23:33 その通りです。黄色い旗は遠くからでも確認出来る目立つ色です。横断歩道でこの旗を見たら、車は止まる必要があります。小さな子供の命を守る必要があります。 24:20 この金属フェンスは冬期間の吹雪の時に、風の勢いを和らげ、道路の視界を良くする為です。冬期間はほぼ決まった方向（西）から風が吹きます。 translation by DeepL That's right. The yellow flag is a prominent color that drivers can see from a distance. When you see this flag at a crosswalk, you need to stop. We need to protect the lives of small children. This metal fence is designed to reduce the force of the wind and improve visibility of the road during winter snowstorms. In Japan, the wind blows from a fixed direction (west) during the winter.
Was just coming to say about the metal fences. Just before the snow comes, the highway maintenance workers extend the fences so they are tall. They help focus the wind to blow the snow off the road. Japan gets an incredible amount of snow in winter...I'm Canadian and never had to shovel as much snow in Canada as I do here in Tohoku!
Hello from an RV owner living in Japan, I own an Adria Twin Sports. You can get the larger gas bottles, and get them filled, but they aren't easy to find. As long as your vehicle has an LPG sticker on it, you should be all good. But all the best trying to track down where you can get it filled up, happy to try and help if I can.
To add, you cannot take these gas bottles onto a ferry. They are strictly forbidden. (I too own a caravan/camping trailer) here in Japan. CB gas cans (the small bottle sized ones) are permitted on ferries.
@@andrewjones-productions thanks for that information, I hadn't known, few weeks back I took my Adria from Oma to Hakodate and back with both my gas bottles onboard... Whoops.
The luminous flags are used by local volunteers who help the children across the road on their way to school in the morning. The children themselves do not use the flags. The folded shelf-like fences are evidence you are in snow country. In the winter they are built up to act as a barrier to prevent snowdrifts. You will notice red and white tall poles alongside some roads which are there to mark out the edges of the road for the snow ploughs in winter. When the red and white poles are replaced by red and white downward arrows on what look like street lamps (minus the light) then you are in very, very deep snow country. Places like Hokkaido for example. Gas: Getting an 8kg propane gas tank is very, very difficult these days. My caravan has one, but I am also going to get an adapter that allows me to connect up to 8 CB gas cans (the butane tanks shown in the video). Most caravans and motorhomes imported have their heating system converted to a diesel/paraffin(aka kerosene) heater. The fuel at the Home Centre (Komeri - the first place) is not red-diesel but paraffin/kerosene. In Japanese it is called 'Toyu' （灯油). In Fukushima, you should visit Hibara-ko (Lake Hibara) and 'Goshikinuma'. A series of beautiful ponds with different coloured water that were created by the 1888 eruption of Mt. Bandai. Yes, the same 'Bandai' as in the games and toys!! It is very close to the lake you stayed (Inawashiro-ko).
You shouldn't be using the rubbish collection points. These are strictly for locals only. As you mentioned in the video, they have designated rubbish bags that can be bought at convenience stores (7-11, Lawson, Family Mart, Seico Mart, Mini-Stop etc) and home centres (DIY shops). These bags are specific to each municipality. Cardboard is a 'recyclable resource' (資源ゴミ=shigen gomi) and is not burnable rubbish (燃えるゴミ=Moeru-gomi).
I don't want to make you more bustle, but I think is missing you tell the name of, at least, some towns where you're passing through. It's wonderful to spot you in the map and personally memorize the most interesting places.
I love to try and figure out where you. As I watch the video, I have Google maps and Ioverlander open, trying to where you are, like when you stayed by the lake, I could go on street view and see exactly where you were!
Another great video showing your enthusiasm for yet another country. I was in Japan in the 1960’s (Merchant Navy) and found the people to be so friendly, despite the language barrier. The Japanese were well ahead of the West in technology the, Even in the 1960’s the taxis had electric opening doors! The large department stores had friendly staff standing by the entrances to either give you cold towels in hot weather, or facecloths if it was raining. Beautiful people. You MUST visit the old capital Kyoto. Great driving Marianne and great commentary Chris. Eagerly awaiting the next post. Keith.
WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!!!! One of your Japan videos came up as one of my suggested videos and now I’ve just binged watched a ton of your videos in 24 hours. I’m knackered. Thank you uploaded the uplifting content. Safe travels to the both of you!!!!
Ha Ha ... thank you so much for coming with us on the adventures !! Yep we have been to some fabulous places and met some awesome humans !! We hope you continue to enjoy this series as we still have a way to get to get around the world on our drive home to the UK in Trudy our 18 year old van xx Happy days !! 🚐🙌🌺
You are right about the flags. They are at pedestrian crossings that don't have traffic lights. Pick up the flag and hold it in front of you, and vehicles are required to stop as you cross. For foreigners, at first it requires an element of trust to think that they really will stop, but it's Japan, and they do !
You are slightly incorrect. These flags are used specifically for primary (elementary) school children and are done by the local volunteers. They are also used on crossings where there are traffic lights but they are only used on school commute routes. They are not for use by adults. Japan has a huge issue with people not stopping at pedestrian crossings and there was a news special (available on TH-cam) which showed only the best prefecture having a 50~60% stop rate. The police are slowly engaging in a crack down on people not stopping at pedestrian crossings when they should.
@@ron9516 Unfortunately, Japan is not as perfect a country as so many overseas seem to think. For example, there is a huge issue with people also breaking rules pertaining to camping in their vehicles at such locations as the roadside stations (Michinoeki) and even the RV Parks, which are essentially membership only parking spaces where basic facilities are available and sleeping in the motorhome/caravan is possible. There are many who break the rules and put out awnings, light BBQs and blatantly flaunt the rules. Fly tipping is another issue. Especially throwing one's home rubbish away at expressway service and parking areas and at convenience stores. By and large, people tend to follow the rules, but there are always going to be areas where people flaunt them, bend them and blatantly break them.
24:23 The collapsible metal fences are called snow barriers. They are used by farmers to force drifting snow to pile up. This collects large amounts of water into the irrigation systems for spring crops when it melts. As an added bonus it keeps the snow off the roads, but it's more-so a way for Farmer A to keep snow from going over to Farmer B's irrigation systems. When it comes to farming, water is the number 1 expense.
24:24 Those are extendable wind blockers to reduce drifting snow in the winter. They are vertically extended to increase visibility of the drivers during snow storms. They are common in the “snow country” regions of Japan, where you’ll find vertically mounted traffic lights, while the temperate parts of Japan install traffic lights horizontally (vertical - snow resistance; horizontal - wind/typhoon resistance)
Yeah! I thought that too - you shouldn't really just drive up to a street trash area and dump your boxes! haha! But many convenience stores will take boxes - if you go in and check with the staff. But public areas to dispose of trash are hard to find - only camp sites. Trash separating rules are pretty strict here and vary area to area. Old food and dirty paper/Plastics/Cans/the PET Bottles (drink bottles)/Clean Paper. 😆
Earthquakes are indeed scary. We had a large one in our region omMew Years Day! Our house shook like a jelly.....By the way, the little yellow flags are for children crossing the road.
They use the yellow flags in a few small town in South Dakota near Sturgis for the children to cross busy streets. The thinking is the children are shorter and carrying the flags above them makes it more likely a motorist will spot them and not have a tragedy. We also see them permanently on the side of the road that has a deaf child living nearby.
Van Life itself is truly a full time job, it comes with so many positive things but man it is a lot of work! We still miss it and look forward to get a new home on wheels in the upcoming years. Seeing Japan through your eyes is the closest to getting to our dream goal. Keep up with those smiles and way of looking at life, you guys are an inspiration! Love ya
I am thoroughly enjoying seeing Japan from the view of the road! It shows the country exactly as it is and this is so wonderful to see because it is real time, real view of the countryside. I wish I could see more of the road ahead as you go. I feel like so much of the video feed is panning back to Chris so that he is talking to the camera. Wouldn't it be nice if we could simply see the road and the countryside and have Chris narrate or simply talk and let us see what you are seeing as you drive? Everyone loves a road trip! We're on it with you after all, let's see it pass by too!!!!
So lovely, you guys are so amazing! My thoughts are that no matter where you go on this planet there is weather, scenery, people, food and shelter. Everything else is just little minor artistics. Love Love to you!
Love all the new stuff you notice and wonder about! That's the fun of traveling, to see the interesting stuff in every day life. Those metal fences at roadside: Snow and Wind Barriers. Retractable fences. In winter all this green area is snow and howling gales, so those fences are at windy spots to stop the snow drifting on the roads. The Propane Gas is interesting: in Japan basically used to power taxis (they have special gas stations for taxis), and the big tanks at the side of houses and shops in rural areas. Foreign vans imported into Japan usually have the gas conversion, though. Kids on crossings - yes! And kids are taught to cross with their hands in the air, too. Looking forward to Hokkaido!
Just to add to Amanda's comment about the snow fences. They are indeed to stop snow from building up on the road, but they work differently than how you might imagine! They are essentially wind vanes that direct/funnel the wind across the surface of the road. This blows the snow across the road instead of having it build up on the road. That is, the fences don't *block* the snow....they force it across the road with great intensity, to the other side of the road.
What an amazing adventure you're having already life in Japan is so very different to England or any other country I've seen so far in your travels can't wait for you to continue on.❤❤
You could find those warning flags at crosswalks in Salt Lake City, except they were orange.They were issued in 2002 for the Olympics to aide pedestrians, from countries where they drive on the other side of the road, who naturally look the wrong way before stepping into the crosswalk. Good luck in Japan!
23:30 Those yellow flags are for kids to use when crossing the roads. Most of the kids walk to school on their own instead of having a parent drive them to school like thew UK. Nor do we have yellow school busses like North America. Narrow roads in Japan can be dangerous.
13:04 As some viewers have mentioned in the comments, that trash bin you damped the cardboard boxes is for locals in the area. We have a designated day of the week for different kind of trash. Cardboard boxes are recyclable and have a designated day of the week or month and a designated location for collection. Travelers should ask at the city hall (yakusho) where the trash collection point (gomi shusekisho) is. Some larger items, length of 30 cm or longer for my area, require a fee for collection. Cardboard boxes are free for collection.
I love the folks looked at you in the car parks - like who are these forigners with the camera!? Haha so cool to watch you guys figure out life in Japan, new country, new challenges!! Hope you can figure out the fridge install and can power it, that seems the biggest challenge to me. You'll manage!!!
Wow... it's amazing your similar Japan and Korea are.... that little gas stove is the standard in Korea too. And the weather so typically Korean too, and the rice paddy fields spring time early summer
Keep your eyes peeled - I think I remember the man who used to tell the nation to do that back in the day in UK: Shaw Taylor who presented Police 5 told us to ‘keep em peeled’ - I’ve just shown my age. Every time I watch these videos I am more and more fascinated by Japan xxx great video
OMG !! Yes I remember !! Now you have said that it reminds me of when we used to sit down all together in front of the TV and watch it!! Thanks for the memories ...
Our motorhome rocks every time we have a dust storm. Currently parked up in SW New Mexico. After all this time still find it strange. We like you are full timers. Love every moment. Have a super time in Japan. We enjoy watching your adventures.
Both kids and (elderly) volunteers, who mind the kids at crossings, use the flags when they cross the road. They wave them so that they can be easily seen. The metal fences are raised in the winter to stop snow drifts blocking the road.
If you gas tank has a bbq take off point you can back feed the gas system from a separate bottle. Just need the correct regulator. So if you have a 3 way fridge 12v while you drive and connect the bottle when your parked.
Hi Simon - we would not feel confident to try and adapt our system - but thanks for the info!! We have worked out a system that is working with the gas cans and the 12v fridge 😉👍
I love how you deal with problems, issues… so calm, so easy. And you get it done! You get it solved somehow. And if your plan doesn’t work, you make a new plan. A good lesson for me! I would be so worried all the time…
Chris, when you said the name of the river and you chuckled because it's called Tone River, I immediately thought of Taunton too, as that is where I was born and lived until I was 6. Then moved to Canada! Nice reminder of home😊
"Tone" river is a Latinized spelling of the Japanese(=Rōma-ji), which is not understood by the Japanese when pronounced as "tone" in English. Therefore, please proper nouns such as place and person names should be pronounced as in Latin and Italian, forexample, "Tone" should be pronounced like "to" in "top" and "ne" in "next".
I will be 50 this October, yikes lol!!. Yes we very may have been at the same school. I was at Northtown Primary School in '78/'79. Gosh that sounds strange to say lol. Enjoying your adventures and sooo glad you guys are too. Stay safe❤❤
I am glad I found you while doing my research on a van trip in Japan, I used to have a PMC converted van in the States where I do short trip all over Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California, I sold it early this year and moved to Asia, I am planning a van-life trip in Japan, I need to finish all your Japan trip videos, thanks for sharing.
Absolutely loving this. Japan I'm coming! But think I'll rent a van there, I will not be able to cope with that packing thing, and my van might be a bit on the wide side 😅
Hello Ambassadors I just said "wow" not being able to get propane. That is something about Japan I learned from the video. This is an EDUCATIONAL CHANNEL you have here!👍👍Passing through little towns with almost no one around! That is something new to me. The little gas burner that you were shown on the video is about $ 16-29 because I wanted to buy one. I am planning to DRIVE my little SUV to North possibly going all the way West Virginia but I will take secondary arteries to see little towns and historical sites if I can. That is why I wanted to buy that little gas burner. Have fun and thanks for the awesome videos. Love from FT. Pierce Florida from everyone! 🇹🇷🇹🇷❤️❤️
Hi. I love your videos, watching your adventures, you look so confident where ever you go,, can't wait to see the rest of Japan journey and more to come, take care and thank you for sharing you travels x
Hi Jean - we are not planning to ship Trudy home as we are driving around the world, and due to her size and available space - we decided that we would have to ditch the boxes and get new ones next time as we are hoping that we will not be shipping for at least 6 months 🙏🌺
Would be good to do a video about the prices in Japan for food compared to the current extortionate prices in the UK. At least one positive for you guys, is that the yen is becoming weaker against the pound.
Another exceptional video, as they all are, the one thing putting us off going to Japan was the language barrier, but you guys have proved, where there's a will..........
22:34 that is exactly what they are for, called pedestrian flags they are for kids to cross without the assistance of an adult. kids as young as 2 years old go out on errands (such as going to the grocery stores) alone; the goal is to help teach them responsibility, independence, and life skills. They are sent without supervision and generally speaking it is the only place in the world this is still practiced. Netflix has a whole tv series on it called “Old Enough!”
23:25 Those flags use for protecting school children on the crosswalk. Every morning in school days, adults (parents, policemen, etc) stand each side and use flags like traffic control, which shows the driver kids are crossing road.
Hi guys, I love watching you in Japan. My friend who is American has been living in Japan for 35 years. They own an Eneos gas station in Kyushu. She explained that they must assist the customers to leave because the gas station is liable if the customer has an accident leaving. I know it's crazy...but speaks to the kindness of Japan. Anyway, if you get to the very bottom of Kyushu and go to an Eneos, you may meet my friend. Have fun...
Thoroughly enjoyed it guys Japan is green lush and beautiful scenery even when it's raining, I used to watch Chinese movies and Japanese. And the landscape is always green and rainy 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June is the rainy season in Japan. However, as of last weekend, Okinawa has already seen the end of the rainy season. The Meteorological Agency determines officially when the rainy season starts and ends in each region, so yes, there are definite dates.
I had a feeling that the route you were going to take was similar to the one taken by Isabella Bird, a British adventurer who explored the Japanese outback in 1878. Have you read her 1880 book "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan"? It's an interesting book that really shows the spirituality of the Japanese, so if you haven't read it, please do.
The phrase to “keep your eyes peeled” means: To be on the alert; watch carefully or vigilantly for something. The phrase is said to have originated in reference to Robert Peel who started the British Police Force. The police were nicknamed "Peelers" referring to keeping a watch out for lawbreakers.
1:57 It's amazing how somethings so foreign and frightening are "normal" for the locals! We had a Nor'Easter drop 30"+ of snow on us and some friends visiting from Haiti thought it was the end of the world :) I imagine you guys might have felt some of that same feeling.
Glad you weathered that earthquake and this one well. I have been in one 7.0+ earthquake that happened in Los Angeles when I was a teen. Knocked me out of bed to the floor and our home's brick chimney fell down. My high school had damage and several nearby schools did too. We still attended but they closed some of the areas for reconstruction. We also had 805 students in my high school graduating class as two schools merged due to all the damage for 3 years. The Japanese have a lot of experience with earthquakes and dealing with helping after one. Glad you are doing fine! Good preparation in any earthquake as you are in a self-sustaining type of camper and have good supplies such as lanterns, flashlights (torches to you) and first aid kit, etc. Have a great trip and enjoy the sights. Those shop owners and really everyone seems so helpful! Nice!
I wish the USA could be like japan like safety, clean, helpful,kindness/empathy., transportation/automatic doors.The bad things I would hate about living in Japan are natural disasters,bugs,being away from friends/family, the one is my phobia mascots/cosplay?!
13:21 These trash collection bins are only allowed to the head of household assigned to the area. It is a nuisance for travelers to place trash in the area.
@@jphanks There are many waste disposal companies and waste incineration plants throughout Japan. You can bring your garbage directly to them and they will dispose of it properly. A quick Google search will tell you everything you need to know. There are many different countries in the world, each with its own circumstances. You should do your research with respect to the country you are visiting. Trash cans for local residents exist in other countries as well. As adults, we shouldn't complain like children.
You seem to be taking the earthquakes in your stride 👌I would be scared the ground opened up and swallowed me 🫣 Every country has their differences and yet again helpful locals to point you in the right direction 🫶 I love how clean Japan is 👏👏wish the people of the uk had the same attitude !!! Even in the rain Japan looks lovely, we enjoyed the video guys ❤️
Yay, another fun trip in Japan! I'm thoroughly impressed with how nice and out of the way the campsite you found on iOverlander was! Definitley downloading that ASAP! Keep having fun on your Japan travels, and looking forward to the next videos!
Wow, you know it's tipping it down when the camera picks it up! 😲 If you're from Seattle or Blighty it's a simple matter to adapt, though. 😁 Does the new fridge go below 0°C? You could keep it after the propane is sorted for more ice cream storage! 😂❤️❤️😎👍xx
By the way, when you come back to Honshu from Hokkaido, I hope you will take a private room with a toilet on a large ferry. The rooms are as good as the APA Hotel where we first stayed in Japan, and the food on board is also quite good. There are two ferries from Hokkaido, one from Hakodate to Aomori Prefecture and the other from Tomakomai to Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, but not this one. Nihonkai Ferry from Otaru to Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture or Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture via the Sea of Japan. From Tomakomai 0Nihonkai Ferry to Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture via the Sea of Japan z Mitsui O.S.K. Ferry Sunflower to Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture via the Pacific Ocean zPacific Ocean Ferry to Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture via Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture via the Pacific Ocean. Except for the ferry going to Okinawa, the companies are competing with each other for service by making new ships, so you should enjoy the luxury cruise ships. The ferry to Okinawa, by the way, is expensive, the ship is old, and it is said to be very bumpy. I heard that you need to take anti seasickness medicine. I heard that a medicine called "Anetone" is good for seasickness. Enjoy your trip to Japan. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ところで北海道から本州に帰ってくるときには是非大型のフェリーでトイレ付きの個室を利用してほしい。最初に日本で宿泊したAPA HOTEL並みの部屋で疲れを癒してほしいし、船内の料理も結構良い。 北海道からのフェリーは函館から青森県に行くものと苫小牧から青森県八戸に行くものがあるが、これではなく 小樽から日本海を通って新潟県新潟市または京都府舞鶴市へ行く日本海フェリー。 苫小牧から 〇日本海を通って福井県敦賀市へ行く日本海フェリー 〇太平洋経由で茨城県大洗町へ行く三井商船フェリーサンフラワー 〇太平洋経由で宮城県仙台市経由で愛知県名古屋市へ行く太平洋フェリー 沖縄に行くフェリー以外は新しい船にしてサービスを企業同士が競っているので豪華な客船を堪能してほしい。 因みに沖縄に行くフェリーは料金が高く、船は古い、しかもかなり揺れるそうだ。船酔い止めは必須らしい。アネトンという薬がいいらしいよ。 それジャー日本旅行を楽しんでね。
Thank you for your adventure. I would love to visit Japan. Maybe with youngest son as he can read if not speak a little japanese. Pronounceation very similar to Maori. Crossing in NZ you give way IE you stop! If someone is on the side of a marked zebra crossing !
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23:33 その通りです。黄色い旗は遠くからでも確認出来る目立つ色です。横断歩道でこの旗を見たら、車は止まる必要があります。小さな子供の命を守る必要があります。
24:20 この金属フェンスは冬期間の吹雪の時に、風の勢いを和らげ、道路の視界を良くする為です。冬期間はほぼ決まった方向（西）から風が吹きます。
translation by DeepL
That's right. The yellow flag is a prominent color that drivers can see from a distance. When you see this flag at a crosswalk, you need to stop. We need to protect the lives of small children.
This metal fence is designed to reduce the force of the wind and improve visibility of the road during winter snowstorms. In Japan, the wind blows from a fixed direction (west) during the winter.
Was just coming to say about the metal fences. Just before the snow comes, the highway maintenance workers extend the fences so they are tall. They help focus the wind to blow the snow off the road. Japan gets an incredible amount of snow in winter...I'm Canadian and never had to shovel as much snow in Canada as I do here in Tohoku!
Hello from an RV owner living in Japan, I own an Adria Twin Sports. You can get the larger gas bottles, and get them filled, but they aren't easy to find. As long as your vehicle has an LPG sticker on it, you should be all good. But all the best trying to track down where you can get it filled up, happy to try and help if I can.
bump so they can see this
To add, you cannot take these gas bottles onto a ferry. They are strictly forbidden. (I too own a caravan/camping trailer) here in Japan. CB gas cans (the small bottle sized ones) are permitted on ferries.
@@andrewjones-productions thanks for that information, I hadn't known, few weeks back I took my Adria from Oma to Hakodate and back with both my gas bottles onboard... Whoops.
Thanks for sharing! That is super interesting - we are all set up with a 12v fridge and gas cans now but thanks for the help 💕
The luminous flags are used by local volunteers who help the children across the road on their way to school in the morning. The children themselves do not use the flags.
The folded shelf-like fences are evidence you are in snow country. In the winter they are built up to act as a barrier to prevent snowdrifts. You will notice red and white tall poles alongside some roads which are there to mark out the edges of the road for the snow ploughs in winter. When the red and white poles are replaced by red and white downward arrows on what look like street lamps (minus the light) then you are in very, very deep snow country. Places like Hokkaido for example.
Gas: Getting an 8kg propane gas tank is very, very difficult these days. My caravan has one, but I am also going to get an adapter that allows me to connect up to 8 CB gas cans (the butane tanks shown in the video). Most caravans and motorhomes imported have their heating system converted to a diesel/paraffin(aka kerosene) heater. The fuel at the Home Centre (Komeri - the first place) is not red-diesel but paraffin/kerosene. In Japanese it is called 'Toyu' （灯油). In Fukushima, you should visit Hibara-ko (Lake Hibara) and 'Goshikinuma'. A series of beautiful ponds with different coloured water that were created by the 1888 eruption of Mt. Bandai. Yes, the same 'Bandai' as in the games and toys!! It is very close to the lake you stayed (Inawashiro-ko).
You shouldn't be using the rubbish collection points. These are strictly for locals only. As you mentioned in the video, they have designated rubbish bags that can be bought at convenience stores (7-11, Lawson, Family Mart, Seico Mart, Mini-Stop etc) and home centres (DIY shops). These bags are specific to each municipality. Cardboard is a 'recyclable resource' (資源ゴミ=shigen gomi) and is not burnable rubbish (燃えるゴミ=Moeru-gomi).
Thanks for the information 👍
I don't want to make you more bustle, but I think is missing you tell the name of, at least, some towns where you're passing through. It's wonderful to spot you in the map and personally memorize the most interesting places.
Thanks for the tip
I love to try and figure out where you. As I watch the video, I have Google maps and Ioverlander open, trying to where you are, like when you stayed by the lake, I could go on street view and see exactly where you were!
I can tell how relaxed you both are . Must be the society's respect factor . You have nothing to fear . Happy people have happy lives.
They should be doing more unpacking ? 😁
Another great video showing your enthusiasm for yet another country. I was in Japan in the 1960’s (Merchant Navy) and found the people to be so friendly, despite the language barrier. The Japanese were well ahead of the West in technology the, Even in the 1960’s the taxis had electric opening doors! The large department stores had friendly staff standing by the entrances to either give you cold towels in hot weather, or facecloths if it was raining. Beautiful people.
You MUST visit the old capital Kyoto.
Great driving Marianne and great commentary Chris.
Eagerly awaiting the next post.
Keith.
WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!!!! One of your Japan videos came up as one of my suggested videos and now I’ve just binged watched a ton of your videos in 24 hours. I’m knackered.
Thank you uploaded the uplifting content. Safe travels to the both of you!!!!
Ha Ha ... thank you so much for coming with us on the adventures !! Yep we have been to some fabulous places and met some awesome humans !! We hope you continue to enjoy this series as we still have a way to get to get around the world on our drive home to the UK in Trudy our 18 year old van xx Happy days !! 🚐🙌🌺
The toilet culture alone has convinced me I need to go to Japan!
You are right about the flags. They are at pedestrian crossings that don't have traffic lights. Pick up the flag and hold it in front of you, and vehicles are required to stop as you cross. For foreigners, at first it requires an element of trust to think that they really will stop, but it's Japan, and they do !
You are slightly incorrect. These flags are used specifically for primary (elementary) school children and are done by the local volunteers. They are also used on crossings where there are traffic lights but they are only used on school commute routes. They are not for use by adults. Japan has a huge issue with people not stopping at pedestrian crossings and there was a news special (available on TH-cam) which showed only the best prefecture having a 50~60% stop rate. The police are slowly engaging in a crack down on people not stopping at pedestrian crossings when they should.
@@andrewjones-productionsstrange for a country that in every other aspect seems “to stick to the rules”.
@@ron9516 Unfortunately, Japan is not as perfect a country as so many overseas seem to think. For example, there is a huge issue with people also breaking rules pertaining to camping in their vehicles at such locations as the roadside stations (Michinoeki) and even the RV Parks, which are essentially membership only parking spaces where basic facilities are available and sleeping in the motorhome/caravan is possible. There are many who break the rules and put out awnings, light BBQs and blatantly flaunt the rules. Fly tipping is another issue. Especially throwing one's home rubbish away at expressway service and parking areas and at convenience stores. By and large, people tend to follow the rules, but there are always going to be areas where people flaunt them, bend them and blatantly break them.
We even have this kind of system in my small town in Canada. They're placed mainly by the elementary school crosswalks.
24:23 The collapsible metal fences are called snow barriers. They are used by farmers to force drifting snow to pile up. This collects large amounts of water into the irrigation systems for spring crops when it melts. As an added bonus it keeps the snow off the roads, but it's more-so a way for Farmer A to keep snow from going over to Farmer B's irrigation systems. When it comes to farming, water is the number 1 expense.
24:24 Those are extendable wind blockers to reduce drifting snow in the winter. They are vertically extended to increase visibility of the drivers during snow storms.
They are common in the “snow country” regions of Japan, where you’ll find vertically mounted traffic lights, while the temperate parts of Japan install traffic lights horizontally (vertical - snow resistance; horizontal - wind/typhoon resistance)
That was my first thought too, they are for drifting snow.
Thanks for the info
We've followed along on your travels over the years and are really, really enjoying these Japanese videos. Thank you!
Awesome, thank you!
Congratulations for 100.000 followers, greetings from Germany!
Oops, the cardboard boxes definitely didn't belong in that trash area. Japan is very strict about trash and who can put what when.
Yeah! I thought that too - you shouldn't really just drive up to a street trash area and dump your boxes! haha! But many convenience stores will take boxes - if you go in and check with the staff. But public areas to dispose of trash are hard to find - only camp sites. Trash separating rules are pretty strict here and vary area to area. Old food and dirty paper/Plastics/Cans/the PET Bottles (drink bottles)/Clean Paper.
😆
Yep it has been a real learning curve on the rubbish front as a tourist 👍
It looks a very clean country and roads looking well maintained I’m so looking forward to seeing more of Japan thank you Marianne and Chris
Also look at the other vehicles, you never see cars with dents or ratty old cars.
Thanks Margaret 🌷
Congratulations on the 100k subs, great content guys, all the best.
Thanks so much!
I'm refresh as you travel on those landscapes ....it's telling us , Japanese are disciplined citizen. Enjoy your Japan travel❤!
Earthquakes are indeed scary. We had a large one in our region omMew Years Day! Our house shook like a jelly.....By the way, the little yellow flags are for children crossing the road.
Michi-no-eki's "chi" is pronouced like "chicken". It means station on the road, and you can even sleep overnight and some even has shower facilities.
They use the yellow flags in a few small town in South Dakota near Sturgis for the children to cross busy streets. The thinking is the children are shorter and carrying the flags above them makes it more likely a motorist will spot them and not have a tragedy. We also see them permanently on the side of the road that has a deaf child living nearby.
You always make things work! Enjoy your travels in Japan. I'm getting a vibe of kindness, cleanliness, and safe too!
Van Life itself is truly a full time job, it comes with so many positive things but man it is a lot of work! We still miss it and look forward to get a new home on wheels in the upcoming years.
Seeing Japan through your eyes is the closest to getting to our dream goal.
Keep up with those smiles and way of looking at life, you guys are an inspiration! Love ya
Thanks friends - I am feeling a road trip is in our futures !! 💕
I am thoroughly enjoying seeing Japan from the view of the road! It shows the country exactly as it is and this is so wonderful to see because it is real time, real view of the countryside. I wish I could see more of the road ahead as you go. I feel like so much of the video feed is panning back to Chris so that he is talking to the camera. Wouldn't it be nice if we could simply see the road and the countryside and have Chris narrate or simply talk and let us see what you are seeing as you drive? Everyone loves a road trip! We're on it with you after all, let's see it pass by too!!!!
The scenery is so lovely. I wish I was there. Thanks for showing us the rice paddies, bamboo, and topiary trees and cute houses and other wonders.
We are glad you are enjoying the videos 👍
So lovely, you guys are so amazing! My thoughts are that no matter where you go on this planet there is weather, scenery, people, food and shelter. Everything else is just little minor artistics. Love Love to you!
Wow - thanks for your kind and lovely comment 🌷
Hello we have cross walk flags in places in the valley NS because it lets cars know well in advance that someone is crossing the street .
You will enjoy Hokkaido. Can’t wait to see the next episode. Safe travels
Love all the new stuff you notice and wonder about! That's the fun of traveling, to see the interesting stuff in every day life. Those metal fences at roadside: Snow and Wind Barriers. Retractable fences. In winter all this green area is snow and howling gales, so those fences are at windy spots to stop the snow drifting on the roads. The Propane Gas is interesting: in Japan basically used to power taxis (they have special gas stations for taxis), and the big tanks at the side of houses and shops in rural areas. Foreign vans imported into Japan usually have the gas conversion, though. Kids on crossings - yes! And kids are taught to cross with their hands in the air, too.
Looking forward to Hokkaido!
Just to add to Amanda's comment about the snow fences. They are indeed to stop snow from building up on the road, but they work differently than how you might imagine! They are essentially wind vanes that direct/funnel the wind across the surface of the road. This blows the snow across the road instead of having it build up on the road. That is, the fences don't *block* the snow....they force it across the road with great intensity, to the other side of the road.
Thanks for the information - and yes Hokkaido is epic !! woo hoo xx
What an amazing adventure you're having already life in Japan is so very different to England or any other country I've seen so far in your travels can't wait for you to continue on.❤❤
Agreed - we are having so much fun and everything is so different to everything we know - so excited to share more !!
I was just thinking how much info you've been giving in advance for people who want to follow your path. Great video
You could find those warning flags at crosswalks in Salt Lake City, except they were orange.They were issued in 2002 for the Olympics to aide pedestrians, from countries where they drive on the other side of the road, who naturally look the wrong way before stepping into the crosswalk. Good luck in Japan!
very nice to see. Beautiful. Enjoy
Amazing adventure, thank you for sharing ❤❤
Happy Sunday
Love the caption of your Japan adventure
23:30 Those yellow flags are for kids to use when crossing the roads. Most of the kids walk to school on their own instead of having a parent drive them to school like thew UK. Nor do we have yellow school busses like North America. Narrow roads in Japan can be dangerous.
You got to have a proper wine glass..this is a must
Agreed !! 😂🌷
13:04 As some viewers have mentioned in the comments, that trash bin you damped the cardboard boxes is for locals in the area. We have a designated day of the week for different kind of trash. Cardboard boxes are recyclable and have a designated day of the week or month and a designated location for collection. Travelers should ask at the city hall (yakusho) where the trash collection point (gomi shusekisho) is. Some larger items, length of 30 cm or longer for my area, require a fee for collection. Cardboard boxes are free for collection.
I love the folks looked at you in the car parks - like who are these forigners with the camera!? Haha so cool to watch you guys figure out life in Japan, new country, new challenges!! Hope you can figure out the fridge install and can power it, that seems the biggest challenge to me. You'll manage!!!
Thanks friends - sending love to you all xx 🌷
What a lovely country ❤️. There are many new things to learn. Greetings from istanbul 🇹🇷❤️🇬🇧
Thanks Ersel Bey - we have really enjoyed sharing the beauties of Japan - so much more to come !! Love to you both xx
@@TREADtheglobe ❤️
Patience is virtue, it’s paying off as you get further and further , Enjoy the rest of the journey , soon it will be mastered. 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
We have a Campervan and live in Japan. We’re in Kyushu so if you’re ever down this way look us up
Keep an eye open for Trudy !!
Wow... it's amazing your similar Japan and Korea are.... that little gas stove is the standard in Korea too. And the weather so typically Korean too, and the rice paddy fields spring time early summer
Must have been great for Marian to drive on the left after the last couple of years driving on the right❤❤
Ha Ha - yes it really has been interesting going back to 'normal' !! 😉
Love every Sunday with you two and a cup of coffee and travel with you two is so much fun❤
Keep your eyes peeled - I think I remember the man who used to tell the nation to do that back in the day in UK: Shaw Taylor who presented Police 5 told us to ‘keep em peeled’ - I’ve just shown my age. Every time I watch these videos I am more and more fascinated by Japan xxx great video
OMG !! Yes I remember !! Now you have said that it reminds me of when we used to sit down all together in front of the TV and watch it!! Thanks for the memories ...
I know you are a professional driver, but brilliant driving and so confident in foreign countries!
Thanks Anne 🌷
It seems to be challenging to be in Japan. Thank you for taking us along with you ! Hope you're doing fine !
Our motorhome rocks every time we have a dust storm. Currently parked up in SW New Mexico. After all this time still find it strange. We like you are full timers. Love every moment. Have a super time in Japan. We enjoy watching your adventures.
Oh wow! May the road be open and dust free !! 😉👍
@@TREADtheglobe Thank you so very much.
Loving this
Both kids and (elderly) volunteers, who mind the kids at crossings, use the flags when they cross the road. They wave them so that they can be easily seen. The metal fences are raised in the winter to stop snow drifts blocking the road.
Thanks for the information
Japan is so beautiful 😊
If you gas tank has a bbq take off point you can back feed the gas system from a separate bottle. Just need the correct regulator. So if you have a 3 way fridge 12v while you drive and connect the bottle when your parked.
Hi Simon - we would not feel confident to try and adapt our system - but thanks for the info!! We have worked out a system that is working with the gas cans and the 12v fridge 😉👍
I love how you deal with problems, issues… so calm, so easy. And you get it done! You get it solved somehow. And if your plan doesn’t work, you make a new plan. A good lesson for me! I would be so worried all the time…
Hi guys it's only going to get funnier & complicated as u go north good luck
Chris, when you said the name of the river and you chuckled because it's called Tone River, I immediately thought of Taunton too, as that is where I was born and lived until I was 6. Then moved to Canada! Nice reminder of home😊
"Tone" river is a Latinized spelling of the Japanese(=Rōma-ji), which is not understood by the Japanese when pronounced as "tone" in English. Therefore, please proper nouns such as place and person names should be pronounced as in Latin and Italian, forexample, "Tone" should be pronounced like "to" in "top" and "ne" in "next".
Wow - Chris is 52 - I don't know how old you are but you could have gone to junior school together !! 😉😂
I will be 50 this October, yikes lol!!. Yes we very may have been at the same school. I was at Northtown Primary School in '78/'79. Gosh that sounds strange to say lol. Enjoying your adventures and sooo glad you guys are too. Stay safe❤❤
I am glad I found you while doing my research on a van trip in Japan, I used to have a PMC converted van in the States where I do short trip all over Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California, I sold it early this year and moved to Asia, I am planning a van-life trip in Japan, I need to finish all your Japan trip videos, thanks for sharing.
Very cool! Have a fabulous time and make sure you visit Korea (by car ferry) too - we had a fantastic time in both countries 🌺
23:29 that is correct. Kids hold the flag up when crossing to bring visibility to them.
Thanks 👍
Earthquake advice from California: don’t freak out unless it knocks you off your feet. If that happens crawl under a sturdy table or bed.
Absolutely loving this. Japan I'm coming! But think I'll rent a van there, I will not be able to cope with that packing thing, and my van might be a bit on the wide side 😅
You will love it !! 💕
Very nice video
Hello Ambassadors
I just said "wow" not being able to get propane. That is something about Japan I learned from the video. This is an EDUCATIONAL CHANNEL you have here!👍👍Passing through little towns with almost no one around! That is something new to me. The little gas burner that you were shown on the video is about $ 16-29 because I wanted to buy one. I am planning to DRIVE my little SUV to North possibly going all the way West Virginia but I will take secondary arteries to see little towns and historical sites if I can. That is why I wanted to buy that little gas burner.
Have fun and thanks for the awesome videos.
Love from FT. Pierce Florida from everyone! 🇹🇷🇹🇷❤️❤️
Thanks Nick - have a fabulous road trip and we know you will enjoy everything you do 🚐💕
@@TREADtheglobe Thank you guys. I will remember you while I am traveling.🇹🇷🇹🇷❤️❤️
Hi. I love your videos, watching your adventures, you look so confident where ever you go,, can't wait to see the rest of Japan journey and more to come, take care and thank you for sharing you travels x
Glad you like them!
100K - well done!
24:34 those are snow fences that are put up in the winter.
I live in Ibaraki and drive a Volvo, and I don't even like driving down those narrow roads, you are really driving down some inaka roads.
Crosswalk flags are used to help small children stand out when crossing the street.
Cars with propane gas cylinders are not allowed on the ferry.
I was thinking you should have saved those boxes for when you ship Trudy back!
Hi Jean - we are not planning to ship Trudy home as we are driving around the world, and due to her size and available space - we decided that we would have to ditch the boxes and get new ones next time as we are hoping that we will not be shipping for at least 6 months 🙏🌺
Would be good to do a video about the prices in Japan for food compared to the current extortionate prices in the UK. At least one positive for you guys, is that the yen is becoming weaker against the pound.
Hi - we don't really do the comparison style videos on this channel but I think I have seen a few on TH-cam 👍
Another exceptional video, as they all are, the one thing putting us off going to Japan was the language barrier, but you guys have proved, where there's a will..........
Awwh Thank you !!
22:34 that is exactly what they are for, called pedestrian flags they are for kids to cross without the assistance of an adult. kids as young as 2 years old go out on errands (such as going to the grocery stores) alone; the goal is to help teach them responsibility, independence, and life skills. They are sent without supervision and generally speaking it is the only place in the world this is still practiced. Netflix has a whole tv series on it called “Old Enough!”
June is Rainy season,not a good time to visit. I got stranded in Tokyo station when typhon rains stopped all trains 😢
Yep planning weather windows whilst driving around the world can be tricky !! But that is a very good tip for anyone planning a trip here - thanks !!
23:25
Those flags use for protecting school children on the crosswalk.
Every morning in school days, adults (parents, policemen, etc) stand each side and use flags like traffic control, which shows the driver kids are crossing road.
Buy storage box on the rear door. Simple
Congratulations on the 100k subscribers
Thank you so much 😀
Hi guys, I love watching you in Japan. My friend who is American has been living in Japan for 35 years. They own an Eneos gas station in Kyushu. She explained that they must assist the customers to leave because the gas station is liable if the customer has an accident leaving. I know it's crazy...but speaks to the kindness of Japan. Anyway, if you get to the very bottom of Kyushu and go to an Eneos, you may meet my friend. Have fun...
Thoroughly enjoyed it guys Japan is green lush and beautiful scenery even when it's raining, I used to watch Chinese movies and Japanese. And the landscape is always green and rainy 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June is the rainy season in Japan. However, as of last weekend, Okinawa has already seen the end of the rainy season. The Meteorological Agency determines officially when the rainy season starts and ends in each region, so yes, there are definite dates.
The folded fences are expanding snow fences.
i just love your channel , best wishes to you both and Trudy .
I had a feeling that the route you were going to take was similar to the one taken by Isabella Bird, a British adventurer who explored the Japanese outback in 1878. Have you read her 1880 book "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan"? It's an interesting book that really shows the spirituality of the Japanese, so if you haven't read it, please do.
Thanks for sharing this
The phrase to “keep your eyes peeled” means:
To be on the alert; watch carefully or vigilantly for something.
The phrase is said to have originated in reference to Robert Peel who started the British Police Force. The police were nicknamed "Peelers" referring to keeping a watch out for lawbreakers.
Interesting !! Thank you
1:57 It's amazing how somethings so foreign and frightening are "normal" for the locals! We had a Nor'Easter drop 30"+ of snow on us and some friends visiting from Haiti thought it was the end of the world :) I imagine you guys might have felt some of that same feeling.
Glad you weathered that earthquake and this one well. I have been in one 7.0+ earthquake that happened in Los Angeles when I was a teen. Knocked me out of bed to the floor and our home's brick chimney fell down. My high school had damage and several nearby schools did too. We still attended but they closed some of the areas for reconstruction. We also had 805 students in my high school graduating class as two schools merged due to all the damage for 3 years. The Japanese have a lot of experience with earthquakes and dealing with helping after one. Glad you are doing fine! Good preparation in any earthquake as you are in a self-sustaining type of camper and have good supplies such as lanterns, flashlights (torches to you) and first aid kit, etc. Have a great trip and enjoy the sights. Those shop owners and really everyone seems so helpful! Nice!
Wow - that would have been terrifying 🌷
I am wondering why you didn't keep the boxes for when you ship things back?
Lack of space really - we live in a tiny home and we are not sure when we will have to ship again 👍
It looks so amazing. I would have given up on the lpg and plugged in my electric cool box and got my butane stove because i get so stressed!
Loving this channel. Keep up the great videos
Thanks !
Aaaah, the earthquakes.
They have to _REALLY_ _BIG_ for people to take notice, that’s how often they happen here.
Electric fridge could ruin slow blow fuse in the socked dedicated .Please be careful guys ♥
you were right at a box recycle place at the first propane place you stopped at
Hi I just found you via Facebook. Loved your video.
That road made me nervous for you xx safe travels xx
Welcome 🚐🙌
I wish the USA could be like japan like safety, clean, helpful,kindness/empathy., transportation/automatic doors.The bad things I would hate about living in Japan are natural disasters,bugs,being away from friends/family, the one is my phobia mascots/cosplay?!
13:21 These trash collection bins are only allowed to the head of household assigned to the area. It is a nuisance for travelers to place trash in the area.
So where should they drop?
@@jphanks There are many waste disposal companies and waste incineration plants throughout Japan. You can bring your garbage directly to them and they will dispose of it properly. A quick Google search will tell you everything you need to know. There are many different countries in the world, each with its own circumstances. You should do your research with respect to the country you are visiting. Trash cans for local residents exist in other countries as well. As adults, we shouldn't complain like children.
@@SuperTh0001 woah there Nelly. I asked a generic innocent question. No need for hostility. I really hope you have a better day.
You seem to be taking the earthquakes in your stride 👌I would be scared the ground opened up and swallowed me 🫣
Every country has their differences and yet again helpful locals to point you in the right direction 🫶
I love how clean Japan is 👏👏wish the people of the uk had the same attitude !!!
Even in the rain Japan looks lovely, we enjoyed the video guys ❤️
Thanks Paul - yep it has been great and we are taking lots of advice which helps us understand this incredible country 🌷
Yay, another fun trip in Japan! I'm thoroughly impressed with how nice and out of the way the campsite you found on iOverlander was! Definitley downloading that ASAP! Keep having fun on your Japan travels, and looking forward to the next videos!
Glad you enjoyed it! And yes we have found iOverlander really helpful around the world - PS it was great to meet you and spend some time together 🌷🙌
Çok yeşilmiş Japonya sanırım çok yağmur yağıyor şehirleride mesela Tokyo' yuda görmek isteriz yolunuz açık olsun .👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Loving the rice paddies...asia at it's best...safe travels
Thank you - it has been absolutely stunning so far !!
Wow, you know it's tipping it down when the camera picks it up! 😲 If you're from Seattle or Blighty it's a simple matter to adapt, though. 😁
Does the new fridge go below 0°C? You could keep it after the propane is sorted for more ice cream storage! 😂❤️❤️😎👍xx
Ha Ha - Ice cream ... we could do with some right now - it is hot !!
We missed you so much! God bless you. 🫶
By the way, when you come back to Honshu from Hokkaido, I hope you will take a private room with a toilet on a large ferry. The rooms are as good as the APA Hotel where we first stayed in Japan, and the food on board is also quite good.
There are two ferries from Hokkaido, one from Hakodate to Aomori Prefecture and the other from Tomakomai to Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, but not this one.
Nihonkai Ferry from Otaru to Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture or Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture via the Sea of Japan.
From Tomakomai
0Nihonkai Ferry to Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture via the Sea of Japan
z Mitsui O.S.K. Ferry Sunflower to Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture via the Pacific Ocean
zPacific Ocean Ferry to Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture via Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture via the Pacific Ocean.
Except for the ferry going to Okinawa, the companies are competing with each other for service by making new ships, so you should enjoy the luxury cruise ships.
The ferry to Okinawa, by the way, is expensive, the ship is old, and it is said to be very bumpy. I heard that you need to take anti seasickness medicine. I heard that a medicine called "Anetone" is good for seasickness.
Enjoy your trip to Japan.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
ところで北海道から本州に帰ってくるときには是非大型のフェリーでトイレ付きの個室を利用してほしい。最初に日本で宿泊したAPA HOTEL並みの部屋で疲れを癒してほしいし、船内の料理も結構良い。
北海道からのフェリーは函館から青森県に行くものと苫小牧から青森県八戸に行くものがあるが、これではなく
小樽から日本海を通って新潟県新潟市または京都府舞鶴市へ行く日本海フェリー。
苫小牧から
〇日本海を通って福井県敦賀市へ行く日本海フェリー
〇太平洋経由で茨城県大洗町へ行く三井商船フェリーサンフラワー
〇太平洋経由で宮城県仙台市経由で愛知県名古屋市へ行く太平洋フェリー
沖縄に行くフェリー以外は新しい船にしてサービスを企業同士が競っているので豪華な客船を堪能してほしい。
因みに沖縄に行くフェリーは料金が高く、船は古い、しかもかなり揺れるそうだ。船酔い止めは必須らしい。アネトンという薬がいいらしいよ。
それジャー日本旅行を楽しんでね。
Thank you for sharing all of this information👍🌺
Thank you for your adventure. I would love to visit Japan. Maybe with youngest son as he can read if not speak a little japanese. Pronounceation very similar to Maori. Crossing in NZ you give way IE you stop! If someone is on the side of a marked zebra crossing !
Hello, could you tell us how much cost for the shipping los Angeles to japan for your van, and for the palet with your differents things of your van?
yeah - me too - I'd like to know some of the shippings costs. I read only about 3-4,000 dollars for a camping van?
Hi - thanks for the question - we will add that to the list of questions for the next live Chat 👍