Driving in Japan: Beginners Guide

Driving in Japan is a wonderful experience. Well almost. In true "Top Gear style", let's go and see what we can find.
GET SPEAKING WITH A JAPANESE PERSON! (iTalki): promos.italki.com/abroad-in-ja...
ALSO in this video:
- How to avoid being thrown out the back of a plane into the Sea of Japan
- How to get home in your own car after a night out of drinking
- Why Japan is dangerous to drive around in Autumn
- How much it costs to start your own religion (the cost of a journey to Osaka on toll roads)
- Why you should take a coffin in your cars on long journeys
- The type of car you should get if you ever move to Japan
- Why you should drink a tea drink called the Pungency to avoid getting deported.
Please subscribe to my channel if you think you can bare me again.
For those interested in Japan, sarcasm and ridiculous things, why not check out the rest of my KZbin channel here: kzbin.info...
And why not check out AbroadinJapan.com for articles as well, including how to fail in a Tokyo Nightclub:
www.abroadinjapan.com/
And for regular updates and information there's the (NEW) Facebook and Twitter pages where I share my discoveries of Japan along the way (like KFC potato chips!):
(NEW) TWITTER: / abroadinjapan
(NEW) FACEBOOK: / abroadinjapan

[@TheRangerFox]

Kinda amazing to see how much Chris' style has improved but he's fundamentally stayed the same down to earth, sarcastic guy.

[@FKJBSDK]

TheRangerFox we are from the future and we come in peace and we love sarcastic guy 😂😂😂

[@azreal4633]

i actually love this old style probably as much as his newer content

[@Trainviking]

Absolutely true

[@AlexandarJL]

Agreed. Laughing my ass of on every video

[@MrMcKnite]

I guess this is what makes his vlogs successful.

[@AbroadinJapan]

In the area where I live - I live in a county/prefecture called Yamagata and like most of Japan it's ridiculously mountainous and has many beautiful rivers and streams. Japan scenery is rather fantastic!

[@user-fy6vx8gw2u]

Amen

[@ThBlueSalamander]

rAmen

[@MonsieurKaizer]

That's nice to hear, Chris

[@voccapoei]

I see! Lemme see you there sometime Mr Affable!

[@Ollietheoldie]

This video has aged like a fine wine.

[@sololeveling5553]

@I miss akechi cause it's 8 years old

[@Serjo777]

Funny to see how he used to be completely emotionless and never changed his facial expression once ^^

[@MrsLPAmy]

@@Serjo777 So, like now?

[@Serjo777]

@@MrsLPAmy Oh come on, he's not _this_ emotionless anymore :D

[@MrsLPAmy]

@@Serjo777 Yeah, you're right, I was just joking. Chris is great ☺️

[@danieluzumaki14]

Chris hasn’t aged. The lad is still the funny witty person he was back then too.

[@nadinevandenheever4593]

Just more beardy now

[@Neotokyo69]

And not as fat

[@Shibbymatt]

Who would've thought this dude would become a great film maker rubbing shoulders with Hyde and Risottaro.

[@nicoangelobado9913]

I think he mentioned on his other video he wanted a career in film making, almost enrolled in a film school.

[@6Twisted]

The humour in your videos never ceases to make me laugh. You can turn an average topic into something hilarious and entertaining. I started watching your videos just for the laughs, but now I'm obsessed with Japan again, thanks ¬_¬

[@AbroadinJapan]

I don't know how you got there either mate! It's an honor to know you've watched my video though Maciej ;-)

[@sdash0]

Oh, great. Another broken answer in the youtube comments section.

[@spacechimp3199]

Dash Star how do these things even happen?

[@Jellygamer0]

@@spacechimp3199 Years of updates and inactive accounts being deleted

[@Catsrock46060]

@@Jellygamer0 Is it that? I thought it was a case of the comment being before the reply feature was added. Think it happened around that time, 2014ish.

[@jeuno.]

@@Catsrock46060 the old reply feature was not integrated properly when KZbin updated in 2014 with the overhaul

[@GLOCOgaming]

Drove for the first time in Japan a few days ago, and currently enjoying the heck out of my rental Kei Car. But what's better is I never expected to watch a video of Chris from 10 years ago telling me about driving in Japan

[@TheEncouragementKid]

that's dope

[@chrisdu4107]

11 months later, here I am for the same reason 😂

[@thecomputerist]

7:47 one of the seven wonders of the world "the backwards flowing water fall"

[@AbroadinJapan]

Haha only in Japan

[@schauhan2947]

I don't know why, but I kind of like these videos more than the new ones sometimes, maybe because of the nostalgia or there is some raw quality to it. Still, Chris has developed a lot in directing & recording.

[@chelsea65030]

I like his old videos too :)

[@HikikomoriDev]

Top Gear : Japan

[@AndreR241]

In Japan, 0-100 time is the only thing that matters - because you ain't gonna drive any faster anywhere :P

[@PersimmonHurmo]

GOD FORBID, TOP GEAR IS SHIT

[@MrEncode]

somesay...

[@naresu]

The humor is comparable as well

[@demoncard1180]

Jeremy Clarkson was nowhere near as witty, if at all.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks for the comment! I've done a little bit of work corporate video work on the side but it's primarily a hobby - Japan is a great country to put that hobby to good use!

[@NMS409]

Bit more than a hobby now, eh?

[@nehuenmatias8483]

Finally this video was unlocked

[@Serjo777]

What do you mean?

[@AbroadinJapan]

Yeah the speed limits suck - especially out in the countryside! Alas, at least you can appreciate the fine scenery at a more leisurely pace...

[@rapper250]

This dude is so witty. Too bad most people in japan wont understand him.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks! And no, they don't haha.

[@S-TeC84]

Git off his nutz rappa!!!!!

[@toughercoot0518]

Abroad in Japan you should do top gear.

[@derpytoad3866]

I prefer him here doing these great videos.

[@jensebu78]

After 15 years married with a Japanese she still don't get my sarcasm. 🤷‍♂️ But never give up 😁👍

[@RicEndt]

Who is here after reading chapter 8 of Abroad in Japan? 📚

[@krzysx]

Me!

[@gschneyer]

Yo!

[@nezlol1234]

Me too

[@honrblelols]

Real recognize real

[@Cherb123456]

Man i just discovered your vids and all i wanno do, is to treat you to a beer and listen to your stories! I think you are a very likeable person to be around. no homo

[@AbroadinJapan]

Flower_Tower Thanks man, the gesture is much appreciated! I can assure you though, I'm thoroughly dislikeable in real life haha

[@monique10j]

Abroadin Japan Japanese folk love the lack of ego.

[@andylannister5071]

Abroadin Japan So am I, I understand you.

[@dudewhosaysarrh]

A few years back, my wife and I went from Kyushuu all the way up to Aomori Prefecture, which is north of Niigata. We deceided to avoid the toll roads an stuck to the county roads,spending the night at the "michi no eki" stations. The trip north took us thre entire days, but it was fun.

[@AbroadinJapan]

That's awesome! I hope to do a similar thing myself actually. I think the best way to see Japan is in a car on the country roads to be honest - the rewards, in terms of scenery and views, are pretty great.

[@chk2596]

@@AbroadinJapan And that's how Journey Across Japan came to be

[@Bengan1717]

I remember watching this long ago but learned it had died but now revived like an old Naruto villain. Thumbs up if you see this in 2020

[@telracsazyl1243]

Begging for likes huh?

[@grayson-bubbles-light5025]

at about 7:48, it looks like the water fall is falling backwards

[@AbroadinJapan]

Japan's a pretty magical place!

[@AdvancedSoul]

Abroadin Japan Japan is like a magic!

[@Banzay27]

You mean upwards. Or in reverse. And not falling, obviously. Climbing, if anything. Flowing... coursing... going.

[@rodrikforrester9343]

Cuz they are.Right side driving and all

[@blacksheep806]

You are a comedy genius! Totally lost it at 7:16 xD

[@sambhullar5995]

Yeah! That was my favourite one!!!!

[@HalXV]

The 9:06 part hahahaha he was heading to a McDonald's, he gets all phillosophical about why Japan created great cameras to capture beautiful scenaries haha and then he contrast that by getting to a McDonald's

[@Reisuke67]

My fav: "...most journeys take longer than time itself." (6:10)

[@009Medea]

Hello, Mikhaila here. Your video's really crack me up! I used to live in Japan and your channel brings back so many memories. I was none too fond of driving there since to get to my job I had to drive thru ridiculously narrow lanes in surrounding rice paddies with no street lights, where the oncoming drivers seemed to come straight at you. I did however love the gas stations! Full service where they fill you up, emptied your trash and stopped traffic to let you out. Nice!

[@AbroadinJapan]

Hi Mikhaila! Haha, I ALWAYS use those gas stations! I've honestly forgotten how to fill up my car myself now though :-S

[@bannanasugargirl]

Wow...that's amazing wish they did that here in Canada!

[@xjandherdeathcase]

"If you are considering taking a long journey in Japan, I would honestly consider taking a coffin" I actually just died there :') You're so funny XD

[@jidhindharanm.p9351]

To think he later did a 2000cycle journey

[@HodgePodgeVids1]

I made it Chris, ten years after you, I made it to Japan

[@saibrisbastet17]

Your videos have really inspired me to work hard and move to Japan after I graduate college

[@AbroadinJapan]

Many thanks and good luck! :-D

[@Ash.M997]

HEY DID YOU MAKE IT ? its been 5 years

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks man! If it's informative and amusing everybody wins

[@f1nkangel]

This is actually wonderful to watch in context - Chris has such a confident, quintessentially British presentation in these early posts, an innocence fuelled distillation of what is to come...so pure and refreshing!

[@daviddouglas5581]

This guy has that awesome British attitude and dry sense of humour. Unlike a lot of the American people logging from Japan he doesn't seem to brag or be annoying in the slightest.

[@wren2294]

David Douglas ....couldn't you compliment one, without denigrating the other

[@felixthefox100]

wren 22 Perfectly balanced. As all things should be.

[@educatedperson1243]

wren 22 Can you shut up?

[@educatedperson1243]

Roy Sunshine LMFAO

[@Jacketsfan96]

@@educatedperson1243 Can you calm down?

[@AbroadinJapan]

Quite possibly the ultimate unique selling point of Nissan

[@AbroadinJapan]

Haha, that`s pretty much how I felt for 3 years before I got here. Thanks mate!

[@siuman1124]

From making a random video in his own apartment to now. Very remarkable Chris.

[@tiaanfortune1849]

Watching your two driving in Japan videos side by side really shows how much you've improved over the years. Love it mate!

[@jediavatarmage072]

Going through and watching some of your old videos Chris and lemme just say, I am astounded by how much you have improved your cinematographic skills and editing but still retain your classic and unique British wit, humor, and helpful information. I've been a fan of yours for quite some time now and I am glad to be your Abroad in Japan Fan! Looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@AllyTheFinancialDad]

I very rarely comment on KZbin videos, but I felt compelled to tell you, you are possibly my favourite KZbinr! Funny and informative for someone who is looking into moving to Japan himself! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@nineteendesu]

Ahhh, dry sarcasm. My kind of sense of humour. Although where I live people think I'm either rude or fucking stupid when I use it. Shame on them.

[@V0Y463R]

+// jessica // ikr? it's no fun with them so i'd always just be blunt.

[@zxarcane7706]

+jm // Aren't you special.

[@shaneschofield6303]

My dry humour is entirely for myself and I take much delight in someone missing my jokes and then seeing their faces as they conclude I'm an idiot.

[@nineteendesu]

***** damn tootin'

[@bindrp2]

They just all call me "sassy" ... :/

[@AbroadinJapan]

Yeah there`s always Interac if not the JET Programme so there`s plenty of ways. Can you speak Japanese? I definately hope to be here 2 years - maybe 3. I`d quite like to be in the city in my third year which the only reason I'd have to leave JET sadly.

[@AstralObservatory]

I started tearing up at the music 7:40 and I didn't know why. I know I'm really sensitive to music and I can't help but feel such emotion to certain pieces of nostalgic or great music. I thought I'd never heard it before so I didn't understand why I had these feels. And then I found out it was from Okami, one of the greatest games of all time. I'd forgotten the music but I was still subconsciously connected to it. I find that just amazing :') Great channel btw, funny and informative. Glad I found it! I'll be watching all the other vids.

[@RyuZebian]

I spotted it at once, since I tend to listen to soundtracks I love quite a lot. I had to skip through the tracks like crazy to find the right one though (The tribe of heavenly gods' theme). Great game with great music! How I wish there could be a Platinum games made sequel!

[@95NorthW]

just wanted to say thanks so much for giving me the source of that song, I was scrolling down like 'how is nobody talking about this" lol

[@juno9579]

It also sounds really similar to the Shenmue theme (If you liked Okami songs then you'll probably also like Shenmue songs)

[@danielirvin4420]

What a great little time capsule. I hadn't seen this one before it got reinstated, (thanks KZbin algorithm).

[@TheBrokyBoy]

You have come very far with your filming techniques and its an undeniable Abroad in Japan content with that hilarious British humor. On the motivation of your work I decided to visit Japan in June 2019 and it was a lovely experience. Thanks... thanks a lot for your work ! Keep it up, cheers Manuel from Germany !

[@NoTengoDinero69]

I got into Abroad in Japan in 2020 when the pandemic was at its highest scale. In the words of The Ramones “nothing to do, nowhere to go”. I was scheduled to take my dream trip to Tokyo in June 2020, and was obviously very bummed out that it wouldn’t be possible. Watching Chris have fun in Japan at least gave me a vision into what I was missing and made it hurt less. I wish I’d of watched these older ones back then. Just as fun as the later era stuff imo.

[@makeshifthouse]

I can honestly not understand why this video was blocked for 3 years. Welcome back video number 3!

[@1Eilatan]

He used both Wham! and Ray Charles songs, which marked the video as infringing on copyright, or whatever the youtube algorithm marks it as.

[@mattorama]

With Jeremy Clarkson gone from Top Gear, maybe you should throw your hat in as presenter!

[@iLLuzion1st]

+mattorama there is just something about a brit and a car that just goes so well together

[@erickpalacios8904]

mattorama I think Chris' humor is slightly better. Jeremy Clarkson is the only one on that show that doesn't consistently sound like he's quoting a script.

[@AustinBreathesAnime]

dude, I'm so glad i found you, your sense of humour is amazing. Honestly, i follow a lot of the 'bigger' jvloggers but you've just easily become my favourite. subbed.

[@lukasmihara]

8:05~ This is probably one of the best views in all of your videos. Such a beautiful scenery

[@BrawlBroMario]

I'm gonna admit. your sense of humor is awesome. keep it up!

[@allanmoore4840]

This is a really good video...! Well shot and well put together. Thanks for sharing.

[@CateSaturn]

Ah! That Okami Music.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks mate!

[@TheStingling]

Its cool to see that your humor didnt change a bit, lovely

[@taoufik.jabbari]

i have a dream ... it's to visit japan JUST ONCE in my life !

[@AbroadinJapan]

MORE than achievable ;-)

[@taoufik.jabbari]

Not that easy if you live in Morocco..

[@taoufik.jabbari]

***** thank's dude , you motivate me to be a different person and have a different view of life :) really thank's !

[@taoufik.jabbari]

***** Okey sir !

[@blulaguna18]

same here

[@cooljosh33]

This was one of my favourite videos and was devastated when I realised it was removed. Glad it is back. Like a Magic!

[@Andy-4342]

Still awesome after all these years! Happy New Year and I look forward to being able to share more of your adventures! :)

[@AbroadinJapan]

A car...hmm...a month or two if you save your JET income. I rented the first year but I bought a car for about £1000 in the second year (and I wish I'd done it from the start tbh)

[@mayadavy7048]

Chris, mate, I see studying 3 hours a day finally got to you in 2013

[@picassomysauceo]

Breath-stealing! I've never heard that! Is that a common british expression? We say breathtaking in the states

[@AbroadinJapan]

I've waited over two years for this day! Haha, I deliberately put it in there to see if anyone would pick up on it and now someone has! (We say breathtaking in the UK too). I'm genuinely delighted though

[@picassomysauceo]

Haha! Well, I'm glad that I could release you from that seemingly endless purgatory. You're free now~~

[@NewKingBrandon]

Abroadin Japan it did seem to sound very strange

[@monique10j]

Abroadin Japan Didn't spot the term 'breath-stealing' Breath-taking in the pacific too.

[@TheBlackstarrt]

Yeah, if I didnt read this comment, It would of went right over my head.

[@tomc143]

I've started rewatching these videos after reading Chris's book. Amazing 👏

[@williamtrotter4922]

keep it up man. Great vids. I love Japan and I'm enjoying learning on your channel. I'm one of those who wants to learn Japanese and go there from time to time, so the content is much appreciated.

[@keepsake327]

Your sense of humor is awesome. You should be the token gaijin on Japan's version of Top Gear.

[@Jug_or_not]

you are so funny and your videos are so well made... I have only seen 3 of them, but you already convinced me to subscribe and made me think that you deserve way more subscribers

[@haku8645]

0:52 great call on the Kyu Sakamoto song - one of my favourites :)

[@ShadowAnimeInk]

love the vids dude! Probably going to be living in Japan next year so seeing videos like these are a lifesaver :) much appreciated

[@princejp1859]

Finally, I got it! You remind me of a young James May. Especially in this episode. Love your video's btw.

[@blacksnowcatxx]

Yay for the Okami music in the background!

[@KibatsuMusic]

Amazing ep. Haven't watched your older videos.... even before you have great direction and production in your videos. Keep on vlogging please!

[@amazonjackson1278]

I've just started watching these videos after deciding in my head that I will live in Japan one day soon. (Probably 5 years or so from now) I just wanted to say Arigatou Gozaimasu for these vlogs, and how can anybody give them a thumbs down? Jealousy over your lifestyle is all I could come up with. Anyways, thanks again and now on with my binge watching!

[@kaoristrong]

Thank you for the useful information!

[@thatsimplekidisback]

8:25 Japan have waterfalls where gravity doesn't apply??? :o XD

[@AbroadinJapan]

DEFINITELY.

[@AbroadinJapan]

:-P

[@Big-Wonka]

I love coming back and watching these old videos again.

[@loftus8660]

Watching thorugh the videos on the channel in order and they're so fascinating! That taxi idea is brilliant, really wish we had it back here in the uk.

[@OnigiriNeko3261]

I love this man, he's hilarious and these videos are epic XD

[@RazgulTheKind]

Here's some bonus footage of McDonalds... ...in high definition.

[@theramendutchman]

Actually, there is: watch?v=jO-Vpuxvmyc

[@idx9681]

While your videos are crazy interesting and informative, your humor is the single greatest reason I could think of subscribing to this channel.

[@RamRam.720]

I remember seeing this when it came out, thank you youtubes machine spirit for returning this to us.

[@maxmorgan3370]

Wow, Japan really is so beautiful. I hope I can see it for myself someday.

[@alitathekillingangel7053]

Awesome. I might start a 2-guy taxi agent business thing like that in my country (they're all big drinkers here).

[@kristijones6922]

Yes I love this video! Your level of sarcasm is unbelievable and completely unfiltered haha! This is actually very informative

[@ifcyanwasgrey]

Tryna hold myself back from treating this channel like a series but wow was he good from the beginning

[@LedoylinatorCh69]

I don't understand why that would be legal ANYWHERE drinking and driving is a deadly combination.

[@cpufreak101]

Leo Doyle like he said, some countries allow a very limited amount (say the amount it's take an average weighted person to still not really be drunk) though in the US st least, they have a catchall, "wet and reckless" say for example you're lighter than average and you're drunk even with just 0.06 BAC (legal limit is 0.08) but they still think you're a danger on the roads, they can get you still even though you're legal.

[@lauragarnham77]

Drinking and driving is fine if you do not drink much, it is not like people have a drink and then are instantly drunk. Most people are still completely sober after a small drink. So it makes sense that driving after drinking a small amount of alcohol is legal in some countries.

[@btnhstillfire]

1 drink relaxes the muscles. Calms a person and its easier to to think and react without panicking. Id actually advise having 1 drink before driving. Most ppl on the road are uptight and ready to snap. Do this and u wont be. U will be coolheaded and able to get shit done.

[@chef7658]

@@btnhstillfire i drink and smoke weed while driivng. never had any issues

[@ankr3w1]

his hyperboles remind me of Clarkson

[@DonQwaf]

omg yes!!!

[@AbroadinJapan]

haha thanks - although I hope our appearance remain different ;-)

[@Mxnecromancer]

This is like the second time I've heard Okami's soundtrack in the background. no complaints, that's awesome. please continue

[@jainablade1891]

Your little jocks about the video make it very joyful and relaxing to watch😸💕

[@paulajc88]

Fun to see one of your earlier videos Chris. Reminds me of my first time driving there, and on the opposite side of the car and road than what I had been used to. That and the gutters on each side of the narrow roads freaked me out. Question: is the waterfall moving backwards @7:48?

[@Augue]

Driving is similar to Australia. Tolls, speed limits in kms and right hand driving.

[@imaginaryproductions]

Finally! The legendary lost film! Wow, look at you Chris! So young and full of life! Haven't changed a bit!

[@otonomi1]

Even the road side grass looks beautiful! Awesome video!

[@Be_Gee]

8:25 tiny waterfall's water is flowing upwards ;)

[@AbroadinJapan]

Nawaf The FearBraker Like a magic my friend.

[@GoldFishBoy1337]

I miss the overdose of sarcasm. The new videos are great and funny, but this was hilarious.

[@FaradaySenpai]

Non Stop North looking back at this. Such a big journey Congrats Chris!

[@sir1thomas1]

It's amazing how much the quality of your videos has improved over the last 6 years. Keep up the good work dude. Everybody loves WHAM!

[@persiangulfcat]

Your destination is on the right

[@AnimeActivists]

7:47 water is going upstream

[@AbroadinJapan]

er....Japanese culture

[@mikeofmidgar1940]

lol yea i noticed that to

[@MicusII]

It’s in Ireland as well. Can confirm.

[@sketchers3115]

@@MicusII I can confirm this is true.

[@aidnapog356]

I love abroad in Japan, an absolutely amazing channel

[@bumby999]

Great vid! And great real world tips for traveling in Japan!! Kudos!!!

[@chachacharmaine]

watching your videos urges me to go to japan... is there a possibility i can see u there? lol.. love your videos.. it helps a lot..

[@AbroadinJapan]

You never know - you might bump into me near a McDonalds in Tokyo haha

[@chachacharmaine]

That will be the first place that i will visit... Mcdonalds

[@isocuda]

"Glorious high definition video" Yeah I said the same things for our high school (2006) show about dipshittery while loading another Mini DV into the Sony HandyCam.

[@bikeboyyt932]

representing the good people of britain like a champion - love this guy

[@HoneyBadgerYT]

Dude, these videos are so interesting. I just came across this channel today and have been watching for ages now.

[@mightymaxglitches1548]

"Get a car to get to see and experience it all" **goes to mcdonalds** Ahahaha!

[@BoricuaJedi214]

If Chris ever runs out of ideas - he can always remake these old videos in a more updated and higher production quality. I'm sure he could add more to these videos after spending more time there.

[@MrsLPAmy]

True and he more or less did recreate this video last year 👌🏼

[@senseiwuwu9253]

thanks for your Video, hope you are happy in Japan.

[@darkheat246]

im loving your videos they make me so happy