Google Maps links for every place are in the description - enjoy! More hidden gems in this follow-up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKK1nZmGebqGj68
@clarkbenefitconsultingltd89077 ай бұрын
Hi Andrew - sadly our final posting from Kyoto. Went to Rakusai Bamboo Park Takenomichi today. Followed your advice to take the train and the bus (it would be a very long walk from Katsura Station) 😊 the first people we bumped into at the park were Brits who also follow your Kyoto videos, so more power to you. We were helped at Katsura Station by an immensely kind lady who saw me looking at my phone and not only guided us to bus station but also checked with the bus driver that we were going to the right place. Other than seeing a Japanese family having their pre wedding photographs we pretty much had the place to ourselves and it was well worth the effort. Thanks again Andrew.
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
If you look over on the Unseen Kyoto video, you:ll find your counterpart's comment. You are so kind to let me know how it all went. I'm so pleased to hear that the place isn't overrun, despite the video! Please enjoy the rest of the trip!
@richardchapman4456 Жыл бұрын
Hi Andrew. We have just returned to Tasmania after a fantastic trip to Japan. While in Kyoto we took your advice and visited many of your suggestions and you were spot on with the no crowds hardly anyone around. The restaurant service and food was one our favourites. The pork is to die for. Thanks for all your advice and keep up the great work from your fans in Tasmania.
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the report! It means a lot that you came back to leave a comment. Really glad I could help you have a fantastic trip!
@kristina8557 ай бұрын
Excellent video! I am a Westerner who has been living in Kyoto for several decades and know and love all of the places that you have mentioned.
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@aysinduarte5 ай бұрын
You are very lucky to live there. We are visiting again in a free weeks and the fist time came to Japan I said to my husband I wanted to live there.
@JudithWilsonSpeaking6 ай бұрын
We went to several of your recommended 'get away from the crowd' including Takenomichi, which was a dream with the 10 people we met over an hour of hanging out there, Giou-jo relaxing in the moss garden (my husband is at home in the moss), and Saga Toriimoto street which was a charm. We taxied around to make things easier and put in some leg work. One other experience we loved, which you may have on another video, was going to Fushimi Inari Taisha after 8pm. It was amazingly quiet and the photos we captured were so different from anything we'd seen online. Off to Nagano, Aizuwakamatsu, Matsushima and more as the trip continues on. Thanks again for setting us off on the right, quiet path. We love what's hidden.
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
Glad I could help! Enjoy those other places - Aizuwakamatsu is particularly special.
@JudithWilsonSpeaking6 ай бұрын
We are now on our way to see blossoms in Takato Joshi Park, then tomorrow onto Aizuwakamatsu to enjoy the Tsukuba Castle area plus Kitakata’s Nicchu Line blossums.
@scooterxx60949 ай бұрын
I appreciate your jabs and stabs at the crowded places. It had me chuckling through to the end.
@hopelovefaithinGod22 сағат бұрын
After watching alot of these type videos, I have to say yours has been the most enjoyable, thank you!
@japanunravelled11 сағат бұрын
That's very kind of you to say so, thank you!
@danielmelvilljones7 ай бұрын
I just came back from a wonderful first-time trip to Japan (it exceeded my high expectations), and this video and its follow up were so very helpful. At times, it felt like your advice was coming true in front of my eyes. Thanks so much; my trip was so different thanks to you.
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
Thanks for your kind words! That's exactly what I was hoping for!
@chrislane18173 күн бұрын
Some absolute gems here! Thanks for the great tips
@japanunravelledКүн бұрын
You're so welcome!
@elenabistiu28 күн бұрын
i am now in Kyoto at the hotel you recommended, comfort era Toji and it's just the perfect modest clean spot to return, refresh and rest. thank you for all your tips🙏
@japanunravelled28 күн бұрын
Yes, I remember you asking! Great place right? Go and see Toji at night! Have a brilliant stay in Kyoto!
@elenabistiu27 күн бұрын
@@japanunravelled 🙏🙏🙏
@caterinaflatau84707 ай бұрын
This video is so helpful as I am concerned about the crowds during our visit in November. Thank you for the great information
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
Have fun!
@brucesabatoni34102 ай бұрын
You’re helping me plan my trip! Thanks so much for these uploads!
@kingkasuma613710 ай бұрын
Hi Andrew - a big thank you from me - we visited Takenomichi today and it was the most peaceful and tranquil spot - I think we saw about 12 other people during our hour long stroll along the path and of course got some great pics with nobody else in them 😎 Keep up the great work ⭐️ Cheers K
@japanunravelled10 ай бұрын
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Glad you enjoyed it!
@flynnstravelvideos6 ай бұрын
Thanks for this list, these places really look amazing!
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
Enjoy!
@Stephaniepasqualino-de6qy8 ай бұрын
Thank you for this. Planning a trip for next year and for various reasons, we only have one day in Kyoto. This is so helpful as we would rather avoid the crowds.
@japanunravelled8 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@JerrasGarden8 ай бұрын
Thank you for this! Your recommendations are truly unique and great to avoid crowds.
@japanunravelled8 ай бұрын
Any time!
@seafarer_9 ай бұрын
oh I accidentally ate at Katsukura last time I was in Kyoto! I was just looking for a spot to eat something hearty, and wandered in when there was no line. I was seated immediately and realized I was in for something special when they started bringing out the sesame seed grinder. it was the best place I ate in Japan - it really is a gem!
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
It's a wonderful place, that's for sure.
@geromyre Жыл бұрын
I wanted to thank you: I have returned from my trip and it was so much fun! Your videos were incredibly helpful, and I have much better plans for whenever my next trip will be. Thanks again!!
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks for stopping by to comment. I'm glad they've been useful - one of my goals is to help people with my knowledge and experience! Do let me know if you need help with anything, and I might just make a video about it. 😎😎😎
@falko-sw Жыл бұрын
the most useful video ive seen yet. huge thanks!
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jennikinnunen12219 ай бұрын
This has to be one of the best hidden gem videos of Kyoto! Thank you so much!
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
And that has to be the kindest comment it's received. Thanks and you are very welcome!
@clarkbenefitconsultingltd89077 ай бұрын
Hi Andrew - Just back from a mega day with our Kyoto tour guide. Amazingly, she took us to Katsukura for lunch and it was every bit as good as you said here. Off to Takenomichi and Tofukuji in the next couple of days. Hopefully the rain will have stopped by then 😄. Thanks again for your brilliant videos- they have been a real help and inspiration to us.
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
Thanks for coming back to comment! This is exactly the kind of result I was hoping for. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
@livb41392 ай бұрын
thanks!! added katsukura, takenomichi and gio-ji to my plan
@dinokonro8 ай бұрын
Great videos!! Thank you! I hope you can make a hidden gems for Tokyo :D
@japanunravelled8 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@flyffpsy7 ай бұрын
I can recommend Shisen-dō. Beautiful garden for meditation. Further up you will find Tanukidani-san Fudō-in. There are only a few tourists there.
@japanunravelled7 ай бұрын
A great recommendation - it's been a while since I've been to Shisen-dō.
@donnaqiu43573 ай бұрын
Just back from a short visit to kyoto. Your recommendations of Honen-in temple, Tofukuji temple and Tenjuan are spot on! I totally enjoy them. Pity I didn't have time to visit Gioji temple. It looks like a special place from your video.
@japanunravelled3 ай бұрын
Well, there's always next time...
@nathanmarineau3993 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Gio-ji might be my favorite as well. When I went, it was raining and I was the only one there. Luckily I had my umbrella so I could take some fantastic photos.
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, I was shocked that I was alone there while making this video. I thought there'd be more people this year, but no. Great in the rain too, right?
@pawsltd8 ай бұрын
Wow! What an amazing video of tips! But even better was your amazing narration skills! Like listening to a BBC broadcast!!!
@japanunravelled8 ай бұрын
Wow, thanks!
@LimexLive4 ай бұрын
Can’t wait to check some places out! Staying with a friend for 2 weeks ✌️
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Hope you have fun!
@dhammaboy12033 ай бұрын
Good content! I am definitely going to visit some of these places! 👌
@japanunravelled3 ай бұрын
Enjoy!
@MyNTran Жыл бұрын
I love ALL of them and will use your video to spend my 7 days in Kyoto next month. Thank you so much!!
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks for making my day!
@jez63457894 ай бұрын
Hi we have just completed our first trip to Japan and probably watched most of Andrews's videos and tips. They are all good super useful and worth following up and including in your plans. A big thanks for the effort you put in. Real honest and impartial advice
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Thankyou! I appreciate your kind feedback a lot. What was the highlight of your trip? And was there anything that you wished you'd known beforehand?
@jez63457894 ай бұрын
@@japanunravelled I think we could have done more with trains and subways in Kyoto we had it all down for Tokyo but did some serious 10-12 mile daily walks when we should have used the transport system better but the exercise was good for us LOL. Certainly, the tip on the Moss Garden and the areas about Arashyama Bamboo Forest was very enjoyable and it amazed us there were so few people doing anything other than the Bamboo Forest photo op. lol. I would also say the Pork Tonkatsu place you recommended is a must. Again thanks we will be back lol
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Yes, Kyoto transport is complicated but at least if you walk it's usually a pleasant one! So glad to hear you enjoyed those tips!
@megankelly55826 ай бұрын
Hi Andrew. Thank you for your videos! They are great and you are such a lovely host. I'll definitely be going to the sky walk in the station!
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
You're welcome. I hope you have a great time there. Don't forget to stop by at the illuminated staircase too!
@xmidsummersky4 ай бұрын
Wow, thanks a bunch!! I'm going back to Japan in September (second time) and will be visiting Kyoto for the first time, but I was feeling completely lost upon realising I have no idea what to do there lol. Just watched both of these videos back to back and I immediately started stocking up suggestions haha. Looking forward to trying that tonkatsu restaurant as well :)
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
I'm glad they have been useful! Have a great trip !
@akrug42649 ай бұрын
We walked a small section of the philosopher's path last month and hiked up to Honen-in, and it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the recommendation.
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@jswire2320 Жыл бұрын
Checked out Mo-an today. Awesome recommendation. Their yuzu soda was perfect after walking so much. Thanks for the videos!
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it! Perfect season to visit too.
@stuartstripling3495 Жыл бұрын
MEGA Thank you Japan Unravelled!!!! I am returning to Osaka in 2 months, The No1 place has been on my list for ages, but simply couldn't find anyone who had been......Cos it takes to get there, I debating on going or not..NOW I am !!!!! Thank u
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! And soon you'll see why it's no.1 on the list.
@markuserikssen5 ай бұрын
Wow, so many great tips. Thanks a lot!
@japanunravelled5 ай бұрын
No problem, enjoy!
@vinceliardi16624 ай бұрын
Superb video! Just returned from our honeymoon in Japan.
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
@kq3422 Жыл бұрын
amazing recommendations!
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you think so.
@Shakespeare39776 ай бұрын
New subscriber! I’m so enjoying your content. Planning a trip to Japan this November and have no desire to do the done to death touristy attractions.
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
Welcome, you've come to the right channel!
@madmax2k2855 ай бұрын
9 o clock bar and karaoke is a great local family owned bar overlooking kamo river and the city, beautiful at night too
@sarinpreap21610 ай бұрын
Thanks for your tips I like people like you
@japanunravelled10 ай бұрын
I appreciate that!
@bz100008 ай бұрын
Just great ❤
@japanunravelled8 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@kato23953 ай бұрын
Man I want this video to be successful but at the same time I don't want too many people watching it. A lot of "hidden places" has been ruined by invasive tourists because videos like this got viral!
@japanunravelled2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@sharina40409 ай бұрын
love love your recommendation!
@therealdrecu3 ай бұрын
Hi and straight up a big Thank You Andrew! Those are really hidden gems, (will verify in september xD) but i took some places in my friends and mine togo list, will definitely pay some of those places a visit, seems surreal :)
@japanunravelled3 ай бұрын
You're welcome! Have fun!
@aysinduarte5 ай бұрын
Thank you for this video.
@japanunravelled5 ай бұрын
My pleasure!
@rachelm93505 ай бұрын
I loved Kyoto, my friend and I visited 50 sites in 6 days (yes you read that right). We walked about 8.5 miles per day... Did a lot of random places with no one there, plus the main ones. There is still another 200 sites I want to visit. For next time I guess :)! The most empty place we visited was Daigo-ji, grand total of maybe 5 people the entire time we were there (for 3 hours). Anything away from the Gion/Kiyumizu/Arashiyama main areas are empty.... I think its the "2 day tourists" that hit up the large places and never see anything else (thankfully!).
@japanunravelled5 ай бұрын
Oh wow - that's an impressive feat! Yes, I think once you get outside perhaps the top 10 places that literally every single "Kyoto must see" video features, you're ahead of 99% of visitors who are all down for 2 days after spending the other 12 in Tokyo pretending that they are seeing Japan. Do you have any particular recommendations for people from those 50 sites?
@ASR1nc9 ай бұрын
Thanks for making this kind of videos. It's difficult to find lists that aren't the same top 10 places that everyone visits by default. There's a forest path that stretches from Arashiyama Park to Mt. Ogura in the north. You come across a small Inari Shrine and a couple of observatories, and then go down a paved road to Saga Toriimoto Street. It's a nice hike.
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
Oh totally, you're welcome. It's frustrating that there are so many great places nobody talks about in Japan. It's one of the reasons I started this channel, to share about them. I hope you'll enjoy the follow up to this video.
@ginangan889211 ай бұрын
Thank you,very good info,unusual
@japanunravelled11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@panathenaea9 ай бұрын
Outstanding
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Eldiran16 ай бұрын
I just come here again to thanks you for the recommandation, especialy for the katsukura. I definitivly want to come back! It was fun to prepare your own sauce for the tonkatsu by crushing the sesame, you can also buy the yuzu sauce they provide for the salad, which i did : )
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@cstpa1 Жыл бұрын
ty so much. i am staying in west kyoto for a week in dec. i bookmarked saga toriimoto
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
You're very welcome. Have fun!
@hermanblinkhoven18564 ай бұрын
Dear unraveller, I agree with your list and the logic behind your choice. Could you please consider adding two more - the Obai-in temple and the private residence of the garden architect Shigemori Mirei? And did you or will you make a video about Ohara and Kibune?
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Andrew here - thanks for the tips. A third video is planned, but that is all I will say!
@kisaLuver5 ай бұрын
The non-automatic captions seem to be broken, but I still greatly enjoyed the video! I've always dreamed of traveling to Japan, but as an autistic person, the sheer idea of crowds is terrifying enough to keep me home. If only there were more guides on traveling while disabled 😅
@japanunravelled5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the heads up, fixing them now.
@amelialaughlan59046 ай бұрын
WOW this list is amazing. Everything is a GEM! I am about to return to Japan for the first time in seven years and having seen a lot of the more popular areas I am looking forward to exploring these quieter gems. Thanks so much for the video (and for your cheeky and compelling delivery!!)
@japanunravelled6 ай бұрын
So glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! Hope you have a great time.
@mohal-omar80814 ай бұрын
Love your content. We’ll be in Kyoto in November, there’s a chance it’ll be during peak foliage- which isn’t the main draw for us it just happened to be when we could make the trip work. I read that tofukuji is actually super crowded during this time? Well only have 3 full days in Kyoto and it’s our first trip. we’re debating skipping kiyomizu-dera/surrounding areas for some of the less popular sights but I’ve had people say it’s a must and worth it even if crowded. Any thoughts on this? (We’re traveling with kids who usually travel well and we’ve already started training for long walks with them around our home city haha - I’m just worried if big crowds specifically in tight spaces might be overwhelming or make it difficult for them to literally see anything).
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Thanks! Yes, Tofukuji is likely to get crowded during the autumn colours season, although that's true for a lot of other places in Kyoto. I don't really believe in the idea of "must-see" - it's better to just have the kind of trip you want. Personally, I couldn't care less about Kiyomizu-dera and the Golden Temple because I think there's much better value elsewhere, minus the ridiculous crowding. One suggestion: do 50% famous sights, 50% less famous ones. Because there's always next time.
@mohal-omar80814 ай бұрын
@@japanunravelled you're totally right and I love that suggestion, thank you!
@Cloud850211 ай бұрын
What do you suggest to do near takenomichi after viewing the bamboo? Great list by the way!
@japanunravelled11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. One idea is a nearby onsen, although I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. You don't have to be staying there - day visitors are fine. maps.app.goo.gl/UaD3X9Xo2NfjVyob8 I imagine though most people would head back into Kyoto as there isn't that much else in this area.
@LensAndMotion2 ай бұрын
Ok. I like ur face. I like ur video. And i like the places u suggested. Thanks
@japanunravelled2 ай бұрын
Thank you! 😃
@Mrz8723Ай бұрын
What if I am visiting in late December? Is Giou-ji still worth visiting?
@japanunravelledАй бұрын
It's worth visiting whenever you visit Kyoto. Same as all the other places featured.
@AzeharaCh4 ай бұрын
Fushimi Inari is nice if you go at 4-5am.
@japanunravelled4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@karbags11 ай бұрын
Hi! would these places be less crowded also in Spring?
@japanunravelled11 ай бұрын
Compared to the big tourist spots, absolutely.
@jaimeridley30755 ай бұрын
Are all these areas accessible during winter?
@japanunravelled5 ай бұрын
Yes!
@nowgakuАй бұрын
Don't worry. Kyoto is home to countless hidden gems if you have time to explore.
@akinasukizakura10 ай бұрын
祇王寺は京都で一番好きな場所です。苔寺と呼ばれている西芳寺より、苔が生き生きとして厚みがある
@japanunravelled10 ай бұрын
おおきに!
@kerri-annkumar5752 Жыл бұрын
Where do you think is the most beautiful garden? Moss, bridges, jungle, flowers curious beauty
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Giou-ji is my favourite!
@kerri-annkumar5752 Жыл бұрын
@@japanunravelled thank you x
@tennis58able11 ай бұрын
Greetings, My question is we need to cover 8 days travelling around Osaka and Kyoto, can we buy more than 1 Kansai Thru pass per person?
@japanunravelled11 ай бұрын
I think you can. However, I'd recommend the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Subway + Bus combination ticket for Kyoto and just use JR between as it's much faster than the others.
@evelyn1805 Жыл бұрын
I heard there are some stepping stones in the shape of turtles. Do you know if they're in the same location you mentioned in the video?
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
A bit further up the river: maps.app.goo.gl/Dmqdb3hxnHe1qUEg7 I was going to include them but I think they got cut for brevity - they're in one of my favourite spots though, where two rivers meet.
@evelyn1805 Жыл бұрын
@@japanunravelled Thanks for the link. Some other stepping stones came up when I looked for it myself so I'm glad you knew which ones I was talking about. I might have to rent a bike for a day though since it looks like it's further up the river than I expected
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
It's quite a walk, but you could always hop on a Keihan train too. Cycling up the river and around Kyoto in general is so much fun. I've even cycled to Arashiyama in the past. More people should try it!
@tadgmcloughlin60619 ай бұрын
Bang goes the neighbors after this video, no more hidden gems!
@japanunravelled9 ай бұрын
You would think so, and yet the comments tell a different story. Honestly, most people don't like to walk a bit extra, which is why these places will keep getting relatively fewer visitors than elsewhere. Go figure.
@kerri-annkumar5752 Жыл бұрын
Amazing video!!! Can you bike through the farmers bamboo area?
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, you can - some of the shots in the video were taken on my bicycle. The road is also used by cars every now and again, mostly local residents.
@kerri-annkumar5752 Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@towada1066 Жыл бұрын
hmmm,... I would hike up to Doshisha Cemetery,... guaranteed zero tourists .... Kyoto Railway Museum is also nice to get away from tourists but the little kids always hog the hands-on displays ... 6 a.m. service at Nishi Honganji is also really great with only Japanese nationals ...
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
Interesting suggestions. I was going to include Shosei-en Garden, which is also quite overlooked in the Honganji area. I know what you mean about the Railway Museum. The one in Omiya is worse! But the very best if you want to drive the simulators is at Mojiko in Kyushu. Hardly anyone there!
@towada1066 Жыл бұрын
@@japanunravelled I wonder,... 6 a.m. service in Kyoto Nishi Honganji will be utterly foreign tourist free ... but then,... if you're not Buddhist and don't speak Japanese why are you here ?! ...
@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын
The bigger question is: why are they up before 6am to be there!!
@towada1066 Жыл бұрын
@@japanunravelled hmmm,... it's Buddhists ... if you're not Japanese I get it,... it's hard to understand,... anyway, Nishi Nihongi is really beautiful ... I would definitely go ...
@nikfirehazard8 күн бұрын
Are any of these wheelchair accessible?
@japanunravelled7 күн бұрын
The bamboo path, Nakamura Tokichi, Skyway, and Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street are all good. The rest involve a fair amount of steps unfortunately.
@nikfirehazard7 күн бұрын
@@japanunravelled thank you so much for your response!
@YueWTravels Жыл бұрын
Might need need to update the title. "10 5 Hidden Gems"