channel yesterday, and I've been binge watching so many of your videos! I'm currently watching the Manners and Rules in Japan playlist. I am so interested in Japanese culture and food, and I am so pleased to have found your channel! I hope to be able to visit Japan someday. Hopefully, by learning about the culture and do's/don't I'll be able to avoid inadvertantly insulting or being rude to anyone! 😁
i wish you all the best with this idea, i think it would be amazing having people from all the world reunite in the same place to eat, learning eating and enjoying theyr first time in japan in an envirnoment you create, best of luck. P.S. sorry for the bad english
Thank you for another informative video, I do really hope I'll be able to visit Kyoto next spring and I wish you all the best in your endeavor to open a bar there and will surely like to visit it and thank you in person for all the good work you're putting into this channel.
I honestly wished Shogo was around in the mid 2000s. Traveled to Japan and visited Kyoto in '04. If I had known about the hidden gems in some of Shogo's videos, I would have had a much better experience. Was a college student and traveled alone so I didn't visit many places. I DID go to Koyomizu-dera though.
Shogo itoko, Domo arigato for the video sir! Will have to come back to Kyoto, because my lady Karin and my daughter (musume) Sarada want me home in Kyoto. Hope to see you again. Genki to you and your family itoko!
I definitely want to visit some of the shrines if I ever go to Kyoto someday. Also, several of the places you’ve covered in this channel are on my list of places I want to go to.
Oh my... I wish we can travel like we used to and I would love dropping by your bar if it ever happens. I don't drink alcohol, so make sure you have non-alcoholic options!
Love your channel and videos!! I find them super fascinating and I really enjoy learning more from you. Quick question though, why do you have the message to adjust playback speed? Just curious.
Dear Shogo, I hope that your dream comes to fruition…..and that I can one day be in that dream when my wish to visit Kyoto comes true! What a great idea! 🤗 Do any of your friends play the shamisen? 😉
I definitely am planning to visit Kyoto again. I want to return to Kikunoi for an amazing kaiseki meal! I also want to visit the Otter Cafe that I found out about recently. Of course, I want to visit many shrines.
Oh yes ! I Want so so much to go in Kyoto one day ! For look temples, old village, look garden traditonal, Ryokan, see geisha, try kimono and eat good ramen and other food ! Try onsen and Come inside old shop , traditional shop its my dream. Its since 13 years i want to go japan but i cant again 😭😭 one day he will come !
These are really good tips. When I go to Japan, many places have Indoor slippers that you can wear too. I have really big feet though and the provided slippers never fit. So, what I do is I bring my own indoor slippers and an extra pair of socks in my backpack. Also, I always have a Freezer ziplock bag in my backpack to use for my trash. I use the Freezer ziplock bag because they are more sturdy and I can reuse it.
I don't get taking photos of people without permission in general. I mean, please just think about what you are doing. Even if they dress in a special way, they are still human beings. Would you want random people having pictures of you? Edit: maybe a mascot is something else, but if it looks like they are just dressed in a very special way or something, you should at least ask. The stopping thing, I think, might also be happening because people mistake them for an attraction, but I agree, it is also important and good to know.
@@phoenix72999 yes i think it is always good manners to ask before taking pictures. I would hate it if some strangers would just photograf me without asking.. So rude. 😔
Why do you suggest an increase in video speed on some of your videos but not others. I hadn’t seen that message for a while so I assumed it was an issue you were having when you were starting out, but this is a fresh video. I’m a missing something by not increasing the speed? Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work.
Once, a taxi stopped right next to me and two maiko came out. We exchanged nod. Then, they rushed to work. The "moment" of respect was much more important to grab a pic or two.
I definitely want to go to Japan one day, especially the tradition and culture of old Japan, the time of the samurai and ninjas I practice krav maga myself. i always want to go one step further to show me respect how can i best do that?
Bicycles are vehicles like cars here in America, too. So if you ride a bike while intoxicated (DWI), a police officer can ticket you. If the police officer doesn't cite you for a DWI, then they might cite you for being drunk and disorderly. I'm not sure whether either law is still in effect, but IMO, they both should be. It might be on the law books but up to the police whether to enforce it or not. Like it's forbidden to walk a pig on the sidewalk or to spit on the sidewalk. But these are not enforced. One because there are no pigs being walked on the sidewalk, and the other because enough people do it that there would be wild protests if citations were issued for it. (I think the spitting law should be enforced because of Covid.)
thank you for your video, it's very informative. in fact as everywhere in Japan and as it should be everywhere else, be polite and respectful! I have a question though, if you have repairman, say a plumber, come to your house, does he take off the shoes? here in Austria most people take off the shoes at entering an appartement but not handymen.
So looking forward to getting back to Kyoto, and Japan in general. Any news on when Japan might open the borders to foreign tourists? And go for your dream. I'd visit your bar for sure!
Please make this dream of yours happen, I would definitely visit this place and drag any friends and relatives there too if they come with me. Could also be a great spot for meeting of your subscribers!
The one I don't understand is going barefoot on tatami mats. I'm not being disrespectful of the custom, since even though I live in the US I always take my shoes off when I enter my home and put on my house shoes/slippers. So this is my question: If I come a the home/hotel/ryokan and take my shoes off, won't my feet--inside their socks--be cleaner than the socks that have been more exposed to the elements? OR if my feet are somehow dirty enough to pose a danger to the precious mats, wouldn't my socks be dirty too? If I were inventing a custom to protect a floor as delicate and expensive as a tatami mat I think I'd make arrangements to bathe my feet before entering the room.
I remember the time me and my family went to Kyoto in April 2018. We encountered a maiko walking on the streets and I remember that wherever she went, it was crowded to her left and right. Luckily, she would pause from time to time and elegantly pose for the cameras.
Thoughts from an American fan: Rule 1: Hurray! Smoking is terrible and so is littering. I wondered why no trash cans.. the prevention of violence makes sense... though it may be a little paranoid sounding. 2. Will keep in mind the barefoot rule when I visit, I knew about removing shoes but had not thought about socks. I bet it would be pretty obvious once I visit. 3. Drunk biking or driving is always bad. 4. I think it's always good to respect the culture and religion of a region. I have seen some people with no respect when I travel and it is disturbing they are representing my country that way. 5. Same as the previous answer and doubly so when it's harassing a person.
Most of these rules, and such, are not problems I would have, if I ever went to Kyoto. 1. I don't smoke. So where it is safe to smoke would be irrelevant to me. Also, I don't tend to carry around garbage with me when I'm outside. If I eat something, I generally stop at a place to eat. And I take care of all the garbage before I leave. That's just common sense. 2. Walking on Tatami floors is something that I will avoid, if possible. I've actually known for a while how important these kind of floors are to Japanese culture, and the last thing that I would want to do, as a tourist, is soil them, or otherwise disrespect them. To simplify, I will more or less avoid going inside any room with Tatami Mats on the floor. Because having to put on a fresh pair of socks, in the middle of the day, would be annoying to me. 3. Drinking is not something that I do. Not even casually. So you will never catch me drunk in public. You will especially not catch me driving or riding a bike as such. Like the smoking rule, this rule is irrelevant to me. 4. Staying quiet/not taking photos at the Shrines. While I am a serial photographer, in the casual sense, I will put my phone away if I get the sense that nobody is taking pictures around me. In other words, I will do only as the crowd does. And certainly I will not disobey, if specifically ordered not to. As for the noise thing: I'm not a noisy guy, unless I have a noisy group of pals around me. I will do as the crowd does. If I'm alone, I will not say or do anything unless somebody talks to me. 5. Pestering the Maiko/Geiko... is not something I will ever do. I would feel uncomfortable simply getting in their way, much less trying to pester them for pictures or conversation. I'm the type of dude who would be perfectly alright watching them from a distance. Touching them, or physically interacting with them, is of no personal interest to me. I'm a "looker," not a "toucher."
Shogo, thanks for the video, very interesting as always. As a detail, I'd like to second @James Evans' question - why do you recommend to watch your videos at higher speed? I normally watch them at 1.5, but I do that with most channels where the language is clear and easy to understand. Yours is the only one where it is actually recommended that I'm aware of.
Imo, it is part of Japanese culture to think in advance for the needs of others. Shogo talks with a certain cadence, and he suggests the option for people who’d like to speed up the video. Another example comes from an English speaking Japanese food vlogger that, before eating her ramen, warned ahead of time there was some slurping ahead so she suggested skipping to an indicated time in the video where she was already done, thus taking into consideration her Western audience, which may not be used to slurping noodles (yet).
This is a generalisation, but having worked in an airport for over six years I tend to notice that Japanese people are not surprisingly very polite and tend to keep to themselves, though often to the point of not asking for help when they clearly need it.
I have never been to Kyoto but when I was young I visited Okinawa to finish up my martial arts training. My fiance wants to visit Kyoto for our honeymoon. I am worried about coming back because I feel like everything will be very disproportionate for me and will be very uncomfortable. While my fiance is only 157cm tall, I am very large 199cm tall. As well as I work out near constantly for work so I weigh in 172 kg. It isnt unusual for me to consume 10,000+ calories in a day just to maintain my body weight. Are my fears justified? The thing(s) I would most love to do if we do visit is to relax in an onsen. And if ever possible to (I know it is very rare) to visit an ochaya.
When it comes to not making the tatami mats dirty - does only seeable dirt count? Cause what if you have like stinky feet in the summer? Depending on the time you spend in the rooms, even the new socks could get stinky, too, after some time... But I actually like the idea of showing respect to the building and the owner, could be used here, too, sometimes...
I have been shocked when I heard that some people allow themselves to touch the hair or kimono of maiko/geiko. In any country, no matter how liberal or conservative it is, it is inappropriate to touch a woman you do not know.
From what I hear, people do the same thing to black women here. I think the reason both black women in America and maiko/geiko in Japan get that problem with being touched without permission is because the people who do that kind of see them as exotic objects of interest and thus they believe the rules about "don't touch a woman without permission" don't apply to these women, only to women who aren't "exotic" according to their definition.
And then when you tell them not to do it to black women, they accuse you of making a big deal over nothing - even though they wouldn't like strangers touching THEIR hair without permission - or the hair of their wives, girlfriends, or other women they knew, for that matter. And they wouldn't want one of those more (in their minds) "exotic" people doing that to them or the women they knew without permission, either. They don't understand that this rule is a two-way street and goes equally for all groups of people because it's rude to do that to anyone.
@@lsmmoore1 I kind of suspect people who do that kind of thing may really not be thinking of equality or even 'this country is a theme park' issues when they'll like touch geisha hair or African style hair or punk rock hair or young lads with buzzcuts hair, (Or, I hear redheads in Japan hair) ...I've sometimes had the experience with my pretty big mane of hair that'd get past my waist at times when I was younger, I think sometimes some primate grooming instinct overrides manners when people see hair they ain't used to or something. Like people stop thinking and they're like 'is that real.' I think to our mutual ancestors, it was not actually an unfriendly thing, but obviously not OK in polite societies now.
@OllamhDrab Yes, exactly. Some tourists think Maiko/geiko are there for them as “a theme park” (I liked that from you) and can’t think they are doing their own job in despite of tourists.
@@OllamhDrab It's true that there are those who just do that out of curiosity. But there are also people who do that and then refuse to apologize when called out for touching a stranger's hair without permission.
Those who do that and act entitled to do this and accuse the stranger of making too big a deal out of it are acting from the place I was thinking of, even if they may not be fully aware they are doing so (that or from a place that claims that having boundaries is rude, which is just as much of a problem for different reasons, and every bit as likely a result of toxic teachings).
But those who are merely being curious but who respect boundaries are more likely to realize that they shouldn't do that if told so.
It's inappropriate to touch ANYONE you do not know, not just women!
Another taboo: Do NOT carve messages or your name on the bamboo trees at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Unfortunately, too many visitors feel the need to do this.
This sounds awful 😰 some people are incredibile...not in a positive way
Why do they feel the urge to ruin something so natural and beautiful😭 ?!
Do they have good rangers? Like US national park rangers
Some blockheads will always do that, usually because they have little else to value themselves
The only reason to carve your name in a plant is if your lost in the middle of the forest and use it as marker.
They are wild, uncultured, feral, mongrel creatures, often with little to no sense of class or decency. They probably never even heard of the term 'respect' since birth. Same type of people that piss in front of a church door or burp on your face deliberately, or go in a store and steal something, then when they are caught, they get all defensive and offended, trying to reason their way to how they are entitled to it.
Ah. When I visited Kyoto, one of the large temples we visited had the most amazing garden in the middle, I think with flowing water. The inner walkways between rooms were elevated above the garden by maybe 100cm. There were no-camera signs everywhere, so I couldn't take pictures which was a shame. But it was frustrating to see other tourists ignore this.
one thing I did find, even with the places where photography was permitted. is that the pictures don't do justice to how beautiful some of the locations are. Can't wait to return.
It’s so incredibly sad that Maiko and Geiko have to basically hide in taxis and that the people of Kyoto miss out on a beautiful part of their own culture because of people’s disrespect. I do not understand how someone could find it acceptable to take photos/videos of Maiko and Geiko without their permission and to just stop them on the street and delay them. They don’t exist for your entertainment, they’re not walking tourist attractions, they’re human beings on their way to work. It shouldn’t be difficult to treat them with respect and just enjoy seeing their beauty and having a lovely cultural experience without accosting anyone. Also why, WHY, would you ever touch a strangers’ hair or clothing!! That’s incredibly creepy, insulting and disrespectful. I would feel so violated if someone did that to me, awful.
I'm with you most of the way only thing is, if we are not to interrupt them or speak to them on the street how do we ask permission?
Geiko and maiko are forced to use taxi instead of walking on foot to the ochaya/restaurants, but the situation is still terrible because on busy streets like Hanamikoji, you will see tourists and photographers crowding around the taxi the maiko/geiko tries to get in. They shove their cameras just into the faces of the women and blind them with the flashes. Sometimes this madness reaches to the point when they are getting into the taxi's way and preventing the taxi from starting off. Please don't do this while you're in Kyoto or any other city/town which has geiko and maiko (like Nagoya, Niigata, Osaka etc). I understand that most tourists won't care to ask a geiko/maiko if it's fine to take a picture, but at least mind that they're on their way to work and don't put them in stress please.
Omg I can't imagine stopping a Meiko/Geiko upon seeing them in Kyoto. Admire from afar, savour the experience of seeing such exquisite make up and clothes and make that memory in your mind - sometimes taking a picture cheapens a memory. Thank you so much for making this video. I can't wait to see Kyoto and all of her beautiful neighborhoods and people!
Can we please appreciate how pleasant his voice is just to listen to? You can hear the kindness in his voice!
Was blessed to the lovely sighting a Maiko and a Geiko going to work in evening when I was in Gino , Kyoto in Dec 2017. My first time in Kyoto too. Have always been fascinated with geisha ever since I watched the movie Sayonara when I was young girl. Reading up about them too. However, even before I went to Kyoto, I already knew that one should not harass the maiko/geiko. So when I saw them, I just smile wave to them. And that smile brings joy to my heart.
I Intend to visit Kyoto for a week in 2 years where I'll be 19. I always liked Japan for their unique architecture and natural beauty. And kyoto was a random shooting star that I got a liking for
Dear Shogo -- Kyoto is definitely on my list of places to visit in Japan someday. If you were ever to open your bar/club for fans, I would definitely attend. But you would probably get more tourist business than you knew what to do with!
I just found your channel and I am so thrilled that I did. The education that I’m receiving through you is an invaluable part of the overall research I’ve been doing into quite a number of topics (purely for my own edification as learning in general but especially about history, cultures, and languages from around the world is extremely important to me). I’ve watched so many of your videos already just today and I’m so excited to continue! Thank you so much for all you do!
I wish that smoking fine would be here in my country too. I'm tired of seeing so many cigarette butts on the ground... The bin is literally a few metres away yet people still throw them on the ground. T-T I also can't stand the smoke. Supposedly it's forbidden to smoke on the bus station since there's a sign for "no smoking" there yet people still smoke there. I always need to move away cause the smoke bothers me.
I dream of going to Japan, and I really hope you achieve your dreams!!! You're such a sweet soul. Your classes are amazing for the simplicity and respect, very humbling. Congrats on the channel!! Hope you have more than 1 million subs by January 1st 2023 hehehe
Shogo-kun! Wearing sunglasses 😎 while praying 🙏🏻 at a temple is forbidden 🚫 is quite an eye opener and I'm very VERY glad you said something because my sunglasses are PRESCRIPTION sunglasses 🕶. I would not have ever taken them off if you hadn't said anything! 😲🤭
Seeing Kyoto is quickly becoming my go to city to visit in Japan I love all the history of it that I am learning from your videos Shogo.
I visited Kyoto in 2012 and absolutely fell in love with the city. Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji were both so so so gorgeous.
This was most helpful. I just wanted to mention that I was very surprised going to a shrine and the local ladies were talking so loudly and walking around the shrine while the men were chanting. The head lady was the wife of the person leading the chants. I told her that we needed to be quiet. She looked at me oddly and just said, ‘why? ‘ and kept in talking. So please follow these rules and not always what you see ‘locals’ doing.
Japan is a place I've been very scared of visiting my whole life. I know I'd stand out a lot and that alone could ause discomfort, let alone my lack of understanding of the social norms.
Your videos have helped ease my fear a lot. Kyoto is on my list now!
I'm sure you're a great person and everyone will be happy when you will go on your travel! I'm sure your kindness will make everyone like you, so you don't have to worry about standing out! Even if you would stand out it would be in a good way!
Learn the words; sumimasen,which means excuse me
And gomen = sorry, and youll be fine
Also use arigato gozaimasu = thank you,
makes people apreciate your politenes
@@Meanness_Scar I do hope you're right. Last thing I'd want to do is be an unpleasant guest, so the least I can do is learn how to properly respect the place I'm in. In many places, that's as simple as "don't be openly rude to people", but in Japan I'd be more scared of being accidentally rude to others because I forgot to do something. I can just see myself forgetting to take my shoes off in someone's house. I don't think I'd make the mistake, but I'd probably forget something else for worrying too much about that.
I think it's clear, I definitely do worry. Although, perhaps that's a good thing.
@@WANDERER0070 thank you for your advice, I'll make sure to remember in the occasion I do visit.
Sumimasu and Gomenasai has same meaning literally.
Sumimasen is more polite than Gomenasai or even Gomen.
Gomenasai only use by the person you know, family, brother, or your friend. Not to other people that consider rude to say Gomenasai or even Gomen (this is very rude).
Say "Sumimasen" or when you talking to elder "Sumimasendesuga"
When the covid situation has stabalised, and my Japanese is better, I really want to get to Kyoto and take part in Iaido training to see the difference between UK and Japanese dojos
Great video. When I was in Okinawa and mainland Japan I was very respectful and luckily the Japanese were nice enough to helpl me when they noticed I needed help. On Okinawa there were places that I would enter and be told " no American " I would bow , say thank you and leave.
It is an honor and privilege to enjoy your channel. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, art and lifestyles. Thank you !
Bruh, Japan seems like such a chill place, like traditional Japanese culture is something I’m so jealous of lol.
Japan is 100% a place I need to visit some day again, but not for business purposes this time. I very much appreciate your giving us these guides so that we can remain respectful of our gracious hosts, and who knows? Maybe we will bump into each other some day while I'm visiting, and I'll have the opportunity to thank you in person!
That's a great dream, Shogo - make it a reality! I had the pleasure of meeting you at your Samurai Experience Kyoto back in May 2019. I was amazed by your knowledge and skills! It was one of the best Japanese cultural experiences I've ever had, arigatou gozaimashita! 🙏
I always stash an extra pair of socks in my backpack. From experience, it comes in handy when visiting temples and shrines where some don't provide slippers. Even though these places are cleaned daily, I just don't like using the same socks that I used walking around, then putting my shoes on later. Yes, I wear a second pair of socks inside that I take off once I leave. Just my thing. It always amazes me how most of the locals can just slide their feet in their shoes in seconds upon leaving. Have yet to master that.
13:20 Shogo-sama, please go for it!!!!!
Thank you for all your advices and references!!!
Kyoto was universally the favorite stop amongst my family members when we were in Japan for two weeks back in 2018. We did Tokyo, Nagoya, Shibu-Onsen, Kyoto, and finally Osaka. It was quite lovely and I honestly do not know another place I could think of where falling to the ground with a seizure (brain tumors are fun!) would elicit a lovely old lady coming out of her house to check on me. I was surprised by how cold it gets at night by the river, even in the summertime.
So…. basically have maners and respect for others🙂
And it’s a beautiful dream Shogo😊
About #1 - that was my biggest nuisance the lack of trash cans!!! And each time I went to look for a trash can I was praying for a convenience store would be nearby within a 1 mile radius.
But to Japan's credit's though, that's why the streets are so ridiculously clean.
Thank you for these reminders to use common sense, & show respect for your city. Arigatogozaimashita
thanks shougo
point #5 is especially one thing i didn't expect and i feel embarrassed for having taken a picture with a maiko back when i went there 2-3 years ago (even if it was my mom who insisted)
i used to call them geisha too but ever since this one anime named "maiko-san chi no makanai-san" came out, i learned more about their lives and what they were actually called
The thing I am looking forward to the most when I get to go to Kyoto is paying respects to the Kami at a shrine.
The idea of a bar with such artistic entertainment sounds amazing~ It would be a great place to learn more about the culture too Not bad at all! 💯🤞🏻
I have visited Kyoto twice and I think it is the most beautiful place on earth. Thank you so very much for these tips.
You suggest to speed up the video every time, but I think it's perfectly fine at regular speed. You don't speak especially slowly or anything, you're easy to understand, and the video has good pacing.
I had wanted to visit Japan some day but I hadn't really thought about which area I wanted to see. I knew that Tokyo can be very crowded and I wouldn't enjoy that much. After learning more about Kyoto I think that it would be ideal. There are many beautiful places I have seen in your and others videos, and you have also introduced many fine restaurants to me. I would love to visit in the fall and see the colorful trees at the temples and eat at some of those restaurants. Hopefully someday!
While Kansai (Kyoto) is a very popular area, I highly recommend visiting Tohoku instead. I'd say that basically all foreigners that live in Japan love Tohoku.
Thank you for all your teaching, Shogo! I hope the dream that you mentioned at the end of the video comes true someday!
One time I was in Asakusa Ward in Tokyo in the evening and a pair of geisha were out for a walk. A small group of young Japanese men appeared to be mocking them as they passed. I couldn't make sense of the situation.
I’m so glad I found this channel because I plan to go to Japan after I graduate.
That sounds like a wonderful dream. I am enjoying your content. Thank you
I just discovered this video through research as my husband and I are going to Japan next year in April. While most of our time will be in Tokyo, we definitely want to visit Kyoto for at least 1 day, 2 days if we can
Hi Shogo! I just found your channel yesterday, and I've been binge watching so many of your videos! I'm currently watching the Manners and Rules in Japan playlist. I am so interested in Japanese culture and food, and I am so pleased to have found your channel! I hope to be able to visit Japan someday. Hopefully, by learning about the culture and do's/don't I'll be able to avoid inadvertantly insulting or being rude to anyone! 😁
It sounds like it mostly boils down to Respect. Respect where you are and the people around you and you will do fine.
i wish you all the best with this idea, i think it would be amazing having people from all the world reunite in the same place to eat, learning eating and enjoying theyr first time in japan in an envirnoment you create, best of luck. P.S. sorry for the bad english
Thank you for another informative video, I do really hope I'll be able to visit Kyoto next spring and I wish you all the best in your endeavor to open a bar there and will surely like to visit it and thank you in person for all the good work you're putting into this channel.
I honestly wished Shogo was around in the mid 2000s. Traveled to Japan and visited Kyoto in '04. If I had known about the hidden gems in some of Shogo's videos, I would have had a much better experience. Was a college student and traveled alone so I didn't visit many places. I DID go to Koyomizu-dera though.
I would definitely go to your bar in Kyoto! Keep your dreams alive, they will come true soon!!
Shogo itoko, Domo arigato for the video sir! Will have to come back to Kyoto, because my lady Karin and my daughter (musume) Sarada want me home in Kyoto. Hope to see you again. Genki to you and your family itoko!
I definitely want to visit some of the shrines if I ever go to Kyoto someday. Also, several of the places you’ve covered in this channel are on my list of places I want to go to.
best advice, stay friendly and respectful, thank you very much for your beautyful videos.
I’d love to visit Kyoto some day. I’ve always wanted to so many of the food there, go sight seeing, and practice Iaido at a school there
Oh my... I wish we can travel like we used to and I would love dropping by your bar if it ever happens.
I don't drink alcohol, so make sure you have non-alcoholic options!
I really want to visit someday for the traditional foods. Also to see the older Japanese buildings
Love your channel and videos!! I find them super fascinating and I really enjoy learning more from you. Quick question though, why do you have the message to adjust playback speed? Just curious.
Love love love this channel ❤️❤️😆
Dear Shogo, I hope that your dream comes to fruition…..and that I can one day be in that dream when my wish to visit Kyoto comes true! What a great idea! 🤗 Do any of your friends play the shamisen? 😉
Another excellent video!
Very informative. I find your future plans really interesting 👍
I definitely am planning to visit Kyoto again. I want to return to Kikunoi for an amazing kaiseki meal! I also want to visit the Otter Cafe that I found out about recently. Of course, I want to visit many shrines.
Oh yes ! I Want so so much to go in Kyoto one day ! For look temples, old village, look garden traditonal, Ryokan, see geisha, try kimono and eat good ramen and other food ! Try onsen and Come inside old shop , traditional shop its my dream.
Its since 13 years i want to go japan but i cant again 😭😭 one day he will come !
These are really good tips. When I go to Japan, many places have Indoor slippers that you can wear too.
I have really big feet though and the provided slippers never fit. So, what I do is I bring my own indoor slippers and an extra pair of socks in my backpack. Also, I always have a Freezer ziplock bag in my backpack to use for my trash. I use the Freezer ziplock bag because they are more sturdy and I can reuse it.
Oh, how rude can people be and taking photos without promission and stopping Maikos and Geikos like that! 😑
I don't get taking photos of people without permission in general. I mean, please just think about what you are doing. Even if they dress in a special way, they are still human beings. Would you want random people having pictures of you?
Edit: maybe a mascot is something else, but if it looks like they are just dressed in a very special way or something, you should at least ask.
The stopping thing, I think, might also be happening because people mistake them for an attraction, but I agree, it is also important and good to know.
@@phoenix72999 yes i think it is always good manners to ask before taking pictures. I would hate it if some strangers would just photograf me without asking.. So rude. 😔
Arigatoo Gozaimasu Yamaguchi-san for these information. I'll keep them in mind.🙂
SHOGO, I hope your dream of having a bar/izakaya comes true. Please update us on it and make a video about it. ^^
Why do you suggest an increase in video speed on some of your videos but not others. I hadn’t seen that message for a while so I assumed it was an issue you were having when you were starting out, but this is a fresh video. I’m a missing something by not increasing the speed? Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work.
thank you for sharing this
what a wonderful dream! may you gain everything which is good for you.
Once, a taxi stopped right next to me and two maiko came out. We exchanged nod. Then, they rushed to work. The "moment" of respect was much more important to grab a pic or two.
I definitely want to go to Japan one day, especially the tradition and culture of old Japan, the time of the samurai and ninjas I practice krav maga myself. i always want to go one step further to show me respect how can i best do that?
I love you videos are will definitely aid in my visit this May 2023
Bicycles are vehicles like cars here in America, too. So if you ride a bike while intoxicated (DWI), a police officer can ticket you.
If the police officer doesn't cite you for a DWI, then they might cite you for being drunk and disorderly. I'm not sure whether either law is still in effect, but IMO, they both should be. It might be on the law books but up to the police whether to enforce it or not.
Like it's forbidden to walk a pig on the sidewalk or to spit on the sidewalk. But these are not enforced. One because there are no pigs being walked on the sidewalk, and the other because enough people do it that there would be wild protests if citations were issued for it.
(I think the spitting law should be enforced because of Covid.)
This is very informative.
Thank you for this information! :)
That dream is fantastic, I will certainly go to your bar when it's open and running!!!! :D
thank you for your video, it's very informative. in fact as everywhere in Japan and as it should be everywhere else, be polite and respectful! I have a question though, if you have repairman, say a plumber, come to your house, does he take off the shoes? here in Austria most people take off the shoes at entering an appartement but not handymen.
I liked the ninja museum at Iga-Ueno and I also loved Mount Hiei.
So looking forward to getting back to Kyoto, and Japan in general. Any news on when Japan might open the borders to foreign tourists? And go for your dream. I'd visit your bar for sure!
I love your content 👍🏾
Please make this dream of yours happen, I would definitely visit this place and drag any friends and relatives there too if they come with me. Could also be a great spot for meeting of your subscribers!
very informative thank you
Great channel ❤
The one I don't understand is going barefoot on tatami mats. I'm not being disrespectful of the custom, since even though I live in the US I always take my shoes off when I enter my home and put on my house shoes/slippers. So this is my question: If I come a the home/hotel/ryokan and take my shoes off, won't my feet--inside their socks--be cleaner than the socks that have been more exposed to the elements? OR if my feet are somehow dirty enough to pose a danger to the precious mats, wouldn't my socks be dirty too?
If I were inventing a custom to protect a floor as delicate and expensive as a tatami mat I think I'd make arrangements to bathe my feet before entering the room.
I remember the time me and my family went to Kyoto in April 2018. We encountered a maiko walking on the streets and I remember that wherever she went, it was crowded to her left and right. Luckily, she would pause from time to time and elegantly pose for the cameras.
Great to know it would be such a bother, thank you!
That dream is so cool! I hope it happens some day.
That bar is a great idea
Just a quick thought.. You always suggest speeding up the videos but I like your natural pace. :)
I see, I'll wait for you to open that bar, before I go and visit Japan! 😁
Thank you so much for sharing
I’ll show Japanese videos too
Thank you
Cool! Smoking outside is illegal, but the city of Kyoto provides hotboxes!
(Follow Shogo's link to the smoking map to see it yourself).
Thoughts from an American fan: Rule 1: Hurray! Smoking is terrible and so is littering. I wondered why no trash cans.. the prevention of violence makes sense... though it may be a little paranoid sounding. 2. Will keep in mind the barefoot rule when I visit, I knew about removing shoes but had not thought about socks. I bet it would be pretty obvious once I visit. 3. Drunk biking or driving is always bad. 4. I think it's always good to respect the culture and religion of a region. I have seen some people with no respect when I travel and it is disturbing they are representing my country that way. 5. Same as the previous answer and doubly so when it's harassing a person.
Most of these rules, and such, are not problems I would have, if I ever went to Kyoto.
1. I don't smoke. So where it is safe to smoke would be irrelevant to me. Also, I don't tend to carry around garbage with me when I'm outside. If I eat something, I generally stop at a place to eat. And I take care of all the garbage before I leave. That's just common sense.
2. Walking on Tatami floors is something that I will avoid, if possible. I've actually known for a while how important these kind of floors are to Japanese culture, and the last thing that I would want to do, as a tourist, is soil them, or otherwise disrespect them. To simplify, I will more or less avoid going inside any room with Tatami Mats on the floor. Because having to put on a fresh pair of socks, in the middle of the day, would be annoying to me.
3. Drinking is not something that I do. Not even casually. So you will never catch me drunk in public. You will especially not catch me driving or riding a bike as such. Like the smoking rule, this rule is irrelevant to me.
4. Staying quiet/not taking photos at the Shrines. While I am a serial photographer, in the casual sense, I will put my phone away if I get the sense that nobody is taking pictures around me. In other words, I will do only as the crowd does. And certainly I will not disobey, if specifically ordered not to. As for the noise thing: I'm not a noisy guy, unless I have a noisy group of pals around me. I will do as the crowd does. If I'm alone, I will not say or do anything unless somebody talks to me.
5. Pestering the Maiko/Geiko... is not something I will ever do. I would feel uncomfortable simply getting in their way, much less trying to pester them for pictures or conversation. I'm the type of dude who would be perfectly alright watching them from a distance. Touching them, or physically interacting with them, is of no personal interest to me. I'm a "looker," not a "toucher."
Shogo, thanks for the video, very interesting as always.
As a detail, I'd like to second @James Evans' question - why do you recommend to watch your videos at higher speed? I normally watch them at 1.5, but I do that with most channels where the language is clear and easy to understand. Yours is the only one where it is actually recommended that I'm aware of.
Imo, it is part of Japanese culture to think in advance for the needs of others. Shogo talks with a certain cadence, and he suggests the option for people who’d like to speed up the video.
Another example comes from an English speaking Japanese food vlogger that, before eating her ramen, warned ahead of time there was some slurping ahead so she suggested skipping to an indicated time in the video where she was already done, thus taking into consideration her Western audience, which may not be used to slurping noodles (yet).
How do the Japanese behave when abroad? Is it common to look into local dos and don't before travelling abroad? Thst would be interesting
This is a generalisation, but having worked in an airport for over six years I tend to notice that Japanese people are not surprisingly very polite and tend to keep to themselves, though often to the point of not asking for help when they clearly need it.
Alot of this seems like being a decent person and respecting other people's stuff.
I have never been to Kyoto but when I was young I visited Okinawa to finish up my martial arts training. My fiance wants to visit Kyoto for our honeymoon. I am worried about coming back because I feel like everything will be very disproportionate for me and will be very uncomfortable. While my fiance is only 157cm tall, I am very large 199cm tall. As well as I work out near constantly for work so I weigh in 172 kg. It isnt unusual for me to consume 10,000+ calories in a day just to maintain my body weight. Are my fears justified?
The thing(s) I would most love to do if we do visit is to relax in an onsen. And if ever possible to (I know it is very rare) to visit an ochaya.
If I arrive someday in Kyoto, will you teach me how to use katana.
If that bar would actually become a thing, your livestreams can literally be marvelous art streams
Nice video🥰
When it comes to not making the tatami mats dirty - does only seeable dirt count? Cause what if you have like stinky feet in the summer? Depending on the time you spend in the rooms, even the new socks could get stinky, too, after some time...
But I actually like the idea of showing respect to the building and the owner, could be used here, too, sometimes...