Riding Japan's Most Luxurious Bullet Train (to visit snow monkeys)

We rode in Japan’s BEST bullet train! This epic train journey took us to see the iconic snow monkeys of Japan 🐵😍 And to our first traditional Ryokan experience! / ‼️ This giveaway is over, but we will do more giveaways in the future! Sign up for our free travel newsletter, Daily Drop: www.dailydrop.com/ ✈️
The giveaway will include
-5 nights at the Fairmont Hotel in beautiful Puerto Rico
-$2,000 for food and drinks during your stay, AND
-$1,500 for your flights!✈️
Daily Drop is FREE and for ANYONE no matter where you live in the world! Good luck :)
*ALSO* 🚨 We started a NEW KZbin channel!!! Watch our first video here :) • The Easiest Way to Get...
Episode 864 | Filmed February 2023 | Aomori - Tokyo - Nagano - Yuganaka, #Japan #travel #train
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Who are Kara and Nate?!
Watch our documentary here: • 100th COUNTRY DOCUMENTARY
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, we got married 2013 and were super “normal.” I was a teacher and Nate started a small printing business from the spare bedroom of our apartment.
We discovered the world of “travel hacking” while planning our honeymoon & became addicted ;)
So after 2 years of obsessively saving $35k and over 2 million miles and points, we sold our cars and apartment and left home January 10, 2016 for a “one year” trip around the world.
Our goal was to see as many places as possible before we ran out of money and went back home to “normal life.” We started this travel vlog to share our experiences with friends and family, but quickly fell in love with living on the road and found a new passion for capturing our travels through video. So we did everything we could to keep going.
4 years later, we achieved our new goal of visiting 100 countries and all 7 continents. We had no plans to slow down, until 2020 forced us to ;) Which is when we bought a converted van to start exploring our own country for the first time.
After ~2 years of van life, we are back to full time traveling! And now we are finding the best adventures the world has to offer :)
We are incredibly grateful to be able to continue doing something we love every day. 😊🎥🌎 Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey!
0:00 Japan’s most luxurious bullet train
1:20 “Economy” class bullet train review
2:45 Gran Class review (“first class”)
9:29 FREE TRIP GIVEAWAY!!
10:45 “Business” class review
13:21 Train tickets, explained
16:43 Our first Ryokan hotel experience
20:36 SNOW MONKEYS!!
23:44 bloopsn

[@KaraandNate]

We have exciting news!!! Just launched a new channel :) Watch our first @DailyDrop video here! ✈️➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/enizm6V5nauMepI

[@akiramcguire]

My dad, Brent, was super excited when you used his video. My parents have been long time subscribers from Tokyo. Enjoy Japan!

[@matthewmorrisdon5491]

I am a sumie artist. Rule of thumb in Japan: inside take your shoes off and walk in your socks. Any thing else they will tell you.

[@KaraandNate]

@UCW%F0%9F%98%8D%F0%9F%98%8DKwBCoPbnBDlWpA67W3QgA Awwww good! Tell him thanks for the great video! Wish we could have seen one pass by in real life 😍

[@kmk09]

Day 6 of asking for a workout routine.

[@akiramcguire]

@karaandnate @brentmcguire1507 If you do come back to Japan, my parents would love to show you a passing Shinkansen and to take you out to the local restaurants in their neighborhood in Tokyo. My dad is American but was born and raised in Tokyo and speaks almost fluent Japanese. Also, I just moved to your hometown in Nashville and loving it. Maybe we can set something up! If you would like to know more about Japan, just let us know! Fans as always

[@Zz2424zxcvbnn]

Love that Kara still experiences everything with the heart of a child, full of enthusiasm and excitement! ❤️

[@jaxxoceans3866]

Put on for camera

[@natepencils4355]

yaaaa...you're comment is just as put on as her "enthusiasm". but you got your message hearted so hooray for you! honestly, i don't mean disrespect but when EVERYTHING is "amazing", very quickly you feel like she's not being sincere.

[@zivagoldman2001]

@@natepencils4355 Even if it is just put on for the camera, their videos are so much better than some of the other creators out there. It is their job after all.

[@jobethk588]

@@natepencils4355 I see your point but I do like that after sharing that Nat Geo version of the snow monkeys Nate stepped back and showed us the reality of the crowd. I'm glad he didn't see a crowd shot before he went because they might not have gone.

[@patricksmith2553]

Around 4:40 the kid in the back got told by his Grandma to get his shoes off of Kara's back of the chair, lol! Then she was like, I trained you better, grandson! Train conductor was like "rook at this crazy white woman" "she is jumping and waving at me?" "White lady, crazy!" He didn't wave back because he hates that people can afford one seat that takes him four months of pay to afford, lol! Japan is my favorite place that I've never been! LOL, great video, the Japanese take great pride in their work. I am a Nikon Professional Service's member and photojournalist and I love Japan! All of Nikon gear is made in Japan, D6, D850, D500 and all the lenses, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200FL and 500mm f/4E VR FL, all made at Nikon's Sendai Plant in Japan, by expert optical engineers and expert craftsmanship!

[@bryanlu93]

STOP: idk if it's the camera work or the editing or just the magic of the moment, but those hot spring monkey shots were 100% Nat Geo level beautiful. I loved every second, and it was so so so worth it to wait. Thanks you both.

[@TheRenzterVlogs]

It's the steam that made everything perfect!

[@monicasgh68]

They really did an excellent job capturing the monkeys. They were able to get their adorable facial expressions. Impressive!

[@jalyassin]

Even the monkeys are polite and cultured in Japan ❤ what a place

[@gracebrunson4999]

I love Tokyo so much. It’s my favorite city in Japan. I love the culture

[@essadogss]

Mines chiba or aomori or Hokkaido

[@cozmicknight7704]

If KARA WOULD ONLY STOP SQUEALING! 😢

[@user-ge2rr2bx4f]

I like Tokyo too

[@leilanianderson2106]

My fiance and I are watching this, as he spent a lot of time in his late teens and early twenties in Japan. I live how excited he's getting pointing out buildings "I've been there!!!" "I've been there too!!" "Tokyo station!!" Makes my heart so happy ❤️

[@Alright397]

Bobby, it's me! Your daddy, Roberto.

[@jontyarcheryedgar]

7 hours on a train with Kara and Nate would just be so much fun!

[@dralbertpakin8895]

yes it would be.

[@AV5212]

It sure would be!

[@gozamite]

No! I couldn't do it more than 6,5 hours!

[@strchild3]

Kill me now.

[@mscattale]

Yes it would be!!

[@hward800]

Japan was my home for many years and watching your channel I hoped you would return to the place where your epic 'year' of travel started. Thank you for showing so much of Japan, the way that it is crowded places, tiny towns and all and not just the way it is portrayed in documentaries. Thank you for trying so hard to be respectful, showing your curiosity and for trying the language. Your 'domo arigatou' made me smile every time. Even when accidentally messing up with the shoes I saw you doing your best to be the best kind of travellers. And now so many more people know to wear socks on tatami mat floors, slippers when offered, toilet slippers for the toilet, and regular shoes (or wooden sandals) when outside in ryokan. I hope you loved those onsen baths, Kara - to get them to yourself is a real treat.

[@gabriellegatbonton6859]

I love how even though Kara almost slipped a few times, she still managed to walk backwards while talking to the camera. I usually have the worst experiences walking on ice (mainly cuz I can’t balance) but Kara’s positive energy puts a smile on my face. Also, like every video in this channel, the shots and editing is very well done. 😍

[@cozmicknight7704]

EXCEPT FOR THAT ANNOYING SQUEELING. KATE!😢

[@tomawen5916]

5:22. Kara: " Let it be chocolate...oh! It's food!". O.M.G. this was a hilarious trip and just feeling the good vibes watching these two experience a great time. Always enjoying the time when they are dining! Great video!

[@jennifermassie7227]

Kara!!

[@tomawen5916]

@@jennifermassie7227 ooops!

[@tomawen5916]

@Jennifer Massie seriously i must have been thinking of Kara and Nate shortened to "Kate". Thx for the correction.

[@kristieholiday]

Always say Kate and Nara by mistake lol 😂

[@user-tc9vp9kb5w]

This is straight to the point

[@mrcomplex5315]

The videos yall have created has amazed me for the past 3 years. Thanks for all the work yall put into each clip. -Much love from Texas

[@abadplanner1]

past

[@mscattale]

Texas here too!! I’ve loved every video!

[@sitchad]

Have been on that train and it is spectacular. Absolutely beautiful and love Japan.

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Thankyou Kara and Nate for publishing such amazing content. As a person living with chronic illness and unable to travel long distance I live vicariously through your travel adventures. I kinda feel I’m in Japan with you😊🙏🏾👊🏾🇬🇧

[@Kamarca]

I don't know why but I started crying at the snow monkeys. Thank-you both for taking me on adventures I could never possibly do myself.

[@cmykategirl]

I did too and then felt silly. Glad I’m not the only one. Also, I’m really glad they showed the reality of the crowding there.

[@patrickhagan8244]

Cry? Weird

[@laurenrs]

7/11 for snacks, Lawson for toiletries, Family Mart for hot food! 🇯🇵 We just did a bullet train in Japan, but it wasn't like this! (Still good, though!) Glad y'all are enjoying all the amazing things about Japan. ❤️

[@Tazzy5]

They forgot Circle K and Buckees' lol. Maybe Circle K is a California thing.

[@sarablue2311]

Who else is always ecstatic when Kara and Nate post! You guys make such good videos! Love y’all!

[@RobertoExplores]

I love it! A Japan trip is definitely on my bucket list!

[@itsnotme07]

Kara wins the extra funny/cute award at the end. "I can laugh at the people falling because I also fell". As for the video? I stopped being a fan of snow 30 years ago...after dealing with it for almost that long. But...never been to Japan before. One of these days. Love that bullet train and I agree..if that train was available for long distance travel in the US, I'd take it.

[@jackiemarshall3711]

It's amazing how polite and friendly most people in most countries outside of the USA are. And yes Kara the monkeys made me smile they are so darn cute.

[@fromrighttoleft8328]

True. I grew up in the Southern US, a region known for its friendliness and politeness...until you realize that's just relative to the rest of the US. In most other countries I've lived in or visited, the average resident is indeed more civil than the average American.

[@bameva7549]

Love the Japan series, hope to go there one day soonish. So much to do, see and explore.

[@ridjous8]

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen Kara and Nate run to make their train/flight! Brought me back 😂

[@HeyItsMaori]

Thank you for always showing the reality of travelers and how many people are at locations. The monkeys looked so at peace.

[@codykennon6491]

I would love to go on a train like this. Y’all both inspire me to be a traveler when I get older. I graduate next year and I am saving up to go to Japan!! Thank y’all

[@pytrafox8524]

I love that Kara keeps the childish side of her personality. I relate to her. Also, just the happiness that you all transmit is fantastic. :D

[@thapa9882]

I have been watching your videos for almost 4 years now, I have always admired how respectful both of you are other peoples cultures 👍👍

[@lonelyalaskan7208]

This is not just a travel channel. This is a cultural documentary that makes me appreciate our planet and I will support this channel till I'm an old woman! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Unbatedsquid]

Absolutely agree ❤

[@Rebecca-ld9mu]

I found your channel ages ago when I was looking into traveling to India, as I planned to adopt there. You hadn't actually traveled there at the point, but I was hooked with the Nepal vlogs. My daughter is now home and three and enjoys watching your vlogs with me. She's combined "Kara and Nate" into "Carrot" 🤣 and we've made a habit out of watching your Holi vlogs each year.

[@sophcomo]

I'm in love with this Japan series! What a beautiful country. I hope I'll be able to visit it one day. Until then, thank you for showing us around!

[@michaelkragelund8014]

This is one of the best videos, you’ve made this far, in my opinion. The details and storytelling progress throughout the video is amazing. I love the coin from Grand Class serves a purpose in the video and not just inside the train! Keep it up you guys 💪🏼💪🏼

[@KaraandNate]

Awwww thanks!!!

[@carolineindacityphx]

I love seeing Japan through your eyes. Although the part where you both are running to catch the train was stressful! 😮 Another wonderful episode traveling with Kara and Nate. ❤

[@ShaneHadley]

Lunch with Kara and Nate on a Saturday afternoon is by far my favorite time of the week! Thanks so much for all you do, and all the positivity you spread in the world!! You guys are the best!!!

[@akutsujoichiro9061]

Thank you for coming to Japan!! I love watching your journey on KZbin. Enjoy your travel in Japan and please feel what Japan is!!

[@trentel]

so cool to see my home country being explored by kara and Nate. the editing and camera work is amazing!

[@maddiepuccia7213]

I feel like I’m reliving the original K&N videos in Asia, but the premium version ❤

[@Jedimochamaster]

Been following your channel for years. Thank you for letting us travel the world with you! Love you both so much!

[@PatrickVerst]

This was such a good vlog! I’ve been wanting to visit Japan so bad for a few years now.

[@GreenTravelJournal]

Those snow money shots could've come straight out of National Geographic! So incredible to see, thanks for taking us there and also showing the behind the scenes, it's really nice to know what to expect. Japanese bullet trains are going on our travel wishlist right now!

[@FireCracker3240]

Oohhh. Kara and Nate on a train. Since I discovered them on the Trans Siberian train, rail videos hold a special place in my K&N loving heart. 🥰

[@lexlovesthebeach]

Not only did I smile, I let out a shriek of laughter (all by myself) when I saw the first couple of shots of the expressions on the monkey's faces in the steam and water (22:08/09) !! 🤣🤣🤣 Great video!!! I SO appreciate all the hard work and video editing that you guys do for us each week.

[@KaraandNate]

Hahaha they are so great aren’t they?!😍🐵 So glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@hihai_TV]

I started watching you guys way back when yall first visited Asia. It's like making a full circle. So happy to see you and nate thrive and still full of wander. Keep it up!!

[@user-pb1lk5il3l]

IDK if Kara and Nate are gonna see my comment but I just love them I have been watching them since the beginning and when they traveled to Tokyo, Japan I was like I wanna go and me and my wife did and it was so much fun and thats when I proposed to her. Thanks Kara and Nate for the amazing idea.

[@915chukotown]

Kara’s childlike giddiness just makes me smile 😂❤I love it!

[@souvenirvideos]

Same here🤭 She’s wonderful, would love to have her as a friend❤️

[@charlottecasey]

I love Japanese culture so much! It is definitely on my bucket list to go to Japan 🥰

[@benet]

Please come visit us in Osaka.　😃

[@tanja3611]

i love long distance trains so much, even just for the fact you can bring any liquids, there's no strict weight requirements and no hours spent going through security! But then also no seatbelts, no ear pain, no long journey from the airport to the actual city (at least im used to them going to pretty central stations). I really hope these types of trains spread further across the world

[@d.1169]

Thank you for the marvelous insight in traveling a bullet train in Japan.

[@millierqw]

Oh wow, I stayed in that exact same ryokan back in Jan 2019! So lovely to relive my experience by watching your journey to Nagano :') Looking forward to the rest of your Japan series and the rest of your travels this year!

[@kristieholiday]

Love how the most genuine ‘vanlife” or travel couple have teamed up and found friends through this and we can enjoy them all as they make their way round back to another fun video, I believe kinging it are going to Japan soon would love to see you all meet up there especially with Amy 💫

[@englishrose4388]

I LOVED the snow monkeys. I get why you do the luxury train tours, etc. but it's stuff like the snow monkeys, and the Taj Mahal, etc. the I love.

[@peterpeteca]

I love seeing you guys get back to this type of travel again. I was already planning on going to Tokyo next Feb but I think I will have to see a little more of Japan now. It looks like so much fun. Thanks for the great video

[@jessicamiller3788]

Definitely smiled during the monkey scene 😂 they’re so human like it’s so funny I would be sitting in a warm bath too if I was constantly around snow 😂❤

[@lauraraistrick3499]

Honestly i'm so happy to see you guys back in Japan! We've booked a trip for December 2023 and have been watching travel videos but nothing compares to you guys and the experiences you share. One of our pit stops is Nagano and Nozawa onsen, so excited! Absolutely in tears of laughter @ Kara and the bathing confusion, then nate and the wooden shoes lol, that is so me! i would not know what to do either. Thank you for sharing always. Hey from good old Aussie, FNQ.

[@danballhaha]

thank you for giving me something to look forward to every week, kara and Nate you guys are the best and bring me joy whenever it lacking from my life. continue living the amazing life you do, you guys deserve it

[@stalesunday]

the quality of your videos continues to delight and amaze me. sound, picture, editing, content- you guys rock.

[@ronspriggs9588]

Nate, your camera work is always very good but truly excellent around the monkeys in the hot springs.

[@Outdoorbaseasobi]

Welcome to Nagano! We have been supporting your channel for years. Enjoy your trip to Japan! Looking forward to more videos from you!

[@personincognito3989]

Your videos always make me happy. The filming is exceptional and your natural exuberance is just a joy to watch. I laughed out loud when Kara was lip sinking to the Japanese announcements on the train.

[@wendyh-d9656]

Wow! Nate, you nailed filming the monkey segment. Thank you! You both are awesome & I enjoy spending my morning watching. ❤

[@carolehirsch7315]

So excited for this! Perfect way to start my Saturday. And in exactly 31 days I’m traveling to Japan 🇯🇵 too!!!

[@cowboyseth526]

I always hate when the videos are over. Give me a 2 hour special every day. Kara & Nate, love your travels. 🤠❤️

[@drRee]

The best part about their channel is the honesty, you can actually rely on their review. No sugar coating and not over critical.

[@bethaniejeffery]

I love y’all adventures videos. Made me feel like I need travel adventure to this places.

[@RJSAMCRO]

Going on an adventure with Kara and Nate even if it was just down the street to a local Walmart would be a life changing experience, they just make everything fun and exciting.

[@souvenirvideos]

True💯

[@its_clean]

Kara would say it's the BEST Walmart she's ever been to in her ENTIRE life, and Nate would be signing up for a Walmart credit card to earn reward points 😂 And then aesthetic slow motion shot of Kara walking past the deli counter lol

[@terrinew9474]

Those snow monkeys look so relaxed like nothing is bothering them. I smiled watching the monkeys too cute. It's beautiful there thank you for sharing😊.

[@shaun53355]

Always getting total enjoyment watch you two. Keep that positive way.

[@ella-ns5nn]

Wowowow those snow monkey shots are so lovely and cinematic!! Great job per usual guys :)

[@SarahJoyyyy]

God I hope you guys see this!! Been watching you both for the longest time and not only do I really love your content but I thoroughly enjoy watching your individual experiences. Your personalities only compliment each other and you guys are just so lovely and so great. Love you guys 💕

[@TheMagDawg]

Awwwww when Kara gets so excited and her voice gets higher the more cute something is

[@DebraANDBilly]

It’s so nice to know that I can live vicariously through you guys and travel the world & not spend a dime! 😊❤

[@sherrismith4754]

Japan was never on my travel list but now maybe. So cool!

[@ej.fc15]

I like it when Nate tells "Train gets rid of all the most annoying parts of flying" and it shows the flying experience in the Philippines haha Very accurate

[@halfstep44]

Haha Nate's got his backwards hat on even at the traditional hotel with traditional clothes on

[@ExpansivenessofLight]

Kara and Nate you make me smile😃- that looked like a far drop walking to the monkeys and icy too....the whole shoe thing was hilarious. The monkeys were awesome, some of them felt like they were enlighten monks....as they looked like they were contemplating the depth of existence. Thank you!

[@allisonalmond2965]

These are some really incredible shots ya'll took, like documentary style guys!

[@jobethk588]

So much fun to "travel" with Kara and Nate.

[@AndrewMiller-oy5ig]

Thankyou Kara and Nate for publishing such amazing content

[@10KLucas_]

Hi Kara and Nate,I love that you guys are still exploring the world with some much enthusiasm.Keep on traveling the world,cause I want to see the places that I havent been to and I love your survival vids😁

[@SarahVasquez67813]

I would love to travel with you two. You make everything look like a good time. Y’all bring the party 🎉 🎉

[@lakencampbell2666]

I’m a photography and videography nerd… the video of the snow monkeys were top notch. Great job! ❤

[@eld4726]

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for how terrific, helpful and informative (and extremely entertaining!!!) your videos are. I went to Japan in 2019 (for way too short of a visit) and it changed my life. I am going back in October and I cannot wait. Of course, your video has already made me want to plan another trip during the winter months. (Last time was the spring. This time in the fall.) You two are the best!! Thank you!❤

[@glorializardo9697]

I always look forward to your newest videos and adventures wherever they are. All the different foods you get to experience is one of my favorite things. Love the snow monkeys great job Nate.

[@Sonutube24]

Omg I love how clean everything is in japan..a dream for us ocd people 😂 yes to the different shoes for each section haha

[@prathama1901]

Hi Kara and Nate! Loving the Japan episodes :D It's a must go destination on the travel list for my wife and me.

[@BuddysMom2001]

When I found your channel, I was excited to travel through it since COVID had postponed our family's trip to Vietnam, to show our youngest where he was born. I have now watched EVERY ONE of your videos (some a couple of times) and we are leaving for Vietnam in 90 days!! We will also be taking the train from Hanoi to HCMC. THANK YOU for all the tips and I look forward to keeping current with you guys!! ☺🥰

[@bbpatch8]

Y’all could make longer videos and I would still binge like crazy. Love watching y’all

[@vickiedaversa1521]

im loving your japan videos. IMO Nate has taken some of the best pictures and videos of the snow monkeys. I have been watching you guys from the beginning and the pics and videos have always been great but the ones with the monkeys are amazing. Nate, you have captured them perfectly! My list of places to travel has just gotten longer lol Thank you once again for taking us along with you both. Safe travels...Vickie

[@katharinamatschiner318]

as you know , we have bullet trains in italy and most of the time I chose going with Italo or Frecciarossa instead of flying. they are such a great alternative. when Nate said if you had them in the US he’d prefer taking trains listing all the advantages .. well, that totally resonates with me! 👏

[@Cole_Bradshaw]

I wish I could live a life like yours. You guys look like you have so much fun together and I am just stuck in school. I love you guys so much. Thanks for taking us on your adventures.

[@maddienisbet6553]

Love that you guys are bringing bloops back!

[@theonlyraid8372]

I watch a lot of train travel videos and none of my favourites had covered bullet trains until you did. I am grateful that we can experience this journey with you. Mad props for your travel across Japan. The language barrier makes literally every element more difficult but you always keep a smile on your faces.

[@joymae]

I've always wanted to try this. I think it's great you took time to give us a peak on each seat style so we can see the economy seats and luxury experience thanks!

[@evie3148]

Yay new Japan vlogs! I have been hoping for this since you first went!!

[@user-jj3jv4lb9k]

I love it! A Japan trip is definitely on my bucket list!. I love it! A Japan trip is definitely on my bucket list!.

[@cassandramoore9710]

I wish we had bullet trains in the US! I’m happy you guys are having so much fun! Plus…KARA!!! Thanks for the bathroom tours! ❤❤❤

[@HannahBMann]

Y’all steal my heart and feed my soul weekly! Loved the format of this one too-kinda like a review and a story at the same time. 🚊 👘 🍵

[@TheKevlarKitten]

I've been watching your condensed videos on FB but it's really nice to see the long versions!

[@sharonm9267]

Loved the monkeys - and your enthusiasm for them! Glad they didn’t attack you. Amazing how a hot bath can chill you 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sundrp_ginger8775]

Hello Kara and Nate! I am a huge fan, I love your videos and think y’all are just amazing people! How do you deal with traveling all the time? Whenever I travel I get so tired so quickly! I hope you have a great day! Stay healthy and happy 😊

[@bobmald13]

I love the traditional travel videos versus the endurance/challenges. The challenges are a great change of pace, but nothing compares to these. You guys are the best.

[@lifewithlarsandsusie8315]

Good thing they do both because I love the challenges! I’ll watch the trains and planes because Kara and Nate are good story tellers!

[@tonyd5324]

Love the honesty about crowds at tourist attractions not being shown on others social media.

[@beautifulflorida]

Amazing trip! Great video! Thank you very much for sharing!