Van Life in Japan: I Woke Up To Mount Fuji!

[@tannahill5129]

I really believe because you blessed the lady that helped with your gas, the Angels parted the mist so you could see Mt. Fuji!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@tannahill5129 karma is real, Tanna 😁

[@sgalligan]

I was so excited about Mt Fuji as I’ve climbed part of it - the part they allow the tourists to climb! What impacted me the most was the kind gesture to the gas station woman. Not everyone is fortunate enough to travel, but we are all fortunate that we can be kind. And I agree it’s best to travel alone if you don’t have a partner…..looks like you’re having an amazing time!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@sgalligan wow, that’s a great experience, Sue! I’d love to do that too! I’m extremely fortunate to have what I have in my life so I just wanted to make someone else’s day a little bit better. I think we can all be a bit kinder to others! I just had the best experience over these few days 😁

[@florencesnyder6125]

Beautiful, you are so lucky to be there in the cool weather instead of the awful heat

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@florencesnyder6125 I agree, Florence! Literally perfect weather, I’d much rather be there now than during the height of summer!

[@stephencoutu2674]

When I go abroad, I personally enjoy people-watching the most. I also love being an absolute tourist! I buy souvenirs, visit tourist traps, and then seek out the unique and quirky places to visit. I often wonder Ben, when you taught English in China, did the Chinese children students have your wonderful British accent? LOL I especially love your pronunciation of the word " there" when you become excited. Keep up your wonderful travels my friend!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 I like doing the tourist stuff too, Stephen 😁 but I love finding the hidden gems and things not many people know about. HAHA it is true that students pick up some of the teacher’s accent 😂 I can hear my accent change when I say words with that contain ‘r’ but I can’t stop it 😂

[@stephenthompson8373]

When you are in Osaka, don't miss Nagai park, Osaka Castle (you don't need to go inside, the grounds around the castle are amazing too), the Namba Yasaka Shrine (huge Lion head), and the Sumiyoshi Taisha with the circular bridges. Make sure you go to Nara and see the Todaiji Temple and meet all the deer (shika) roaming around freely.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephenthompson8373 thanks for the tips, Stephen! Osaka coming soon 😁

[@helenhelen7822]

So so thoughtful of you giving lady treats. You did make her day!!!!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@helenhelen7822 I hope so, Helen 😁

[@stephenthompson8373]

Hi Ben, I'm so glad you got to see Mt. Fuji! I'm from America and I travel to visit my Japanese friend in Osaka every year in March. I love Osaka very much - the food is great and there is sumo tournament there every March. Sumo in Japan is AMAZING! I love going to the various sento baths in Osaka. In case you didn't know, an Onsen is fed by natural hot springs but a sento bath is heated by boilers. Other than that, sentos and onsens are basically the same and very wonderful. As you said, some of the baths accept people with tattoos and some don't so it's important to check if you have tattoos. The people in Japan are so wonderful and polite and the food is always amazing. I'm excited to see your adventures in Osaka - I'm sorry I will miss meeting you since I won't be there until March. ENJOY!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephenthompson8373 thanks so much, Stephen! I wanted to see sumo but I was there the wrong time so I’ll have to go back. I loved visited the onsen, such a treat when it’s chilly outside! Japanese people are the best I’ve met 😁

[@stephencoutu2674]

I appreciate your choice of being flexible while traveling, why ruin a once in a lifetime trip over a few inconveniences! Such a trooper Ben! I over plan my travels because I can't afford any snafus in another country, it has worked for me so far.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 life always going on, Stephen 😁 stuff goes wrong but you smile and move on! Trying to enjoy every day!

[@manuela9342]

That was incredible, I love the way how you take us with you. And the Futschijama said: "Hello" just for you :-) The funny thing is, I told my family about you at dinner time. My brother and my son who were in Japan twice, were so exited about your videos. So we were sitting together for a family dinner, watching your videos an talking about Japan. It was in a way like you were there too at the dinner table 😀

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@manuela9342 wow! Thank you for letting me join your family for dinner, Manuela! I’m glad you’re enjoying my adventures!

[@roykemp6502]

Three cheers for Ben. Three cheers for the kind gas station lady. Three cheers for Samurai Camper Vans. Great Vid!!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@roykemp6502 for everyone 😂 cheers, Roy!

[@JennAndAmy]

I have to think the clouds parted because of the good deed you did for that lady at the gas station. 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JennAndAmy maybe it was karma 😇

[@brendalogan6281]

I think those clouds move to give you a little peek of Mount Fuji as a thank you for how sweet you were to that lady. the tolls are so very expensive going up there

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@brendalogan6281 it was perfect timing, Brenda! Just for me 😁 well it felt that way anyway 😂 I just wanted to make her day a little bit better! I was actually surprised by how expensive the tolls were, I’m glad I had plenty of cash but I did have to get more!

[@hollyecf]

Wow Lucky, what an awesome adventure! Thank you so much for always taking us along! Loving Japan and their kind people.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@hollyecf thanks for coming along, Fredwina! Japanese are the best 😁

[@roxanievanlaningham7608]

I would love to see Nikko National park! Those ares are so beautiful and I like how the monks were praying! ❤😊I like how happy & relaxed you looked when you were in the hot tub! I wish I could be there with you! 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@roxanievanlaningham7608 Nikko National Park was so so beautiful! And I was there alone for almost an hour 😁 thank you, Roxanie! Join me!

[@radiancedream8127]

Thank you for the lovely views in Nikko. Took me right back. The Mt. Fuji 'appearance' reminds me of being in Rio de Janeiro trying to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer while I was there. As I was walking into the airport to leave, the mist cleared and there was the monument peeking out of the clouds. Really enjoying this series of videos from Japan. Looking forward to what's next.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@radiancedream8127 thank you for watching! It was such a surprise 😁 Nikko is beautiful too!

[@yh2979]

I prefer the Japanese Alps over Mt.Fuji... I really love Kamikochi, which is the most beautiful place I have ever been to! Did you know that Japan is actually the snowiest country in the world?!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@yh2979 I didn’t know that 😮 I never would have guessed.

[@carolleiter6027]

Beautiful and interesting country. Thank you for the drive, I hope all your wishes comes true.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@carolleiter6027 thank you, Carol! I hope so too 😁 one day…

[@Billiblu51]

The foliage colors are just so Beautiful, such variations.❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Billiblu51 I couldn’t believe the colors in winter!

[@astley6608]

It was hilarious when you started running to find the marriage tree 😂

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@astley6608 I didn’t find it 😂😂

[@astley6608]

@@TravelWithBen121 I know 😵‍💫

[@izabela1961]

@@TravelWithBen121 Because the tree is only for ... influencers🤣

[@stephencoutu2674]

Fantastic Ben! You got to see Mt. Fuji! I am so happy for you! YYYIIIIPPPPPEEEEEE!!!! You are such a good person. You must have a Guardian Angel. 😇☺👏🕊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 it was extremely lucky to have that view just for a few seconds! 🤩

[@maryleejohnson8168]

Great video Ben. Love your enthusiasm regarding seeing Mt. Fuji!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@maryleejohnson8168 I was in shock, Mary Lee! Such a great moment 😁 I was lucky!

[@yenphung8809]

The mount fuji view is beautiful.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@yenphung8809 I couldn’t believe it, Yen!

[@kamanama3671]

I heard tolls are crazy in Japan❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@kamanama3671 more than I expected 😂

[@betsyhertzog1454]

I wanted to get to Japan for decades. I have a penalty in Saitama-ken. Maybe south of Tokyo by an hr. Her son was living in Hiroshima.

[@betsyhertzog1454]

A pen-pal, not a penalty..

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@betsyhertzog1454 Japan is incredible, Betsy! Make it if you can 😁

[@cattimascha1985]

You simply make me smile Thanx Ben 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cattimascha1985 I’m so glad about that, Catti 😁

[@roxanievanlaningham7608]

Mount Fuli 😊is absolutely stunning! Good job Ben! ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@roxanievanlaningham7608 thank you, Roxanie! I was lucky 😁

[@david1234lee]

vGood morning, Ben ! Wow, Mt. Fuji where the gods live and there is a long stretch of woods where many young people went in and never came back ! Japanese is a lonesome people working 60-hour weeks and follow strict routines which grind away the human passions inside of us. As you stay you will get the feeling !Those small towns and cultivated parks are so neat. But I like the huge mountains snow-capped all year in Xinjiang and Tibet !

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@david1234lee the views in Japan are something I’ve never seen before, beautiful!

[@david1234lee]

@@TravelWithBen121 I agree , Ben ! They are clean and well managed and normally very safe. You can not see such places in America ! Not too long ago a woman jogger was killed in Central Park, New York city !

[@kamanama3671]

You’re my travel, buddy❤

[@Trey12392]

When did you leave the uk🇬🇧

[@TravelWithBen121]

@Trey12392 November 12.

[@florencesnyder6125]

Not bad for parking. Like you said you never owned a car. Parking at the theme parks and hotels are $35.00

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@florencesnyder6125 just a place for your car to sit 😂

[@Billiblu51]

WOW all this Beauty Just for you ❤Loved hearing the monks chanting …..

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Billiblu51 I was lucky, Sibylle! The monks were at peace 😁

[@juliajones2283]

Very interesting and fascinating to watch.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@juliajones2283 thank you, Julia! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@DonaldYoung-b7x]

Amazing, the clouds cleared just enough to give you a great parting view! It is hard to find a good travel companion, but I'm sure you'll find one very soon.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@DonaldYoung-b7x it was perfect timing! It really felt like the clouds cleared for me to get a nice view then it was cloudy again a few minutes later!

[@briansieve]

I love being in a hot tub when it's 30-40F or I guess -1 to 4C. I don't consider that cold. But I know a lot of people around the world have a very low tolerance for temperature variance.

[@briansieve]

So happy you got that great view of Mt. Fuji.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@briansieve cheers, Brian!

[@efkay93]

I'm intrigued to know where you've left your checked-in wheelie case which we saw you arriving with in Shanghai?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@efkay93 Tokyo 😁

[@chalayan]

Oh no, you almost got the doll. Apparently there is a trick with the claw machine. Are you going to Kyoto? if yes, there are many nice onsens too. My family and I went to the onsen there and it was quiet and relaxing.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@chalayan what’s the trick with the claw machines??? I want to know 😂 I’m not going to Kyoto!

[@chalayan]

@@TravelWithBen121 haha... you can try this method: Try the double tap method. Some claw machines have a trick that players can use to increase their chances of winning. After hitting the button to drop the claw, quickly tap it again as soon as it's in the correct position around the prize. This will cause the claw to tighten automatically and pick up the prize. If not, there are plenty of videos here on youtube :) May the odds be in your favour.

[@izabela1961]

54:54 You just deserved this view.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@izabela1961 I was so lucky!

[@betsyhertzog1454]

No Uber to get food ?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@betsyhertzog1454 no 👎

[@daveinchina]

Would you say Japan is a bit less interesting than China?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@daveinchina impossible to compare, Dave! Completely different!