24 Hours Living with Japanese Monks

We traveled to a part of Japan that is virtually untouched by tourists & got to experience a whole new side of this beautiful country 🇯🇵 Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/karaandnate
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Episode 877 | Filmed February 2023 | Yamagata, #Japan #travel
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Who are Kara and Nate?!
Watch our documentary here: • 100th COUNTRY DOCUMENTARY
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, we got married 2013 and were super “normal.” I was a teacher and Nate started a small printing business from the spare bedroom of our apartment.
We discovered the world of “travel hacking” while planning our honeymoon & became addicted ;)
So after 2 years of obsessively saving $35k and over 2 million miles and points, we sold our cars and apartment and left home January 10, 2016 for a “one year” trip around the world.
Our goal was to see as many places as possible before we ran out of money and went back home to “normal life.” We started this travel vlog to share our experiences with friends and family, but quickly fell in love with living on the road and found a new passion for capturing our travels through video. So we did everything we could to keep going.
4 years later, we achieved our new goal of visiting 100 countries and all 7 continents. We had no plans to slow down, until 2020 forced us to ;) Which is when we bought a converted van to start exploring our own country for the first time.
After ~2 years of van life, we are back to full time traveling! And now we are finding the best adventures the world has to offer :)
We are incredibly grateful to be able to continue doing something we love every day. 😊🎥🌎 Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey!
00:00 Japan’s hidden gems
01:00 Living with Yamabusi monks
04:00 Mt. Haguro hike
08:15 Lunch with a famous chef
10:36 Moving into a Buddhist temple
12:15 1 hour meditation
15:18 temple night life
17:24 5 am prayer ceremony
20:17 our final thoughts

[@hannahrobbins3226]

Use this as your HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY Nate button! 🎉 A little late but this is the latest video they have posted since the big day!

[@barbraallbritton4222]

Happy Birthday Nate🎉🎉🎉

[@treyamador5594]

Happy birthday Nate!!!

[@grannykimmy]

Happy Birthday Nate🎉🎉🎉

[@Erin22111]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE! 🎉🎉

[@kylepatel2633]

I merry birthday Nate🎉

[@0314michi]

I'm Japanese. I believe even most Japanese haven't experienced Yamabushi stuff. This video is so helpful to understand my own country! I love the Japan series🎌

[@jobethk588]

I just appreciate their sense of humor and their deep respect for other cultures. Whew. What a relief y'all didn't upset the world's happiest man!

[@dimitriavanleeuwen9758]

I gained a new appreciation for how cool a gesture a high five can be... just a happy mutual celebration between humans :)

[@HiddenJapan]

Thank you so much for coming out to Yamagata and doing so much work to present the Dewa Sanzan Mountains and this region so well! Everyone here was so happy to welcome all of you!

[@MarryGale]

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Japan this August and want to do a temple homestay just like this. How do we sign up? Also do we need a guide to be with us?

[@ouronoble7232]

I wish you the utmost success from doing this video with them :)

[@HiddenJapan]

@@ouronoble7232 Thank you!

[@HiddenJapan]

@@MarryGale Please see our link in the video description and send us a message on our contact page and wed be happy to help :)

[@brifoster511]

Nate is the real MVP for waking up probably at 4:50am to make sure we got to see/hear how they wake them up over the PA system. Respect 🤘🏼 I really appreciated that part!

[@KaraandNate]

He will be SO happy to read this🤣💪🏼

[@adambenk0]

Yet it felt so natural that Nate just wakes up and his camera is perfectly capturing him already :D

[@KV-db9gw]

It hadn't even occurred to me that he was awake before the call even tho i was watching it. 😂

[@Njs32]

You can always tell how genuine people are when even if there’s a massive language barrier they are incredibly hospitable and happy to have you there. I’m sure they enjoyed it just as much as you two!

[@its_clean]

This is it guys. When we talk about religious freedom and acceptance, this is where we set the bar. Just because you grew up with and follow one faith doesn't mean you can't be open to respecting, learning about, and accepting another one. As an atheist with zero interest in religion but also zero negativity toward any religion in particular, for me this video exemplifies how I wish all people of faith would approach beliefs that are different from their own. Well done Kara and Nate ❤

[@jeremyleforce7926]

If you believe one religion, you shouldn't accept other religions. If you did, there would be no point to your religion.

[@its_clean]

@@jeremyleforce7926 So what do you think of K&N here? As Christians, have they failed their faith by learning about and reaching out to people who practice Shinto?

[@jeremyleforce7926]

@@its_clean you can learn it, buy why accept something you believe is wrong?

[@its_clean]

@@jeremyleforce7926 Because reasonable people understand that no matter how strong your faith or belief, there is always a 1% chance you could be wrong and someone else could be right. Humility, grace, and empathy should motivate you to be open and accepting to others. If you feel 100% firm in your beliefs, with zero room for acceptance or compromise, that's a path to fundamentalism and extremism. That's what the bad guys do, and we're the good guys here.

[@brynndally9869]

@@jeremyleforce7926 you might now believe in that region but you should accept it or don’t except people to respect yours

[@Zz2424zxcvbnn]

Thank you guys for being a positive example of what social media content should be like! That’s why we keep coming back! ❤

[@lifeviz28568]

For sure! I can't travel now so I'm living vicariously through their weekly vlogs for now!

[@Zz2424zxcvbnn]

@@lifeviz28568 I hope you get a chance to get back to your travels soon!

[@waynebartley2404]

Omg the part where we can see the difference between Kara’s and Nate’s thoughts, and Nate had me dying laughing 😂

[@wiggydebates3944]

I loved your explanation of growing up in the Bible Belt and still experiencing other religious cultures. So often, I think that we Christians are afraid to go there--you honored both traditions. Thank you!

[@carolineindacityphx]

I didn't realize that you could actually spend a day with the monks! That was so wonderful. But even when spending time with the monks, Nate goes out to the vending machine to get Kara a vending machine coffee...❤ Thank you for once again, taking us to explore another part of Japan, that is rarely seen. ⛩

[@bonniesheplar5130]

I love that too. My late husband used to always bring me a coffee. I miss him so much.😢

[@olgabombard6277]

That is the sweetest thing that Nate does ! No matter what he brings her coffee, I love that!

[@koawilliams7893]

I just had spine surgery and it’s kept me inside and I don’t get to speak to anyone. But when I watch your videos I feel like I’m on a FaceTime call. I feel like I have someone whose telling me what’s going on in the world apart from tiktok. I love you guys, thank you for making my recovery better ❤

[@barbraallbritton4222]

Blessings for a speedy recovery and much Aloha ❤

[@Silidke]

I lived and worket on the top of Mt. Haguro for two summers, literally above the place where they preserve the food 😂, then continued to promote Tsuroka’s food culture for 3 years. Can’t really believe to see you there 😅. I’m getting married in the shrine on Mt. Haguro this May! ❤ Thanks for highlighting this region, it deserves the attention. 😊

[@HiddenJapan]

They have gotten SO many people interested in Tsuruoka :)

[@hollymaffia7352]

Congrats!

[@bluej511]

My dad is an Armenian priest and this episode is SO cool. Can't believe they have vending machines at the temple lol. I'm so glad you guys had fun. You don't need to be religious either to visit a temple or church, it's an experience for anyone and everyone.

[@victoriaa.6149]

Fellow Armenian here! ❤️💙🧡

[@KissMyBiscuits]

As someone who also grew up protestant Christian in the Deep South I can relate to the culture shock you must feel in places such as this one. I am very impressed with your open-mindedness and their welcoming nature. My health has declined in the last year or so & its a struggle sometimes to keep going. But thanks in part to the positivity & world class experiences you two bring me every week I remain optimistic & ready to meet the challenges I face. I hope to get better & travel the world one day as you are. Thank you so much! Love to both of you! 🫶🏼

[@shayshale]

The message from the monk at the end just made me cry. What a sweet human.

[@LuxuryComfortCompany]

I LOVE the thought bubbles!!!! Especially Nate’s. “I think my ankle is breaking in half” 😂😂😂

[@user-dy4qn4eu8u]

Thank you so much for coming to Yamagata. I respect two of you achieved those ascetic practices even in very cold winter. I just have been introducing those experiences to foreign KZbinrs recently, so I am very glad you could have enjoyed climing on Mt.Haguro and staying in Shukubo at Zenpoji temple.

[@NateGotKeys]

Keep up the great work!

[@RJSAMCRO]

You have shared some beautiful and exotic places with us, but this is a level of beauty and serenity that I even felt watching you, listening to the quietness of the woods and the simplistic life of the Japanese Monks. What a great trip to share with us.

[@tokyopeach5029]

Awww my favorite mountain 羽黒山 which I climbed last September, I literally cried as it was so steep! (And I’m scared of heights 😂 ) and it was raining! So hats to off to everyone!!! Such a sacred and appreciated as it was prohibited for female to go in to that mountain back in the old days - there is a temple by the top of the mountain which also prohibited female back in Edo era as well - ie Kotaku-ji. (Even the training of Yamabushi was only allowed for male) So glad that I’m in the era to get to experience such a beautiful sanctuary in the nature. I’m planning to go back there in June/July where Yamagata is in their best season. Yamagata is such a beautiful place to visit as me being Tokyoette! Loved this vlog!!!

[@caitlinboycher8596]

From “temple, temple, temple, temple. I think we’re templed out.” To authentic temple experiences. This is a beautiful redo of your first visits to places. I’d love if you did the same with other places. Cambodia, Vietnam, India, etc. love you guys and the changes from year 2-3 when I first started watching to now is beautiful.

[@jeffpeterson3160]

I've always wanted to visit Japan and I have a friend from Japan - but this video has moved Japan up to the front of my travel list. I have already started looking at flight information and looking at the monasteries you visited. I have always loved the culture of Asia; yet somehow, this video really got me connected to Japan and excited to take the next step and travel there!!! THANK YOU!!

[@nerveending]

This is why this is one of my favorite places to be on the internet. Thank you for being shining examples of humanity.

[@barbraallbritton4222]

❤❤❤

[@thaliakristina]

I admire your love and quest for different people and cultural information. The content gets better with each new adventure you guys take on. Keep them coming! I hope you guys still love this as much as we love you! 😌

[@sportshighlights2516]

Can we just appreciate Kara’s work that she puts in to edit these videos

[@meghanf2012]

Didn't they hire an editor now?

[@Molenka]

@@meghanf2012yes, they did. Kara mentioned it in one of their previous videos

[@nigelino]

come on, Nate does things too...

[@KaraandNate]

Thank you so much. And yes y’all are right, we have an amazing editor named Brooke who is NEXT LEVEL 💪🏼💗

[@DoubleLLGaming]

Lets not forget about these shots Nate gets from behind the lens 📸 truly have the “work” life down to a T

[@FireCracker3240]

This one really speaks to me. I have a personal tie to a person who was a monk, and this makes me nostalgic. It brings back many happy memories, and I miss him. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place with us. 🙏

[@skyneely9327]

I’m so happy that you guys are so respectful to them and the culture. I love learning with you guys!

[@coffeeandchijen]

I'm loving the Japan series. I lived there for a decade and believe me when I say I can smell and taste these videos. Thank you for the little trip back to my chosen home.

[@ogbasicbee975]

I’m loving this series! ❤ My husband was stationed in Okinawa. He always talks about going back. I am ready for a whole tour of the country after watching this series and hearing his stories of Japan.

[@MichelleBazin]

I have always wanted to visit Japan. As you've heard hundreds of times, I love that I can travel vicariously through your amazing adventures. Japan is so beautiful. This series is wonderful. Thank you ❤❤

[@eatersdigest7553]

I’ve been watching yalls videos for years now, even gone back and binged from the very beginning and I have to say this is one my favorite videos!! I love how you guys push outside your comfort zone and share experiences that people would otherwise never know was even an option to do during their own travels. You guys are awesome!

[@pegedey1291]

I love how you two embrace the cultures you visit and show respect. Thank you for taking me along.

[@heleng.2317]

I've lived in Tsuruoka for 25 years and I didn't even know you could stay over in Zenpoji Temple! I'm glad that you made it up here...we're a bit out of the way, but Yamagata-ken is so beautiful and the two Temples you showed, Mt. Haguro and Zenpoji are beautiful and amazing places to visit. Thank you for showing these places to the world.

[@karenmodestino8233]

This is again national geographic quality just WOW!!!! Your the best at this and you guys really are storytellers!!! Love love this and you guys love from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 ❤

[@personincognito3989]

* you're

[@JaggedRecordsVa]

My goodness, the quality of their videos is getting better and better every year. Finding you guys just before you started vanlife, never thought I’d see myself still here as many travel vlogs became stale. You guys are not just vloggers, you guys are storytellers 💙

[@KaraandNate]

You’re so sweet, thank you 💓

[@jameshaddan8538]

This Japan series is superb - thank you both and the whole team. The balance with the voice overs is really especially well done. Nate…I feel for you every time you were in one of those positions. I’ve tried to incorporate a little (and I mean a very little) yoga in my routine since the beginning of the pandemic…and some of those kneeling and sitting positions are excruciating at first (and they look like they should be so easy).

[@jordanpatterson4452]

This was really special to see and you both are always so respectful in learning new customs and sharing them with your viewers! Thank you!

[@Thefitty]

I'm training to *become a flight attendant, studying really hard because the training is 8 weeks and INTENSE and I'm loving destressing by watching your travel vlogs...they inspire me* to continue to study hard in order to travel to these places!

[@ginkodragon]

I love this series in Japan! Nate plans the most interesting itinerary! My mother used to take me to the temple when I was little, but we have never been to Japan, even though we have relatives in Okinawa. The food, the futon and zabuton, the temple, the drums, the chanting brought me back to my childhood! Thank you for this fun series! I love that you went deeper into the culture.

[@momerk162]

This is so important and so amazing, I hope you guys understand how important you are in spreading this information and opening these important places up to people around the world! ❤ its always an honor to watch you guys immerse yourselves in these experiences.

[@lissettevonfalkenstein]

This has to be my favorite video from the Japan Series guys. Thank you for showing us the world!

[@bridgetedwardsmentalhealth409]

Wow, that was SO enlightening. Thank you for sharing this epic monastic journey with us. Their ancient traditions are awe-inspiring, and so precious. Your vulnerability in such a vastly different culture is truly endearing, and I'm sure they felt your open-hearted, kind and genuinely curious energy too. 💜

[@bonniejackson1321]

I was thinking, " Oh no, 60 minutes, this will be by far the hardest thing they will ever do." When you said it went so fast I was gobsmacked. Fourteen minutes for non meditators is challenging though. Brava, bravo!

[@daniellealemberg7356]

You are absolutely amazing, the support and open-mindedness you guys have and the positive attitude that you provide, is amazing, you are both are truly inspiring ❤

[@mandibular.]

I love that they always enjoy the adventure they're on! This culture is beyond beautiful, thank you for sharing!❤

[@goodvolks2know372]

Such a nice job with this video. You two have a wonderful way of experiencing something foreign to you, with such respect, while being honest enough to show that you are uncomfortable at the same time. Very nice, just love you two.

[@opotts9988]

11:42 when Kara reacted to the BONGG , it made me burst out with laughter , you guys make my day every video . Thank you ! And much love from the uk🇬🇧❤

[@Jasmine_lifestyles]

I love how Nate gets Kara’s coffee 2:39 no like this but every video

[@Ld-ol4ge]

This video was so special, the comedic timing was so on point

[@notheretodayortomorrow]

Omigosh I am just so happy I caught this so soon! I love you both so much! I live with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and live vicariously through you. I really hope you do make the train trip across Canada. I will be happy to welcome you in Vancouver, or the Sunshine coast. Much much love you two. Actually, seriously thanks to you both, I started traveling locally to Vancouver, even on my rough days. Thank you. Photography has given me a new life and a reason to live.

[@annestrasko7581]

This was an amazing video! It's so awesome to see such a different side of Japan than you see everywhere else on KZbin. Thank you for exploring like you do!

[@hjahansouz]

One of the best one! Thank you for allowing us who may not be able to travel far to experience other cultures. ❤

[@karenwallaceadventures3146]

I really liked the ceremony towards the end. It was very lively! This Japan series has been fun, humorous and enlightening. Beautiful video 🇯🇵⛩️

[@lindsayslazakowski686]

Your Japan series couldn't have been more timely. We leave for Japan bright and early on Tuesday!

[@thelittlelamb1]

This video was just so chill and was very calming! The world needs more content like this!! Thank you for bringing us the beauty!

[@eightybananas4515]

So cool. I’m so glad you guys did something like this and that it was very respectful from both sides.

[@merry_64]

This was filmed so beautifully, the lighting, angles and just the whole vibe is done so wonderfully. You guys could deffo film a movie

[@KaraandNate]

Awww thanks!!

[@julesmbc]

Love this, I hope there's more in the future. It's so fascinating, to tap into quiet, and highly misunderstood cultures. What an amazing experience, sending love ❤

[@NatiVspi]

Hi Kara & Nate! Love your channel ! Always refreshing content 🌿 I’m a long time viewer & have always gotten happiness from your videos. You’re guys hard work is paying off for us viewers. I was curious to if your faith was still as strong as when you started & is there any challenges you two face in your faith while being content creators? You guys rock! ❤❤❤

[@graciethebest113]

kara and nate! i love your videos they have gotten me through my hardest times. so thank you so very much you guys are awesome

[@ashleyy.bubbless]

i love these vlogs, they've inspired me to travel...i cant wait for my first trip your videos are helping me choose

[@coffeejab3381]

I have been following your channel for a while. The way Kara and Nat's relationship is unbelievably amazing. Bless you both ♥ Thank you for staying true to you

[@aliparker3]

I LOVE the shots and editing of this video. Fantastic job, guys! I sense this subject could be an awesome series.

[@MoonRiverTravels]

So proud of you guys, as an OG who's watched from those awkward first days, where Nate was visibly uncomfortable about so many things (Kara, you just did a better job at hiding it 😂), to see you both embracing an experience like this just warms my heart. You've both come so far, seen and done so much, and become truly inspirational. Keep going, keep growing, and good luck on your next adventures.

[@doodles3075]

Isn't it fantastic that no matter what religion we have been bought up in, we can always join in and learn about others❤

[@michaelm.1947]

Glad you had a great time up here in northern Japan. It seems like everyone talks about Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto non-stop, so it's refreshing to see travelers come up and look a little deeper into Japan. Happy you had Derek on-hand to take care of you, too. Come back and visit again!

[@debgeisler4568]

Thank you. This was beautiful, sensitive to the experiences, people, and traditions, and very moving. And it was joyous in the way your videos so often are. You just make life fun, whether it is on the beach of Baja or in an obscure mountain monastery of Japan.

[@rrichardson53]

🇯🇵I’m loving your Japan series (I’m half Japanese). How nice they allowed you to film at the monastery- awesome in every way!

[@kimberlyrobinson6779]

Thank you for letting us go on this amazing journey with you all. It’s a once in a lifetime experience most will never get to experience. I’m currently at my MIL’s in Oak Ridge, TN for a visit and makes me think of your hometown.

[@dakang425]

I’ve been subscriber for a long time. At first these were great videos for cheap travel. Then it seemed to changed to “look at all these cool thing we are doing” (which are cool). But, videos like these are fantastic. Really experiencing different cultures out of your comfort zone, educational, great b roll scenes, and all with your personalities we’ve all come to enjoy. Please more videos like this.

[@deborahmartyn97]

This is so beautiful and special; thanks to the monks and the land and sacred practices and thanks to you, Kara and Nate.

[@kpopsweetlemon1396]

as soon as I saw this I had Goosebumps. OMG my love for Japan as a half Japanese person. This makes me so happy. I love the temples it's so pretty.

[@Chloemegan]

Yutaka seems like such a sweetheart 🥰 I love watching and learning about different cultures, thank you for sharing with us! Japan seems like a really beautiful country, I hope I can experience it myself one day ❤

[@HannahBMann]

Enjoying watching the many ways you experience new places and the juxtaposition between modern and ancient. Somehow the ancient seems happier and lighter and I like that reminder.

[@anaheimskip]

Totally not what I would have expected to see. Thank you for sharing this. When I travel, these are the experiences I cherish. I like the touristy stuff, but I love the cultural, local, non-touristy stuff most of all.

[@seanurciuoli245]

I spent 2 years in Okinawa and my love for that culture definitely has a place in my heart. Great video.

[@thatsmental]

That was amazing! Thank you for making this video and diving deep into the Japanese culture

[@StephnieBooher]

I always look forward to what you two are up to next. This looks like it was an amazing experience!

[@Lilystyles20434]

always look forward to your videos, love how y’all involved yourself fully in the culture

[@Pistolita221]

I find that the same skill that helps when you're out of your physical comfort zone is the same that helps with these social comfort zone frights, and that is to just be in the moment, be present with the task at hand (your mind and body), do what's asked, and find the pleasure in it.

[@Its_me504]

I’m so happy you posted your new video! 😁 I’ve been waiting for your new video all week!! ☺️ I love your videos! ❤

[@paigeyoungblood6749]

Love you guys! Thanks for making the world a better place!

[@terrinew9474]

This was beautiful! The monks are so nice and kind. I would love to visit this temple. The prayer rooms are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@freddiearkell]

Absolutely loving this Japanese trip !

[@NatashaBergen]

SO special to see this! I had no idea what to expect and loved every second!!

[@Azizur_93]

What Kara sais at the end was so inspirational. I hope everyone watching can learn something including me 😊

[@loranlichty2660]

Wow, great job. I love experiencing these unique cultures through your eyes. You do a great job respecting and learning from them. Thank you.

[@Chaselyn_obx4]

I literally love y’all’s videos y’all are my favorite KZbinrs and you have inspired me to start saving up for a van! Thank y’all for doing what your doing y’all are so inspiring!!! Have a good rest of your day!!!!!💗

[@yourascensionjourney3050]

OMGosh! I so loved watching this! I smiled, I cried, I laughed, ... it was so heartfelt. Just loved this. Thank you Kara and Nate for taking us along on your journey's! ~ Cherie and Willow (my fur baby puppy) from Canada!

[@sweetmadianne]

You guys. This was one of my favorite videos. Thank you so much for the insight into this world! So cool.

[@karankapoor2701]

Japanese are probably the most amazing group of people , so nice

[@katkat2850]

I seriously thought this was going to be another asmr/silent video lol thank god for voice overs!! Thank you for showing this side of Japan!

[@cur92lyone]

Absolutely love you two. Your content has diverged, and evolved but never decreased in quality! I LOVED THIS VIDEO, K&N. ❤

[@hartleyb8356]

I’m so excited to watch! I just got back from a a stay at a Monastery in Charleston, SC and it was the most amazing experience of my life!

[@mollyelizabeth5412]

I’ve only watched the intro so far and already know this is gonna be another one of your videos that I will probably be crying by the end of

[@WhiteTiger333]

The forest and pagoda - wow! (And, haha, I guess microspikes were not considered legitimate traditional foot coverings on icy hillsides. Kara - you can sit full lotus - onya! Oh, I love the bunny on your olive looking things at 15:36. I really appreciated seeing this encounter at the monastery. 💖

[@opheliaronin]

I find your cultural adventures to be the most interesting. I’m loving everything in Japan!

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Kara and Nate. Y'all always find the most unique experience where ever y'all go.

[@sajsrn]

I really enjoyed this. I grew up in Japan. My parents were Baptist missionaries and I miss being there. These Japan videos are making me homesick!