The Sad Ending To My Japan Solo Trip

My solo trip didn't exactly end on the high I was expecting, but looking back at it now, I'm kind of happy it didn't...
This is part 2 of 2 of this series🇯🇵
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We’re Oskar🧔🏻 and Dan👱🏻‍♂️, and we believe that anyone regardless of who they are deserves to live their dreams! For the past nine years, we’ve continued pushing boundaries by traveling and living all across the world, including places like Uganda, Brunei, and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, we reached a huge milestone by visiting 100 countries and we’re now on a mission to keep sharing our journey and hopefully make the world a little more open, compassionate, and peaceful along the way❤️
Thank you for being a part of the journey!
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- Instagram: oskaranddan
- Music: share.epidemicsound.com/nqD7H
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Japan was country 38🌍 (first visited in 2018)
I started out my trip in Narita city, the namesake of Narita airport but with so much more to offer than that. I then drove through Tokyo to the west, making my way to the Mount Fuji area and the towns of Yamanakako and Fujiyoshida.
0:00 Something didn’t go as planned…
0:57 Climbing giant stairs to 13th Century temple
2:27 British people
2:52 Checking in with Dan
3:14 My special place in Japan…
6:23 My room
7:17 The disappointment rolls in…
8:23 Up on the mountain
10:30 Solo trip thoughts so far?
11:48 Being sad
13:30 Going to the northern coast (Itoigawa)
15:35 Time to leave Hakuba
16:38 Quick stop in Nagano for Oyaki (best food)
18:25 Summary and reflections from Yokohama
22:25 Full road trip route map
Thank you for watching!🙏😍

[@OskarandDan]

Thank you guys for coming along on this slightly unusual video series for us❤ You guys are the best!! Btw, we realize the title could seem to be referring to the two of us, but don't worry, we're together and better than ever!❤️

[@BioluminescentTree]

Do you happen to have any snippet of when you two met again after that trip? I can easily picture a teary-eyed Oskar giving his man the biggest cuddliest hug 🥺

[@Kingman22478]

Where's Dan what happened?

[@greenrosebluebird]

Hi! I am Japanese home maker currently living in Yokohama. I am from Azumino, Nagano, about 45 minutes drive down south from Hakuba! I enjoyed this video very much. Glad you liked OYAKI buns, the Shinshu （Nagano prefecture）people's soul food. My favorite are NOZAWANA and EGG PLANT ones. Nagano prefecture is the land of high mountains and this video made me home sick so bad! But I like living in Yokohama very much, too. You also talked about Yokohama. Great! I would love to meet you someday. So many more places, foods and things I want you to experience here in Japan!

[@ninja_boy]

I feel you on returning to a place where you were happy. I returned to the town I attended college in and lived in for four years recently, and not only was it different (a restaurant and bar my friends and I hung out at all the time had been demolished--just a field of dirt in its place!), it just reminded me that those days when I lived with friends and felt like I could do whatever I wanted all day are over. Now I live alone, work all the time, and have to make appointments to see friends, and that "carefree" time in my life is gone and never coming back. Seeing the town again made me think that I didn't quite appreciate it enough when I was there. I saw places I'd always meant to visit but never did, or places I only went once and I thought "why didn't I take advantage of this when I was here?" Oh well. I can't dwell on a past time. All I can do is try to make the present and the future better.

[@OskarandDan]

I really feel you🙏🏼 That's when you realize a place isn't just the physical spot, it's everything else that makes it what you experience

[@dawnturner8735]

The whole area looks so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I think I would love the quiet and smaller towns.

[@giannishen]

I wish I can go to Japan with you! You did a really great job, thanks a lot for sharing! 👍🥰🙌

[@howardwilliams2717]

Japan is the best and I want to go back now. So authentic as a place and true to its culture and traditions. Congrats on the solo trip - I did my first in Japan and based myself in Kyoto to get my city fix after living in the Japanese countryside.

[@DeannaGill-he5jp]

Great filming, editing and story telling Oskar. Thanks for letting us come along and for sharing your journey with us

[@chriswedge9942]

Loved it, deep, raw, philosophical, beautifully filmed and edited. Congratulations.

[@NicoOlemans]

Your passion for travel and knack for capturing the essence of each destination shines through in every frame. Moreover, your insightful commentary and helpful tips added an extra layer of depth to the entire experience, making it not just entertaining but also educational. As someone who dreams of visiting Japan one day, your vlog has ignited my wanderlust even more and has inspired me to start planning my own adventure. Thank you for sharing your passion, creativity, and infectious energy with the world. Please know that your and Dan's hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. This vlog has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on countless viewers, myself included.

[@adelguy67]

Thank you for being so honest and open, I can so relate to what you are talking about, I returned back to the place where I was happiest and it was not same, it left me feeling sad and alone but I will always have the memories of when I was first there and that's what I will always keep in my heart, I have solo traveled my entire life and there was many times when I wish someone there to share the moments with but I also realise that at least I get to decide where I go and I do what I want to do.

[@robertrawley1115]

*Great perspective shared, Thank you! Oskar* Really good cinematography too! And, I enjoyed the ending animation to recap your journey. Next, I hope to see O&D talk a bit about what they were able to share from their time apart once reunited...

[@jhartel]

I had very similar experience visiting a place recently that was so special to me years ago and that I had such high expectations for visiting again. You really can't go back, but that is quite a beautiful lesson to learn as well. Your description of that sadness and longing helped me process those feelings. Thank you.

[@dininghusbands]

Hey Oskar, love this introspective video. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your thoughts!

[@egibson10]

Oskar...... I'm glad you enjoyed your trip alone. I also enjoyed those when younger, but now that we are 70 years old, my husband and I enjoy exploring the world together -- plus for us it is safer because it keeps us out of trouble and on time for activities.

[@deepavidya]

Loved this Oskar! The reality of travel and all the feelings and lessons that come out of it are unmatched when experienced solo. It’s such a good thing to showcase. Travel is such a good teacher. I would love to see more solo videos from both of you now and again! Good job Oskar - you did so well! I thoroughly enjoyed these videos.

[@OskarandDan]

🙏🏼❤️

[@Slaaverin]

Ooohh but the ending wasn't sad it's full of hope for the future 😊 glad you enjoyed your trip ❤ stay blessed

[@dianeschroeder3980]

This is one of your best vlogs ever Oskar. It is so honest and raw. I’m sure you learned a lot about you during your solo journey. It’s a healthy thing to do, to not always rely on your partner. We come into this world alone and we exit it alone. Thank you for the wonderful story telling.❤️✈️

[@lmgb77]

It’s great to see your solo learnings. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy at least one or two solo trips a year. Excited to see your next solo adventure!

[@steveg2288]

Hi Oskar - it is always a dilemma whether or not to revisit somewhere that has a special significance. It may have changed, the world has changed, and you have definitely changed in the sense that your knowledge of the world and all its ups and downs is so much more than when you first visited. I'm glad that you got a lot out of your journey and can look at it as a personal success - that's definitely how it seemed to me. I get the feeling that you will continue to learn from this trip long after you're safely back at home. Best wishes and congratulations on a successful adventure!

[@poppy1539]

I really love your solo video in great locations. It's therapeutic and beautiful cinematography. I am Japanese living in Australia, going to Japan next week, your itinerary inspires me. I like quiet and beautiful places. The way you are talking is very natural. Thank you so much for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing your next solo video!!

[@dalensajero6805]

A very profound experience on being nostalgic. I can relate in similar circumstances. Wholesome content Oskar. ❤

[@abitnajs9479]

What a great video this was! Thank you Oskar. I did my only solo travel when I was 22 going to Belgum, Holland and France. It was a great expirience and yes, I would do it again aswell, but i would not do it for 3 weeks.

Having the space and freedom to do things by yourself is healthy. You may not be used to it, but it's good for you. I hope you've enjoyed it. See you around the world, Oskar!

[@renalee3622]

i'm glad you'e shared this, the grieving part - i feel you .. cos i experienced that too. its all part of life and you really appreciate every moment

[@MarkWoodrow00]

Great video. I find it's not what you experience but who you experience it with that makes a place special.

[@corinevandijk1543]

Thank you for sharing your (inner) journey. It was very reflective and honest.

[@rickm5271]

Oskar, I just love you candor and erudite deliver of the stories from your experiences and your feelings from returning for your visit. This is a stunning video. Thank you ❤❤

[@slowtravelvlogs]

I love that you talked about your difficult feelings… it’s not easy to be so raw and authentic in front of thousands of people ❤

[@dekin65]

One story with a lot of emotions, thank you.

[@treasurechest1993]

Hakuba was my second home for 12 years. I still visit regularly. And yes, oyaki is yummy.

[@WiseFamin]

Solo travel is great! So glad you got to experience it! There are definite benefits to solo travel--you're in charge and you can do or not do whatever you like. If you want to take a nap in the middle of the day, you can! If you want to stay all afternoon at one spot, you can! It can be challenging and lonely too sometimes. But if you think about it, we're born alone and we die alone, and it's a worthwhile endeavor to learn to love your own company! Especially when traveling--you get to see a place through your own eyes, not filtered through the experience of someone else. We've all been to places where a travel companion was having a bad time, and that person's experience colors our experience as well. When you're traveling solo, if you're having a great time or less than a great time, you have the power to make your trip what you want it to be. So glad you shared that experience with all of us.

[@FardinMubin]

The positive vibe that's all I need ❤ thanks Oskar 🙌

[@JacAlexandru]

So happy to see this new approach on you videos! Also very proud to see you sharing all these feelings and the map your life was on from then to now. Respect! Most people do not share the transformation and this type of „departure” that you can have with a place from the past. And since I was recently first time in Japan (last nov) I can honestly say that ever since then I feel a weird sadness that is not defined by missing a place but rather by leaving a piece of myself in Japan. Hopefully I will be able at some point to do exactly what you did, and relieve, revisit and close the circle. Again, nais video and idea!

[@debbiedennison]

Thank you for this video. I’ve worried about going back to places I loved, because the experience can’t be as good. Best if we go back to just try and make new memories!

[@dakar8993]

Oskar, - big O - super job - filming, sharing, editing, start to finish. Absolutely stunning.

[@OskarandDan]

Thank you🙏🏼 And nice to meet you at DCA!!

[@Bjm869]

Oskar thanks for sharing your experiences!! You're glowing and think solo travelling looks great on you :)

[@djallen16]

Thanks for sharing.not the same without Dan.still enjoyed it. Cheers

[@manse8039]

WRONG!! you didn't travel alone, you took all your subscribers on your trip. it felt like a closer communication with your ideas and emotions. Bravo, love this trip. Plus Japan is always beautiful. please do it again!!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great video and it's good to know that you guys are still together. However, I have always stated the following, I DON'T MIND BEING ALONE, BUT I HATE FEELING LONELY. Stay Safe & Healthy... Abrazos

[@MarkusLoffelsend]

You are absolutely right: Some places, some moments are fixed in time, in your time. And never repeatable. 55 years old. And: Although I love travelling with my partner, I enjoy my solo travels... which are shorter... only a few days.

[@OskarandDan]

"fixed in time, in your time" - love that🙏🏼

[@TJ-tj7zd]

Loved this!!!!

[@mirra_xo]

so raw, so thoughtful

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Oscar drop a like .

[@maojianfu]

@11:58, some kind of feelings everybody might have in their lives. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrismatanle]

I’ve had this feeling too. I’ve been lucky to live and work in a few different places in my life. London being one of them. I go back to London now and I wish it was the place it was when I was in my 20s but places change and evolve just like we do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts xx

[@PhilipDjaferis]

Very nice and interesting!! Great seeing corners of Japan which often are ignored.

[@IamArloFischer]

You are such a lovely thoughtful man.

[@abrahamclott5604]

Again, thank you! My last trip was solo because my husband wasn't comfortable travelling and I have another solo adventure starting at the end of this week. But he's just agreed to venture out on a repeat of the trip i made last Fall and i'm so happy! So it is sort of the reverse: I will now get to share an experience i had solo. That trip will be in Sept.

[@deloresthomas5624]

What a wonderful vlog Oskar! Thank you so much the inspiration you provided. Beautiful views and thoughts.

[@dianemeige5744]

Dear Oscar welcome to the solo world travel club 😂! Congrats that you did it. I did it so many times that I could understand all of the feelings you had during this trip. But at the end I am happy that you can think of doing it again. You learn so much about yourself and about the others. Best regards from Switzerland

[@catbernstein8628]

One of the other odd benefits of traveling solo is that for some reason my memories of solo trips are far more sharply etched. It may be a side effect of having to “think for two” when you are by yourself, so there’s a level of mental effort that is less than when you are with someone else.

[@alexanderscharf2806]

what an amazing film. Thank you. I would love to see more of Oscar!

[@nomad9264]

Ahahah love the intro and I love u. I m currently also in a solo trip in Bali ❤

[@robthetraveler1099]

Yep, I've learned that lesson (several years older than you)... don't try to recreate the past, and certainly don't try to recreate your feelings about a particular place. Feelings belong to a particular intersection of place, time, and age... just let them be what they are in your memory, and cherish it, but don't to clutch on to them. Move on to new experiences to create new memories and feelings.

[@sachiro3]

Thank you for visiting Japan again! The 21-year-old you and the 27-year-old will feel differently. If you're feeling lonely or lonely, Dan may not be by your side, but that may mean you've grown up and grown up! Keep up the good travel and have a wonderful life!

[@WarlockofSF]

CONGRATS on your solo trip !! I've traveled solo more than I have with other people. There are pros and cons. I don't usually mind dining alone but what feels funny sometimes for some reason is to check in to a hotel by myself(?). on the other hand, It's VERY NICE to be able to make all the decisions yourself!!! Nice muzak!!!! (p.s. Did you meet any nice Taikomochi?)

[@TheWhore2culture]

Hey Oskar, I hope this finds you both well & Dan enjoyed his trip. I was sent to boarding school, because my birthday's in December, my parents decided to have start my first term aged six,have 7th birthday at school & then do my first solo flight from old Heathrow out to spend Xmas with the family in Lagos, Nigeria. It was worth it because I was a year ahead of others with birthdays from September to December and though is not only sounds Dickensian,the school was awful, I hated it,but,in those days,the end of the 60s it wasn't about choice, you were told what to do,such it up & get on with it; though my mother admitted to very nearly collecting me the next day & stuff the year. She said it was one of the hardest things she's ever done & would never do it again, my youngest brother's birthday's in October & my mother did do the same with him. The flight home was also my first adventure without family or friends, for some reason the flight was diverted to Rome & we all had to leave the plane,told we'd continue our journey that evening,leaving everyone in the transit lounge for 6 hours. Not me though an air hostess who was tasked with keeping an eye on me,had a bf who picked us up from the airport in a bright red sports car,with the roof off,though December in Rome,it was a beautiful day & I got to sit on the back of The car ,my feet on the seat, hevsped us into the city,she was 60s glam with a head scarf & dark glasses & he was an extremely handsome blond Italian, who spoke fluent English & we did a high speed sightseeing trip,with pit stops at various cafes for various speciality that was like having a three course meal,just in different places. Somehow we went into Vatican City for my first ever experience of ravioli, made by a lady who was his aunt! I also had real gelato while they wandered around holding hands, with lots of giggles & kissing, it stands out in my mind for two reasons, my first 'solo' venture & my first serious realisation that though the hostess was pretty, I couldn't stop thinking I'd maybe like boyfriend with a little sports car! I moved in my first boyfriend at 21,though apart a very select group of friends, I was sleeping on the sofa bed for 10 years,till we amicably parted ways,he loved skiing & I'd grown up with beaches & snorkeling so we would have a solo,sometime with friends from school, holidays.I didcovered Athens in the early 80s & the city or trips to ancient sites out of season was awesome, I loved art,ancient history, had grown up on Tales of Greek Myths & thought I was in heaven, loving pretty much all things Greek, I also had a couple of Greek friends from school so would visit them on the mainland one up past Corinth,the other down past Mycenae. I've had two more longer than 10 year relationships,am still with number two,we're coming up for 20 years in September! Much as I love going places with him,we've always made a point of pursuing our own seperate friends,hobbies & solo trips,which I love for two reasons, firstly I get to exactly what I want,when I want,even if it's staying in bed all day watching TV, now streaming online & ordering room service, the best bit is always seeing him again & having a lazy weekend catching each other up on what the others been doing,apart from emergency we've agreed nothing more than odd texts or a photo of something totally random,but,no talking on the phone,ensuring savouring the moment,experience we actually doing at the time. I've gone on cookery holidays by myself and learned to make fresh ravioli & gelato by the time I was 25. I can't explain just how much being apart keeps us together,but,I'd recommend it to anyone, any variation of couple or age. Very best wishes to you & yours. p,s, very impressive camera work & editing.💥👊💙💙💯👋⭐️'s💯✌️

[@ThomasCummiskey]

Not sad at all, it’s just life changing, growing, reflecting, and realizing that we sometimes need to hold places in our memories like you said. I went to Iceland for 6 days recently, and it was a perfect amount of time for a solo travel experience. Keep doing what you’re doing my friend. ❤️🌷

[@jayfinocchiaro389]

Exquisite!

[@howardshepherdson2925]

Great video Oskar, fascinating and heartfelt ❤

[@reedsehon4881]

Nailed it!

[@OskarandDan]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Nethanphetamina]

Honestly you be living the dream

[@press.the.ignition2257]

Nostalgia can be extremely bittersweet

[@travel-peter]

Oh my....however., i enjoyed the scenery

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice.😊😊

[@johnsaintonge4529]

MY Dear Oskar, has mentioned before you are EVOLVING. You certainly deserve you alone time to reflect and brighten your horizon. xoxoxo

[@Cha4k]

I went to visit a place I used to live in Japan 15 years ago and it was certainly a bummer to see all the farms gone, completely demolished, Everything developed into concrete apartment blocks, And also far far fewer Japanese people than there used to be, Lots of Indians, Arabs, Indonesians etc. Very different culture now and actually felt like an entirely different country.

[@ajledoux7051]

What a beautiful man! Wishing you all the best and happiness this short life can give - enjoy…. and be sure to sacrifice and give back as it pays big dividends! Love you both❤❤❤❤🏳️‍🌈👬. (I’m 75 years young and been with my now husband 54 years)

[@Canleaf08]

I am doing solo trips mostly in the US and Canada, primarily in Germany throughout the year to relieve stress from my job, which I do from home for the past 4 years. This is what I wanted to do. I have a trip to Quebec lined up soon. Sure it is pricy as hell, but others go to beaches in Spain 4-6 times a year and literally expect the same as they do in Germany. There is even a German supermarket... I want to have cultural new things around me and deal with the menu there, not buy the same stuff and line up at a piefkes German breakfast buffet.

[@markuserikssen]

So many beautiful landscapes over there. Do you speak Japanese? I might want to take a solo trip to Japan in the future but don't speak Japanese. Is it difficult to navigate and communicate without it? 😄

[@ryanstuhr]

Maybe you were so preoccupied with being solo, it colored the whole experience? I think maybe returning to the mountains in ski season or high summer, with Dan of course, could color things more positive and lovely like your old memories. Best luck

[@alabelleetoile]

Video idea: Oskar and Dan go skiing in the Rockies in Canada 🇨🇦 😊

[@OskarandDan]

That's a dream!!

[@Dovndyr13]

OMG a swede aproaching strangers? But yes been to 49 countries on solo trips, in many ways its amazing and develops you as a person in other ways than if you go with your partner/friends.

[@OskarandDan]

Really pushing myself😩😂

[@corrado]

damn bruh, homes went on an amazing vacation and didn't even enjoy it