From Osaka to WAKAYAMA | 1-Day Itinerary: Japan's countryside, cat train station, themed trains

[@ShimazuStudio]

To be able to spend time with my daughter truly has been something that I will remember forever. For her to spend the time with me to help me achieve my goals of being in Japan to explore it and myself is a blessing. Obtaining my grandparents Koseki and other documents to obtain my VISA has not been an easy one but one that is now allowing me to continue with my Journey. I hope this inspires others to not only visit the countrysides of Japan but also to explore those have influenced who your are, respecting your ancestry. This video of Wakayama is just a taste of what it has to offer. Please visit.

[@debbie1247]

How goes the visa process? I am also seeking a visa based on my Mother being born in Ōsaka. The key was finding her koseki she brought to the US. I hired an immigration lawyer to assist and have a nihonjin cousin who will sponsor me. Have you submitted for the COE and visa yet? How long was the review process if you’ve completed it already?

[@ShimazuStudio]

@@debbie1247 Hello, Yes I received my COE and a VISA. The most difficult part was obtaining all of the documents required all certified within the specific time frame. Once I had them in hand, I like you, retained an immigration lawyer here in Japan and he filed everything for me. From the time he submitted it was about a month to obtain my COE and the Consulate in the states took about a week to process my VISA. I obtained a long term resident Visa and my COE was based on my Nikkei Status. Currently living in Japan now. If you have any specific questions, let me know and I will see if I can address. Good Luck

[@debbie1247]

@@ShimazuStudio Thank you and omedeto gozaimasu on the long term visa! It confirms the timeline I had in mind. I’m doing things a little backwards as I just secured a rental in Osaka and will need to go back to Hawaii to file the visa application with the consulate there. I’m looking forward to learning more about my Japanese heritage. I’ve been enjoying the videos as they are glimpses into a world that feels familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

[@jason7120]

Wakayama is very much on my list of places to go to Japan. A young actress from Wakayama (Yuzumi Shintani) spoke so highly about it and it's wholesome peaceful countryside feel. She herself growing up on a farm. It felt like a great place to visit.

[@linliujing]

Honestly, your travel vlogs have been the most easy to watch vs some OTT with positivity and enthusiasm (*cringe*). Also, what a meaningful journey you are taking to explore your ancestry, culture and building your relationship with your dad. Last one is super aspirational!

[@remishimazu]

thank you so much! that really means a lot. This journey has been everything and more. it makes me happy to know that others are getting something out of it as well. :)

[@GraceMia44]

Thank you very much for your video, yesterday I took my husband out to Wakayama! We met Yontama and Nitama and picked the freshest most flavourful strawberries. Your plan was the perfect day to follow

[@remishimazu]

thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know how your trip was! I'm so glad you both had a good time. :)

[@avia4281]

We are sold thank you for the video. We love the quiet countryside.

[@remishimazu]

oh i'm so glad! I hope you have a good time when you visit.

[@amyholeman]

Wakayama’s so beautiful!! I’d love to visit some day. Thank you for showing us around ❤. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@Staronat]

Thank you so much for your videos. Especially the last bit where you encouraged tourist to visit even if they can't speak the language. I am going back to Japan for the second time in September alone and sadly can't speak the language. I would love to, but it takes time that I sadly don't have. So I am always a bit scared to acutally go somewhere where there might be a language barrier. However your video encouraged me to take Wakayama on my To-Do-List and be brave enough to try the countryside! It looks spectacular and as someone who loves cats, that seems like a must!

[@remishimazu]

aw this comment made my day. I'm glad this encouraged you to venture out to other areas in Japan. I also get nervous when traveling to more remote/countryside areas. However, I've found that the people are sometimes even more talkative and friendly in those areas? lol even when they KNEW I didn't speak japanese. it made them even more curious and want to try to communicate (through hand gestures/pointing). If you make it to Wakayama, make sure to stop at the souvenir shop at Wakayama Station. Wakayama is known for its seasonal fruits, so make sure to grab some specialty snacks and goods. There are lots of items you can only get in the Wakayama area. I hope you have a great time on your next trip! :)

[@TobilobaOlusanya]

Cool

[@DJBassBoomBottom]

Wakayama is the first place I stayed in as a part of my towns Sister City program and this June will mark the 10th anniversary of my first Japan trip. How Wakayama agreed to pair up with my hot, flat, dry, smoggy central Californian desert town I'll never know. While I can't make it this year I absolutely plan on going back for my 2025 trip and may be will hike the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. I will forever consider it to be my hometown in Japan.

[@remishimazu]

thank you for sharing your experience with Wakayama! I loved hearing how much the area means to you.

[@buckspa]

Your father is so cute! I was looking to stay in Osaka and go to Wakayama to get on the Tama train to Kishi so this video is perfect.

[@remishimazu]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice note. I hope you have the best time on your trip!

[@valbeauregard5190]

Love your accent thank you for sharing

[@ghoffrantaha]

Beautiful!!

[@Rainbow-nc2ys]

Hi Remi, thank you for sharing this wonderful place. Do you think it is doable as a day trip from Kyoto station 😅 and early winter season? Is there fast limited express train available to Wakayama? Thank you😊

[@remishimazu]

Hi! There are limited express and rapid trains available. The ride would be anywhere from 1.5-2.5hrs depending on how you end up getting there. It's a doable day trip if you're okay with the longer ride. I'm not sure what the weather is like during the winter but if you go, definitely get some mikan (mandarin oranges) which are in season! :)

[@acHretuT]

❤

[@see-namcolourful3658]

How long that you spend for this round trip on Kishi line?

[@remishimazu]

I'd set aside a day for the trip if you're coming from outside of Wakayama. Once in Wakayama, the line is only 35 minutes long. If you plan to hop on and off, then it'd be about a half day itinerary.

[@rc3398x]

Does that tattoo cause issues for you at the onsen, public baths?

[@remishimazu]

sometimes! private onsens are always fine but the public baths it depends on the establishment and how busy it is. I've been lucky so far with onsens being empty. Or, just in case, I bought skin colored bandages that are meant to cover tattoos. You can get these at donki (don quijote) stores! Although, they're not the best and kind of hard to put on IMO. 😅 definitely check the onsen/ryokan website ahead of time to see their rules. I hope this helps!

[@rc3398x]

@@remishimazu Oh I don't have tattoos, but I was just curious. Thanks!

[@debbielow4847]

Can you pick strawberries year round in wakayama?