I Escaped to Japan's HIDDEN Mountain Village 🇯🇵 48Hrs Walking the Nakasendo

Japan might be known for its megacities such as Tokyo, but most of the country is just a pile of mountains. Over 48 hrs we walk the Nakasendo trail starting at the stunning village of Naraijuku, nestled in the remote mountains of central Japan. Feat. @RyotarosJapan & @sharlainjapan!
⛩️ FIND OUT where we went on our trip! ⭐ Itinerary
www.funliday.com/abroadinjapa...
♨️ BYAKU NARAI | Where we Stayed
byaku.site/
Edited by: Paul Ballard
00:00 Why Explore the Nakasendo Trail
03:39 Lunch in Naraijuku, Nagano
05:47 Staying in a Traditional Japanese Inn, Naraijuku
10:40 Tasting Bear Meat
12:28 Exploring Magome Village
14:40 Exploring Tsumago Village
15:57 Staying in a Traditional Japanese Home
► WEEKLY Podcast: hyperurl.co/nhgr30
► BEHIND the scenes Patreon: goo.gl/NWEoQm
*FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE*
► Facebook: / abroadinjapan
► Twitter: / abroadinjapan
► Instagram: @abroadinjapan
*EQUIPMENT I USE*
► MAIN Camera: amzn.to/2HSSdmy
► INDOOR Lens: amzn.to/2jyPOPm
► OUTDOOR Lens: amzn.to/2rnAt7O
► FAVOURITE Lens: amzn.to/2jwqyJm
► BACKUP Camera: amzn.to/2jvhILY
► STABILISED Camera: amzn.to/2HR3ljI
Business Enquiries: [e-mail]

[@AbroadinJapan]

🍿🍿Where we went: www.funliday.com/abroadinjapan/journals/72736 NOTIFICATION SQUAD: These sorts of travel videos don't seem to do as well as they used to on KZbin! If you enjoyed it PLEASE be sure to like the video - it honestly makes a difference. CONVERSELY feel free to also dislike the video now that Ryotaro is finally back. For behind the scenes videos & to support what we do, check out Abroad in Japan Patreon! www.patreon.com/posts/why-i-want-to-78050215

[@Cinderz88]

Every video! :)

[@ChristopherSammy]

Squad here!!!

[@thishandleistaken.]

Hey, Chris how are you doing?

[@danni6257]

Thanks for the video, Chris 😊

[@Cinderz88]

Going to Tokyo over Christmas. Any advice for your average UK weeb?

[@Sitskier123]

You know it was really nice of Chris to allow Sharla to come along on this trip with him and his boyfriend Ryotaro

[@anobody6631]

Ikr 😂

[@Unknown-hj7uc]

Everything is gay to you?

[@ClaraJC99]

😂

[@tompetlach848]

anyone notice that Rizzotoro is not aging?

[@Unknown-hj7uc]

@@tompetlach848 he's always old

[@Dave435l]

As a backpacker this is the fastest a trail has gone from 'never heard of it' to 'how much are plane tickets'

[@Emma-Maze]

Right? I'd very much love to backpack there, leave a review here if you do it so I can live vicariously through you. ^^

[@Sir1ri]

Try the Tokyo lens channel. He did a hike between these spots and ohh my god it looked magical

[@TheDrummerBoyD]

I am currently planning to try and do the entire 500 km, though most of that also goes along highways so I'm still reconsidering if I should just stick to the established beautiful parts.

[@LaNoir.]

get bear repellant

[@VanillaCoke1956]

@@Sir1ri or don't because he regularly wishes his viewers death and insults then for mundane bullshit.

[@itsaUSBline]

Man it's good to see a travel video with Chris and Ryotaro again. It's been a while, honestly kind of nostalgic. I've missed seeing Ryotaro more often in these.

[@jama211]

That's Risottoro to you! 😂

[@sirBrouwer]

@@jama211 it's mister Slurpy.

[@alexdye6625]

This is by far my favorite area you have highlighted in Japan. Many people associate Japan with futuristic technology, but I love the history and nature. More please!

[@coloursofjapan]

Japan has so many different faces - and all of them are beautiful in their own way.

[@NatsumeRyu]

Likewise!

[@lullaby_soda]

absolutely agree!

[@RickyRicardo03]

💯 bro 😎

[@sharlainjapan]

“She loves my slurp” Ryotaro merch when?

[@KVCunknown]

The most impressive part of this video is how well colour matched the bear walking behind Chris and Ryotoro is. Bravo editor, bravo 👏

[@naomiartcz]

Right ?! I was like struck for a second if it's real bear or someone in costume of bear :'D

[@CameoH3Cream]

As an editor, quite impressive stuff. Kudos!

[@MrAorp]

Chris edits his own videos! Edit: I've just seen the editor credited in the description but I was stating based on what I've heard Chris say on his podcast in the past, so that may have changed since

[@currypancake208]

It was crazy realistic

[@Antonylucero]

Editor?? That wasn't an edit, it was Sharla in a Bear costume.

[@mybeatsaretrashsoami1296]

The editing is improving day by day. The Bear and Ninja were really cool.

[@erika8349]

I nearly choked on my sweet tea when Ryotaro said his wife loves his slurp! 🤣😭🙈 Jokes aside, this is such a beautiful video! I love it when you guys walk around different parts of Japan, enjoy the scenery and environment, and taste the local cuisine 😋 I can almost feel the atmosphere! Looking forward to more of your content, Chris ✌🏼✨

[@TheNuclearGeek]

Love is alive and well in Japan. It's always great to see a relationship continue to blossom over time. Too bad they needed Sharla there to film it.

[@unicorescannacorner6999]

The Onsen Time was kept Private.

[@TheNuclearGeek]

@@unicorescannacorner6999 I thought that scene was suspiciously short.

[@renataleite5432]

\Poor Sharla....

[@renataleite5432]

good thing she is great at filming 😍

[@SerDunk]

😂😂😂hhhhh

[@Lord_Azian]

I'm so glad to see more of these walk around Japan videos! Super nice to get to see more of daily scenery and life in Japan!

[@thishandleistaken.]

Indeed, this kind of videos are the best, this is what makes this channel unique

[@AKiwi]

Yeah

[@Mr.me_98]

Indeed

[@doggger]

And knowing these types of videos help with Chris' health makes it all the more enjoyable to watch

[@marinhrabric6162]

@@thishandleistaken. and the British humour aswell

[@_sarcasmiss2141]

Never stop making these content. It's inspiring a lot of us to visit Japan, and not the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route.

[@coloursofjapan]

Yes, we find it very refreshing to see lesser known places being portrayed in travel blogs! 🙂

[@stu3379]

I have actually never had the desire to visit Japan. But after watching so many of your videos showcasing both the good and the bad, I am in the budgeting and planning process of making the excursion to this land of unlimited beauty! And this coming from a Canadian!! Wonderful objectivity Chris. Thank you.

[@danguee1]

As a Brit who spent my early childhood in Zambia next to the Victoria Falls and teens in Cape Town and otherwise travelled widely - NZ, HK, Turkey, Malawi, Cook Islands, Japan, US, all of Europe - I can tell you Japan is the one place I'd go back to like a shot. Fantastic 3 weeks spent there in 2018.

[@benjaminr6153]

Japan is always a good travel choice. So glad I went

[@ryori4176]

@@danguee1 Hi come back, gut without the dengue, deguee1.

[@coloursofjapan]

Please come to Japan, there is so much to discover

[@OceanBeachBoy]

Chris just might be the Rick Steve’s of Japan!

[@19billdong96]

Good old travel videos, I don’t know about other people Chris but these are my favorites amongst all your top notch videos 👍

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks! I always saw Abroad in Japan as a form of escapism and these are the sort of videos I aspire to make!

[@stephenpalmer9375]

Agreed, these are the kinds of videos that got me into the channel years ago.

[@EldritchNoise]

@@stephenpalmer9375 it seems like there’s two kinds of fans of this channel. The ones who came in because the travel videos and the ones who came in for the listicals. I like both, but man… I see a new video like this and I dive in. >_> them dishes can wait

[@hrlrl9309]

@@AbroadinJapan They've really been good lately, the editing, sound quality, cinematography are all excellent

[@shivammishra-et7ou]

I second that

[@raddaks2039]

Chris really just rotoscoped something walking behind him and Ryatoro... not once, but twice. That's dedication. I don’t even want to know how much time he spent on that visual gag.

[@MammaApa]

What are you talking about? Japan is chock full of bears and ninjas.

[@koolunit]

He....ryotoscoped?🤔

[@erica5624]

Not rotoscoping but I know what you meant haha (Unless there’s a different type…I just know about rotoscoping in animation😭)

[@janeistired3921]

timestamp?

[@celticlass8573]

@@janeistired3921 LOL

[@DrRedLemon]

Video has more of a classic Abroad in Japan vibe. 10/10 would watch again.

[@thesqueedler]

What I love about your travel videos is getting to see the things that are off the beaten path and what you would never learn about in travel books. There is so much I want to see in Japan now that there’s not going to be enough time in just one trip.

[@coloursofjapan]

It's true - Japan has very much to offer. We all live here and still get to discover new things all the time! 🙂

[@TheRealPots]

I just wanted to say thanks for posting videos Chris, you really do allow me to live in Japan vicariously through your camera lens and that's something i really cherish a lot so keep doing what you're doing.. ☺🤗

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thank you! Expect a record amount of Abroad in Japan videos this year! 🙏

[@TheRealPots]

@@AbroadinJapan I cant wait.. 🥳

[@victoriazero8869]

@@AbroadinJapan LET'S FAKKIN GO

[@vgtboy]

@@AbroadinJapan Cdawg wedding when

[@SmokeJaguar101]

Loving the more regular release schedule, feels like a new golden age of AIJ :D

[@AbroadinJapan]

It's finally here! This year we're aiming for weekly releases and we've got the next two months covered already!

[@frutato7498]

@@AbroadinJapan This is mental, the last was 4 days ago, but I'm all for it!

[@ArcticHills]

@@AbroadinJapan whoa i'm happy

[@RizqiKqkq]

If you listent to the podcast theres a spoiler bout about the videos

[@gregoryowain2073]

​@@AbroadinJapanWow!

[@jakobhaertel2258]

Finally my favourite guest on this channel - Mr. Risottoro - is back! Loved the video, the jokes and the beautiful picures. These old Japanese towns have such a unique flair, 100% something I want to experience someday.

[@mrbepis]

I've missed these kind of videos so much. Just you and a guest (especially Ryotaro) showing us different views of Japan you typically don't see. MORE RYOTARO

[@jasonpike3375]

From a Twitter account I found online who recounted John's trips to Japan he states, "John and Yoko would escape the summer heat and humidity by heading to Karuizawa, a resort northeast of the metropolis, and stay at the Mampei Hotel. The former Beatle was a frequent customer at Cafe de Minoriya and a fan of their vanilla soft-serve ice cream." So I guess this rumour has some credibility.

[@alibutterfly82]

At first I was thinking a 3-person trip might be kind of awkward, but actually I can see how this was very beneficial to have a 3rd person to help with filming duties while the other two converse or show things off. STRATEGERY. Well done.

[@PCGeines]

Like Messi did on his honeymoon with Antonella. He brought Suárez.

[@LogicalVelocity]

I love videos with Chris and Ryotaro. Feels like the old days. With Sharla, it's just a bonus!

[@edwinsalinas3460]

I don't know how long you've been putting kanji and explanations for niche Japanese things that foreigners may not encounter outside of Japan. I've been studying Japanese for about a year independently, and this little bit of editing is greatly appreciated. Sidenote, when I finally get to Japan, this might be an entire week of my itinerary.

[@coloursofjapan]

We really hope you will get to travel Japan 🙂

[@MuKori]

How does Chris always show use things we've never seen before?!? For someone who's been all over Japan and shown us so much, it's surprising he can still find awesome places like Nakasendo! Can't wait for all the videos this year 🤩

[@adude2927]

I think its hard to appreciate the size of japan from videos, in person it probably a whole lot bigger :)

[@MuKori]

@@adude2927 Yeah, it's pretty crazy

[@mangoshake]

I mean considering you can ride a train for 2 hours from Shinjuku and still be within Tokyo, the rest of Japan is pretty massive.

[@deioped]

Not trying to be an ass but it's probably because people rarely know anything about Japan outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido.

[@MuKori]

@@deioped True. It's just interesting how many unique things Chris can find, when comparing to all other Japan based content creators

[@MaloneHart08]

So glad Chris has focused back on KZbin. Glad he was able to focus on himself for a bit but KZbin needs Chris Broad!

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thank you so much! This year we’re going full force on KZbin, especially now tourism is back on! Will put this towards the upcoming travel series we’re working on!🙏🍻

[@MegaJani]

20:49 Ryotaro's superhuman aura just kills the ninja without him even noticing

[@L1theMage]

Mate, the production value on your videos has been consistently top-tier for years, the actual content is always an impressive blend of informative and entertaining, and the way that you balance self-deprecating humour and light-hearted cynicism with grounded humility and sincerity makes your stuff easy to watch, not to mention your roster of awesome friends. You've accomplished a lot, especially in recent months, and somehow I feel like you are underrated among your peers, and although there is an endless stream of thousands of people yelling their thoughts at you, I feel compelled to say - good work bro.

[@alicec4671]

What a coincidence! I'm currently doing the Nakasendo Trail on the Conqueror Challenges and I'm 10% done. I'm past the Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki. Cool!

[@Emma-Maze]

That's so exciting! I hope you have the best of times

[@Rosso87]

Sad that these travel videos don't do too well anymore, these are some of my favourite content on KZbin. Chris somehow makes Japan look even more beautiful than usual in these shots and it's so interesting to find out about these places. Top notch as per usual Chris!

[@21palica]

Finally visited Japan on a business trip. Stayed at Tokushima, but visited Osaka too! I must admit, I fell in love with the country, it's nature and it's people! Watching your videos helped me blend in, knowing their customs, what to expect and how to conduct myself when interacting with the locals. Thank you for that, Chris! If you want a great panoramic shot, go to Tokushima on a sunny day, and climb up the Mt. Bizan. The 360 view is breathtaking!

[@coloursofjapan]

So glad you got the chance to visit Japan 🙂

[@vincentnguyen7080]

great pfp haha

[@joescarpelliiii8637]

I walked the Magome to Tsumago section of the Nakasendo in December, and it was very beautiful. Mountains, waterfalls, a very old tea house, and even little bells you can ring to scare off the bears! If I could do it, I'm sure an accomplished athlete like you would have no problem.

[@TheTinKunt]

I went last fall! That same exact route. It truly is a beautiful walk.

[@StephRangel]

I brought chocolate to the tea man! He was very surprised and happy 😊

[@platinumarceas9107]

"She loves the Slurp." I can't even 🤣🤣🤣

[@VoicesofthePast]

This is certainly my favourite style of vid. Great to see the different parts of Japan.

[@mrpooh987]

As someone who’s special interest is Japan, thank you Chris for posting these videos. Always such high quality and a familiar face I can watch when feeling down. Wishing you (and Sharla!) all the best in the future Abroad in Japan endeavors!!! Sending endless support from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!🤍🍜🍡🇯🇵

[@r.j.gavadin2807]

I honestly don't have the words to describe the beauty of towns like these. This is one of your best videos yet Chris. If they had internet I would move to a place like this in a heartbeat.

[@Even-Steven]

I could never get enough of these travel videos, a slice of the past in a modern context showcasing the beauty that is Japan.

[@brockanderson4674]

Congratulations, Chris and Sharla. You both make such great content and seem like genuinely good people. To many years of happiness and good fortune.

[@christophernaze]

I've been a subscriber for many years. This was one of my very favorites. Well done!

[@godzillaguy]

That was Ryotaro's best intro yet, speaking a new language just for this video! I love these videos set in the countryside focusing on the "old" Japan and the way people used to live. So pretty and tranquil!

[@danni6257]

Nice to see Pete last time, and Sharla and Ryotoro this time 😊 Will Natsuki, Connor and Joey join you during the other videos in this series?

[@MyVanir]

Garnt, crying in the corner:

[@michaelhaykal6548]

@@MyVanir little babyman is crying

[@Outwardpd]

@@MyVanir Now that you mention it he does seem strangely absent from these crossovers with Chris

[@Zinras]

@@Outwardpd He's being Taken for Garnted.

[@itsjustdhass8476]

@@Zinras oeyyyyyy

[@shavneelnand1976]

It’s the whole set of people not just one that makes Abroad in Japan enjoyable. Really fun to see familiar and new faces and the quality of videos given.

[@rey187]

Not sure if Chris and Ryotaro realised how much danger they were in. A ninja literally snuck past them and got attacked by another unknown assailant. Glad they're fine.

[@TechHeadHD2]

Time for another walking across Japan video! This is gonna be fun :D

[@k4theend354]

the walking bear killed me! Love the creative route and the regular scheduled videos! Worth the Patreon Backup!

[@JaydevRaol]

Yeah same

[@MrZarathas]

Oh snap I live like 30 minutes away from Narai-juku! Can confirm, Nagano's "shinshu" soba is the best I've had in Japan. The valley that holds the Nakasendo, Kiso valley, is probably one of my favorite hidden gems, so many villages and places to discover. Hope y'all get a chance to explore more of Nagano in the future!

[@user-bs4iz6ml4z]

What do you do there ?

[@coloursofjapan]

What a great place to live!

[@DeeLynne]

Gorgeous video Chris! thank you for sharing another wonderful area of Japan with us❤

[@DarkRainb0wKnight]

Are these walking videos becoming main stay? I'm all for it!

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

Walking through every major city in Japan sounds like a nice concept.

[@CHEFPKR]

I'm digging this style a lot sir. As someone who is visiting in October, this is right up my ally.

[@paolaanimator]

Love seeing the travel videos and the beautiful views in more hidden trails of Japan!

[@neonknight7673]

The urge to travel every time I watch your videos gets so much stronger. Thanks for cool videos like this Chris!!!

[@apocyn]

I'm finally moving to Japan this March after years of watching your videos. Thank you for everything Chris!

[@mariposa2221]

👍🏔️✈️💞🌅🌸

[@sashamocni4933]

Ryotaro is just a magical topping every time he joins 😇

[@whyisthisathingnow...]

I stayed in Magome during my first trip to Japan and it was truly magical. I didn't know much about the hiking trail there but after seeing this I have to go back sometime and experience it in full.

[@travelertrome8449]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for bringing us along. 😎

[@Vugen18]

THIS! THIS IS PEAK CHRIS. Exploration,lore, food, a slurping Ryotaro!

[@Don_Giovanni]

Apparently, his middle name is Lickitung. 🤣

[@humbertoamorim8130]

Your content keeps getting better and better, congratulations. The fanbase very much appreciates it.

[@highcommander2007]

really loved this, the mix of history; the lore; the visuals. keep um coming

[@rynhardvaneck333]

Beautiful scenery such a good video the editing has leveld up i enjoyed it thank you Chris.

[@tlsenator1221]

For some reason I got a bit of a jump scare from that bear walking across the background 😂

[@Laura_Darkspear]

Whoa! Just look at those ultra realistic special effects! I thought Sharla had become a ninja for a second there. 😉 Nice job editing! That place looks gorgeous.

[@insideT7IO.]

So glad! Taking time to see you is worthy.✨✨✨

[@SuicidelG]

It's so nice of you to have invited Sharla on the trip to hold the umbrella for you! I bet she felt privileged. Hell, you even got her her own room separate from you and Ryotaro. Nice!

[@peter83810]

Let's pump the viewership numbers up. Love these videos. I almost cried every time I see the beautiful natural scenery. Thank you Chris for bring me the joy!

[@salembookworm]

I always love the travel videos! Please try to make more. "Journey across Japan" has become my comfort series. And who wouldn't love to have Chris, Risotorro and Sharla as youe travel guide?

[@broccolihighkicks3857]

Absolutely stunning, a great way to see old Japan. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@orelfaiman]

I love the colour edit on this video. A real vibe. And I love videos like these is general

[@bubb5263]

I love the new theme of walkning everywhere! Walking across Japan when??

[@Mic_Mike]

I stayed in the guesthouse right next to the water-wheel you choose to speak from 😂 I absolutely LOVED Magome! It is breathtaking and at night, they lit lanterns all the way from bottom to top of the village, beautiful! Also, better at night as there was less tourists. Highly recommend visiting!

[@imsleepy620]

Always a pleasure to have a new Abroad in Japan video. Didn't expect two in a week.

[@kristin7146]

Absolutely stunning, thank you for sharing! These are the kind of adventures I want to do whenever I visit Japan.

[@fenrirlives2226]

Man these locations were absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the nostalgic peek at our previous Autumn!

[@galen_bradwarden]

Of the countless videos I've watched on this channel this one in particular makes me want to book a trip to Japan immediately. If I ever do find myself fortunate enough to visit Japan, the Nakasendo Trail will absolutely be on my itinerary.

[@darkrom8439]

Finally some more videos within a smaller amount of timeeee, genuinely my fav channel to watch by far!

[@onuxtigris3392]

Thank you for the continually visually stunning videos that make me long to return to Japan, Chris.

[@thewolfpack7718]

Never get tired of your adventures. Information and culture a wonderful sample size of Japan.

[@adamklasan4585]

For me this was one of your best videos, absolutely loved it. If I ever end up taking the family to Japan this is where we're going.

[@Lisallamaa]

Gorgeous!!!! Adding this on my to-visit list!!!

[@frogboi9554]

Please never stop making travel videos like these they are awesome !

[@martincrown8616]

Man, thank you. I was having a horrible day, finding nothing i could relax to, and then you come with a Mountain Village video which i love. Thanks for this moment.

[@SnowClover]

I'm sorry you had a horrible day. I hope things improve for you 🌷

[@jenerossitea9247]

Always really nice to see an Abroad in Japan video show up in my notifications. Really can't wait to see what's in store for 2023. Love your videos Chris.

[@JonathanWKG]

Chris, your content is relatable, fascinating and fun. I really enjoy your videos and you give me ideas of places to visit every time I visit Japan. Thank you! 🙌🏻

[@kosipova01]

Wow, this is a bucket list trip! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Outwardpd]

So glad to see that regular releases are becoming a thing again! Have you considered scheduling these visits to where you can interview the locals like the bear hunter and people who run the traditional inns?

[@markar634]

Walking the Nakasendo trail is a life goal for sure, so insanely beautiful

[@fvances]

I live in the mountains and love when it rains. Really makes natures colors pop. Especially the green. Love the video!

[@MerryMoss]

These places are just indescribably beautiful ❤🌿 Thank you for taking us with you ^^

[@RangelMladenov]

This was so refreshing! Hope you make more videos like this! And you and Sharla are so cute together!

[@Kayessification]

Just got back from Japan and videos like this have me planning my next trip already. Keep up the good work!

[@zie2662]

loved the chill tone and atmosfere of the vid. insanely well made and composed, should do these more often

[@creepingd3ath]

Ryotaro is such a great tour guide- lots of nice little insights and factoids from him. Awesome video as always!

[@raeperonneau4941]

The architecture is just so beautiful and timeless. Fills the eyes and the soul.

[@rebecca7948]

Loved this video. It definitely makes me want to visit these locations! So beautiful! Also, nice to see a romantic trip with you and Ryotaro... and I guess a bit of Sharla too!

[@superdude732]

Great video. I love these chilled out episodes in the countryside.

[@hedgepeth47]

You are looking great Chris and seem a lot happier. Keep up the great work!

[@MW-xx4cc]

Chris, another outstanding video. Please never stop, you are such a natural in front of the camera and I love your storytelling. We need more of those walking-tour videos!! Love from NZ

[@eerielakeerie]

god, the production quality on these videos always blows me away. makes me desperately want to visit japan some day. thank you for the hard work!

[@TheRainfield]

Instantly excited as soon as i see charla taking part in the video! Yay for you two

[@Kamehouse444]

I love these type of videos, including the last one, where you just discover another wonderful bit of Japan.