Can you Avoid the Crowds in KYOTO? ⛩️ 🏮 What it's really like

[@deniseh3481]

I really like that you show the reality of the crowds and haven't heavily edited your footage. Most content creators give you an unrealistic view of the scenery and the crowds. I'm not saying you shouldn't be excited/hyped but it does help to know what to expect 😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

Exactly what I wanted to show in the video! You can get nice Instagram photos with no one else in if you try (well maybe not everywhere!) but I think you need to know what to expect in reality so you're not disappointed.

[@SusanJERitta]

I love this balanced perspective! I don't like being in mingling crowds, but also recognize that some awesome sights are worth braving the crowds. It's nice to have options to step out of the flow of people if needed - thank you! We're going in October.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Being in crowds all day would be a lot, so yes I think you definitely need a break from them after a while, if only for a quick sit down!

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I went to Kyoto 3 times last year mainly during the low seasons and managed to lose the crowds by avoiding the tourist hot spots and staying and exploring neighborhoods north of Sanjo/Gion. This was the best way to enjoy Kyoto.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's a very good plan! Hope you had a great time!

[@jeffwise6937]

Have you been in mid-late July by chance? Curious if the weather will scare off some of the tourists

[@nateshf9303]

@@jeffwise6937 Yes. We were in Osaka and Kyoto 2 summers ago for the fireworks and Matsuri. Both places were packed and the 90+ degree temperature didn’t bother us. (We will stay in a less-known area of Osaka this July again but will start our trip in Hokkaido.) Have fun planning!

[@jeffwise6937]

@@nateshf9303 awesome thank you!

[@risingsunjapanguideinfo8405]

Thanks for introducing Kyoto and Japanese culture. 👍

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's always more in Japan to discover!

[@cNatTravels]

I woke up at 3:30am to see the empty streets and I got exactly what I wanted! Ninenzaka was empty and I got a beautiful shot with no one around. I did run into a few Insta couples, but it wasn’t terrible. Then the next day I slept in. Worth it!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Wow that's very early! The atmosphere must have been so different then!

[@cNatTravels]

It was FABULOUS. Exactly what I was hoping for - I didn't even care that the shops were closed! @@cakeswithfaces

[@Omni0404]

Leaving the hotel at 5 AM definitely helps with the crowds lol

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ouch, too early for me!! 😖

[@MissAllanPoe1988]

If that wasnt when i was going to bed, id agree

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@MissAllanPoe1988 😂😂

[@ratdoto2148]

I just came back from Japan. I would be out by at least 7:00am, often closer to 6, but leaving before 7:00am was good enough to have moments with no one in view even in popular spots. Most tourists do not go out before 8:00am.

[@Omni0404]

@ratdoto2148 That's awesome! I hope you had a great trip. Did you usually get something to eat at a konbini in the morning? Since stuff opens kind of late there aren't that many options.

[@heike_p]

I was so lucky to be in Kyoto during the Sennichi Mair event at Kiyomizu-dera today! A special hall was open in the main building, they had late opening hours and beautiful lights! It wasn't too busy either, most people arrived when we left (it's dark pretty quick already in Japan this time of year)

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's so lucky! It always feels so special when you're there to experience something that only happens once a year!

[@xXNekou]

I'm going to Kyoto and Osaka in a month, so this video is really helpful, thanks! :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Have a wonderful time!

[@ACJ12340]

Thanks for this- I’m going to Kyoto during golden week (accidental timing) and I’m quite nervous it’s going to be too busy to enjoy. Hopefully I can find some good places to see!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Maybe visit some more off-the-beaten track places so you're not in crowds all the time! And a tip for Fushimi Inari: most people turn back after the first few sections, so carry on up the mountain and it'll be much calmer!

[@zoeb6778]

Thank you. Going to Japan for the 1st time in May/Jun and really enjoying your videos. I'm not a crowds person, but have lived in busy cities in my teens and 20's.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'm sure you'll love it! It's lovely & warm at that time of year - enjoy planning your trip!

[@ExpatNatt]

Great video! It was rainy on our trip which helped to dull the crowds a bit 😂❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's always a benefit! Hope you had a good time anyway! ☔

[@worstoftheworst12]

New favorite channel ! Your voice is so soothing and the information is very valuable. Thank you!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Aww thanks so much, that means a lot!

[@AngelaCSpears]

My friend discovered your channel and it's been really helpful.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! 🥰 Enjoy the videos!

[@GodAtum]

Get to Fushimi Inari at sunrise (in summer around 5am). then hiking northwards along the eastern side of Kyoto visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzenji and Higashiyama Jisho-ji. you'll beat all the crowds

[@cakeswithfaces]

Eek that's too early for me! But I'm sure it's worth it!

[@michaelwatts3986]

Wow,so well timed! I fly a week today,first time to Japan. Im slowly adjusting my itineraries to avoid some of the tourist hot spots. Ive just added the river in Kyoto as Ill be in that area. Thank you 🙏

[@cakeswithfaces]

How exciting!! It's a great time to go - before it gets busy for cherry blossom season. The river in Kyoto's a lovely place to relax and take a break.

[@geraldp8022]

I was there the tail end of Feb 2023 and the first few days of March 2023 crowds were way less, especially early in the morning. I was lucky to get numerous pictures of locations devoid of people. I went through Fushimi inari only bumping into one tourist and a few early morning locals. Seeing the difference not much later in the month makes me extra grateful I went when I did. And a shot off Kiyomizudera where it looks empty, amazing the transformation in such a short time.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I think I filmed this on about 8th March. As March goes on, people start to arrive for cherry blossom season so it gets busier rapidly. There are lots of benefits to going in the off-season! Having seen the cherry blossoms before, I'd avoid it now as it's more pleasant overall when places are quieter.

[@cesdyyy]

@cakeswithfaces How was the temperature? We're visiting next year March 11-18. Hoping there's still fewer tourists at that time :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@cesdyyy Last year it was lovely and warm - light jacket weather and even t-shirt weather some days. However I've just come back from Japan this week, and it was much colder this time and a bit rainy some day - we needed winter coats almost every day. I think last year it was unseasonably warm, and this year unseasonably cold. So it can go either way! 😅 Best to take layers. By cherry blossom time, it's warm enough to have picnics under the cherry blossoms, so it usually warms up as March goes on. Fingers crossed for you next year!

[@AlanVByrnes]

Kyoto looks like they have delicious food as well, I can’t wait to try when I am there, 🤤🤤🤤

[@cakeswithfaces]

The food everywhere in Japan is delicious, you can't go wrong!

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks even more for letting me know I still can’t decide what to try!! 😋😋😋

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces 🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces 🍲🍲🍲🍲🍲🍲

[@MeikamiB]

We were there in April 2023, and aside from the trees having leaves by then and (thankfully) no more construction happening at Kiyomizu-dera, this video is very accurate to our experience! I hope you noticed the Pokemon manhole cover you were close to in Maruyama park!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Mid April's a great time to go - even places like Tokyo Disney are pretty quiet at that time. There's a sweet spot once cherry blossom season's fnished and before Golden Week starts. Ah I missed the Pokemon manhole cover! I'll have to go back...!

[@annie85x]

I'm in Kyoto right now and apart from a few spots (Kiyomizu especially) it's been SOOOO much nicer and quieter than my last visit in March/April 23. Even Kinkakuji today wasn't too bad!

[@cakeswithfaces]

There are lots of benefits to going in the off-season, if you don't mind it being a bit cold!

[@annie85x]

@@cakeswithfaces absolutely! I went up to Sapporo for the snow festival last weekend, was absolutely magical!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ah I loved it there! The coldest place I've ever been but such an experience.

[@punk979]

Discovered your channel and am going to Kyoto and Kinosaki this week. Thanks for the recommendation especially for Kinosaki onsen.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Have an amazing time - I loved Kinosaki, it's such a gorgeous town! Great choice!

[@mustang1969uk]

I escaped the crowds in Kyoto by going to the railway museum. There was nobody there! 😜 guess that all those people must have been saving the trains for a rainy day.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Good choice! I loved the railway museum in Nagoya!

[@FromTheDeep2481]

Lovely video Amy!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!!

[@ndeckersightseer]

Very helpful for my trip next month

[@cakeswithfaces]

Have a wonderful time in Kyoto!

[@specfu]

We will be in Kyoto early April, thank you for making these videos and giving a heads up.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The start of April's cherry blossom season (the most popular time to visit Japan) so it will be busy, but you'll probably notice it getting quieter as April draws on.

[@specfu]

Oh boy...gonna try to make the best of it

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Amy thumb up .

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

No problem

[@nowgaku]

Kyoto will be forever and ever!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Even though it's busy, it's a beautiful place! 💖

[@neiltanfield4311]

Really liked the video. Is there a disabled path at the Kiyomizudera Temple suitable for wheel chairs? TYIA

[@cakeswithfaces]

There is an accessible route - there's good info on the Accessible Japan website (really useful if you don't know it already!): www.accessible-japan.com/places/japan/kyoto/kyoto/attractions/kiyomizu-dera/

[@neiltanfield4311]

@@cakeswithfaces Thanks for that much appreciated

[@MissiBoo]

Thank you Amy for another excellent video 🫶 ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@PipkinsUK]

I went to Kiyomizu a year ago and it was horrendous. I've never seen so many people packed together like sardines on the street up to the temple. I didn't enjoy being there one bit. As I was only on a day trip from Tokyo going there in the early morning or in the evening was not an option. Kinkaku-ji was also extremely busy. I did notice that compared to when I first came to Kyoto in 2007 it's a lot busier these days.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The popular places in Kyoto are always so busy - it's a shame that it takes away the enjoyment of them sometimes. But there are quieter, less well known places too , which often offer a much more pleasant experience, even if they aren't as famous or impressive as the more popular spots.

[@mikemcdonald4709]

I noticed new laws for Gion from April 1 - tourists and access. Think this might expand into other areas ? We are still 8 months out before we, already seeing lots of changes .... amazing

[@cakeswithfaces]

You'll still be able to walk along Hanamikoji Dori, the main street in Gion, it's just the smaller side streets that will be out of bounds. When I filmed this, there were already "no photos" signs in them. It's understandable when you think of how some of them are residential streets, or with tea houses or restaurants trying to go about their daily business that didn't like the noise and inconvenience of crowds of tourists. But when you hear about how some people had been harassing geisha, it's pretty shocking that anyone would behave that way and be so disrespectful. Gion in particular has a very private and mysterious feel, with lots of shutters on the buildings, so it's understandable they'd want to keep some areas private. But it's a shame visitors won't be able to experience that in the same way any more. I don't know if other areas will adopt this; I can't really think of another area in the same situation. The rest of the southern Higashiyama area, where the majority of tourists go, which also gets very crowded, is all set up for tourists with lots of shops and places to get snacks, so I don't think he'd restrict access there.

[@26Sundrops]

I went to Yasaka shrine last year during cherry blossom season after dark. It was gorgeous but sooo crowded! Still even when it's crowded, it's really fund to feel like you're part of all the cool kids hanging out with their friends lol

[@26Sundrops]

Also, I got engaged during that trip in Kyoto! Such a fun city, I wish I had more time to explore it.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Wow, that makes the trip extra special! 💍 Cherry blossom season's the number one most popular time to visit Japan so it would have been at its busiest then. But I know what you mean about the buzzing atmosphere when everyone's excited about the cherry blossoms!

[@midlifecrisisme6182]

I’ve been to Kyoto about 10 times (3 times last 12 months). I don’t think the crowds are that bad at all. Yes kiyomizu-dera, bamboo forest and a few more places are definitely crowded but not worse than in any other popular city (Venice, Florence etc are way worse). But places like Tofokuji and Daitoku-ji which I would probably consider top10 are almost empty on most visits I’ve done. So you don’t have to walk long at all to have amazing attractions almost by yourself.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I think it's just the few most popular places that are the most busy. But as you say there's lots more to see beyond them! Good to know it's still possible to enjoy Kyoto!

[@Bobsyagod]

Those numbers look similar if a little lower than when we were there mid april at Kiyomizu-dera. We're going again in November hoping to catch the autumn leaves there. Thankfully we found a cool hotel half way between Yasaka shrine and Kiyomizu-dera and we are morning people, so we should be able to beat the crowds to Kiyomizu-dera. Wont be able to avoid them for the night time illumination festival though.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Mid April is another quiet time, after cherry blossom season's finished! November will be busier because lots of people go for the autumn leaves, but I'm sure it'll be beautiful in Kyoto! 😍 At festivals it's always busy but that's part of the atmosphere and excitement!

[@melgordon2490]

How far walk is Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Shrine from Kiyomizu-dera?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yasaka Pagoda's about a 10 minute walk from Kiyomuzudera, and Yasaka Shrine's just over a 20 minute walk from Kiyomizudera. They're both an easy walk, through picturesque, historic streets.

[@melgordon2490]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks 😊

[@jodysandberg8605]

Do you know what streets we will be able to go down in the Gion district. I hear they are blocking them off starting in April. We are going in July.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I believe it's just the smaller side streets that'll be out of bounds. The main Hanamikoji Street (that you can see in the video) will still be open. Even when I was there last year filming this, there were "no photos" signs in the backstreets.

[@zeeZerl]

I lived nearish Kitaoji Station for a month. Decent food options ranging from what feels like grandma's living room at Genpe to McDonald's and Saizeriya and stuff at the station itself. Easy to reach with the subway and a good starting point to start walking down the river IMO. With the high school and university nearby you get quite a few students chilling along the river and may occasionally encounter someone practicing their instrument below a bridge. I've had many nice evening strolls along the river with someone playing saxophone in the background, or.. that one kid practicing otamatone xD Definitely beats the crowds of popular Koyoto.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds good! I love it when people practice their instruments in the park - it gives it a nice atmosphere. Otomatones are amazing, I got one for my nephew! 🎶😂

[@philip1718]

Hello. Im going on late November. should I leave the hotel around 8am to avoid the crowds?

[@cakeswithfaces]

If it's still autumn leaves time, Kyoto can be busy (as it's so beautiful then!). As I hope you can see in the video, not everywhere is crowded - just the popular spots in all the "top 10 things to do in Kyoto" lists. You may need to get up earlier than 8am - I don't really know as I don't do early mornings! Most places get quieter towards the end of the day too. For example, at the end of this video you can see how lovely (and empty!) Yasaka Shrine is after dark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4KrZqJ6f9yBqZI And there are lots of other beautiful places in Kyoto beyond the famous ones that everyone goes to.

[@MeikamiB]

Whaaaat is that awesome Neko Band t-shirt he's wearing and where can I find one??

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's from B-Side Label - an awesome sticker shop in Japan (they have an online store that ships internationally too!).

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

i like seeing kyoto and ginza and i like seeing tokyo on a night all lit up,thats on the internet

[@aldente2011]

You were quite lucky out and about without huge crowds in Kyoto, I thought. then, voila, the usual packed street leading to Kiyomizu-dera. Over-tourism is an issue worldwide, which seems to be alleviated only through public awareness. As you mentioned, there are always off-the-beat streets where you can keep a distance from the rest, and perhaps they are there for some visitors to unfold some hidden gems.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I think if people knew about more places to go in Japan, it would spread everyone out and really help with these problems. But on the surface level, people new to Japan only hear about Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and the top spots in each of them, so they don't know about all the other stunning places there are to visit.

[@AlbertMai]

What was the temperature when you filmed this video? How cold was it? I'm not good with the cold weather so I want to bring a correct jacket. Is a down vest enough? Or should I wear a proper winter jacket or something in the middle like a bomber jacket? Thank you in advance!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was unseasonably warm last year I think! Most of the time I went around in a t-shirt, thin hoodie and light jacket. But I'd recommend taking a coat because the temperature"s unpredictable at this time of year. This year is much colder so you need a coat the moment, although last week there was a day when it was 21 degrees C! Take layers so you can be flexible.

[@jerrylepoppin]

I'll be over there in a few weeks, just barely in time for the cherry blossoms hopefully! Thank you for all the tips. Do you think it'll be even busier in mid march? I'd love to visit kiyomizu-dera for the Seiryukai festival but I don't like crowds, so I'm debating if it's worth it...

[@cakeswithfaces]

Cherry blossom season is the most popular time of year to visit Japan, and the last two weeks of March are like spring break in Japan, so it does get busier as March goes on. Neither of us are a fan of crowds, but at festivals it's part of the buzzing atmosphere and part of what makes the experience what it is!

[@challenger516]

What was the date when this video was taken?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was the first week of March 2023 - so the very end of the off-season, just before it gets crowded for the cherry blossoms.

[@challenger516]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks, was it a weekday or weekend?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@challenger516 Weekday. Tbh the main areas and popular sites in Kyoto are always crowded whenever you go. But you only have to go a street or two away to find much more peaceful areas. Most people don't wander too far, so if you do, it's worth it!

[@dwarfagp]

For some reason, I don't have much problem in the crowds in Japan. Perhaps being 6'4" tall helps 🤣 The funny thing is, my traveling companions tuck in behind me like a centipede, they can always find me for some reason. And thanks for the wording for 2 adult tickets :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

My hair always helps my friends find me...! 😝

[@dwarfagp]

@@cakeswithfaces Haha, can imagine. But it only works if you have hair 🤣

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@dwarfagp 😂😂

[@hideakibreyers3866]

My boyfriend and I are going late April to early May. The tickets were the cheapest I’ve seen in the 3-6 months I was scouting. Turns out it’s Golden Week and will be bombarded in crowds. I’m so nervous it’ll be so crowded in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara that we’ll basically be suffocating 😭💀 If only I had known I’d have taken a more expensive ticket to be there later on

[@cakeswithfaces]

I got tempted by the cheaper flights for my 2020 trip that ended up being cancelled. I've always avoided Golden Week so I can't say from experience, but it's busy on the shinkansen, so reserve your seats in advance. They say Tokyo tends to be less busy, as people travel out of the city and go to visit family. The benefit is there are lots of festivals and you'll see all the beautiful carp streamers!

[@ammelinecool]

Great video! May I know was this early, mid or late march?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was early March; it gets busier as March goes on and people start arriving for cherry blossom season. The last two weeks in March are also Japan's spring break.

[@abbeymirelli2603]

Do the bullet train from Tokyo to kyoto get booked up during April? Or will I be able to get a ticket day of after landing.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Bullet trains on that route are very frequent (every 10 mins at times!) so you should be ok. Mid April is a quiet time. However the start of April is busier because of cherry blossom season, so if you want the seats with extra space for luggage you might want to book earlier. At the end of April it's Golden Week and trains are very busy as most people in Japan have the week off, so you may want to book earlier for that time too.

[@ivankaivanova8848]

Which is proper train to go from Tokyo and not priced accommodation Kyoto please

[@cakeswithfaces]

To get from Tokyo to Kyoto, it's best to take the shinkansen. The different names you might see are for different speeds - the Nozomi is the fastest, and the Hikari just stops at a few more stations along the way. There are so many lovely hotels in Kyoto, and prices change all the time. I'd recommend looking on a hotel booking site like Expedia. Here's my process for choosing a hotel that's right for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inLQmaudbrKqf8U Here's the hotel I stayed in last time in Kyoto: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX6mqZeDmdl0fac

[@carlosamoreno5725]

2:08 Tim Cook exploring the Gion...?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha, it certainly looks a lot like him doesn't it!? 😂

[@rk6483]

I'm currently in Kyoto, I came 2 days ago and am leaving tomorrow. It was cold, rainy but still extremely crowded with rude tourists. Overall it was kinda disappointing. Fushimi Inari Taisha was nice tho, you can escape the crowds.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sorry it hasn't been the experience you hoped for. Fushimi Inari is great - most people don't make it past the first few sections.

[@michaellee7630]

3:16 Viva la Gigantes!

[@ramovie]

After watching your video I looked up your sentence for asking for two tickets. Remembered it wrong as, "okono ni mae kudasai" which google translate says is "Please come to my place", which would be awkward. According to google "otona ni mae kudasai" translates to "Please give me an adult", equally awkward. Two tickets please would be "ni chiketto kudasai", two adult tickets please is "ni chikketo otona kudasai". Tricky language actually, lol. Thanks for the video with some good walking around tips, just a few more weeks until I'm there 🙂

[@cakeswithfaces]

Word order's the other way round in Japanese - the number comes after the noun, and you need to add a counter (If you've never heard of Japanese counters, it's quite fascinating! There are hundreds: www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-counter-tsu/ In any case, any of these phrases would get your message across, even if you just hold your fingers up, and that's the important thing! In touristy places, staff are used to dealing with non-Japanese speakers - but any few words you learn will always be appreciated! :-) Have a wonderful trip!

[@ramovie]

@@cakeswithfaces Yes, just learned that from another video. Thanks for the link & tips!

[@towada1066]

I think,... as usual ... hiking up to Doshisha Cemetery is my most favorite ... ww! ... to avoid foreign tourists, just go to Minamiza ! ... I personally hate Kyoto people but my relatives always drag me back here ...

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@towada1066]

@@cakeswithfaces You may like Hikone,... it's not so far away. Taga is really nice too but if you don't speak Japanese it will be, um, challenging.

[@vocalinstrument]

Where is the cat shop?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's on Sannenzaka, which is a really popular street near Kiyomizudera in Southern Higashiyama. As you're going up the slope, it's on the right, near the top - you can't miss it!

[@vocalinstrument]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks, I take it that very good walking shoes are recommended

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@vocalinstrument Yes! And if you get new shoes, make sure you wear them in before your trip.

[@evicencio31863]

Amy. There's also 'Kyoto Animation Studio' or for short 'KyoAni' where the location took place where 36 staffs murdered by Shinji Aoba who started his fire 🔥. Aoba will be his death sentence according to NHK WORLD-JAPAN 'Newsroom: Tokyo'.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Such a sad event to have happened. 🥲💕

[@evicencio31863]

@@cakeswithfaces kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6rFgGdqgMaSepYsi=gC7SgC4CMs3K81uA Here it is. Please watch. Including this place-Kyoto Animation before Shinji said: 'You die!!!' Before he started the fire 🔥. Amy, I want to pay a visit and tribute on what happened on 'tragedy incident'. One of these days, I want to visit and bring flowers 💐 to those who missed it.

[@jasonwong8072]

You said this was the start of March is that 2023 or 2022?

[@cakeswithfaces]

2023

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

Evening amy take me sofa travelling i just ate an egg on toast i was hungry never eat that much ,so no wonder.

[@evicencio31863]

Do I bring my 'pocket Wi-Fi'?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes you can use it in Kyoto!

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

Well its 6 56pm here ill boil a kettle wash my face,i was going to watch japan explorer but im really tired so ill go to bed.night night.

[@msaylorBTC100M]

no crowds at 3am

[@cakeswithfaces]

Jet lag can be helpful sometimes 😅

[@TheOtherKine]

Yeah, not possible LMAO It's way too crowded now. And the funny thing is, it's not that big a deal of a place once you get there. People really actually should visit the smaller, real time-machine Japanese towns and villages elsewhere if people want to see the real old Japan. Of course, do go have a look at KINKAKUJI and the INARI-San's multiple Torii gates, but other than that, it's just OK. But seriously, there are many other smaller towns/villages that are real throw-backs in the old Japanese styles that are much more interesting, if you're into that sort of thing and are looking for that. It's over-crowded due to the hype.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Absolutely agree that Kyoto isn't the only historic place in Japan, but it's the only place most people hear about when they book their trip. I think if foreign tourists were more aware of other places, it would help spread everyone out and ease the over-crowding.

[@TheOtherKine]

@@cakeswithfaces I think they are, slowly, as they watch more vids on YT, eh.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@TheOtherKine I'm trying to do my best to help with that! 😅

[@TheToontownPirate]

A simpler solution: go to Kanazawa instead.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha yes! A good recommendation!

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I went to Kanazawa 3 times last year. The most recent trip was right after the 7.5 earthquake. We kept our hotel reservation to support their economy.

[@cakeswithfaces]

A good move! I'm sure our tourist yen will be much appreciated there at the moment. I heard it's quiet there recently too.

[@rowbearly6128]

Mass tourism is killing Japan.People can't pray at shrines in peace, Time to limit numbers and access. People who live here are sick of the noise, rubbish and inconvenience.

[@towada1066]

hmmm ... Covid time was really nice ... no foreigners and really peaceful,... like it used to be ...

[@cakeswithfaces]

I hope tourists treat places with respect, and remember that shrines and temples are religious places.

[@towada1066]

JNTO was told to make Japan the world's Disneyland. The current Kishida administration is just going to continue doing this.

[@tomako3a]

.. I don't understand, aren't we still in February 2024?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I filmed this at the start of March 2023 ☺️

[@tomako3a]

@@cakeswithfaces I saw it when I watched the video! You say March 2024 in the description, you might want to correct it 😅 thank you for sharing this experience!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@tomako3a Oops, well spotted, thank you!

[@maegalroammis6020]

i used to want to go in japan. Not anymore. it's better to see japan on video than for real , too many of cultural flaws. bland people who think to say what would be good for us while they're often wrong about us , who force themselves to be friendly while it's only at the surface and they avoid foreigners like pest and insult them in the back, too difficult language to learn, too expensive services , too rigid laws , no thanks

[@dingchan5197]

Avoid kyoto, too crowded, its not just this video looks like, it's packed of Chinese Tourists basically everywhere.restaurants ,sightseeing spots and public transports are over crowded, will ruin tour holiday for sure

[@cakeswithfaces]

In some places, as you can see in the video, it's extremely crowded and this video was filmed at the start of March, so it's busier at more popular times of year. But if you avoid the most popular places, I hope I've shown in the video that it's possible to avoid the crowds and still enjoy Kyoto if you want to go there. But there are lots of alternative places to see historic, traditional Japan too!

[@lazypercussionist]

Wait… pocket wifi, in 2023?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Lots of people get e-sims now, but I prefer pocket WiFi because you can share one between you and connect any other devices you have. But I'll be making a video comparing the two on my next trip!

[@lazypercussionist]

@@cakeswithfaces mobile hotspots?… plus if you get separated you each have data

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes there are pros and cons of each! :-)

[@lazypercussionist]

@@cakeswithfaces okay come on, the pros of e-sims vastly outweigh those of pocket wifis. If you have an unlocked phone with esim capability, pocket wifi shouldn't even be considered. there are two buckets of pocket wifi users: 1. ppl with locked/incompatible phones 2. ppl who've just "always done it this way" every time they go to Japan and just don't wanna change And this is why so many new Japan travelers are so misinformed.

[@AlanVByrnes]

Thank you so much for more of Kyoto, you make me want to visit more and more Amy and I think I’ll do my best to avoid the crowds, 🦾🦾🦾

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'm sure you'd love it there!

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces I think I will too from what I always see from you and others I watch on here thanks you guys always make feel I can always do something like they then who I’m around in America now!! 🇯🇵✈️

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸