I Survived Japan's Snowiest Town ⛩️ Winter Road Trip

Deep in the mountains of north Japan lies the snowy hot spring village of Ginzan. It's a shame our visit isn't so relaxing.
⛩️BEHIND the scenes Patreon: / abroadinjapan
🇺🇸 FEAT: @PremierTwo
Edited by Paul Ballard & Marcus Canning
Camera by @PaulBallard
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00:00 The Snowiest Place in Japan
02:55 Exploring Ginzan Hot Spring
18:44 Staying at a Mountain Townhouse
27:23 Inside My First Tiny Japanese Apartment
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[@AbroadinJapan]

Well guys it's been one hell of a journey across North Japan. A huge thank you to our six awesome guests along the way. We can only hope despite being quite literally chained up, Pete enjoyed himself along the way. Show him some love over on his new KZbin channel: kzbin.info I can only hope across this lengthy series, you've discovered one new place, dish or corner of Tohoku you want to experience yourself! Enjoy the final episode and see you soon! STICK AROUND UNTIL THE POST-CREDITS EASTER EGG SCENE. If you're a long time viewer, it'll be rather nostalgic.

[@gamechannelminecraft6583]

Hello everyone, good viewing🐼

[@codegeassprogramming]

can you make one cycle episode as a tribute to the previous seasons @Abroad in Japan

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Assaulting poor Pete with Mr. Piggy ! Hee, Hee, Hee........Every Time I here you speak of "Wellington Boots". I picture Leather Riding Boots and you Chris dressed like the Duke of Wellington. Maybe Ryotoro would be dressed as Napolean Bonaparte.

[@jacobrev6567]

I glad enjoying this video in this series

[@sportswithrob]

Thanks for the journey Chris was amazing all the way this is why I watch this channel n the podcasts n clips Okey I love it all thank you everyone

[@YOSHIVLOGDESU]

Hi, I'm the owner of "Casa de Yoshi". Thank you for staying at my place :) I'm glad you guys enjoyed it

[@Hexra_]

Crazy how as soon as Joey leaves Journey Across Japan, the next challenge for the next guest is straight up public torture. Joey really is the favorite child of the series

[@hitachicordoba]

yeah he's a bit posh for an Aussie lol

[@reinlee5542]

The one favorite spoiled child you meant. Meanwhile, Chris just tosses scraps for the rest and leave them to fend for themselves.. Mostly that unfortunate lad, Connor. lol

[@xanxus5933]

@@reinlee5542 Grant is Meilyne's favorite child while Joey is Chris', Connor..... maybe Kaho

[@ssora8678]

@@xanxus5933 Connor may be Kaho's favorite child... to troll

[@Primus_075]

The real MVP is John for inviting chris back to the very room where it all started. You could see the smile on chris's face.

[@ManiX207]

yeah that was a power move damn - that is really amazing

[@ElizabethJimenezNowButler]

Pete didn't deserve this, he's a sweet soul. This was definitely a Connor level challenge.

[@soulcash]

As a silent enjoyer of your videos for many years now, I found that ending really nice. Took me back to the first video I watched on your channel which is ironically your first video. I felt the urge to finally leave a comment again. You've came far after all these years and I enjoyed every bit of the journey. You're an inspiration and a real example of how beautiful life can be if you work towards what you really want to do. Thanks Chris, you're doing amazing work showing all these spots, people and so on, never change.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Thanks for sticking around all these years! It was utterly surreal to be back in the room where it all began. Silent viewers make up most of the Abroad in Japan audience and I owe them a great debt, haha.

[@user-rx3jz1ir2e]

いいね

[@jama211]

​@@AbroadinJapan I genuinely first saw your channel with that video, and it's so cool to see it back there again, amazing!

[@jeanpierrepolnareff6903]

Hey, another Resident Evil fan :)

[@NemesisFromResidentEvil]

@@jeanpierrepolnareff6903Hello 😎

[@anifreakXD]

What a full circle moment. I started getting emotional seeing Chris in that room again after all those years. Shoutout to John for letting Chris and his friends see his old apartment again.

[@Fyre0]

I can't explain why I teared up at that moment. Nostalgia? Regret? Wanting to go back and do things differently? Perhaps all three.

[@IanFarquharson2]

Excellent finale…

[@user-mk2ss6py3i]

I started getting emotional from your seeing your anus truly a beautiful sight and the smell I won't soon forget make sure to not wash tell we meet again love you byeee

[@AbroadinJapan]

John saved the day! What a legend!

[@user-mk2ss6py3i]

Sniff

[@artistuk9590]

It's so cool to see Connor's little piggy getting so much airtime! It needs to be added to the pantheon of JAJ characters.

[@onderkaya219]

"Connor's little piggy" sounds very wrong lol

[@Tomthecat01]

Piggy McPigface

[@Rust1809]

​@@onderkaya219exactly my thoughts 😂

[@Christian-xf5ke]

That post credit scene was the perfect way to cap off the journey 😂. I found myself feeling oddly emotional when Chris was back in his old apartment. There’s something really romantic about Chris embarking on a journey back to where it all started alongside the incredible people that have entered his life over his time in Japan. Chris is literally the embodiment of the phrase maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way. I have loved every Journey Across Japan but this one felt really special. Thanks for bringing us along for the journey. Looking forward to the next one!

[@ChrisJohnson-nc4il]

Massive respect to John for letting us see the birthplace of a legend

[@razikroos8854]

He wanted to see the legend himself

[@jonbaxter2254]

Now we will see John back again in 10 years!

[@neodarlek]

It's quite endearing that when Chris is talking about the snow he says "compared to what WE normally get here", showing that he still feels at home in Yamagata

[@Dregkar]

Caught that too, you can tell if it wasn't for youtube he would rather live there again.

[@nadogger]

@@Dregkar all too true of so many in big cities. the heart yearns for the country, but the wallet earns in the city

[@jonathan-8469]

Honestly crazy how well you push content out. You’ve been in Japan for 10+ years and continue to bring new and enjoyable content. Even though you’ve revisited places it’s always a different experience and all the memories you shared with people on this journey was great! Thanks for showing us Japan

[@leilahamaoui3564]

💯 Massive respect and appreciation for this channel!

[@moeyali123]

5 years ago I would watch his videos and fantasise about going to Japan. Now I’ve been there twice and hopefully many more times to come 🤞

[@kinimodcinham1752]

this koment to fletering! Chris not deserve this!

[@h4fifi]

I never expected the romantic episode to be with Pete and not Sharla😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@EbullientSMP]

Seeing Pete again is always a pleasure, the man absolutely makes any day

[@Dreamer66617]

every episode with him is GREAT

[@rafacastillo9611]

I'm always down to see everyone's favorite hypeman and storyteller, PeteTwo

[@ArmontHighwind]

WE WATCH IN FULL

[@ext609]

He's like a human version of golden retriever, and I love it.

[@s_-cv9uq]

He's got his own channel and is in a lot of Connor's stuff if you want more Pete!!

[@Moon-lighter]

Visting the old apartment really makes this my favorite video you've ever produced. We got to see an old Chris with over a decade of experience in Japan right back where his great life journey began, standing next to a new JET teacher at the very beginning his own adventure. It hits right in the feels. I hope John has a happy and memorable time in Japan and that Chris still has many more adventures to go on. Thanks for the motivation you give us, Chris, to go out and live life as an adventure. (The episode also hits harder since I recently received notice that I didn't make the JET program for the second time 🫤)

[@marieked]

I’m sorry that you didn’t make it in. Do they tell you why? So that you can improve on it?

[@Republicofpeter]

Try going through a company instead. I made it through with Interac. Don’t give up if it’s your dream.

[@lucazaroli6761]

Don’t let your dreams be dreams

[@AbroadinJapan]

Damn sorry to hear you didn't get on the JET program - Interac is a solid alternative and you can have side jobs (unlike JET). Definitely check it out. I knew plenty of folks who had a great time on it (and ended up in better places as well). Thanks for the kind words :D

[@Moon-lighter]

​@@AbroadinJapanthanks for the tip. There's nothing to do but keep trying until something sticks 😅

[@mattjofre]

Man, seeing Chris in his old home doing the hawk bit... It's such a striking thing to see the grown-up, wiser (hopefully) and accomplished version of Chris sitting in the place where he started and just uttering the same words he once did, in the very same place, on the same platform to the same people, but a decade later. It makes me feel oddly emotional because I'm really happy for him, and at the same time its kind of the ultimate proof that no matter how humble your beginnings, in the end just persevering will bring you to a place where you'll feel grateful and proud of every moment that led you there- it'll all have been worth it. Congratulations on another succesful journey across Japan, Chris!

[@EliosNex]

Pete is such a natural entertainer, he brings so much joy to the videos 😂

[@tomhoots]

I expect that I can speak for everyone: You just CAN NOT watch the "Chris back in his old apartment" portion of this video without absolutely grinning ear to ear. How wonderful! Thanks to John for inviting Chris back home!

[@sanchopalzar6660]

absolutely

[@Grandy_UiD]

tbh I was actually closer to tearing up. One of those things that make you realize how much time has passed.

[@JohnComatose]

Don’t speak for all of us

[@mygetawayart]

i think this might be the best episode of any Journey Across Japan series that you've ever made.

[@kristin7146]

I'm sad to see it end, I've enjoyed this Journey Across Japan so much. Chris, you truly have a gift for cinematography, story-telling, and humor. Going back to your old apartment felt like such a magical way to wrap this trip up. Here's to the next adventure!

[@Zelmel]

Big props belatedly to Connor for gracing Journey Across Japan: Nonstop North with the blessing that is Mr. Pig.

[@Punisher6791]

I feel like we don't get enough Pete on the channel so anytime he is on, its a treat.

[@lyndylou752]

And considering that it was Chris that told him London was a “safe” place I think Chris owes Pete😀😀

[@MaJuV]

As somebody who has been watching Chris for about 10 years now, seeing him go back to the ol' appartment where his journey started, this was very heartwarming to see.

[@Ravenq222]

This is my favorite video of the whole series. Pete was the perfect guest to get handcuffed to.

[@Zelmel]

All joking aside, you can really see the friendship between Pete and Chris in this episode. Honestly, this entire series seems like it had more "honest" friendship moments than a lot of other ones, which was heartwarming.

[@Zelmel]

That said, I do really like the moments where you could definitely tell Pete was obviously restraining himself from threatening Chris' life if he didn't go in on the gag like the foot bath.

[@MiniKatanaStore]

Next challenge: Katanas for hands 🙌

[@johngo3715]

Katana Akimbo?

[@nothanks9503]

Kakuei Katana-Hands the new film from Tim Burton

[@snorkosaurus]

AND FEET...

[@Delaney-and-the-Starlight]

Galvarino approved 😂

[@michalurban867]

Is that a chainsaw man reference 👀

[@silis_pap8473]

Ngl the filming in the old apartment made me feel nostalgic and a little bit emotional. Awesome series as usual

[@yeetplyr8445]

Pete is just the best guest ever. The snow is so aesthetic, such a shame it’s almost nonexistent in Denmark

[@jegerjon1991]

Dane here, solo in Tokyo right now, just started a 60 day Japan adventure. This channel has provided great insights and travel ideas. Heading to Hokkaido in two days to experience the snowy mountains and the beautiful landscape. Thank you Chris for the inspiration!

[@jjdinanno4147]

Wow, this brings me back. My then five year old daughter watched that video with the hawk on repeat for a whole afternoon. She thought it was hilarious. Still does. She’s 16 now and we are preparing to go to Japan next year. In a weird way, she’s grown up with you. Glad you are still doing it!

[@toryperez3211]

The shop owner who said "You look like convicts" really tickled me 😂😂😂

[@aleksei8884]

Oh my god, that cafe looks so cozy it’s insane. I’d just stare outside for an hour and try to capture the moment in my brain. I am SO going to a winter onsen town in Japan in the future

[@jumpvelocity3953]

The recreation of the hawk video in the ending is just perfect, and the fact that Natsuki just did not much care for the car was hilarious 😂

[@ItsVoltali]

This was probably the most wholesome episode I’ve ever seen. Chris and Pete give off the vibe of brothers and I love it so much

[@isekun]

Finally, Chris has also made a video on the Ginzan onsens. And what better way to enjoy than being chained up with his 4th best American friend, Peter! P.S. I see that this is the final episode of JAJ. Massive props to Chris for pumping out so many high quality videos in the span of 2 months. It was a really fun filled journey and definitely sold me on visiting the Tohoku region on my trip to Japan!

[@PiSundays-mb1my]

I travelled to Japan in 2014 from Australia, and I remember your channel being a source of my research. After seeing you reference your old apartment I went down a bit it a rabbit hole of your channel. Amazing to see how far you've come and all the entertainment and knowledge you provide. Thank you for brightening up my day for so many years

[@solidsn2011]

Oh man, reading Chris' book and watching this episode gave me so much nostalgia! It kinda felt like I've been through Chris' life... I remember I was in a similar situation that in 2012 I moved to Italy and I've been living here ever since and I always wanted to visit Japan and found Chris' channel at the end of 2014 and immediately booked my flight to Japan in 2015. I am so inspired by these videos and I've set a goal to do something similar when my kids grow up (to visit all prefectures in Japan)! I am flying to Japan for the third time in two days with a friend and although is a business trip I'm gonna make the most out of it! Keep posting these amazing videos Chris!

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

32:56 I almost cried seeing you sit there in your old room, that was an amazing way to end the journey. And of course, it’s always great to see Pete. ❤

[@TwRex0410]

Pete and Chris have such a wholesome friendship. And to think it all started with a quiz in a bar.

[@v5Clone]

they definitely seem to bond the most genuinely

[@t.ortaliz2086]

From what video is this info from?

[@-dash.]

which quiz in a bar?

[@spencerloschiavo9888]

This JAJ captured everything I loved about the first one. Not everything works out perfectly, sometimes you end up sleeping in the freezing cold in a tent. But it doesn't matter because you and the people you're with make it special. Can't wait for the next one!

[@SlenderGuitarist]

You won't probably see this, but I just wanted to let you know that you're videos have helped me and inspired me in life. Everytime I hear the Journey Across Japan song it always feels me with joy and a little sadness of pass memories. This video got me a little emotional at the end lol. Thank you for making these videos.

[@RoxRuskie]

That final blooper at the end really brought it full circle, amazing work Chris and team, definitely the best way to learn about life in Japan, without actually being in Japan! 🦅

[@MultiVogon]

You definitely need an episode with both Pete & Sharla speaking with a British accent for the whole thing 🤣

[@allentoyokawa9068]

No sharla

[@garryferrington811]

I want Chris to attempt RP. He could imitate Jacob Rees-Mogg. (Real person.)

[@KingKhan-vo9og]

I really like that you were able to visit your old apartment and relieve those memories. John is a good host and it was nice for him to reach out and allow you to film in his apartment.

[@myscandinavianlife]

I think this has become my favorite video of yours to date 👍 the feeling of the camaraderie of your group, the nostalgia of you visiting your old flat, and the amazing snowy location! Amazingly produced! What an awesome video! Big up to all involved!

[@angelicad7]

Pete is always a joy to see. He is the type of person you wish you have in your life. This was a picturesque town

[@sirknight2652]

Going back to the original apartment was great, and such a lucky thing to be able to do. John is really cool to let you do that, and reach out for it. The last scene in the video though was wonderful as someone who has been watching the channel since 2014. I can actually remember watching your first video in a hotel room I was staying at while getting my college dorm situation sorted out. 2 years off on my part, but still that hard to explain nostalgia hit me as I smiled like a buffoon watching Chris ramble about the hawk outside of his room again. Wonderful video. Going back just made it hit harder how long it has been just from my perspective as a viewer.

[@tomybravi3838]

Poor Pete being tortured on public whilst snowing hahaha. John was the MVP for letting you go back to where it all started! Loved that part of the video.

[@CactusDave8]

Pete and Chris together gives us A1 content

[@Coldbreezed]

I figured Chris would give the kcar to the lad that lives in his old apartment, just as a former teacher of the school had done to Chris when he was a teacher there. Would’ve been a symbolic gift to complete the cycle

[@Waterhead]

I didn't expect to be filled with such emotion watching this. I actually stumbled across your channel looking for resources on how to learn Japanese. It was around July 2013 when I found your "How to Learn Japanese Kanji the Fun Way" video. I watched that and then looked at more videos and saw the apartment tour video. It's amazing to see just how far you've come. To go from a teacher on the J.E.T. program who just made videos on the side to a full time content creator and film maker. I'm very proud of you Chris and what you've achieved. Who knows what the next 11 years will bring.

[@razikroos8854]

Damn you watched him since 2013

[@dykam]

Was a bit later, december 2013, but over 10 years as well now. So many things done, so many things experienced.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Wow thanks for watching over a decade! That's quite the run and it certainly makes me appreciate how long we've been lucky to do all this! 2013 seems like another lifetime ago now, haha.

[@desfrancisco6373]

This is my favourite finale video out of all of your Journey Across Japan series.

[@DEVangelis27]

Loved seeing Chris in his first apartment again, really hit that nostalgia vibe

[@MoonlightStrider]

Pete's the kind of guy that even when you're having a bad day and you're like "screw everything" he says something that makes you crack a tiny grin and things start getting better.

[@petite.milady3179]

Something about the way this episode was filmed, the music, their laughs, the shots...nostalgic and wholesome 💕

[@Exceler376]

The S&M overtones of being chained together is just the type of cutting edge Vlog that I have come to expect from Abroad in Japan. For me Ian is the star of this episode--well played sir! Great series! -My thanks go out to you Chris, to all the guests.and to your amazing support staff!

[@tybt]

Ever since the 'I Tried Walking Across Tokyo in a Day ⛩' video, I've always thought that Chris and Pete bounce off each other quite well, and I'm really happy to be proved right!! Amazing video!! Definitely one of my favourites, and long too!!

[@anifreakXD]

Haha that pig gets everybody! 😆Great purchase Connor.

[@RyderMK]

A 40 minute JAJ video is just what I needed on a weekend. I find it funny that the one person you were chained up to was Pete lol

[@samuelllakaj5439]

These series man... Top quality and all for free. Thank you for the memories Chis and co.!

[@Taib-Atte]

this is one of, if not THE best journey across japan video of all time. pete made it so funny, and the apartment tour was really great too

[@jessicamotion4564]

This has been my fave episode of the series. It feels like we really got to see and experience the places with you rather than focussing so much on the challenges. Some were fun but I feel like in others they took the emphasis away from the places you were exploring. What a beautiful end to the series. Thanks for the trip and the hard work of the rest of the team.

[@iamjeffaroni]

I just love how Pete’s bag is chilling in the snow during his intro and the challenge presentation. I’m surprised it didn’t end up buried with all that snow 😂

[@OceanBeachBoy]

My only criticism is that the journey series isn’t long enough, I love everyone’s work!

[@user-sw1ek4sz9o]

What a series. Sensational project Chris!

[@kylekristianflores6138]

Standing Ovation to the crew, the guests, and you. Man, what an epic journey. Hope that this will not be the last journey across Japan. But enjoy the break.

[@curaga___VODS]

I just wanted to say thank you for all the videos you and the team work so hard on. I have extremely bad anxiety which stops me from even leaving the house most days, let alone travelling (along with travel sickness). So being able to watch all of your videos, seeing Japan and all the wonderful (and strange!) things you get to see...it helps me a lot. It feels as if I'm travelling with a group of friends, you all make me smile and laugh so much! I deeply appreciate everything you do, and the extreme things you put yourselves through. Wishing you all the best!

[@quicoto]

Thank you for sharing the journey, Chris and the team!

[@Skip2MyLouTV]

Congrats on your journey Chris! And keep the good times rolling.

[@douglasbeckman9849]

Ah man something so bittersweet about seeing you go back to that original apartment. Life always seems to move forward so fast that we often don't get a chance to go back to those places that were crucial to our formative years. Really glad you were able to have that experience and that I was able to see it makes me think about where I've been and where I'll be in 10 years. Here's to another great new year for Abroad in Japan!

[@mrpeanut909]

I can’t believe this is the final episode 😢, time to watch from the start and get all the way back here all In one night

[@angelnokare6906]

Another epic journey. Thank you for sharing it with us

[@ceirwynsinclair4198]

Well done for the entire team! Thank you!

[@dzari-kt6xl]

Ian deserves an award, by far the best challenge, with the best co-star.

[@Yer_Da_]

37:28 some of the shots in this sequence are sublime

[@Delaney-and-the-Starlight]

Thank you for another AMAZING journey!!!

[@ConnyLandes]

So much fun and crazyness - thank you for doing this

[@connorscortex]

THAT ENDING oh my gosh I remember that video vividly, I can’t believe I’ve been watching you since 2012. Has it really been that long? If I could do anything different, I wish I had started my KZbin channel sooner - but good on you lad and proud of your journey. Happy to be a part of it in some way, looking forward to working on a few videos of my own. You’ve inspired one I’m working on at the moment. Many thanks and cheers Chris! 🫡😎

[@sleepytown6209]

Chris's conviction with Pete was a small price to pay for one of the best videos on Abroad in Japan to date! They should get handcuffed together more often.

[@DerekReuter]

Best duo episode yet!

[@FriedEggandChips]

That was absolutely brilliant

[@galleon6388]

For me this is one of the best video Chris ever made. Making us feels emotional by his nostalgic stories by the end of the trip feels like, something. Kudos for everyone that has been in Chris' journey for 12 years. Thank you for existing, sire. You make, not only mine but everyone here's life, full of joy and happiness ^^

[@adamlassiter1296]

John seems like an awesome teacher. Florida represent!!!

[@zerobanana]

i enjoyed everysecond of this series. thank you for sharing it with us.

[@AlexcStewartVA]

This series was an absolute achievement. Loved every episode!

[@Evikeuklavier]

Best episode! It was nostalgic seeing that room again. I also started watching around the same time as John. Really enjoyed this series, currently fighting cancer (at age 30) and your videos have been a joy to watch. Thank you, Chris!

[@phucmai1613]

The rustic snowy scenery is the best in this whole series. The guy John passed up a chance to look at Chris in the eye, with a deep voice saying "Welcome home". Would have been hilarious.

[@eyuns72]

Thanks for the journey!

[@kikkd]

Such a great ending for the trip! It's amazing seeing you sitting there where it all began. Thanks for continuing to share Japan with us

[@guythatlovespotato]

My favorite American streamer with my favorite British youtuber what a treat.

[@Laura_Darkspear]

Oh man, I actually got a little teary eyed over the old room! My own life was going through some major changes when I found this channel back during the “hawk alarm clock” times. Gosh, It’s been about 10 years now I’ve been watching the shenanigans of Natsuki and Chris. I’m happy to be a part of the AIJ community and I’m super proud of Chris and the rest of the crew for everything they’ve accomplished. Congrats on another banger JAJ series! Glad it ended with Pete… he’s such a good dude and just makes me laugh. I’m also happy Yuki found the REAL One Piece haha! 🍗 Cheers guys! 😆👏

[@Paetendo]

Crazy journey, Loved it

[@GoonSquadGaming]

Thanks for another great journey!

[@dynbrn]

Phenomenal work again, massive props to Chris and the whole team and all guests. It's been so much fun watching this new journey. Episodes and quality of content and editing NEVER disappoint. Congratulations!! ❤🎉

[@i2am737]

Thank you Ian for the final challenge. Imagine if Connor had gotten it. 😂 Congratulations to the whole crew on finishing this JAJ series, job well done.

[@ExpatNatt]

What a vibe! Great video!

[@theabominationandyshow]

This is bloody brilliant!

[@Oblimix]

My favorite Abroad in Japan video so far. Was really fun to watch. Really felt like a Christmas Special.

[@idkamir7329]

The BEST episode!!!! the contrast between traditional looking scenic area of ginzan and the tomfoolery between pete and chris really make this episode so much more enjoyable. moreover, the ending part of this video really bring the nostalgic feelings for me🎉😢

[@pietergil]

Great series as allways!!

[@kumori_ari2677]

Your best series yet. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. Thanks for all the effort.