Japan should be on your Bucket List

We feel like aliens in Japan, which I guess we are. This is a country unlike any other we have ever visited. Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code OKELLY for an extra 4 months free at surfshark.deal... Come along with us as we make some quirky observations about traveling and life in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Nick and Megan have been #sailing and living #OffTheGrid on and off for the past 21 years. We love sharing our passion for #travel and #nature and hope we meet you out there!
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BOUND FOR DISTANT SEAS, by James Baldwin
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#MeganOkelly #NickOkelly

[@TheOKellys]

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[@Ron-zr6se]

Many years ago I lived in Japan for years and loved it, never wanted to leave but life had other ideas. Finally returned to Asia in 94 and I will never leave. There is no place on earth like Japan, it must be experienced by living there to understand it.

[@animistchannel]

Such a gorgeous travelogue, and so well paced and scored! Your musical, cinematography, and commentary skills are what keeps your channel fresh and fascinating. Thank you so much for continuing to do so much work to keep us with you. Whether it's on a boat, a plane, a train, an automobile, or on foot, your sense for storytelling is always a pleasure to experience!

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, thank you!

[@UUBrahman]

One race, one language, one religion (Buddhist-Shinto mix) creates high expectations of conformity and self discipline to conform leading to a national sense of community. Thanks for the visit.

[@michaelwilson3980]

Loved the minimalist approach to this video, especially while showing off the beauty of Kyoto.

[@vivianeriesterer4279]

lots of memories coming back visiting Japan 40 years back, getting engaged there…Shinkansen to Kyoto, the Ryokanhotels….a pleasure to watch you explore this extremly busy , but also serene country

[@TheOKellys]

:) like no other…

[@daveamies5031]

Crêpes are very easy to make, basically the same as pancakes, just replace self raising flour with plan flour, my Mum's recipe was a simple 1234 (for 4 people), 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of flour (plain or SR depending if you want Crêpes or pancakes), 3 teaspoons of sugar, and 4 eggs (1 per person), hand whisk till mixture is combined, adjust flour and milk as necessary (depends if the eggs are smaller or larger than "standard"). you pour/ladle the mixture onto the centre of the frying pan and roll the pan till a thin layer of mixture covers the whole pan, and wait a short time and flip, they cook quickly. Great thing is because you cook them with a medium to low heat you can cook them on a boat stove even if it's an denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) stove

[@ChezTeam]

Super interesting video!!! And great edition 🙌. Thanks for it! We learnt a lot.

[@jeffhopper6860]

Was skeptical about this episode, but it turned out to be one of my faves. Amazing job on this O'Kelly's! Most content creators point the camera at their face 90% of the time. You both have found the perfect balance of sharing your experience and showing us fascinating sites. Thank!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you so much Jeff, that means a lot to us.

[@thunderwh]

You guys were like a 10 minute walk from where I live in Shinjuku. Can't wait to hear more about the catamaran builder and the cruising scene in Japan - I didn't know there was much of that going on here.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

There's the whole ancient inland sea and there's hundreds of small towns and villages that used to be fishing or commercial centers where they are trying to regenerate them by encouraging people interested in boats.. and adventure to come to the marinas and ports and settle outside of the cities. There are three or four channels boating related that are showing what the country has to offer.. The aging population and the historic reserve about allowing non Japanese to immigrate or mixed cultures has created a fall in population and a loss of traditional skills and crafts. Apart from Buddhism there is also the considerable Shinto/animist influence that is reflected in the reverence for nature the landscapes and trees and forests. Yet till recently Japan imported vast amounts of wood from the region ..to make things like scaffolding poles.. which was then often thrown away.. the houses as well were largely built of wood both framed and covered. 🤷🏻 that led to vulnerabilities in terms of fires and tropical storms . It's a place of extreme contrasts, weather and earthquakes and tsunamis yet incredible wild beauty. From Volcanoes forests lakes and rivers to giant sand dunes. Neolithic settlements and Medieval castles to bladerunner Inspiring cities. The people of the extreme North islands are physically and culturally very different from the mainland and south. In many ways they are like the Alaskan Indian tribes.

[@christianjiancc]

I've been watching sailing channels for over 10 years, and I have to say you guys are one of the channels that I still watch. Actually not because of the sailing that becomes a less interesting part, because I've seen these places over and over and over and over again. But isn't that the beautiful thing about KZbin you can sample different vibes.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks for hanging out with us for so long Christian!

[@exploringlife738]

As a long-time subscriber I was not expecting a video of you in Japan, a country I lived In the 70's during my teen years. And though almost all youtube videos about Americans in Japan today, even long-term and fluent, just sadden me, I had to take a peek. Your mostly non-verbal, well traveled, and dreamy music background choices created real, immersive, and deeply cherished reveries for me. Thank you so very much! Can't wait to see your sailing Japan episode! 💝

[@TheOKellys]

So happy you enjoyed it, thanks for the note!

[@KarrieJ.Butler]

Really great video guys! After your last video, I was afraid that you weren't going to be posting for awhile, this was such a wonderful surprise. Thank you! 💝

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Karrie, so nice to hear from you too!

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

I like it, the food is really what I love about Japan. One of the very few countries with an enduring uninterrupted culinary tradition worth knowing!

[@TheOKellys]

100% agree!

[@rew3103]

Excellent production/presentation!!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you!

[@milosolomon4766]

Good times. It was fun to zone out to the scenery with the ethereal music. Good pick 😊

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Milo so happy you enjoyed it!!

[@chshrkt]

Nick, your atmospheric almost droning background music was sublime. Thank you for the fantastic visuals and minimal talking. A bit of a change from your usual videos, but very nice.

[@TheOKellys]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rugbydad7130]

Having lived here for nearly 3 decades I know it's simply not a sailing friendly country - even for the rich, which you absolutely need to pretty much be in the first place here - unless you're totally in the boondocks. So watching content like yours and others (which I've done for a while) has always been bittersweet. That's why I'm looking forward to your upcoming sailing in Japan content. PS I enjoyed you noticing all the things I stopped noticing a long time ago.

[@ianclark8934]

Your content is always great no matter where you are or what you are doing! Thanks for showing us life and the world.

[@TheOKellys]

Aww thank you so much Ian, appreciate the kind words!

[@kylem324]

This was a really nice little film! You scored it really well!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you

[@RiverWoods111]

I have watched some channels from Japan, and it is common to tear down an old house and build a new house. Because of this they don't really take care of the old houses is the way they explained it. In the US we look at old homes as historical and there they look at them as junk.

[@TheOKellys]

We’ve heard the same, very strange.

[@STATIC12121]

The architecture of the shrines is incredible. It seems their culture is still intact

[@sheridanlee6836]

Loved this video and I love Japan and the quiet, you made me want to there. I really do hope the Universe will bring you a boat, and it will be perfect. Love you both your videos always bring me joy.

[@bobf4765]

Thanks for the trip back, I haven't been in Japan in quite a while. It would be nice to see more cruisers there. Fair winds...

[@jodymooney255]

Incredible video of Japan. My wife and I were going in 2020, but Covid said no! It’s still on our bucket list. TY❤

[@TheOKellys]

So sorry your plans were derailed, really hope you get the chance. You will love it!

[@eileenderheim3768]

Great video and insight into Japan. Thank you.

[@TheOKellys]

Our pleasure!

[@phillippurdy5893]

Beautiful vid ! Glad you weren't lost in translation while you were there.🎉.... and very surreal.❤

[@TheOKellys]

lol, well I’d say we were/are…but it’s a good thing! Thank you for the kind words about the vid

[@phillippurdy5893]

​@@TheOKellysI'll drink a shot of Santori to that!🎉

[@kptbillburkett8735]

Are ya'll ok out there? Haven't seen anything in a long time. I hope all is ok and ya'll have some News on the boat 🚢 frunt. Until next time, Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii! Aloha and cheers 🍻

[@stephanieglennon1414]

I really enjoyed this video! Adore you guys. The Surfshark add was fun. 😘

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you so much, we had so much fun with that one!

[@dianegriffith3006]

Now this was amazing! AND I MADE IT TO THE END. Surreal it seemed. Looking forward to boat life with you two. Thanks

[@dianegriffith3006]

I’ve a cousin who chose to live in Japan in the 70’s and still does. Kyoto I think. I’ve never been.

[@TheOKellys]

So cool, hope you get to visit one day.

[@jaymacpherson8167]

I have done yoga before, tho never so fast! You two weren’t even sweating! May you continue to travel well. Keep watch for Godzilla! And Ultraman!

[@saltlightdix4704]

Wow, that is one of the best videos Ive seen on Japan, you have really captured the essence of Japan! We are so happy we had the opportunity to add to your Japan experience.

[@hakubaholiday9006]

Awesome video! It was great to hang out with you ninja's in Hakuba!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you guys, we loved hanging out with you! Until next time!

[@StephanParry]

Excellent video! Glad you finally made it to Japan. A very special and beauty filled place on earth.

[@Peter_Herrman]

I remember the first thing I noticed about Tokyo, and Japan in general, is there is ZERO graffiti. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes. "O'Kellyakiyaville" for Megan's town.

[@TheOKellys]

Lol

[@BobFirth]

Envious would love to go there. Your production style on this one is very interesting in a good way. Took advantage of the quite natural of the country.

[@TheOKellys]

Well thanks!

[@traviskreger7235]

Thanks as always. We have seen Okinawa visiting family. Hope to see mainland/main island(?) in the next few years. Great travel video.

[@jeffcossaboon5012]

I sure hope you can find the boat of your dreams soon and for the right price, but until then, this was an Amazing video. Thank you so much.

[@constantinealexandrakis]

Ha, that was also my impression when I visited Kyoto some 20 years ago, it's as Zen as a city can get.

[@h.v7461]

Wow, reminiscing of our time there. Got to experience many of the sights you went to. Love the cleanliness and order of the country. Keep enjoying your travels. Cheers 🍻

[@michelveilleux3983]

Loved the travel vlog. Always wanted to visit Japan… Now even more so. Happy travels.

[@billwilliams9527]

Lovin this video. Having home ported in Yokuska and Sasebo on a Destroyer back in the day, love Japan. Domi Arrigato.

[@MrPalmguy]

Fascinating video for sure! My wife and I have tickets for Hong Kong in Sep. for 3 days. This wheten's my excitement level. Be safe always, from the Philippines.

[@robertlemoine3500]

Hope all is well , 😊

[@blade3944]

monohulls are dropping like a rock but even that doesn't matter because keeping them on the hard or in a wet slip at any east coast marina Is so so so so expensive A cateraman in a marina is 1k even in a public marina

[@robertmcmahon1221]

You seem so relaxed. You observations are very interesting. good production. keep them coming.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Rob, very kind of you to say!

[@traviskreger7235]

Long week. Hope all is well.

[@rickcreel3657]

I own a Leopard and was thinking about selling it to buy a high-performance catamaran. any advice for me

[@p.t.anderson1593]

Insanely cool video. I spent a fair amount time in Japan in the mid 1990's. I found it interesting and sometimes bewildering, yet oddly comfortable. I liked Japan a lot. Tokyo is surprisingly nice for a city that large but I'm so glad you got to get out and explore. The train system there is something that I envy. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you so much, resonate with your experience for sure.

[@larrydicenzo3826]

Great video, thanks.

[@mikemendes7598]

WOW, what an amazing video! You guys should go work for National Geographic. Or maybe take over for Anthony Bourdain. I LOVED the lack of voice over and constant focus on the hosts. Looking outward and bringing us closer to your surroundings was interesting and effective. I feel like a I got a lot more out of it than most travelogues. Thank you!

[@zak_7354]

Hope you're having a funky time! Greetings from Kamakura！

[@TheOKellys]

Greetings! We really wanted to visit Kamakura, will definitely visit next time. Thanks for the note!

[@zak_7354]

@@TheOKellys You're very welcome! Hope you get the chance to visit next time; lots of history, and several nice marina's around here (but very few cats..). Looking forward to your next Japan trip video!

[@jaythomas996]

Thank you so much. Your video was informative, picturesque and an absolute joy to watch. Absolutely loved it.

[@Jannm]

Great travelog. I liked the tour.

[@SeaJapan]

Fantastic video guys, really great way to show what Japan is like. You definitely have to visit the Seto Naikai (inland Sea) for a totally different Japan experience!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you, we would love to visit the inland Sea!

[@ElainaGreer-it6ik]

Very creative and enjoyable video. Thanks.

[@user-df5zq9up3t]

I love Japan. Go there every 2 years for skiing.

[@dahak972]

Yup, those houses are usually so cheap because they aren’t up to the newest earthquake codes.

[@gogogaga7441]

Circumnavigating Japan is on our bucket list! I understand from the 'Pacific Solo' channel (who's now sailing Japan) that many fishing villages/ports offer free berths, etc. and have little community centers for visitors. Have you found anything out about this on your visit?

[@TheOKellys]

Stay tuned for our next video!

[@gogogaga7441]

@@TheOKellys Eagerly! Thank you, and fair winds! ✌

[@Lana_Warwick]

Love Japan. Altho somber, Hiroshima was my to do visit. Barack Obama also visited the same day. Also loved scenery from trains, great way to see the country. And found all those vending machines very interesting, & handy, with cans of hot tea. @10:30, Yep, I felt like everyone was quite because they were peeking out their windows, wondering what westerners are doing in their alleyway. I used translator app a lot. Love the way the vid was done without a lot of yap yap, let the vision speak for itself, with captions. In latest news, a youtube sailing channel increases Japan tourism & real estate prices by 12 points. We now cross to Nick with latest weather. 💜

[@youjib]

Japan was a symbol was modernity in the 90' but nowadays it's like traveling in time.

[@GregoryStrauss-tk7pe]

Hello....?????.... anybody out there in O'Kelly land.....????.... how bout a update.....????🙏

[@AP-hs9dv]

Love your videos but you did get your spiel on the Shinkansen wrong. They are building a maglev bit it's not in operation yet. The Shinkansen just run, very fast, on wheels on tracks.

[@pastaking231]

Who needs a boat? Excellent travelogue. I love your sense of wonder with the cool mysterious music in the background. Love you two.

[@TheOKellys]

Aww thank you so much!

[@terrypen]

I haven't seen your guys videos in a minute! A buddy of mine is coming in from Phoenix and wanted to hook up for lunch. One of my first thoughts was ¿Por Qué No? and thought about you guys! Weren't they on Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives? I thought that is where we had heard about them the first time we went there.. Looking forward to eating lunch there on Monday!

[@zenstitch9972]

I buy my embroidery scissors from Kyoto! Greatest Old Way Craftsman! Just thought I would throw that in. Still enjoy you guys, whatever you are up to. Oh ....about a boat! Someday....Somewhere...

[@valerieb.4912]

Come back to Japan on your cat. The Wynns are heading there also.

[@jimshanks9495]

You really gave Japan the flavour it has strived so hard to achieve. Hundreds of years of barbarism and now, should we say an oasis of tranquility in a World ravaged by upheavals.

[@jeffclarke1540]

When are you getting a boat guys ?

[@GenerationX-GenX]

I have always wondered what the sailing community is like in Japan. I look forward to that video!

[@robertlaird6746]

Last video was awesome! Japan looks so nice and makes me want to visit. This is very cool to see. Where did you stay. I've heard that the prices are really expensive for places to stay. Why are there so many empty homes in Japan. 9 million is a lot?

[@2DLAKE2]

Nice switch up!!!! Now back to the ⛵️💥

[@jacquesfloirat2642]

The way you made this video blewed me away, WoW! Thank you.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you, Japan is mind blowing for sure!

[@bjjan8592]

Great video, enjoyed the music too a lot 😊

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you, I love Nick’s music too!

[@chrisnelson5877]

I enjoyed this episode.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Chris!

[@juliazentner681]

Lol nick is like 2 full heads taller than everyone else! 😂

[@TheOKellys]

lol, he did bump his head a few time.

[@crowdfundcrew]

Things are expensive here, but nice that the dollar is still strong in the world as a whole. Great tour. Donate for a Dream

[@SkylinersYeti]

Japan is a great place to visit. Were were there a decade or so ago to visit friends and family. We want to return someday. So many great places to visit and so little time

[@TheOKellys]

It seems to have that effect on every one!

[@Canuck_]

Very clean cities. I wonder if there are no trash cans and litter due to the fact that obese American and Canadians cant go anywhere without a drink or a bag of chips in there hands. Look at how much healthier they look compared to Western world Countries. The Japanese I have met are very respectful. Thanks for the video.

[@juliazentner681]

I wish I could have been able to read words on screen but they were too low to read on my phone 😢. Still I loved to video!

[@TheOKellys]

Sorry to hear that, hope you can watch on your computer. There are some funny bits.

[@billhorterjr1982]

Pretty sure it's past next week

[@TheOKellys]

Hey sorry about that. Life! Have been consumed with non-boat stuff. We'll get back to it.

[@chefron8]

The KZbinrs "Barefoot Doctors" are selling their Leopard 45 because their new boat is ready. You should talk to them.

[@lanetatom2701]

I hope you are out of there before typhoon season.

[@CrazyBobina42]

The suspensful music tho

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

Magnetic hovering 😮 so many interesting things to watch I’ll need to watch twice … a fav video for sure…can u explain why so many homes are vacated there? Thank u 🇨🇦 ❤

[@robinspat]

Be safe guys, weather 😢 Super yacht sinking by water spout tornado off coast near Palermo, Sicily 😢😢😢😢😢 so sad all the lives lost Mediterranean freak weather is likely a direct result of ongoing climate catastrophe crisis 😢

[@TheOKellys]

Megan worked for Mike Lynch.

[@mattmeiners985]

Trippy....

[@clivebrowne9888]

did you put together your own itinerary? How easy was it to travel on the trains?

[@joelw2023]

That carry trade has exploded over the past few years. I totally missed the boat on that. I know better for next time.

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Thanks for the tour guys! Bum-face was definitely the high point! 🍑😂

[@rwech]

"Oh, KZbin" Proceeds to give a look somewhere between disappointed and disgusted 😅😂🤣

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh. Lol

[@rwech]

@TheOKellys Seriously though, great video. 👍👍

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you😅

[@anitafarwell5325]

🙏🏻🎍Beautiful video❣️

[@CliffCutts]

hahahahaha, "get one of those Ikea houses..."

[@bondedbalance]

Hey Guys, long time fan of your channel. I live in Japan and would love to meet up if possible and show ya what I know. Plus, would love to know about that builder in Japan....

[@joehubbard4405]

Doesn't look like Oregon. No homeless camps😢

[@bombadil776]

Urgh. I had forgotten about Asia's lack of public trash bins. What do they do?

[@harlandfazardo799]

Japan is experiencing a population collapse. Some areas have housing in excess

[@Cubamara]

Japan is not always expensive to live in. Just accept the fact you might become sashimi in some of those affordable areas.

[@svZia-Switch51]

Head over to Vietnam next and see if you can find out why they are not more open to cruising boats and the cruising community at large. I haven’t been since 1994 but i understand it hasn’t improved much in that particular arena. 😢

[@TheOKellys]

Interesting, would love to check it out.

[@geeezer9]

that was awesome

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you!