That's really great. You're getting to really meet new people and spread your social muscles. That's fantastic, and will really enrich your life in Japan both short-, and long-term.

I've returned to places from my past only to discover they were nothing like the first time I was there. I think this is in part at least because of the people you meet along the way, and if they aren't there then it is a different place.

Your Japanese is really nice. Well done. You've clearly worked very hard at it.

I love seeing these videos of tourism outside of the typical such as this, as well as the camping and glamping videos

Another cracker of a video.

I will definitely have to experience this tour on my next visit to Japan. It looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing, Chani!

Where do we sign up to stay at the Shukubo?

I really resonate with this, Chani - age changes our perspective so much, right? As my late-forties hove into view, I'm taking life slower and have more curiosity about so many things now: the natural world, cultural and community norms and traditions. My interest of the shiny and the fast has *really* waned. Thanks for the enjoyable watch. ❤️

The food looks great! I just came back from a trip to Sendai and Aomori. Incredible places and there’s a lot to see.

🙌🙌🙌

super enlightening thank you! I hope to try this tour one day and make a circumambulation of Shikoku Island

What a fun and informative adventure! Thank you for taking us along for the ride!😊

Wow! What great classes and food! I love classes like you took. I am a traveler that reads ahead of a trip and I like to do what the natives do, eat what they eat, wear what they wear, etc. Great job painting the mask and those lanterns were beautiful!

I’m a Japanese, but I’ve never been there. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful place.

Kagawa must have changed a lot in 30 years (I know it has changed quite a bit in the 15 years I've been known the place) although Zentsuji has this timeless feel to it. (fun fact: I think one of the tour participants we get a glimpse of was my student a few years)

Such a sweet young lady in those old pix! I was in Shiga-ken 31 years ago this week. Oh boy the time flies. I was able to go back once and see my old conversation partner 18 years ago. Nara is a place I love the most the first time and then 3 more times after. I am going to be in between jobs soon so maybe somewhere in between is a good time to go for an extended trip. My old director from our school in Hikone performs with a Bunraku troupe. I think he is in Takamatsu. If you want the information, I can send you a link if they has a list of performance tour dates.

え～凄い！インフルエンサ～になったんだね！✨

What a wonderful video! THANK-YOU for taking the time to film it when you had so much to experience and savour. Such a lovely generous thing to do! Cheers from Oz!

This was a lovely, thoughtful video. Your first time, you were just not ready…you were busy being 18!

I hope to return to Japan next year after my health improves, and maybe I'll be able to visit the places I used to know there. Since you asked, yes I have had a similar experience, with my hometown. Probably most people who grew up in very small towns and couldn't wait to move away can see the place from a new perspective after a few decades. 40 years passed for me. And then I returned when my father needed extra care in his final years. Not much had changed, but I certainly appreciated the place (and the people) a lot more than when I was a kid.

Thank you for another great video. Love Japan its culture, its people and its traditions. Wonderful xx😊😊🇦🇺🌻

Great story thanks for sharing agree on your reflections and observations.

That was very sweet. Your experiences match my own when visiting traditional sites in Japan. The local people very much respond with much kindness to foreigners who demonstrate a sincere interest in and respect for their traditional culture. I am in the fortunate position of being married to a Japanese woman who is the daughter of a Buddhist priest, and was raised in a temple that was built 400 years ago. Her family has always treated me wonderfully, including me in their family rituals, such as praying to their ancestors on New Year’s Day. I fully understand how privileged I am as a foreigner to share in such intimate moments with my Japanese family.

I only quickly visited the temple in Zentsuji during a trip to Shikoku, as we were staying in nearby Kotohira. The area and Shikoku in general are such gems. I do hope they get more tourists there for their economy, but also I hope they won't get too many. Being basically the only foreign tourists around was certainly part of the charm of the island.

What a wonderful tour , so full of traditional experiences. Appreciate you bringing them to us . This video also resonates with me - when I first went to Japan it was all about moving on to the next thing . But now it’s about appreciating the small almost perfect things in the moment. Thank you Chani ❤

Thanks Chani. Loved this. And there is John Daub from @Onlyi n Japan at 5:05

Thanks for taking us along on your trip Chani. In our busy world it is good to slow down and reflect. A much appreciated and timely reminder for me.

I visited Japan many years ago and also did a tour. I loved Japan! I do wish I did more tours and learn more about the culture. During lockdown I discovered the tradition of Boro and Sashiko and I use that practice in my everyday life since then. Clothes are repaired and not discarded and I make quilts out of old clothes that cannot be repaired. Zokin cloths are made out of old tea towels. What an amazing experience for you Chani! You are a wonderful Ambassador for your adopted country. 🇯🇵

My wife is from Kagawa, and we're planning to retire there. Wonderful place.

❤️❤️❤️👋

What a wonderful video. I find your comments and experiences very uplifting. I had the great good fortune of doing g a temple stay in Koyasan many years ago and it is still up there as one of my most incredible travel experiences. Looking forward to your next video. In the meantime we are off to Beppu to experience the area, not just the hot sand baths!

I know this is a little late, but I recently discovered your channel and it's been really inspiring and validating for me. I went back to school to get a degree when I was 32 because I decided that I wanted to follow my dreams of moving to Japan and getting a job as a game developer. I'm 35 now and I recently graduated. After a lot of applications I got a job as an ALT to help get me to Japan and get started. I still have a long way to go to fully realize my dream, but it's been so fulfilling even just getting this far. I've had a lot of support for my decision, but even at just 35 I've also been told that I'm "too old" for such a drastic change. But it really is never too late to pursue happiness and follow your dreams. I'm so happy to see someone else who has succeeded!

I've been watching your videos from start to finish while starting my Japanese language studying and christ you're an inspiration Chani! Keep doing what you're doing, loving it and you're beautiful kitty <3

Thanks for sharing your reflective and mindful journey on this peaceful tour! The modern world is so busy running around and this is a reminder to slow down and be able to fully experience and appreciate the present moment.

I spent a few months over 3 visits in Kochi City and I always remember those times and that place fondly. I defiantly made many mistakes as a young selfish person, but I would love to go back and experience Kochi again with a more mature mindset.

Chani thanks for taking us along your trip, it was so nice and enjoyable I just Love how the Japanese people make food and small things so pretty. This video was very relaxing and informative. ❤

I have already been to Shikoku twice and next year I will walk half of the henro pilgrimage.

Going back to Japan in April next year. I am sure I will get that feeling you are talking about. Another great Vid. Thank you!

Thanks!

Thank you for sharing.

Japan has some beautiful places and this is for sure one. When we lived in Yokosuka we enjoyed going to the temples and various places to learn about the culture. I’m from Charleston South Carolina and every time I visit I see things I missed or didn’t appreciate when I lived there. TFS

Holaa Chaini❤ que hermosa experiencia 💕 gracias por compartir y me gratifica que lo hallas vivido plenamente Cariños 😊😊

Dearest Chani...Ohhh! Wonderful, wonderful trip!!! Shikoku an underrated place in Japan!. Amazing people to share and enjoy. Thanks a lot😊😊😊!

Great video! 👍 please share link of the tour company you used. I'm interested in knowing more about this tour. Thanks. ありがとう

😂 maybe it’s just me. Visually your video is pleasant but I can’t. I just can’t. Don’t respect people strange unnecessary need for ceremonial weirdness. Being polite of course! Everybody should be polite and everybody should respect. But rituals to appease human fears is beyond my ability to accept. Humans are strange that we know scientifically what controls things that happen but we insist on fantasy! Rescue volunteers, doctors, ambulances hurry to bring someone to the hospital and work on them and still humans will say thank God! What? All these humans helped you. Humans are crazy.

Thank you for the warm-hearted, informational video and inspirational footsteps to try to follow!!

This was such a lovely video!

If I had to be a vegetarian, I'd be a vegetarian in Japan.

You raised so many great points in this video, Chani. THANK YOU!

Great video, as always, and great introspection! Thank you very much for sharing!