How Kyoto Went HORRIBLY WRONG For Us! | Japan Travel Reality

Vivienne & I are back in Japan in hopes to capture PEAK RED Autumn Leaves. However, our unexpected trip to Kyoto become a series of unfortunate events...
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Edited by Jonathan Brinton
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[@janeberhardt8302]

5:53 I love how there‘s Greensleeves playing in the background as it’s only green (s)leaves 😉

[@JasonVong]

I’m so happy you caught that reference! 🍃

[@ShutterSphere]

Top tier content Jason! Can’t wait for the next videos in the series! So fun seeing the bts struggles and victories y’all go through!

[@JasonVong]

it only gets worse from here... I can tell you that much!

[@jessymina]

This was SO cool! I love the story telling aspect with the sprinkles of nerdy camera stuff. A wonderful start to a series!

[@AlvinRamli]

a perfect capture of the struggles and the joy with traveling! Thank you!

[@Giosphotolab]

Love your videos Jason!! Seriously gets me so excited for my next trip and the pictures i’ll be capturing.

[@SilatShooter]

Loving these videos! Happy the hike paid off with some spectacular images!

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video you two! Thanks for making it.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Great video Jason, love your commentary and enjoy the vibe of you two on camera. Excellent shots, glad you got them this time around.🔥

[@okcleaners]

Sweet content yo. 🥳 hope the gone vong series continues!

[@jacobmitchener]

Oh this format is so good! Loved the way you told this story!

[@user-yg8hn4it3c]

Glad things worked out in the end! Very informative for planning such a trip

[@alemattosbr]

Loved it!! Great storytelling and beautiful images, very entertaining. Thanks for sharing! Including japan in my bucket list right now! :D Kind regards

[@ijakeh]

Loved seeing the true experience, still got awesome shots! Great stuff 👏

[@YunandYong]

Wow and just wow. Amazing video. Love it ! Beautiful scenery and top level content and guides.

[@JasonVong]

Thank you thank you! 🥰

[@CoachBay]

That was one awesome video 🇯🇵👏 Great story and great visuals 🙌 So well done 👏 Keep going 👊

[@deepaknasta2506]

This is a great video. More of this please!!

[@derekjoson]

Amazing to see this perspective of it. My Japan trip is coming up in a few weeks and I can't wait to shoot it all (with the tips I've learned from your channel of course, which thank you). I imagine the sakura season will be quite the similar experience, trying to catch the full bloom, deal with crowds, etc. Your vid gets me excited and anxious (in a good way) at the same time hahaha looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@japanomadmedia]

Greetings from Japan. Happy to hear it all turned out well. I've been following you from my other account for a very long time and I really enjoy to see your progress. Your tutorials have been an inspiration. Keep it up! You'll be the next Peter McKinnon.

[@JasonVong]

thanks for the kind words! 🥰

[@MoleMedia]

This is great guys! Truly entertaining 👏🏻

[@RGP_WA]

Thanks for the epic travel log! Jason, I love your sense of humor! Getting up at 5 am... The things you two do for your audience! Lol!

[@JasonVong]

Thanks for watching Ron! We are happy that we found a fun format to share our story behind all the travels and the content we shoot for the videos!

[@MichaelGrode]

When I first seen the announcement for the series I wasn't sure how hyped I should be, but now having watching both vlogs from the 'Gone Vong' series, my only regret is that I didn't watch them sooner. This is not only the best content I have watched on your channel, but it might be the most entertaining video I have seen in months. Your humor and enthusiasm is contagious, and had me on the edge of my seat watching your adventures and mishaps unfold. Incredible story telling. 10:00 I can relate so much! I remember being so excited to see the Kiyomizu-dera temple, when I got there and saw all of the black tarps I was so disappointed. Going to keep my eyes peeled for future installments in the series!

[@JasonVong]

Hey Michael, one of the best comments I've gotten for the series 🥹 thank you so much for the kind words. There are so many travel stories we've been wanting to share but due to time and resources, we couldn't bring them out in the best format possible until now. Our editor for this series, Jonathan, did an absolute amazing job at interweaving my storytelling and the footage we captured into a seamless film. The important thing was we all wanted this to FEEL different from the usual content I produce on the channel while retaining the photography / filmmaking aspects. Your comment gave us more assurance we are doing something right, thank you!!

[@ryancease5327]

Amazing story telling as always. So kickass to watch your mystical journey aaaaahhhhh!

[@JasonVong]

Thank you thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@JFebrillet]

I love vlogs like this . Great to see more content from you Jason.

[@JasonVong]

Thank you for watching! Got another one next week!

[@treefiddy.]

This was great to watch! Reminded me when I rushed to Kyoto earlier last year to get my last viewing of the Cherry Blossoms. Glad you were able to see Kiyomizudera!

[@tyyoda]

Fantastic video! Loved the story telling here 😂. Might be your best video yet!

[@JasonVong]

thanks my man!

[@kristoffergo6294]

Damn! That was so entertaining! Good job!!

[@dobrinagavazova1786]

Loved this video, keep them coming pleaseeeee

[@JasonVong]

New episode next week 😎

[@Scooterx2]

That’s a fun narrative, along with beautiful photography.

[@LemarGriffinfilms]

AMAZING! This is so good. Glad it worked out in the end.

[@JasonVong]

appreciate you checking out this series, Lemar!

[@thearabicdp]

So exciting. Do more of these please. You two are so much fun

[@JasonVong]

Wait til you see the next episode!

[@ivandyap]

Great series! Looking forward to more-lots more.

[@JasonVong]

New episode this week!!

[@jukimax]

Thanks again Jason for very entertaining video, keep up the excellent work!

[@JasonVong]

thank you! Glad to know you enjoyed it!!

[@TwoIndians]

absolutely epic! motivation and inspiration for my channel!

[@SteveRonin]

Love this series! Cant wait for more

[@JasonVong]

🥰🥰🥰 thank you Steve!

[@bryancole842]

Loved the format- unique style is so much fun❤

[@JasonVong]

Appreciate the compliment, thanks Bryan!

[@TheMabiNerd]

Great story telling thruout this vlog! It was very entertaining and gives great ideas for places to visit in Japan! I went last year from Mid October to Late November and at Nikko National park you could also see the leaves starting to turn bright red! As a Michigan native we get all the colors here too but it was a sight to see in Japan!

[@markymark3948]

Thank you for the beautiful images and videos 📹.

[@Bootvi]

I love this new video concept. Many time no one shows how frustrating it can be to get great shots. Sometimes you just can't get even the opportunity to get the shots or clips with life being in the way

[@JasonVong]

thank you! so happy to hear that! we're always too focused on the tech and specs but the most important thing is to just show up and get the shot! Even if it means traversing through some hardships!

[@pearsbears]

Dude!! Great series! Can’t wait for the next destination.

[@JasonVong]

Thank you thank you! New episode next week!

[@kh1188ish]

So much appreciate this video, we’ll done and I’ll bet it took a ton of work to produce. Keep going, you’re onto something with your travel videos.

[@JasonVong]

Thank you Brad!

[@DrWasim]

Awesome video man! More of this!

[@JasonVong]

next week. next episode! 😎

[@gmbmedia28]

Thank you Jason & Vivienne for sharing adventure and experience in Japan. 🍻🍻

[@JasonVong]

thanks so much for watching!

[@seanchen9265]

My man is back...learning as I watch

[@l.n.6132]

What a lovely pair!!! Love your humour too!

[@alycewangari]

This narration is so intense. It's like I'm watching The last samurai 2 -battle against the Ninja kids and the scaffolding mizudera. This energy makes want to visit Kyoto more! Thank you.

[@JasonVong]

Appreciate you watching. Thank you!!

[@Carb-A-Ween]

This was great storytelling and I like the video edits. I'm going to Japan next month, hope to see some cherry blossoms.

[@JasonVong]

I pray for you 🌸

[@jate.photography]

HAHAHA the bum steer was not cool, but loved hearing about the adventure! so epic!

[@Just_Kev_]

This makes me so excited for my Japan trip this May!!!

[@JasonVong]

I’m glad our pain and suffering can get you excited! 😂 enjoy!!

[@xenoheartvisuals]

You got what you came for in the end! This will be the start of a new series? Semi VLOG/BTS? I dig it! I am going back to Japan for the first time since 2018 (Tokyo mostly but open to traveling to Kyoto or Osaka as well) in mid April and will most likely miss the Sakura. But I am excited and nervous AF at the same time because I will travel with my camera gear for the first time. Hope to get amazing shots / videos! Look forward to next video!

[@JasonVong]

Yes this is the start! 4 episode in total! Next episode next week! Good luck! Japan will probably be the best place to travel with your gear the first time! 😁

[@antant06]

@@JasonVong yay

[@daveassender1099]

that was so much fun!

[@igingmd19]

Vivienne is so cute. Well, both of you guys are so cute. Happiness all around. Thanks guys! Take care.

[@JasonVong]

thank you so much for watching!!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Amazing video, I like this style of video! Can’t wait for the next one! And I think when everything went well, both of you wouldn’t have such a big memory 😀 Btw how excited are you about the new Sony camera rumor Rx1RII successor? 😁

[@JasonVong]

I will believe it when I see it!

[@jfdewoluwe]

Beautiful shots. I'm looking forward to visit Kyoto in a couple of months.

[@JasonVong]

Have a good time! Watch out for the ninja kids! 🥷

[@nooons3190]

I love japan! and Your videos about japan I'm greatly Inspired and Influenced to travel to Japan this November for 2weeks. I hope gonna see autumn leaves in kyoto, I would love to take shots of it.

[@JasonVong]

Good luck and have fun! It’s a definitely a sight to behold!

[@23di]

I just don't want to skip any of your videos. Love you guys ❤

[@JasonVong]

Really?? Thank you!! 🥰

[@jpmeggiorini760]

Was cool meeting you guys at Kiyomizu dera! And I made it into the video ❤ wuhu 🎉 12:42

[@JasonVong]

haha hello! thanks for saying hi!

[@Hyper88]

Super clutch but you nailed it! Things didn't go as planned but this adds spice to the trip

[@JasonVong]

The sole inspiration for Travel Gone VONG!

[@elysiumcore]

I had an awesome time in Kyoto this past fall, it was a long rainy day, that did not stop me, near 5pm i was out with my trusty A7IV... Ohh water proof seal dont fail me now.. loved every second of it. I truly love Japan

[@pankbot]

Tip for the next trip to Kiyomizudera. Wait till near closing time to get some awesome night shots. The crowds get pushed out and you can hop right in at the end to get a good position. The monks let us and other photographers stay about 15 mins past closing. The grounds are lit up and the lights from the city make for an amazing shot.

[@JasonVong]

On our trip back the following week, we went back to Kiyomizudera for night shots! It was very cool!

[@pcmc8461]

When something so Vong feels so right.

[@craiggillette4381]

Three years in Japan with the USN and never there for the fall colors. Timing is everything. Here in SoCal, the Japanese red maples are decorative and summer heat or drought hurts them so some years, even in the nice gardens, they aren't great. But, you got to Kyoto! Still an amazing blend of old and new, traditional and modern.

[@RobertReilly-mc8zq]

Enjoying the videos. You're portraying real life! (And the crepes looked good too....)

[@JasonVong]

Thanks Robert!!

[@henrychew235]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, try perhaps going into more less well known spots for the "shot". Some of the best spot I have viewed autumn season in Japan and Kyoto have generally been in more remote spots. Some are more challenging on transport options but there are always a few that are doable and still give you a wonderful experience.

[@insanityang]

My wife and I love Kyoto! Yeah, Kiyomizudera gets super crazy, better to go early in the morning. Though, I felt like the walk to the top of Fushimi Inari was a lot more challenging. And I can relate to the disappointment of scaffolding. In 2019, we went to Miwajima and the floating tori gate was completely covered for renovation.

[@JasonVong]

Oof!! Scaffolding. The bane of our existence!

[@melissahuynhh]

All the thoughts put into this video was perfect. More dramatic reality tv vlogs pls

[@JasonVong]

Next week. Next episode 😎

[@autumn7721]

You are just so fun to watch 😂

[@JasonVong]

Thank you! So glad you’re enjoying the series!

[@kurtfromvienna5881]

Amazing video ^^ I’m these October and November there,let’s see 😅 What lenses you take on your travel trips?^^

[@JasonVong]

Have fun! In this video, I took with me a 14mm, 24-70mm, and a 135mm!

[@davidzhorvath]

Absolutely incredible video. You guys should be given your own show on the most premier tv travel network in the most desired timeslot, brilliant.

[@JasonVong]

Thank you David!!

[@mrukeeee]

Will be going to Japan in April and Excited to see the Temple in Spring :)

[@JasonVong]

have fun! watch out for ninja kids! 🥷

[@PhilipLemoine]

SAME! Here in Hawai‘i the weather is always perfect, sunny, and green! Its the WORST! 😜

[@JasonVong]

😂😂😂 we take it for granted

[@PhilipLemoine]

@@JasonVong Such a great payoff at the end! So happy for you. Great storytelling bud.

[@yusufertabak]

I hope I can run into Jason when I’m there in march! Would be a dream come true

[@jujuvong]

Your narrative cracks me up 😂Also, I wonder if we're somehow related 🤔🤣

[@JasonVong]

Haha hello cousin!! I hope your luck is better than mine during your travels

[@Eliasdumb]

Love ur content 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@JasonVong]

Thank you!

[@aidashahirasuhadi9809]

Lol I know this is an unfortunate story on your part but you being dramatic made it so funny 😆

[@JasonVong]

Haha glad you enjoyed it!

[@nelsonheng5684]

thanks, this year nov also will go jp to take photo.

[@kouleeofficial]

Oh god. I’m going there for the first time ever in May and I am excited but also nervous lol

[@JasonVong]

good luck! watch out for the ninja kids!

[@dlovisuals]

This was amazing! God tier editing and content! Excited to see what else you got in this series!

[@JasonVong]

Thank you David!

[@h_rk]

Your suffering somehow makes me laugh. I'll be visiting Kyoto in May. So excited to personally experience this city soon.

[@JasonVong]

The suffering was the inspiration to this whole series! Good luck in Kyoto! Watch out for them ninja kids!

[@BigPaco213]

if you go to Runyon Canon you can find some leaf's like that red/orange changing colors. its nice and close to you Jason lol

[@JasonVong]

haha but the ancient Japanese architecture though!!

[@BigPaco213]

@@JasonVong I’m from K-Town in LA we hav some there 😂 haha great video man!! Already waiting for the next one 🗼

[@Ace-cv1xd]

those kids' caps look like the shinsengumi officer caps from rurouni kenshen LOL

[@bobd7384]

The end was worth the means. Onwards and upwards young Samurai.

[@ricb4195]

Finally...more Vivian!

[@tysedon]

Kiyomizudera was also under renovation when I went there Jan 2020. What's worse is almost ALL of the places we went to were under renovation (kiyomizudera, osaka castle, torii gate at miyajima island).

[@JasonVong]

It's like they all took advantage of the shutdown and decided to do those renovations they've been holding off on 😅 Same thing happened to us when we were in Korea 2021, many of the scenic structures had a bunch of scaffolding. Actually now that I think about it, the Japan places were probably under renovation for the olympics?

[@tysedon]

@@JasonVong olympics are most probably it. Bcs when we went there, there is news of 1 people from japan got covid. A few weeks after we left japan(or was it months?), They shut down the border bcs of the pandemi. Now that I think about it, I remember there is a quite new no-operator train to odaiba that was said being especially made for 2020 olympics, so you're most probably right.

[@cestycinou]

This real fun 🎉🎉 #ninjakids BTW what was that pull down filter? Never seen it

[@JasonVong]

Rapid Filter System but sadly they went out of business

[@MestreMur]

Same experience at 2004... At that time I was not a photographer!

[@s1301950]

we're planning to go to japan for the first time (with 2 kids in tow). Your video is gonna be super helpful in planning the whole thing! it's a great change of pace from your regular gear videos :) i think all photogs should start doing something like that.. to other cities, like singapore, china cities, etc. Best time, best place for best shots! and don't cut the sh*t out. they make normal folks feel better when THEIR travel gone wrong. keep it travelling! you and vv are the best!

[@RukiKenishiro]

i was planning to hike the alps this year, but you made me second guess my decision.. lmao..

[@elizabethlee1017]

Enjoy this video very much. thank you

[@billx4266]

Wow man, awesome video, you almost want to make me go back to sony also....

[@JasonVong]

Sony welcomes you back at any time 😉

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

Your interactions with Vivian really add to the video

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Jason! As an even better option: Try Utah in Autumn! Red leaves, yellow leaves, lime-green leaves-explosive with brightness and color luminescence!! It is jaw dropping. And when there, talk with some Latter-day Saints-nice people.

[@liljoe23la]

For scouting locations, I usually see if there are live cams in the area and I also check instagram most recently posted photos of the area

[@JasonVong]

Instagram became unreliable imo. People share photos taken from the past so it's not accurate in real time. 😭

[@lenjester17]

Kyoto vindicated! Will be there next week, cant wait!

[@JasonVong]

someone posted a photo of Kiyomizudera in the snow! Hope you can still get that!

[@lenjester17]

@@JasonVong Yes! hopefully we can! different vibe kiyomizudera!

[@sn005e]

Im waiting for the J.V review for the fx30!❤❤ any chance of it boss?

[@JasonVong]

a video is in the works!

[@veronicaandrez1626]

I will be going to Japan in November of this year, and will stay in kyoto between 16 and 20. What day where you in kyoto? Is it too late?

[@JasonVong]

Really depends on the climate for the year but those dates should be ok!

[@weixu1872]

That’s it, I’m switching to my lightest prime lens before going to Kyoto

[@JasonVong]

😂😂

[@markLR]

Bro you’re an amazing story teller and your humor is unmatched. BTW need more of your wife’s photos on this too! Wanna see how the film turned out!

[@kevinheg8814]

Hey Jason, I´m will also travel to Japan next month. Which focal length would you recommend for a trip. It´s a family vacation, so it should be not to heavy. Got a Tamron 17-28, Tamron 28-75 G2 or Sony 24-105 and 35, 50 ,85 prime. What would you take to Japan? Please help me out :)

[@JasonVong]

Hey Kevin! Sorry I just caught your comment, hope you still had a blast! Given the list, I would suggest 24-105 if you dont wanna constantly switch out lenses! But if you absolutely must need a wide, then bring both the Tamrons! My buddy Nikko Pascua took some amazing photos with just the 28-75mm and 35 F1.8 alone! Look him up!

[@RajneeshSuvarna]

Very well done video. Only complaint I have as somebody wanting to visit for the fall colors is that the actual dates are not discussed, not sure if it was by plan or accident. Would be nice if you could share that and any resource that tracks past and predicted dates. Also do share your website link where you have shared your pics

[@JasonVong]

It's peaking earlier and earlier! I wouldn't be surprise if it's EARLY November this year. We will see!

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

Vivian is the real star of the show. You are very spoiled and very lucky to have her.