Nikko Japan, Best woodwork I Have Ever Seen!

[@markschwarz2137]

I've been living in Japan for over thirty years, and time seems to dull my sense of what it's like for people outside. Thanks for reminding me what an awesome place it is.

[@johnsinclair5465]

I was in Tokyo for two weeks in 1998, fantastic time, amazing food and super polite people. I felt very relaxed there, such a safe clean country.

[@CosmeDC]

This is marvellous, I almost cried looking at these shapes, details, sculptures, amazing! Thank you very much! Cheers from Spain!

[@scrout]

Everything was so pristine and clean, folks have respect.

[@kenbrandon4554]

Remember when japan fans at the 2014 world cup cleaned the stadium after games? Awsome people

[@jameygeimer423]

I spent 4 years of my childhood living in Japan as a kid, my dad was military. We went sight seeing it seems like every weekend. There are endless tourist attractions on that island. The temples are pure works of art! All hand crafted and hand carved. Absolutely beautiful! I will return one day, as an adult, to really appreciate what you are seeing in this video.

[@alanqueen3922]

Loved seeing Japan through your eyes. Your appreciation of the attention to detail is appreciated. I look at some of the tall temples and not only marvel at the workmanship, but think of what you don’t see, the scaffolding it took to give the craft people to carry out their work. Amazing. Think of what it would take today!! Thanks again fo sharing.

[@walterperrault]

The carvings just blew me away beautiful craftsmanship

[@SuperKingslaw]

So glad to see you made it to Nikko. It is truly breathtaking.

[@carryforthtradition8458]

Great! I have shared this with our facebook group for Carry Forth Tradition! I also love Japan, and woodwork, so this was amazing! Thank you!

[@PeteBarta]

Awesome video. I'm really happy for you that you had this opportunity, and thanks so much for showing us so much of the amazing things you saw!

[@barstad-9591]

I’m so happy for you that you got to go to Japan to see and participate in the many things you did. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@Xenooni]

love your work man, you're an inspiration. I just sold my place in maple ridge and bought a place in salmon arm on an acre. I am going to build some awesome stuff there and I have you to blame. thanks for all the hard work and videos, I've been with you for a long time and I have quite enjoyed the journey. peace brother!

[@Robert.E.Edmondson]

Thankyou Samurai! What an experience for you! Traditional Japanese woodworking keeps us humble.

[@jbb5470]

Great video and really appreciate you taking us along on your trip! Fantastic!!

[@jasonduncan3532]

The beauty of the craftsmen's work. Now that is leaving your mark on the world in a grand way.

[@mukymik6414]

Outstanding, the woodworking is out of this world, glad you enjoyed it.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us! Japan is definitely on my bucket list.. seems like you had a nice trip!

[@jan-roarbernhardsen7626]

Japan and Tokyo is awesome. We went there to visit our oldest son who studied there 2 years ago. To take the Speed train to Kyoto was also a big happening. So great to see the videos you have made from some of the streets were we also walked. have a great and warm week. Best wishes from Jan in Norway

[@kaycox5555]

Fabulous video; thanks so much for filming & posting. Feel like I got to visit a little with you all...and makes me wanna go just for the temples!!!

[@petertumminaro4528]

Thanks for the video! I lived in Japan for 6 years and this really reminded me how much I loved it there.

[@wolffrai]

When I'm done with my wooden frame house, I'm going to visit Japan. You give me the inspiration. Thank you.

[@matthewkelly99]

This was one f your best videos. I actually teared up looking at all of that beauty. Thank you.

[@RiaanOliver]

Good to see you relaxed, glad you had a good time.

[@jknocal]

So much time work and craftsmanship put into those carvings .

[@BT654321]

Thanks Jesse! I loved your videos on the Japan trip. Maybe, you can do another series in a couple of years. That would be cool! Last year, I watched some Japanese Carpenters live at work in the botanical park in Kyoto. That was very interesting to watch. Maybe you could get involved with a traditional carpenter project in Japan one day and report on that. That would be really awesome. Greetings from a Belgian, living in Germany to a Samurai carpenter in Canada :-)

[@Deftonesdsm]

I dont know if regular (everyday average non carpenter/tradesman person) people understand how amazing this wood work is. Ive spent 16 years of my life in carpentry and i know that stuff is wayyy beyond anything we do in modern construction. Thanks

[@shawncrocker7037]

Deftones Dsm haha! Regular people? I do believe we are all just a bunch of regular people with a concentration in a certain area.

[@Peteru69]

Shawn, the difference from regular people and master craftsmen is the drive, patience, practice, discipline, persistence and consistency. Not something regular people have. They could develop it, most people can become a master craftsman in theory, but few do. Credit where credit is due. Regular people is people who don't appreciate the craft because they have no point of reference.

[@shawncrocker7037]

Peteru Avertis the point I'm making is, there is always something we have no point of reference in. Therefore we are all considered regular to someone regarding something. It sounds pretentious to be throwing out, regular people don't this...regular people don't that...I'm not a regular person, I appreciate this art for what it is. Regular people don't. I'm on a much higher level then all those "regular" people. That's what it sounds like when you call people regular. Maybe you are not aware, but I'm sure there are many regular people, according to you classification, that are watching this video right now. I'm not sure if you would use the term regular while standing in a crowd of known geniuses who had all just commented on there lack of appreciation for a thing.

[@Deftonesdsm]

Shawn Crocker i was stating that your average everyday person (regular) wont understand the level of craftsmemship,training, practice, and patience involved here. They may see it but they wont understand. You are correct everyone is ignorant of something, prolly many things. The big mistake is taking offense to being called ignorant of something. It just means you dont have the knowledge, not that you cant gain said knowledge. Im ignorant of many things, but carpentry and mechanics i am not. I sed to be an A.S.E. certified technician before/during being a journeyman carpenter. So in my mind ive put over 10,000 hours in each profession making me a professional. Would i say master ? Probably not, because i still learn everyday.

[@Deftonesdsm]

Peteru Avertis yes, i meant your regular everyday average person. Thats all. Everyone is ignorant of something. Ignorance is not an isult. Its simply a statement of lack of knowledge. For example i wouldnt understand pottery or painting on the level a master/journeyman artist would. Im ignoramt to what that takes. And im ok with that.

[@zaneh6224]

Great video, Makes me want to go back to Nikko it hasn't changed since I was there many years ago, Beautiful

[@ThetrueIronknife]

I was stationed in Japan for 4 years. While I spent an average of 240 days at sea, my wife got to see a lot more of Japan that I did; however we did bring home some treasures. We collected a few rama, or transoms, which have been our prized art from Japan. Just throwing this out there as an idea for a project. We bought ours in "recycle shops" which are basically antique stores full of all sorts of "junk". An image search for "Japanese rama" will show you what I'm talking about. With your skill, I'm sure you could make some breathtaking pieces of art that show off your woodworking mastery.

[@josephkerley363]

Welcome back. Glad you enjoyed the trip. I’ve been there a number of times. I hope you get a chance to go back someday for a slower trip to visit with some Japanese Master Craftsmen.

[@MrVeptor]

It is very interesting how these buildings are planned and built, what technoogies were applied.

[@BillJutz]

Too cool that you published this. We just got back from a 16 day trip to Japan. Typhoon Lan chased us out of Tokyo a day early.

[@scooter041031]

I think your favorite building there is mine as well. I also like the patina of the copper or brass that green tint. But I like the way it somewhat disappears into the surroundings as well and blends so well into the area. You have made me want to make a trip even more so to Japan. I have a friend that lives there so it would be nice to visit him then go tour around the countryside and see these magnificent structures and craftsmanship.

[@homeequity269]

Your insane comment cannot be more accurate. I can't even imagine the hours it would take to build all of that! Thank you Samurai

[@JuanHernandez-ln9yt]

Wuaooo samurai carpenter, you had a good life in Japan, excellent, I'm going to work alone and on weekends, I can enjoy my culture, its landscapes and its people, very special people.

[@Poopoo-wt3sb]

Welcome back Jess...we’re looking forward to what you’ll build with your new influences

[@454pakr]

Can't imagine the maintenance! Cleaning all that DETAIL!

[@chrisjbernier]

this video brought tears to my eyes, such a beautful experience that i hope to have someday. keep up the incredible work my friend, and good luck with the upcoming folding knife project!

[@boatsbeats]

I'm from the bay area and love Hida tool in Berkeley. Thats awesome they did that. They have pictures of you on the wall!

[@pjdambra]

Thanks for the tour Samurai.. I really enjoyed it.

[@ndrmyr]

I was stationed south of Hiroshima in '75-'76 while in the USMC. I enjoyed my time there immensely and saw many things. But, I didn't dip my toe into the woodworking pond which I really wish I had, since today I would dive in without hesitation. The exchange rate was favorable and when I think of the tools I could have acquired.....sob. The chisels, OMG, the chisels!

[@parascalemodels]

imagine that!! Not a single power tool used! breathtaking. Thanks for sharing this awesome trip.

[@whazee]

I loved the walking shots in Tokyo. You get a wicked feel for the place. Thank you. 😊

[@JulianAvalos]

The Japanese are insane (in a good way). The detail, style, and quality is off the charts. Thanks for sharing.

[@thomasarussellsr]

"That is one tree" or 'Bonsai gone wild'. LOL What a wonderful experience for you. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see more on your traditional tools and projects that include them. I'm surprised I didn't see a spear plane on your bench.

[@loul7239]

I hope to see you challenging yourself to push your woodworking even further now that you have visited the masters. I look forward to seeing your learning process.

[@Wespups]

Great Video , thanks Samurai, it was cool seeing the walk arounds too, very smoooooth!

[@AreBaloni]

WOW! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@JeepTherapy]

Yes. Thank you for sharing this.

[@larainetott]

Just WOW!! what an amazing sight thanks for sharing x

[@theblueserpent]

Thank you for sharing your video Samurai. keep up the good work.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Nice video . . . love the artist shaped trees . . .

[@TheWoodYogi]

This was great to see :) Thank you for sharing part of your journey ॐ

[@aex-blacksmithuk2111]

Breath taking craftsmanship , as so much that Japanese do, they take a job/craft and turn it into a art form. Thank you for the video it was as normal with your videos very enjoyable and informative. Cheers! :)

[@raysmith1028]

Thanks great video -also been to Niko Shrine so impressive - everything in Japan is impressive especially for woodies - go to small towns and see crafts developed 100's of years ago

[@mmarte1622]

Thanks for sharing!! Great video.

[@nil233x]

Not much has changed in Tokyo since I was there in 1972. Would go again.

[@Xandrosi]

Congrats on 500K subscribers!

[@mattking3439]

Glad to have you back Samurai. Now, back to work! /whipcrack

[@cindymoon9609]

That office clock was a nice touch....

[@ChesapeakeRepair]

cant wait for the deck reno and other wood working stuff awesome channel

[@YasumotoUS]

Like button smashed and yes, please for the smoothing plain set up!

[@dennisbeamish9058]

Awesome trip !! thanks for taking the time to share. Did this inspire you to take your hand to carving? Maybe do some carving for that awesome deck you build and videoed for us! Hopefully you will give it a whirl - you are pretty talented so I expect you would be great. Did you share these carving videos with your friend Tom (totem pole carvings? Did he have any comments? Till next time. Dennis Beamish Cambridge Ontario Canada

[@DouggieDinosaur]

Whether it's sculptures on an ancient temple or flames on a bowling shirt, the battle between form and function lives on - cool video - liked - subscribed !! ^_^

[@akyubachang9753]

Wow .... Simply awesome!

[@vigeefvg]

Lucky duck I’m so jealous hope you’re having fun. Looks awesome

[@bitfreakazoid]

You need to go to a Danjiri festival and look at the woodwork on the carts. It's pretty awesome. I will definitely have to go to that shrine soon! Oh yeah, they like to dress up in traditional clothes like that; especially when going to shrines and temples. Should of gone into that Don Quijote, they are pretty awesome, and I think that one is supposed to be pretty big.

[@monabale8263]

those shrines can hold up against earthquakes; BIG ones. and they just sit on the surface. amazing...

[@basicallyberry1047]

Samurai, we need to see some more of that big joinery!!

[@hankcohen3419]

When Louis IVX was building Versailles Nikko To sho gu was just being finished. Both as baroque as possible. Must have been an International thing back then. Very impressed that you found Kappabashi but then you said the tour was organized by Hida Tools so that makes sense. Lots more to see in Japan. Next time be sure to visit Kyoto.

[@HeavyboxesDIYMaster]

I am stoked! This was so great to watch. I will live vicariously through you for now...but I have to make my way to Japan...one day!

[@therisingphoenix00]

"The ladys and Gentlemen walking around in Kimonos" u mentioned are tourists in most cases as i figured out in my recent visit to Japan.

[@VSMOKE1]

That was awsome thanks for the inspiration.

[@stefanrichardt1581]

for your next trip to japan you should go to Kyoto and Nara. There are absolute amazing tempel, too.

[@marcelmary2832]

Pretty cool, so jealous

[@devils30hockey]

Too Cool Buddy loved it Thank you

[@mavos1211]

Great video it looked like you had an amazing trip.

[@daleshewchuk3523]

Now you know what happens to all the raw logs and choice lumber from Canada.This video is further proof that you are also a Samurai videographer.There were some great shots in there;good music,too.Thanks for taking us along !

[@pagnicinematography]

Never been to Japan, but I do live 10 minutes away from Hida tool. So at least I got that going for me.

[@SirScapa]

Awesome vid, fantastic houses. looking forward to the >Kana setup> thx!

[@palehawaiian4649]

That chef's knife is insane!

[@petek210]

No one can touch the Japanese when it comes to cutlery. Their implements are beautiful, usable and, most of all, easy to keep razor sharp.

[@FOMI1970]

this is planet Japan man , every thing there is done perfect , but in a different away .

[@tonybowers9490]

thanks for sharing!

[@jannesmacke]

Awesome Shots!

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Spotlessly clean streets

[@PassionforWoodworking]

Stunning!

[@terrydyck1653]

Loved that video. Heading to Kyoto next year for a conference so this was a great teaser. Keep up the great work?

[@veronicianyveronica5290]

You are so good man!

[@cassianyhvh7220]

The sound at 3:27 was my jaw hitting the ground , then it bounced and that was the second sound at 3:33 Some of those white figures at 4:00 is where they got the inspiration for Shrek...LOL

[@frederickkeppers8791]

Absolutely breathtaking. My lifes goal was to get to Tokyo before I die. I'm 65 now and made as far as LasVegas from Ohio... Oh welllllll Is the exchange rate on money good ?? Is it worth ordering tools from Japan or should I find distributors here in america ??

[@corrosive72]

Amazing carvings love the dragons and foo-dogs.

[@ksingleton101]

The Temples are awesome which makes me wonder how much weight the Standard American pine 2x4 can hold up when stacked end to end? Will it blow apart under the pressure, compress like a sponge or both?

[@silasmarner7586]

Almost half a million subs! Paaaarrty! Paaaarty! Paaaarty!!!

[@reforzar]

Almost to 500k. Keep up the crazy!

[@davcbow]

Glad youmade it home safe.. Awesome things in Japan... Would like to go there with a butt load of money to buy authentic Japanese tools... Would be nice to have them in my shop.. You should learn Japanese so you can communicate better next time.... Awesome videos....

[@scottjohnson3226]

Outstanding video! Simply amazing. Thank you for sharing with us your experience! :-)

[@TanakaDaRocka]

Craziest part of Nikko is there is a spot under where the dragon lies where there is a echo, but only when you stand in that spot and make the noise. They built the room with that in mind.

[@ediii89]

I bought a japanese plane because of you, and now i dont know what to do with it. Waiting for the setup video of the japanese plane!!!

[@ollie4dad]

I just wrote a 80s' style movie, in my head..... white guy goes to Japan to learn the ways of the Old Samurai Carpenter, he manages to complete 20yrs of apprenticeship in a brief montage set to catchy music while falling in love with the girl that has to leave her home and family to save the village... In the end the guy wins the thin shaving contest, the girl's heart, and the money to save the village. The scene where she teaches you, I mean the guy, to sharpen his tool is tastefully filmed to maintain the PG rating. It will be a summer blockbuster.

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

You got too much time on your hands bro. Time to get back in the shop. LOL!

[@ollie4dad]

Funny thing is, I was in my shop watching your video. And yes I have way to much time on my hands and crazy thoughts in the head. I blame all the acid consumption of my youth.

[@blue32falcon]

The white part of the carvings seems covers most the buildings, are those modern plasters replacing what was used to be there? Maybe it rotted out?