I Spent a Night in a Japanese Hostess Bar

Japan's nightlife scene is dominated by hostess clubs and snack bars. We head inside one as we continue our Journey Across Japan accompanied by special guest Ryotaro!
🍿BEHIND the Scenes: / abroadinjapan
Ebiya (Eel)
maps.app.goo.gl/dLsM1HkCCEcqh...
Higashi Hanayama (Geisha Snack Bar)
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Ookawasou Resort
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Starring @RyotarosJapan
Edited by: Marcus Canning, Eiji Iwakawa
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[@AbroadinJapan]

*JOURNEY ACROSS JAPAN CONTINUES!* And at least we're joined by Ryotaro who's with us for the next couples of episodes through Fukushima and Miyagi. Hope you're enjoying the series guys! With five epic episodes out in the last 7 days, it's a record for Abroad in Japan to release so many videos in such a short space of time WITHOUT compromising on quality. A real testament to the amazing production team and the editing squad. Show them some love in the comments and hit the like button if you enjoyed the video! See you tomorrow for the next episode🍿

[@jacobrev6567]

I really enjoy as well actually

[@jessetorres8738]

Trivia note: The U.S. game show The Amazing Race has been on for 35 Seasons, & they have traveled to Japan for 8 of them; 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, & 31.

[@nelson0110]

Thanks for the Geisha request. 🙂

[@DoomPlague]

I think it's fair to say that many us appreciate the effort being put into this series. And I'm glad you showed us the team when you started the trip.

[@PONO-go3ee]

Two Guys in a Lil tiny car With a Wined UpToy With a Highly Suspicious Hole ⭕️in the Freezing Cold Slippery Eels boiling Hot Onsen with Robes on 😝🤪😳👀

[@RyotarosJapan]

Glad that everyone seems to enjoy my definition of foraging. The eel course was the best. BTW the hotel Okasaso was used in the anime Demon Slayer.

[@LoveInTinglish]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed that the hotel was the one from Demon Slayer and yours is the only comment on here, @ryotarosjapan😅 (Also, I believe your definition of foraging is the correct one.)

[@jadeandblood]

As soon as I saw the shamisen player, it occurred to me! Like isn't this where Muzan Jackson summoned all his demons??? 😮

[@thecarlob_007]

I commented the exact same thing…then I found this. 😂

[@michaelj.beglinjr.2804]

@@thecarlob_007 ----Sucks, doesn't it? Lol Every time i think I made an original comment, someone has usually just beaten me to it :)

[@zachlee3945]

No wonder why I was reminded of the infinity castle!

[@Hexra_]

That wasn't a challenge, it was a reward. Ryotaro clearly rigged it so he gets to eat some delicious unagi. Truly a man two steps ahead at all times

[@Andy.Kobayashi]

I believe Ryotaro is a secret agent. He's multilingual, dodged sniper bullet once and with his contacts and connections around Japan, no challenge or task is impossible to be done. Edit: Plus he got a safehouse/secret hideout

[@ishaan863]

"I've bought a new house" = "New safehouse to lay low in"

[@Seabeams]

They call it a “holiday home” to make it less sinister

[@maralisil]

Japanese James Bond! 😁

[@obstacleinsurmountable5878]

He's a Japanese native who is an American spy that uses a British accent to throw people off his trail. At this point, i believe Chris is a part of his network that spans Japan and the UK

[@obstacleinsurmountable5878]

Also he's admitted he compartmentalizes the way he uses language bet that helps control accents

[@yakoto4876]

This isn't a livestream. Chris could easily just film everything first and let the editor cook for half a year then release it. Instead, our man got the crew ready on the clock for almost real time releases. This is dedication.

[@Even-Steven]

Forget the challenges, we had Natsuki, now we have Ryotaro. I call this a win!

[@Slowplaymae]

So you’re saying it’s not the Journey but the friends along the way? (But in all honesty you’re 1000% right)

[@Erebusdidnothingwrongish]

❤

[@Survived_the_psyop]

True friends. What a blessing.

[@immanuelhpj3707]

now we need both of them in the same episode xD

[@chroma-agogo]

This comment was funded by the Ryotaro Propaganda Corps

[@maxime1776]

It’s fun to see Risotoro! It’s been a long time!

[@sandman6045]

That means Chris's fun times are over.. at least he can brag about he can slurp now...good for you Chris 😂

[@Coldbreezed]

Lol

[@AstroDan420]

He has his own channel fyi

[@smashed_penguin]

Delicious Risotoro ♨️

[@Erebusdidnothingwrongish]

Been here since he was an English teacher. He is lucky to have made good true friends. It's a credit to his effort. Well done Chris and ensemble. I really liked you're video about being close to the camera. You made a good point about people getting further away from the public. I also watched a routine video about why Japna like you Chris. You have gone through all the phases of imagration. Ups and down the acceptance. I am proud to be English and having a respectful good chap representing KZbin and the UK. Sending some love, “Promise the world” a quote we can all get behind 🫡 ❤️

[@Bibliophilie]

"Thats Hotspring water. How the hell did you get that?" "Well, there is a pipe" I laughed too hard at this part. 😂😂

[@PixelShade]

hahaha me too, Chris was like "what kind of magic is this!?" and Risottoro brings him back to the boring reality of traditional plumbing xD

[@mrdt1993]

Same 😂

[@itsuko7445]

I'm an Edokko who was born in Tokyo. Thank you for showcasing the wonderful aspects of Japan to globally. The new series seems to be created to redirect foreign tourists away from highly frequented destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and the areas around Mt. Fuji, towards lesser-known regions. As you are aware, many renowned spots in Japan are currently facing challenges. I trust that these videos will serve as a positive contribution and potential solution to the current situation. You are so smart.

[@aoneko6813]

This is true! I'm planning on going to Japan in july to study the language for a year, and i will definitely be gethering information from thease series. Greetings from Sweden!

[@BelmixkryMemberXV]

Your solution to the challenge was both creative and much safer than foraging in the wild! I'd take the tentative win lol

[@DoomPlague]

Had he successfully caught one I might agree. Just like I would have accepted the cat as a celebrity had they actually met it. But hey, I'm entertained.

[@dariyanvalentine3564]

i read that as ill take the tentacle win, which in a way, chris did.

[@srellison561]

@@DoomPlague He did catch one, but it slipped away. The expression "slippery as an eel" exists for a reason. Anyway, it was more fun than watching them blunder around in the woods looking for nuts or game.

[@DoomPlague]

@@srellison561 Probably so. Though seeing Chris get lost in the woods with Ryotaro could have been interesting and/or terrifying.

[@harpot678]

​@@srellison561Even if you can't blame Chris for letting the eel slip, there's no way you can pretend he succeeded. This wasn't a 'Out of my hands, Cat on Holiday' he literally stood there holding a container waiting for the Chef to take the eel.

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

I see you and Ryotaro finally coordinated him sitting to your right while you eat so the two of you don't bump elbows

[@AbroadinJapan]

It only took 7 years haha

[@AikoNishimura_7]

Now we wait for Natsuki to learn this secret technique, too :D@@AbroadinJapan

[@nataliawineland34]

I actually think the eel "foraging" was very creative and probably the best you could do in winter 😂

[@kevingault2333]

As much as Journey Across Japan is great for showing the sights of Japan, I also just love it for Chris hanging out with guests and friends. It is always a good time with Ryotaro, Natsuki, and all the rest!

[@Beachtrader0007]

missing shamalaya. it was a long name...

[@jacobrev6567]

ryotaro is so funny in this episode actually 😂👍

[@AbroadinJapan]

It pains me to admit it, but he's been sorely missed!

[@evapunk333]

​@@AbroadinJapanOh Chris, just admit you like the guy. 🤣🤣

[@Singularity-vp9xo]

@@AbroadinJapan Are you drunk Chris? When you start giving Ryotaro the benefit of the doubt, I start to get worried.

[@jacobrev6567]

@@AbroadinJapan you definitely like Ryotaro actually

[@G3an]

ryotaro get off @@AbroadinJapans telephone!

[@leahnardo]

Ryotaro’s connections come in handy on the fly for these challenges! Missed his sass. Hope you enjoyed dipping your toe in the hunter gatherer lifestyle.

[@MightyWeiner]

Truly, he's now a man of the wilds.

[@clickeric]

Love seeing Ryotaro again, he has so much personality and a good energy.

[@shirohanakurohana]

Chris, you are awesome. I am so glad you showed the team behind the scenes and talked about the hard parts of filming, too! This is such a cool series. :D Thanks to you and your team and friends, we see Japan and how beautiful it is. I want to thank you and your crew so much for all you are doing!

[@sean_michael_kenny]

"Journey Go Around Japan." Well, there's the name of the next series sorted.

[@WisteriaBerlitz]

"Journey Go Around Japan in 80 Days"

[@ishaan863]

The views on these might be slow to pick up because they're daily videos, but this is a REMARKABLE achievement, and the quality is insanely high given the tight schedules you guys are operating on. Shoutout to the entire team, I bet the editors don't have it easy! EDIT: the views on all the other ones match this or more so shows what I know about KZbin lmao

[@pr0v0cative4pple]

I've been thinking, with this series, your staff has been working seriously hard, and I can see the massive amount of work that goes into every last second of this series. I can only imagine how much work goes into making a production like this, especially in the short amount of time you all have to get it done. Your team is absolutely phenomenal, and I hope they know that we fans really appreciate that.

[@ThePeteriarchy]

Oh man, two minutes in and I'm already smiling ear to ear upon seeing Ryotaro and his sass again. Loving this series so far, just as much as the original, maybe even moreso since you've gone from an attempt at being healthy on a bike to playing chicken with death itself by driving around in this heap lol. Hope the journey's still going great! Really appreciate the frequent uploads!

[@cabbage_cat]

First Ryotaro's appearance in this JAJ, and it's a hostess bar episode Legend

[@Seabeams]

7:45 “slimy, slippery and just generally unpleasant to be around, Ryotaro looks on…” 😂 I am so thankful to the crew, the production and editing are superb (15:40 you completely ruined that elegant geisha performance 😂) and the additional rest gives Chris the energy for those extra sharp zingers that brings the comedy and entertainment of these videos to the next level. 10:06 also what the hell are jellied eels. And sorry to all the Enids and Jennifers out there

[@underactive]

so much nostalgia seeing Ryotaro behind the wheel and it feels like a classic AIJ episode. love it!

[@bigc1280]

Chris, "That's hot spring water, how the hell do you get that?!" Ryotaro, "Its called a pipe..."

[@CarbonNut]

I can't wait for the outtakes on that one 😂

[@cterjesen]

Given the season, and the (I assume) lack of knowledge about what to eat and not eat, I hope the comment section is nice in regards of the challenge in today's video. I applaude the creativity to the solution here. I've missed watching Ryotaro in your videos. You and him have such a fun chemistry together, and provides a kind of humor I enjoy to watch. I'm looking forward to the next episode! :D

[@srellison561]

Short of gathering nuts or hunting, there really wasn't much they could do. I'm pretty sure they couldn't acquire a hunting license and a rifle in less than a day, which pretty much leaves nuts.

[@TheRagingnorseman]

To be fair, the challenge the other day said "find a local celebrity", not "find a local human celebrity", so the cat absolutely counts!

[@molybdomancer195]

The only thing was they didn’t actually see the cat

[@MinecraftManager]

I like to imagine Ryotaro as an ancient Japanese demon/yokai that Chris is stuck with like a curse. Though it’s probably the opposite

[@trebhum_]

Definitely the opposite 😂

[@darshagarwal8307]

All hail lord Risottoro! Glad to see him back on the channel! One of my favourite guests as usual

[@ddoublya]

I appreciate hag he gives constant shout outs to the crew and gives them screen time they are so essential and often times overlooked.

[@Christian-xf5ke]

I missed Ryotaro so much. It was so good seeing him. This reminded me of the bar hopping episode with Ryotaro, which I think about all the time. God I love this series. Hands down my favorite and the most impressive production yet. I can only imagine how difficult the logistics are to coordinate behind the scenes.

[@meapineapple2383]

I have today off and a new video, what a wonderful way to start the day. Coffee in hand, let the adventure begin!

[@salembookworm]

I'm so happy Ellen is back. If only behind the scenes. I'm so glad this channel exists.

[@brittm1960]

She's in Sharla's 3rd vlogmas episodes!

[@salembookworm]

@@brittm1960 I know. I actually wanted to post it there, but got the videos mixed up 😅

[@LAK_770]

Me too, last time we saw her was when Chris abandoned her in the street in Fukuoka lol. Tbh I had a huge crush on her in that episode

[@salembookworm]

@@LAK_770 Same dude same lol.

[@NathanaelTak]

That eel foraging was such a clever solution to the challenge. While the expectation is scouring the forest, being in town and in winter, there really wasn't much hope without going way outside the usual scope of this channel. That ryokan looked amazing!

[@ericcolbert8174]

There is something so refreshing and wholesome about Chris admitting to missing Ryotaro these past few months. Brings joy to my heart and makes me want to tell some old friends that I miss them. Hope the trip continues without disaster!

[@zwillyc]

Only 2 intro tunes can get me fired up: 1. Champions League Anthem 2. Journey Across Japan Intro

[@sanashi27]

Might not have been actual foraging but it's fun to see you trying to take hold of the eel so to me, it's all good. Ryotaro really just have a lot of connections there it seems which is awesome. There are really a lot of wonderful places there and the ones you guys went to this episode look really great (the place with the stairs look awesome!).

[@quietusplus1221]

So far, one of the best things you've done. Production values out of the roof on this series. I hope it gains popularity. Natsuki is certainly picking up his English during this trip. It's improving by the video. Rather quickly as well.

[@HakuYuki001]

16:54 If you’re wondering what that scroll says…. It’s actually Chinese which isn’t uncommon, from the ever famous 孫子兵法 The Art of War. 疾如風，徐如林，侵掠如火，不動如山 (按照戰場形勢的需要，部隊行動迅速時，如狂風飛旋；行進從容時，如森林徐徐展開；攻城掠地時，如烈火迅猛；駐守防禦時，如大山巋然) Be rapid like wind, be compact like the forest. Be fierce like fire, be immovable like mountains. Basically in reference to troop formation on the battlefield.

[@tyranitararmaldo]

*Sees opening few seconds* This is going to be rEELly fun ;D

[@AbroadinJapan]

Oh god

[@BeigeMannHere]

These videos are coming thick and fast and I love it 🙌🏽

[@OseiBayard]

It's always nice to see you with any one of your friends. You have this magic ability to just make the unique attributes of each person shine. That happens to be a really handy skill for a director!

[@kennyj604]

After a day's work, getting home and making myself dinner there's nothing better than plunking my butt on the couch and watching this. Another brilliant episode. Kudos to you Chris, the production team, editors and your guests. It is heartening to see that as your videos become more polished n such, you and your passion of Japan, it's culture, it's people and sharing such passion with humility with a spice of humor has remained unchanged since you debuted your channel. If anyone is asks me about info regarding Japan, I tell the subscribe to Abroad in Japan. Cheers from Vancouver Canada.

[@RyzawaVT]

Can't believe they have 7,000 challenges in Anpanman! Like a TARDIS. I love how Ryotaro just makes things happen, real handy having a guy like that.

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

They dont have them all in there. They only put in one each time supposedly selected by the crew from the 7,000 suggestions.

[@celticcultess5919]

Tardis = possible brit sighting

[@RyzawaVT]

@@montgomeryfortenberry yea ik i'm just joking, obviously there's not 7,000 papers in that small of a container

[@Mryodamiles]

When I was growing in Thailand, the school arranged annual scout event where we have to do all sorts of activity to earn a different tab (idk what do you call it). One of the activity was to pick up a live eel from oil drum (full of eels). That thing is insanely slippery lol

[@chrisdowney51]

Badge or patch would be the equivalent I think.

[@WayWillow]

Badge.

[@ZeroXSEED]

Indonesian here, we also use patch. The difference with "western" badges is that you permanently sew your patch to your scout uniform instead of using a pin.

[@Muwies1]

So fun to see Chris and Ryotaro get on this well on camera again. I know they've been mostly acting up the whole rivalry thing in the last episodes they did together, but it got a bit TOO rivalrous for my taste.

[@M8gazine]

🙂

[@NatalieCDavies]

I didn't realise how much I missed Ryotaro, he's awesome! Please can we have more of him in 2024, thankyou ❤❤😁😁

[@jellycatfish]

I love how Chris bought a Kei Car only to have all of his guests drive it constantly 😂

[@RubyRoks]

Nice to see Ryotaro again. He's definitely showing off some of the fancier aspects of North Japan with the dinner and bar.

[@CKPeppi]

Besides the amazing final content, I love that you share how the crew is working behind the scenes. Kudos to you all 👍🏻

[@LilysRealm2]

god i love this series so much :D the eels did look cute and the way they were prepared looked lovely!

[@kaile5050]

Ryotaro is the Charming & Natsuki is the Chaos, Both Lovely Fellows, so glad Chris has these 2 as friends

[@dchevron77]

Love this series! Joined the patreon to support this crazy endeavor.

[@lncompetentGaming]

This really captures the raw unplanned adventure that the first journey across Japan did had! Somehow innovative and nostalgic and fresh. Truly a delight to watch.

[@jonatanc7491]

So nice to see ryotoro again! This was a rly good episode, keep up the good work!

[@totalnonsense6878]

Your theme music is incredible. Whoever made it absolutely nailed it. Completely elevates the whole production.

[@Grashalm]

Amazing to be able to keep up with the quality of the videos in such short time, great job editors! And Chris for showing us the various parts of Japan. There is more to Japan than just Tokyo. And Ryotaro seems to have a guy for everything, all around very entertaining :D

[@charleydevlin833]

These videos are an advent calender I never knew I needed! Love the videos Chris!🫶🏼

[@paultuck]

The production team are doing an amazing job. Getting these videos out so quickly and yet of such high quality. A daily challenge more formidable than anything Anpanman has delivered to Chris and they continue to ace it. Also if Chris had managed to catch and hold onto an eel I would have counted that as a success. Definitely foraging Ryotaro-style, that man does everything high class!

[@tristan7586]

Been loving this series! Great work and kudos to your team.

[@Slowplaymae]

Ryotaro 🎉Been loving this incarnation of Journey Across Japan. Thanks to Chris and team for giving me so much to enjoy with all your videos, but especially this series. It’s like a magic!

[@wehojm7320]

I really enjoyed this vlog. Ryotaro is your perfect foil to you. I think hand picking out your own live eel qualifies for you foraging for you food. I especially like the way the ell is grilled. Delicious

[@johnreynolds5103]

loving this series so far and great to see Ryotaro again!

[@microwave33]

this series is amazing man, just day after day knowing there's gonna be more is great

[@coffey1235]

I enjoyed this soo much thanks for the videos it doesn't matter if its a documentary style or fun with friends exploring. Both styles are informative, respectful and fun when appropriate. If possible in the future could you revisit your old school from JET after reading the book it would be an amazing episode full of memories

[@evapunk333]

I love hearing Ryotaro speak English because you occasionally hear words you would normally hear someone say if they had a British accent. I know why, but it's still cute lol. Also, holy crap how much money does Ryotaro have??? Dude is so well connected and can afford the best stuff like all the time!

[@whykeyc8054]

Great Episode! Funny to see you went back to a place you've been before within the journey ! Glad to see Ryotaro again!

[@stephenbaxter3369]

This is a great insight into Northern Japan. It really is an amazing country and I look forward seeing more of your travels.

[@HARV1991]

There should be some kind of rule regarding the daily challenges that if they seem impossible beyond reason like on this video, you're allowed to roll the thingy one more time to get another challenge.

[@xxNoManzLandxx]

Really enjoying these shorter but more focused JAJ videos. The filming and editing team are killing it too, props to them!

[@derrickrose4233]

So good to see Ryotaro back always a nice addition to the vids loved the Geisha part such a fun thing to do and the snowy parts in Japan always is my fav great work and the crew for always working hard behind the scenes!❤

[@matt8pie]

Episodes with Ryotaro are such a throwback to some of my favourite episodes you did on your come up to success. Loving this series

[@Fluffymonkeyem]

I love how both Ryotaro and Natsuki think you're crazy for the tiny car 😂

[@jessetorres8738]

Trivia note: The U.S. game show The Amazing Race has been on for 35 Seasons, & they have traveled to Japan for 8 of them; 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, & 31.

[@jostafro4967]

The constant uploads with this level quality is awesome!

[@datlam7836]

It was great to see Ryotaro again! Love all of these episodes so much that I've been rewatching old ones while I wait for the new ones lol

[@FOGoticus]

Ryotaro was such a fun guy this episode. Can’t wait for tomorrow to roll around faster 😂

[@TKFTCaboose]

It's fun to see you and your nemesis reunited after so long. XD I think the eels count towards the challenge cuz while contained it was still difficult to grab them. I would have "foraged" at a local conbini. Lol

[@19justinlambert82]

I appreciate the hard work, Chris. It's nice to have you back in my feed so often. I know it must be an incredible physical, mental, and financial strain but you still deliver affably.

[@miniscus5]

Another great video!Fully inmersing ourselves into Japan from abroad!

[@PaulFJStam]

Great episode! Makes me miss eating unagi in Japan even more. Thanks Chris for allowing us to live vicariously through your wacky adventures❤

[@Pauldjreadman]

Journey go round Japan lol. Back to normal then lol That guy is literally not what you know but who you know .

[@candouidus]

Thank and good job to all the team!! very fun moment of the night for me

[@tiagopinto365]

Good to see Ryotaro back, so fun! the editing team is amazing, love all the angles and content!! incredible👌

[@Jason-35D]

So whenever Chris posts a video with food, we’re all going to tell him how well he did foraging for it right?

[@TheMatias2]

I've been watching your channel since before it had 100K subs, and it's amazing how time and time again, you find interesting topic and new views, even going back and showing us the progress and differences. Keep up the great work, here's to almost 3M more subs! Cheers

[@NameDebate]

I am amazed at the quality of videos you are making every day! it is a testament to the quality team you got Chris!

[@bilbroswaggings9140]

I love the little heart to heart moments, like in the hotel room, just leveling and being real and then right back into the adventures we go!

[@Timecho1828]

I love this series, it releases perfectly for me to unwind with dinner after a long day at work. Thank you for doing this! :D

[@ronnyng9393]

thanks for all the videos! so much entertainment

[@Macho_Fantastico]

Loving this series of videos. I appreciate this must be difficult for Chris and the team, especially the editors.

[@ed_marin]

I have missed Ryotaro, so good to have him back! Great episode as always!

[@Dino50012]

Always good to have Rissotoro back for a video, loving this series, thanks Chris! Cant wait to hear more about it on the podcast!

[@leilahamaoui3564]

Absolutely adored this episode! Risotoro has some crazy connections and it made this episode so enthralling! Beautiful also to see a Geisha perform too, loving this new JAJ series! 🔥

[@Colourmecreepy]

Absolutely loving the series so far 🎉

[@Stanislav013]

Very, very good job on the episodes, light, funny and informative!

[@CoreroC_]

Holy we have missed Ryotaro! Loving the series so far, and can't wait for more!

[@MartinJ86]

Ryotaro is just an absolute legend, he's got the British way of banter nailed down. Always a good video when Risottaro turns up!

[@deswood5760]

Watching your stuff, knowing the company you have, and the amount of things you teach I always was intrigued by all your stuff is still pretty good...

[@Hammerstrike81]

Ryotarooooo~! What a fun video~! Thanks, Chris, Ryotaro, and the whole crew behind the scenes~!