Pros and Cons of Traveling in Japan

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- We've noticed a lot of things while traveling across Japan. This video covers safety and crowds/how busy places are. We have a lot of other things to cover but there's so much to say about each individual topic that we thought it was better to provide more information rather than be brief and get everything done in one video but leave out a lot of details! We have a lot of tips and advice (especially in the next video), so hopefully these are helpful!
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[@Lihoa]

Irrelevant to the topic at hand, but I've noticed Jun has been talking a lot more lately. It's really enjoyable to see you two balancing out.

[@chloesgrass4143]

reixith jun’s own channel now has more subs than this and he gets the whole spotlight on that one lol

[@dogeofdojima3813]

"Perfectly balanced"

[@aprili.3802]

Public Disclaimer: Yes, Japan is a safe place, but that doesn't mean it's safe all the time. Ladies, keep your guard up. Around 8PM last night, a man who made eye contact with me as I was riding my bike started to follow me on his bike from the mall. By the time I realized it wasn't just paranoia, he was indeed on my tail and followed me for nearly 10 minutes, I was nearly home so I rerouted and went to a super market around the corner from my apartment. He ACTUALLY followed me to the super market. I stood in front of the super market doors to see what would happen and he swerved to a stop across the street, stared at me, waved, and then turned around and left. Seriously, trust your instincts, ladies. This dude could have found out where I lived. It was nighttime, I clearly was going home because my bike was LOADED with shopping bags...he knew what he was doing. I live in what is known as a safe, residential area in Shiga prefecture. This neighborhood is full of families, college kids, and seniors. Yet here comes creepy, 40 year-old gaijin-hunter who thought it'd be cool to follow the blonde chick home.....be careful gaijin women.

[@philippGM]

Maybe he was just shy and wanted to talk with you??

[@parkchimmin7913]

Philipp G. Still, either way, it’s creepy how her followed her for ten minutes straight. I’m glad that she’s safe!

[@expoctme]

@@philippGM that warrants blatant stalking?

[@philippGM]

​@@expoctme sorry, was probably just an inappropiate joke.

[@roxanneworld11]

@@philippGM i won't be polite: you need help..because no matter what country, that is sick-in-the-head behavior for a man to do..it's harassing & stalking and most often a precursor to a crime..btw, my dad was a police officer and before that, a soldier.. i, too, have travelled some..so anyone who claims that's just a cultural difference is full of cr@p..and for some reason (gee, i wonder why), is making excuses for totally wrong behavior, period.

[@RachelandJun]

We've basically been traveling this entire year, hence all the travel videos and only uploading once every 45 years. But we only have one more trip left!! TO OKINAWA!! :D Plz no typhoons

[@megamaxmax4]

You gotta go see the whale sharks. It's been a long time since I've been to the Okinawa aquarium, but it's still easily the best one I've ever seen. Also there was a great slide some where on one of the beaches, went from the top of a hill to the bottom of the beach, and was rollers instead of solid plastic. You went crazy fast. But that was also over ten years ago.

[@xoMissTaylorDivine]

Some really good footage of the beautiful white sand beaches in Okinawa that I constantly hear about would be wonderful ❤ Enjoy the rest of your trip ☺

[@lennsoulessaint1206]

Wonderful! Travel Mercies

[@aprilxu534]

I went to an Okinawan island during the winter time. The islands have really clean beaches and clear waters. The boat ride to the island was a little scary though! Since the shuttle boats need to stay on schedule, they tend to travel really fast through the grey waters. :P

[@YosukeNakamura]

沖縄は本島もいいけど、離島はもっと素晴らしいから是非行って欲しい。 あとぎりぎり沖縄県ではないんだけど、与論島も調べてみて。

[@neena18]

This is such a small, minor and probably irrelevant thing to point out but when Jun addressed Rachel as "my wife" my heart did a little leap of joy because omg that was too cute. You guys are cute.

[@clobobrizzy5798]

gm c well they are married

[@melinabozorgmehr6503]

clobobrizzy I know tons of married couples who are poopy pants so let us bask in their sweetness for a nice break please.

[@hiriajuu_suffering]

Jun on buying knives via auction: "THAT WAS LIKE ONE TIME"

[@RachelandJun]

★Subtitles!★ *Japanese* *Chinese (China)* *German* *Korean* *Spanish* *English* Want to help submit subtitles? rachelandjun.blogspot.jp/2014/01/r-video-transcripts-updated-25-sept-2015.html

[@GODplaysSHAIYA]

You should probably put that as Chinese (Simplified) Hehe

[@descalzitao6779]

Where's the French subtitles :( ? If you gimme the script, I could try to translate

[@qharis-lm902]

+おにいちゃん Name it Chinese (China) just to be safe, because Singapore also use Simplified Chinese and they might have some different words or sentences than us.

[@user-sr6mq2dc2e]

+李开元 actually no they don't my mom's Singaporean only their accents are different

[@qharis-lm902]

ナセ千尋 There are some. For example, in Chinese, China: 菠萝, Taiwan: 鳳梨, Malaysia: 黄梨. Just like in English, US: soccer, UK: football. US: football, UK: American football.

[@starstyle423]

I really liked that 30 seconds of stick man animation haha

[@duchessedeberne3909]

Yeah! More animation please :D

[@nerdecrafter]

when we went to the food court in Tokyo, we left our bags on the table and when one of our friends hesitated, we said "dude it's japan, it's safe". We were gone for 5 minutes and everything was ok. =D I love how I don't need to think that someone will snatch my phone while I'm texting or Pokehunting

[@sinofeni]

Oh hey! I didn't know you watched Rachel and Jun I wanna stop my break from watching you soon, but I need to wait for my ear treatment to simmer down so i can wear headphones

[@eugenebrian5861]

you prolly dont care but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all of the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend these days :)

[@ayaanalberto7712]

@Eugene Brian yea, have been watching on Instaflixxer for years myself =)

[@aniluvswesties]

I love how Jun calls Rachel his wife 😍 relationship goals!

[@Ruby-Rosales]

well, they ARE married.

[@aniluvswesties]

+Ruby Roses lol true but it's still so cute!

[@ameliaervin3365]

😂 she IS his wife......

[@aniluvswesties]

+Amelia Ervin I know she's his wife. But it's not common (to me) for a husband to call his wife his wife. I rarely hear it. And the way he says it is cute! Geeze.

[@ameliaervin3365]

+Vegan Westie Lover it is cute I agree. I just found that funny that's all

[@liviestar365]

Gosh, I wanna go to Japan so badly, it's one of my life goals

[@jaspr1999]

YOu kids are so sweet! I can't express how much my wife and I enjoy your videos. I know I've said it before in other comments, but the sheer amount of work you put into them to share with the world is very appreciated. As for the pros and cons, something you guys may wish to watch on KZbin is Wheelchair Walkers channel. She doesn't go into the detail of areas you guys do she does go into accessibility for wheelchairs. That can be a big pro or con for anyone in a wheelchair.

[@ralucaradu28]

OMG but it is totally OK to do a longer video.. !

[@dinaatjuh]

True, however that background music is going to make me kill someone some day. Fucking looped music. Prob my worst YT pet peeve.

[@ralucaradu28]

i actually blocked the music in my mind:)) while i was reading your comment i was like:" what music?" lol

[@zaizen4359]

Me too! LOL

[@amberbrock6440]

I first started watching Rachel and jun's videos about 7 or 8 years ago and I remember Rachel was so much more quiet and reserved and I just love seeing her open up and blossom more and she looks so much more happy and free laughing and talking more it looks like she's a lot more comfortable with herself and that makes me really happy to see😊I've always been a fan but I love watching the videos so much more now because of her wonderful bubbly personality and her silly side

[@sadmango]

why am i even watching this, i've never been out of my own country

[@nadadealer4435]

s a m e. I really want to travel in the future though.

[@katiaazizi]

Agreed but this is like a information video so we know how Japan is.

[@h3ntaicannon720]

penguann2 because Japan's awesome

[@believensee8621]

But one day you might...

[@melinabozorgmehr6503]

Beeeeeeecause it’s interesting?!? And it’s nice to learn things... so we expand out of our self made bubble/boxes?!?

[@lawlietfangirl1]

I hate how scammers take advantage of the elderly! D:< I live in the US and there had been this one time when some scammers called my grandma and told her they took my counsin (they actually didnt) and if she did not pay them a couple thousands they would kill him. My grandma was really terrified and spent the whole day running around everywhere trying to gather up all the money they asked for but thankfully my mom was able to stop her right before she sent the money to them >:c

[@iluvumichelleq]

I am so obsessed with Jun. Does Jun have a brother? Rachel you got a good one.

[@CattyoKitty]

This is a pretty random comment but I just wanted to say that you two are such a cute couple! I feel like an old lady saying this but if/when you have kids, they'll be adorable.

[@RachelandJun]

aww thank you!! :D

[@winter-star9450]

I'm from Finland which has only about 5,5 million people so there is a lot of space for everyone. That's why I'm little nervous to go places like Tokyo someday. I probably won't survive that subway :D

[@mmKALLL]

Nah, it's cool as long as you aren't going to the central area during rush-hour. One thing that may make the typical Finn a bit nervous is the occasional lack of space in restaurants; sometimes people might even - gasp - sit next to you! :D

[@winter-star9450]

+mmKALLL haha :D That does sound little terrifying :'D

[@kawaiigeek538]

Norway here ;) it's not too bad... but except to be pressed up against people when the train is full and maybe get a couple of bruises.

[@Pschokid]

+mmKALLL As a Swede that does sound terrifying xD

[@RealAngelOfMusic]

I was in London and I had to use the subway. It is so bad 😑

[@nidasheriff1053]

your eye makeup is super pretty today! (Rachel's)

[@mmKALLL]

Nah, Jun's is much better.

[@Makatzzz]

+mmKALLL Indeed

[@miidysama9908]

People said she had surgery due to breathing problems. I think we should just let her be, honestly.

[@ItIsJustJudy]

A person can have a septoplasty without having a rhinoplasty. A septoplasty will not alter the shape of your nose. She obviously had both. It was her personal choice, of course.

[@TheLoveletter99]

Rachel, your eyeliner is on point! I can't help but love it!

[@Sephajinami]

"You sweet summer child" Heavens, was that a Game of Thrones reference Rachel my dear? Valar morghulis comrade.

[@ladyasriel7874]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@katheriner10]

They've said in the past they both love the show :)

[@svgarpaws]

Jun sometimes looks like a little puppy when he's listening to Rachel. It's too cute. :D

[@myname2851]

Laugh out loud when Jun did the Picture thing, I couldn't stop laughing! 😂

[@ryanb6702]

I've been watching you guys for a while now! I'm super excited because I'll be visiting Japan in October with my boyfriend for our anniversary!

[@jsawx]

I love these videos where the two of you are just sitting down and chatting away

[@flaviospadavecchia5126]

"You poor Summer Child" ahahahah loved the reference to Game of Thrones lol

[@RachelandJun]

GRRM plz I need more books

[@artbysarf]

About the getting yelled at thing: in China (I know we're taking about Japan but whatever) I was with some friends and a guy friend of mine yelled out "China baby!" As part of a song he was singing or something and some old guy on the side of the road got really excited and yelled back "CHINA BABY." And it was adorable

[@Ianmarcus1]

Rachel looks so stunning in this video, eye makeup is so on point.

[@EnvyTraxus]

I want to just take a trip to Japan at least once in my life but the only thing holding me back really is the language barrier and possibly money in the future (i'm still in high school)

[@vintagerose14x]

I just wanna say regarding the language it shouldn't be a massive problem if you just plan to visit for a bit. Perhaps learn some key phrases/words and look up places on google maps beforehand.

[@mmKALLL]

People are making more money than ever, just save some each month and it'll pile up very quickly. Maybe a summer job or similar may help you reach that goal. Good luck!

[@viniciusmorais66]

It doesn't matter. 90% of foreign toursits cannot speak Japanese.

[@kitchean]

i havent been but have do e a lot of research. mpre touristy areas u should be good. matbe learn a couple of phrases. such as thank you, where is rhe bathroon etc. if you wish to learn language i started in January. sj 6 moths of learning and i can say some basix stuff, comprehens and read a little kanji. i used fluentU and duo lingo. it was also learning with a minth or so break.

[@lastcontinent]

I've Had a Burglary at Home. Japan is safe. Comparatively yes, it is. But it doesn't mean absolutely no crime happens in Japan. Especially, ladies should not walk alone at night.

[@thelegendarymew8117]

Thank you for the warning!

[@waltera4448]

Japan is a pretty safe country, but they do still have crime. A friend of mine has relatives there, Their neighbors had their apartment broken into last month. However it's only the 3rd reported break-in and theft they had in their area in the last 6 months. Like with any city, crime happens, but for the most part it's safer than most Western countries. Basically don't do stupid stuff or put yourself in dangerous situations (ie - taking back alleys, walking through dark areas, visiting seedy establishments/areas, or etc. and especially after dark)

[@pablodanieljiang961]

yeah, in my country, everyday there crimes like theft, the kiddnapping happens each month or the worse 2 weeks. unlike Japan, most crimes are piracy, sexual harrasment, but few rape or murder.

[@MrSirHaku]

Like any other country, it still has crime. To the girl up there, just saying that means misinformation.

[@KakarotLee33]

Real life Kirito and Asuna from Sword Art Online :p

[@FriedRice3519]

OMG YOU'RE SOOO RIGHT LOL

[@user-hv1tr9ok1i]

Nahh, they (jun and rachel) have a character and personality... So no. Looks? Maybe, although Jun is quite tall compared to kirito

[@libaniasantos4382]

Ahaha, I thought so funny that Jun kind of smile just a little bit and look so innocent to Rachel when they started talking of clothes. They really are a funny, cute couple.

[@WES6666]

omg her nose looks so pretty! although she looked beautiful before and still is beautiful

[@Maddiebp]

I don't think people care if the video is too long. The video is very interesting and entertaining. I love watching your videos

[@ikaruseijin01]

I made a point to go in the fall since I have a bad time with heat. It worked out well. The weather was close to ideal for me temperature wise and only a couple days of rain. I was visiting for an entire month and wandering from place to place.

[@RoughDivideVIII]

I just did the Kumano Kodo last week in this humidity and while it is pretty hot, you do adjust somewhat...just keep hydrated! Thankful even rural areas in Wakayama prefecture are air conditioned!

[@lin5969]

About your neighbour's apartment that got broken into; Rachel said in a previous video that she woke up first and shook Jun awake as he was just sleeping away. The video was the one about America vs Japan concerning safety.

[@kurosukichuu860]

I was lucky enough to enter dodaiji temple (The huge buddha statue in Nara) half an hour before closing and it was just peaceful and beautiful. Its just me and my group of friends left. Its really magical with deers roaming around outside the temple too.

[@virgincrisis8978]

I never saw photos of Kyoto before the first time I traveled to Japan but for me that was the best city, I love it so much and also love Osaka.

[@keah]

Jun's teeth are soooooo white!

[@larsstoerloes6619]

Rachel, GIIIIIIRL! Those wings on your eyelids are ON POINT! You're really getting the hang of this makeup thing.

[@RachelandJun]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D Basically I've just been adding more makeup... haha This time I'm wearing falsies in the corner

[@pedgarcia]

Going to Japan next week for 3 weeks. Thanks guys for all the videos that helped us to plan our trip!

[@iLLuzion1st]

Hey Paulo, were you headed to in Japan? My fiance and I are traveling for 2 weeks in September!

[@TheEyeofMobius]

These videos are very helpful, thank you. As someone who studies and works in the tourism field don't feel bad about sharing your experiences that are off the beaten track; you are helping the sustainability from an economic standpoint which means an area could remain a nice place to visit even if it is busier instead of collapsing and being rebuilt as something unpleasant like an industrial district.

[@madisoned]

I was very impressed with my first overseas visit to Japan. Kyoto, Shibuya, and Harajuku were soooo crowded but I never ever bumped into anyone or had someone bump into me. It was such an organized chaos. There were people everywhere, elbow to elbow, but it was comfortable. I never felt claustrophobic (with the exception of getting on the metro during morning rush hour). I think it is because Japanese are just super, super nice and if there's any country that knows how to handle crowds efficiently, it's Japan. I've never wanted to attend the Olympics because of how expensive and crowded it would be. However, I'd LOVE to go to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Now I just have to save up the money...

[@TakahashiTakami]

Thank you for this video, Rachel & Jun! I went to Japan on a family trip back in 2012 and loved it. I went to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mishima, and Tokyo, among some other places. I'm glad you made a video like this. I too saw the difference traveling from city to city in Japan. And how crowded some places were. You're right though, Japan is extremely safe, and I never felt so safe in a foreign country before. Next year in February, I am returning to Japan for another family trip. This time going all over Hokkaido to see the various Winter Festivals held there.

[@moonprincess90]

i backpack thru japan for 3 weeks. the first time i went. it was a lot of fun! i felt safe all the time. i used the JR, bus, and subway. i stated in tokyo, osaka, naruto, mt. fuji, kyoto, okinawa, hiroshima, Miyajima, Nagaya and nara. i would love to go again!

[@freyaporter99]

My friends are I were just talking about why the fake shutter sound is still included on phone cameras. Now I'm really glad they are! You just don't think of stuff like this until you're presented with that situation

[@ChrisSlack]

Good tip on the crowds. I had a motorcycle in Japan, so we could go where there aren't any crowds!

[@enishigrudge]

I went at the end of Spring in mid May and it was fantastic. Of course since I went for 2 weeks it got progressively hotter, but if your trip is shorter the weather is great and areas less crowded.

[@jonsmith8083]

I am an American in Japan and the people are extremely respectful and considerate.

[@paradise356]

When I travelled Japan I received a paper describing the city's attractions based on the four seasons (where certain parks or places lost their beauty in the off season). A perfect example is the Cherry trees that I think only bloomed in the fall and during other months of the year were more or less an average tree.

[@user-yc4wk2tq9q]

Rachel's wing is so on point.

[@duchessedeberne3909]

The scam rate shows the mentality in my opinion. Thank you so much for the travel tips 😚 When will the beautiful fall season start? 🍂🍁 Rachel your hair and make up look extremely pretty in this video 💕

[@mizzuanr]

The first and second week of November was nice for us travelling to Japan. Not so crowded, the leaves were changing colors, and the weather is just nice to just wear a jacket. Waking up early does help us to get the best experience. We left our apartment usually at 7.00am but we got thousands of undisturbed pictures, peaceful walks and the ability to just soak in the sweet atmosphere. Then, when people start to pour in, we took the time to just observe and enjoy the crowds. But there are places where we WANT to have the crowds like Gion, Kiyomizu-Dera, Nishiki Market, etc cos that's what make the places lively! 😂

[@Yusakuo]

I definitely agree that Japan is one of the safest countries. Having said that, night scene can get dangerous, like any other country, so you should still be careful especially if you're unaware of the area.

[@FuwafuwaNoTori]

Just came home from Japan 2 days ago, and I have to say if your going in the summer it's going to get humid af. A tip is probably to wear sports clothes or just buy summer clothes in Japan (like in Uniqlo where they have like special underwear and undershirts which wicks away sweat or something? haha). And if your going to see Himeji Castle, be sure to get the double ticket which includes Kokoen Garden! It's a really nice uncrowded garden (at least when I was there) which is ridicullously huge and pretty! Lot's of giant koi fishes too.

[@hikkipedia]

I think we almost got scammed in Shinjuku around Kabukicho. We were walking around drinking so it's hard to remember the details, but this foreign guy came up to us and started chatting casually to us. He asked if we liked karaoke and I said yes, and he said his friend had a karaoke club he could get us a deal at. We were on our way to Big Echo anyway so we said cool, the guy escorted us to a nearby building and got into the elevator with us so then we started to get nervous and clue in to what was happening. He called his friend to meet us, his friend started to bring us to his karaoke bar down the hall and he told us it cost a really high price, higher than what the guy on the street had said. I said "no thank you" and walked back to the elevator. When we got in, the first guy was still in the elevator for some reason and he asked us why we were leaving. I just ignored him but my boyfriend was trying to make up some stupid reasons to appease them. Thankfully we got to the ground floor without a confrontation or getting hustled so we booked it out of there and went to Big Echo lol

[@RachelandJun]

CREEPY D:>

[@hikkipedia]

***** lol I've been New York City twice and yes, many many a times has this trick been tried on me :P Sorry you got scammed. My boyfriend actually did pay one of them for the CD because he felt bad but he just left it in the hotel because he hates rap lol

[@Siannysloth]

Glad nothing bad happened! I'm always in the camp of if someone is trying so hard to get you into a restaurant/club/karaoke place then it's probably either a) a scam or b) so crap they need someone to hustle people in! I think in Japan people might fall for it if the person is charming enough, especially since getting around Japan can be intimidating with the language barrier.

[@bored78612]

Was the guy black?

[@HavenJBaker]

As a New Yorker living in the city, that is 100% true, I am sorry that happen to you, but you should never buy any of the CDs if they offer you just keep walking and ignore them, another piece of advice is that, in New York at times people will just run up and steal your phone in your hand. I seen it happen before and it can happen to anybody.

[@teraphIl1000]

Great video! I hate crowded places, so I definitely need to do some research before I go! ^-^

[@vangrails]

Or try to learn to love crowded places.

[@lovelife8007]

Thank you so much for posting great and helpful videos! I entered an essay contest for a trip to Japan at my school. I found out a few days ago that I won! I can't wait to go to Japan. It is for two weeks in the summer. I wanted to say thank you for doing what you do. You really help me understand Japan and you have amazing tips on how to travel there. I feel much better about my trip due to your videos.

[@nostalgia5581]

The artwork in the end was so cute💕

[@kristianbrandt3012]

Honestly the true prize in Tokyo really isn't the sights because, at the end of the day, it is just another mega city. The true prize lies in culture. The Japanese live their lives by western standards, but their culture is deeply alien to a westerner, Europeans in particular. This can ruin or make your experience. If you're reserved you won't have fun, but if you let go you'll have the time of your life! Especially in the hip areas like Harajuku. If you have a few travels under your belt, I absolutely recommend going alone, as it makes it easier to go with the flow. Also there are ways around the crowd. The Japanese aren't exactly on the tall side, so if you're an average height Scandinavian male like me, you can see over most of the crowd, and navigate easily through the sea of people XD XD XD

[@fatimashahid8468]

This is a 14 min video of Rachel’s eyeliner on fleek.

[@lizzy8111]

I was doing a project on japan and traveling. And this. Saved me . 😍😍

[@syodai.wataamechan]

ぜひこんどは冬の山形県に来てください！ 雪が積もっている夜の銀山温泉と 最上川の舟下りがおすすめです！ 芋煮も食べていって欲しいです！

[@GTvehicle]

Talk about being able to deal with big crowds: have either of you ever been to large rock / pop concerts, with like 60,000 people or so ?

[@mwmcbroom]

I visited Japan in late November and I hit things just right that year because Japan was experiencing a late autumn. So I got to enjoy the peak colors, but just about everywhere I went, it wasn't crowded. Except Osaka Castle. I visited the castle during its 400th birthday celebration -- and it was jam packed. But Osaka Castle ended up being the exception. The most scenic and, frankly, beautiful castle I visited was Himeji Castle (Himeji Jo), in the town of Himeji, which is in south Honshu Island. Himeji Jo is huge and very photogenic. If you live in the USA, check into buying a Rail Pass before you leave the states. It can't be bought inside Japan. You pay a flat fee, which is very reasonable, and this allows you to travel all JNR rail lines (JNR = Japan National Railway) for FREE. And this includes the Shinkansen bullet train. So I got to ride the Shinkansen several times during my stay in Japan. It was like flying on the ground. Very cool and a great way to travel long distances in not much time.

[@FiveOClockTea]

Perfect timing :D I'll be off to start traveling Japan real soon :D

[@M0rganna]

take me with you

[@rosiejackson7574]

Eyeliner on fleek, Rachel

[@TomKellyXY]

The main sites in Kyoto, Golden Temple etc are packed but we hired bikes and explored the city on the way there. Plenty of nice quiet shrines and historical places to see on the way :-) Would recommend bikes for Kyoto!

[@vangrails]

Yes, the bicycle is a good way to get around in places like Kyoto, Nara and Matsue.

[@AnomieTrain]

I like the crowds...it seems more alive when there's a lot of people.

[@partygreatgirl]

Japan sounds so nice and safe. I live in Houston, Texas and it is absolutely not safe to travel alone, whether at night or in the daytime. I've traveled to other states like New Mexico and California, and it wasn't really safe there either, although it was pretty okay overall. I've had many experiences traveling around my own city that were pretty dangerous, not all of them, but quite a few were. I wish my area could be that safe.

[@yukigamine]

Thanks for the information about travelling in Japan! I totally understand what you mean with the humidity! It wasn't too bad in May during Animazement, but later in the summer (like now), NC is insanely hot and humid. It's pretty average for us to have a day where it's in the mid 90s (~35C) and 40-60% humidity. See you in the next video~

[@SkittleStorm]

I liked the 30 seconds of improvisation... :')

[@toromei]

Loved you guys already, but love you even more for posting this a week before I go to Japan. So thoughtful of you! ;D

[@leahivanna]

Hi Rachel and Jun! Thanks again for coming to Animazement! Next year you guys should cosplay and/or get tailor made kimonos. :P

[@thepalequeenkitty4595]

You are both so sweet to listen to. Sincerity is something I value so thank you for your videos. I found one and clicked out of curiosity because I do not know very much about Japanese culture so its been informative and you make me laugh often. :) I just subscribed and its worth it I think to see a glimpse into the kind of life you live. I live in South-western England right now and so this is really different. I'm originally from the states and there are cultural differences here in England also that I had to learn.

[@shakiestalocachica]

Uff the point about Kyoto was so true...I used to work in Kyoto and visited a lot after work etc. 5 years+ ago it wasn't as crowded, there were still more quiet times. But visiting recently the amount of tourists was just alarming. It used to be my quiet alternative to walking around Osaka haha. But it's such a beautiful place, I wish everyone could enjoy it.

[@caitlind5887]

Hmm it was interesting what you were saying about leaving your purse to reserve a table. I've always been happy to leave my bag at my table while i ordered here in the UK (at least at pubs or restraunts) even though I'm pretty sure we're not renowned for being a particularly safe country. However when i lived in Spain the fact that I was so chill with my stuff always made me stand out as a foreigner. Even if I put my bag by my feet while I was eating, a waiter would come up to me and tell me i needed to move it because it might get stolen. Like, this happened on several occasions, and i lived in a pretty quiet place.

[@virginiahildreth373]

Hi Rachel and Jun! Your videos have been so awesome that my husband and I FINALLY just bought tickets for March 2017! I am soooo excited!! Your Odigo videos have been super helpful for planning where we go. The only problem is that there are so many cool places to go. Anyway, I was wondering if you've ever done a video on what to wear in Japan so I don't look like a complete tourist? I know the Japanese are very fashionable - I want to look cool while we're traveling. Anyway, thank you for all the great videos that y'all make!

[@watchintheoldies]

Thanks for the tips. I'm happy to hear it's safe to travel in Japan alone as a female. I would love to make a trip there someday.

[@Itsautumnslife]

I agree! I went tomiyajima right around Thanksgiving and it was sooo crowded. While we climbed the mountain it was constant people streaming up and down it. The leaves had changed and it was a holiday! My friend came a month later and it was so dead. There weren't food stalls and it was kind of like a ghost town. Before there were many food stalls and a bustling marketplace. It was good to go at both times though, to enjoy the different atmosphere. We got to enjoy in peace the second time but the first time I really enjoyed the festivities!

[@extremelyhappysimmer]

your eyeliner...... it's perfect. i hope one day mine will look like that.

[@daffo595]

since you travelled so much maybe you should've started collecting gotochi kittys! they're hello kitty keychains unique to each prefecture

[@Ashmazingthe1st]

I would love to see a video on how you do your eye makeup, Rachel! It always looks nice!

[@twindreamer]

Thanks a lot for this great video. I have travelled to Japan only once and I noticed the fact that places are really crowded and I think that kind of took a bit of the charm sometimes but in general it didn't really shock me. What I found surprising is that I didn't think of Tokyo being that crowded. As I had the Japanese Rail Pass, I took the monorail to drive around Tokyo and not the subway so maybe that's why. Anyway I'm looking forward to the part number 2 and all your upcoming videos. Thanks for the great work. 😊

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

6:50-7:22 That's drawn at a slightly higher level than me (i.e. pretty badly drawn), but that does make it kinda charming. Put a smile on my face :)

[@brokfan4eva]

One thing I'd add is that if you go to Japan, and are in Tokyo using the train system, try to avoid the 'rush hour' traffic on the trains which is like 8am to 9am (depending on the neighborhood in Tokyo) because you will also have the issue of going with the flow of foot traffic off the trains. We mistimed a day trip while we were in Japan in May and left later than we should have and it was like being packed in a sardine can and you are jostled around like crazy!

[@vangrails]

Well that is also an experience to experience. A lot of Japanese people experience that every day, they survive and you have survived it too. What is the problem?

[@brokfan4eva]

+vangrails it wasn't a problem, just letting others know the time frame if they don't feel comfortable being literally packed together like sardines

[@DarknessRifter]

2 years ago I went to Kyoto with a friend around Xmas time for a few days. It was still fairly busy, but I'd guess about 50-60% less people than other times. We left before New Year. Definitely aim for a quiet season if you want to see the really famous places, but if you want unusual places off the beaten track, just before or after the busy seasons are usually ok.

[@walliebears]

I went to Gujo Hachiman which was amaaaaazing!! But it was actually a little crowded! I was so so surprised but I guess it's kinda time for the summer dancing so I guess it makes sense. But I am so so sooo glad you made that vid because I would've never know about it and I just had the best day there :D

[@RachelandJun]

Right now is Obon season and they have one of the most famous Obon festivals in Japan so it should be hecka crowded right now! Especially at night for the dancing. :D I'm glad you were able to get there!!

[@sarahbloodbond]

Very helplful video guys! I'd love it if you did a video about the most beautiful places to visit in Japan! ❤️

[@No_Thoughts_Tomats]

There will be fewer people at attractions if it's raining or has just rained. It was raining through most of our trip in the spring last year and most places were quite empty. Thing is, Japan is still gorgeous when it's raining. Aoyama Cemetery, the big garden near Shinjuku, Gotokuji Shrine: all empty and it was mostly drizzling. Later in the trip we went to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the evening after it had rained and the only other people there were 2 Australians :D.

[@ffishfinger]

I'd be really interested to visit Japan and compare on the safety things, being a single girl travelling (or at home!) all people say to you is BE SAFE. DONT GO OUT AT NIGHT. CALL ME WHEN YOU GET THERE. and as much as I don't want to be scared it really sinks in, I find myself profiling people, tensing up, and just generally frightened in situations where I needn't be. It'd be really refreshing to spend some time somewhere and let go of some of that.

[@Yahriel]

~10:30 - the more Japan travel vlogs I've been watching the more I want to go to these smaller, less touristy-places. I mean, there's billions of photos of Tokyo, Kyoto, all the big tourist hotspots. But some small town with a fantastic mountain onsen? Spending a night on a farm in the countryside? Watching a master craftsman create a one-of-a-kind artwork? THOSE are some cool stories worth sharing! (Of course, I'd still like to do the big cities, but not for my whole stay).

[@Reggie21]

I'm going to Japan next month! Thanks for this video

[@ParallaxQueen]

Rachel you would make the most beautiful elf, seriously your so pretty !

[@hollyc4302]

I visited Kyoto in the off season and it was so empty! Very few tourists, it was really pleasant :)

[@lari9768]

that was very helpful, especially the thoughts& tips on the seasons and right time for traveling. thank you so much!

[@redley71]

I went to Kyoto between Christmas and New Year's Eve. It was a little crowded, but I was able to walk along Philosopher's Path without seeing many people and have great photos from the trip. It was cold and rainy, but the weather was far better than Seoul (45F vs. 20F and snow :/), so I didn't mind it much. The city would definitely be much prettier when everything is in bloom, but it's still one of my favorite vacations!

[@LilyZerep]

I love how Jun is so chill 😂

[@SanDeeMcGeek]

i love the drawings in the end of you two. esp how haku looks so bewildered haha.