What's it Really like Living in Kyoto as a Foreigner?

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@TheMolabola]

Osaka seems to be the fun, openminded and lively city of Japan. Not the first time people say the people there are friendly and the food is good.

[@MyMelody5]

I can vouch for that cause I get along well with Osaka people. Lols. They have a good sense of humour and in general more relax and open.

[@konliner9286]

Yes I find the ppl there much friendlier and more open than other parts of the country.

[@jeremybrandt5779]

There’s actually a coldplay song talking about Osaka lol

[@maegalroammis6020]

nope thery're just like any other people in japan, in the coldness and fakeness

[@giannilyanicks1718]

few japanese are open mibnded whenever they lives

[@nutrinogirl456]

I was about to consider living in Kyoto for a short time! Very on point. When I used to live in Tokyo, I visited Kyoto a lot. For some reason, I would always feel much more... Gaijin in Kyoto. Couldn't shake the feeling. I think from seeing this video... Maybe Osaka is the place to be, not Kyoto 😅. I remember once me and a friend went to a cafe in Osaka, in some non touristy area that we wandered through. As the shop was closing we slowly wandered to the nearest train station about a mile away and she couldn't find her wallet anywhere. After searching for a bit out of nowhere the ojisan from the cafe comes running at a full sprint to the train station to give it to her! A man in his minimum 50s! I will never forget that.

[@gula_rata]

Actually even Japanese feel like foreigner in Kyoto. Japanese have to be about 3rd generation in Kyoto to get considered as Kyoto person by the native Kyoto persons.

[@ec6596]

@@gula_rata This is in line with what I've experienced in Kyoto with Japanese friends not from there.

[@maegalroammis6020]

very creepy people.

[@banixoidle]

@@gula_rata I've never been to Japan, but I have always wanted to experience Kyoto, and have often imagined what it would be like for me to live there. It seems so peaceful and I am mesmerized by the temples and gardens. I don't speak Japanese, but some of my favorite writers are Japanese, and I watched a Japanese tv show with English subtitles that was filmed in Kyoto with Japanese actors, and what you are expressing about Japanese people with no roots in Kyoto feeling like an outsider and not being accepted, is the impression I got from the tv series I was watching. Even with this knowledge, I still fantasize about living in Kyoto, perhaps growing old there, even if I were never accepted or made any friends, I feel the place itself, the architecture, the trees, the nature, the air, would be my friends...

[@wilhelmsarasalo3546]

I was a Gaijin in Kyoto (from Helsinki originally, but Los Angeles at that time) and school girls from the countryside on their field trips did line up just to touch me. That was kind of strange, but OK. In Helsinki there is a joke that Finns can't obey the European Union directive to be two meters apart as they are used to being four meters apart. Kyoto did not seem strange. I made friends who visited me here in California. Being a Finn there might be less Gaijin, I have part Japanese relatives in Finland. Finnish American Clifton Karhu was a well known artist, I hung out with his son a few times.

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you so much for watching! It’s a bit hard to upload new videos every other day lol But last month I went to lots of places with friends for graduation trip So this month I’m trying to do my best!!

[@rosiecoaster]

don't worry takashi! love your videos! :D

[@Elkay26]

I love your channel man

[@LuigiSimoncini]

Recently discovered your channel TAKASHii. It is VERY interesting. Relax, you don't need to post more than once a week, copy the successful channels, another vote for quality over quantity here. Maybe play with the format a bit, I'd like to hear more opinions in each video (but keep them under 15'). Also, opinions from older people would be interesting, I guess they're not letting you interview them?

[@ashc5047]

Maybe next time interview people who aren't just. studying here in Kyoto. I work as a English teacher and have been living in Kyoto for 4 years. I also I know other foreigners who live very active social lives here in Kyoto ... so yeah next time, don't just interview students who have been here short term.

[@maegalroammis6020]

Kyoto is a beautiful place but it's one of the worst cities of japan when we try socialize. i even knew a chines-japanese girl who manipulated me with her tatemaes. always distrust people from there. they can easily backstabb you.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

I loved Kyoto! But very true, you don’t see a lot of laughing going on in the streets compared to Tokyo and Osaka, it’s a rather quiet City, even during busy tourist season. It’s a beautiful city though.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

@@missplainjane3905 yes, 4 to 5 cities in Honshu, they are all special in their own little way.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

@@missplainjane3905 1. Yes, its a technological country, similar to the US or Europe, but there’s some quirky things like ordering restaurant food from a machine and of course the bidets in the toilets. They have their social problems too, but they’ve done quite a job of hiding homelessness so it seems like an advanced country. 2. You won’t get an unbiased answer from me because I absolutely loved Japan, every aspect. Even the locals I met in Tokyo were nice and helpful. Certainly a lot of people are quiet and reserved but you will always meet some awesome people. I’ve always loved Japanese food, and literally every corner of every town has an amazing restaurant to try. I also love the dichotomy of new buildings interspersed in nature in tokyo. Rural towns have amazing sightseeing. It’s all gorgeous. I don’t know about standard of living but Takashi has done a video on it. It’s not too expensive to travel there, train system is nice and food price is about the same as the California. 3. I spoke to it in number 2, but just like anywhere, there’s people of all personality types, the most memorable ones are the ones I made friendships with, went out for drinks, etc. 4. Serene, breathtaking, safe, memorable.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

@@missplainjane3905 I can’t pick a specific, every place is going to fascinate someone in one way or another. Most people go to Tokyo, you can spend a whole month there and still have not seen all of it. Kyoto and Osaka are very popular, they are smaller so it takes less time to explore. Next, I would love to go to Hokkaido and see some of the places there like Sapporo and Hakodate. There’s also the tropical side I will see one day in Okinawa but I’m not too interested in it because I go to Hawaii quite often. I would start with Tokyo.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

@@missplainjane3905 where are you visiting from?

[@3sgtepwnzr]

@@missplainjane3905 ah okay, I’ve never been there, one day I will, seems like a beautiful place to see. You will enjoy Japan for sure.

[@keitaro3660]

hahahah okay so the point is, Osaka : extrovert heaven, Kyoto : Introvert heaven. if both city are safe, i think i prefer to live in Kyoto then

[@VitchieDeX]

I live in Kyoto for about 4 years now and I live in a center city and I really love it. Kyoto is gorgeous, serene, full of authentic culture, artistry, and clean. The city has everything in a compact. Mountain, River, boutique cafes, sophisticate restaurant, galleries in every corner and art is everywhere, the same time you can enjoy shopping many luxury brands. Actually there are many hangout places I can say, but just different style from Osaka and Tokyo. And whenever I want some ideas for work, I visit Kamo river, see bird, cats, listen to wave sound and drinks (and it's free leisure)!. Many young people gather around Kamo river for drinking and hanging out (it's like central park right there) I never get bored living in Kyoto honestly. In my experience, Kyoto people is very well manner. I like that because people don't get nosy to my private life. I usually get help from people here (Probably different experiences from the interviewee). Downside, if those who younger might not prefer Kyoto, the city don't have much clubs, not fit for party animal but you can take a train to Osaka if you want to. Kyoto city is not big hence foreign population not as much as Osaka or Tokyo :) and The city has not much middle age since many salaryman/lot of jobs are based in Osaka and Tokyo. PS.1 I speak English, and am not speak much of Japanese PS.2 Before I moved to Kyoto, i usually visited Tokyo every year and I really love the place as well however Tokyo sometimes too competitive city which i get tired of (sometimes)

[@cappaman73]

I visited Japan in 2019. Loved my time in Kyoto. It was nice to go somewhere a little more slow paced after the crazy fun time in Tokyo I also visited Hiroshima and Osaka. Each city has its own vibe, and I lived them all.

[@elcarajo66]

I totally recommend Kanazawa, sometimes called Little Kyoto by the Japanese. Kenroku-en Gardens and the samurai house district are must-sees. Also the city is just the right size, not too big and not too small. 👍

[@thorodinson6649]

@@elcarajo66 kanazawa, got it

[@raychumon]

i lived in kyoto for a year (also studying abroad) and it was the best year of my life! but i love nature, shrines, peace and quiet... i also never felt like people were cold to me. often if i went to a walk in the park, i would end up chatting with elderly japanese people who were curious about me, and i had people talk to me in bars and cafes a lot too. but maybe with covid, the perception of foreigners has changed and the prejudice against foreigners might be a little more severe..? in any case, i personally plan to move back to kyoto as soon as borders are open, haha!

[@gordonbgraham]

@@maegalroammis6020 You mean the way you pretend to be friendly to them...then come on the internet and crap on them? Backstabbing is something you're an expert at, eh?

[@maegalroammis6020]

Kyoto is a beautiful place but it's one of the worst cities of japan when we try socialize. i even knew a chines-japanese girl who manipulated me with her tatemaes. always distrust people from there. they can easily backstabb you.

[@maegalroammis6020]

@@gordonbgraham the harassing old canadian who pass his life to harass and taunt the ones who has the right to criticize these people in japan videos. I DON'T CARE OF YOUR EXPERIENCES OK? LEAVE ME ALONE !

[@gordonbgraham]

@@maegalroammis6020 Still spitting out bitter pieces of your failed life in Japan eh guy?

[@gordonbgraham]

@@maegalroammis6020 Says a guy whose posts are those that primarily backstab the Japanese...ironic

[@implodingllama2092]

It’s great to see your English conversational skills improve with each video.

[@hbsantiago5217]

people in Osaka are so different from the Japanese I've encountered in my own country Philippines. I felt like the Osaka locals are more like Filipinos, so friendly, talkative, likes to joke and wander around to show you interesting stuff but in Kyoto they're either too shy, too polite or too introvert that they don't like to interact much with foreigners.

[@maegalroammis6020]

easy to say when u speak fluently their language. good luck to understand them in their strong accent.

[@kielarsa3991]

Are you living in Japan ?

[@JigglyPKMN]

I’ve lived in Kyoto for about 10 years. It’s a small thing but when people are walking next to each other and coming from the opposite direction, many locals do not move aside no matter how narrow the sidewalk is. I find I can tell who is from out of town if they make space to go by.

[@rishabyadav5717]

I am not talking about people from a certain place but on a regular basis too you encounter many such people no matter where you are. So I thought about it, like how to deal with such a situation or with such people and the solution I came up with was that you should just stop and stand still when you are a short distance away. The person coming towards you from the opposite direction will have no choice but to make some space for you. Of course you wont be doing this always but this can be done in situations where you really think the other person is being rude and not willing to be considerate about you.

[@rishabyadav5717]

@@sensibility1174 that's why I said do this only when the other person is being really rude and inconsiderate. I know Doing this always is not good for the mood of the person itself. Sometimes others block almost the entire pavement and you have to squeeze through while they walk unaffected and casually. It's in these situations that you need to hold your ground.

[@maegalroammis6020]

just likea casern

[@cococ.1650]

Thanks for recording and sharing this interview! I love that you include that last question to all interviewees. Definitely inspires me more in learning Japanese

[@TheKittenisangry]

It is so interesting. I was living in Kyoto for 4 years and I really had a lot of fun, because I made a lot of friends. I love the silent and laid back feeling of Kyoto. I speak Japanese so I never had problems with making friends in Kyoto. But on the other hand I also come from a place where people are more reserved. Once you make friends in Kyoto it is like every friendship in all Japan.

[@commentarytalk1446]

It is so impressive how they all speak Japanese! So inspiring and uplifting. The second lady from America, looks and acts almost like a Japanese? She comes across as fitting Japan like a glove fits a hand? Amazing. It is interesting, the young people want more excitement and to be around a younger crowd in the bigger cities.

[@nvpna]

hey! sorry if anyone had already suggested this but it would be great if you asked japanese people what it’s like to be friends with foreigners, or foreigners in Japan what it’s like to be friends with japanese ありがとうございます✨

[@maegalroammis6020]

most of them doesn't want foreign friends. they judge them easily

[@casluvs]

@@maegalroammis6020 why are you generalising? there’s loads of Japanese people who look for foreign friends. ok, sure, maybe they don’t mix well together and you mostly see foreigners with other foreigners only but why are you saying that’s all Japanese people? you’ve probably never been to Japan.

[@kielarsa3991]

@@casluvs your right but he's right also and also he says "most" not all so it's not generalizing , but yeah most of japanese people don't like to hangout with foreigners you know why , first of all the language barrier second japanese people see foreigners differently especially the white one and third they don't want to stand out , like how always people feel when someone approaching different races , I'm not generalizing them but this is the truth about Japan and especially in some province like area

[@maegalroammis6020]

@@casluvs it's you who genrealize them

[@rinaaaf]

It's interesting to know that Kyoto is a quiet city and I love this kind of vibe. However, I still need to make some friends since I was born and raised in a talk-active country, so I think Osaka or Tokyo will be a better choice for me. Thank you for your videos. They are so informative as always.

[@mimosa9638]

Oh my god, i have to visit Kyoto in the winter. Surely I will be experiencing Kyoto without tourists. It must be a magical place. I’m over 65 many years now. I admire Kyoto culture a lot, something calmer, more subdued, more peaceful, more respect for the elderly 😊😊😊 i don’t miss the young crowd at all.

[@カンチ-q7v]

たかしさんの動画は、音声もクリアで話の深掘りがとても良いですね。いつもこの動画でリスニング、英会話のお勉強をさせていただいています。

[@eric1172]

It's 3:36am, my brain randomly activated with the question, what would it be like living in Kyoto as a foreigner. So, as an adult with absolute freedom I decided to start my PC and typed "Living in Kyoto as a foreigner" and here I am, watching another Takashii video because he had the exact topic I was wanting to learn about lol. Good job man. Cheers from California.

[@erzaackerman5722]

It’s true😆 I’m foreign living in Kyoto but I always hang out in Osaka whenever I have free time😆

[@MrEdgarito72]

Hi Takashii, I just wanted to let you that I've been watching your videos and I like them a lot. The reason why I got interested in Japan and its culture is because my daughter went to Japan for a week when she was in her second year in high school, I have learned so much since I started watching videos about Japan and yours gave me another perspective about life in Japan. Greetings from Chicago USA

[@SrSaraviaMusic]

I absolutely love Kyoto because it's beautiful and I have close friends there but I also love Osaka because despite of not being beautiful it's more friendly and open-minded and also have friend's,so I have this dilemma

[@lintian8378]

I’ve been to Kyoto once for just two days. I love it so much and will definitely go back again. It’s tranquil, ancient, neat, and comfortable. It feels like going back 1500 years in history but with modern conveniences. And I never felt people being cold. They are always polite and trying to help.

[@Ashley-vs8nu]

Idk why Kyoto gets such a negative stigma. When going to one of the temples the locals encouraged me to get to the top. Also, at one point I misplaced my train pass. A woman full on sprinted to get it to me (she was so sweet)... Kyoto will always hold a special place for me.

[@jabbariscottent.775]

I like the way you edit your videos and the way that you communicate with your guest speakers continue with the good work

[@vidolov88]

Ay I'm from Bulgaria too! This was a nice surprise to see someone from my country living my dream!

[@bangkokadventures298]

Interesting... I didn't even know Kyoto had that kind of reputation. Sounds like a great place to visit, but a little iffy as far as staying long-term. Great interviews as always!

[@Genisisx355]

I agree. I live in Japan and visited Kyoto for the first time during the Christmas holiday. The people did seem really cold and unwelcoming. Kyoto station is cool and it’s a beautiful city.

[@msh3309]

can't wait to see your channel hit 1million subscribers.. KZbin shorts really can increase the subscribers.. like you can cut some funny and informative clips from your previous videos and post them in shorts..

[@SageofAquarius9]

I think I like Kyoto because I'm 38 with kids and I'm over the fast life, lol. I'm also a big history buff and love learning about cultures and traditions. This is a great video to come across.

[@CodyJahner]

That one girl was so good at speaking Japanese. Amazing

[@YJ-7]

I love that you post every day, thank you, and good work my friend

[@tns-rox]

Kyoto looks so beautiful with the cherry blossoms. I would love to visit there one day. Arigatougozaimasu, Takashi, for another enjoyable video. 👍

[@jimross7648]

I only visited Kyoto for one day, but Nijo jo is probably my favorite place that I have visited in Japan. I have planned to spend three to four months or so learning Japanese. I'm not trying to learn the language to work, but so I can effectively communicate with people. Japan and Japanese history fascinate me, and it has been my experience that my poor Japanese hindered me in this. Kyoto is a city that is high on my list to live and study, and this video has made this location even more attractive to me. Thanks for a very informative and enjoyable video.

[@MrShem123ist]

Them cherry blossoms are blooming. Lovely video as always! ✌️💪

[@yo2trader539]

Don't be offended. Kyoto people are known to be rather intimidating to people from other parts of Japan too. It's an aristocratic culture. However, once they get to know you well, they will protect you.

[@Tredzz]

I would love to go to Kyoto! It is very beautiful especially when the cherry blossoms are blooming🌸. I would love for you to make a video on maybe living in Akita next if that is possible!

[@blkpik4394]

I would also like to see an Akita video!

[@abby2943]

me too!

[@maegalroammis6020]

that city is just like a big museum

[@thorodinson6649]

@@maegalroammis6020 awesome

[@ArtFreeman]

I have only visited Kyoto but never lived there. I lived in Minato Tokyo. I have also visited Osaka, Nara, and Okinawa

[@Busha69]

After the Okinawa vid, this one has found me as well. I used to live in Kyoto (and would still be there if I didn't leave Japan because covid vs.job situation) and can't find any fault in it except maybe the buses getting stuck in a traffic jam:'). Kyoto perfectly fits my personality. The reason why I moved there is because it's a quite a big city that has everything you would want but it's not HUGE and ugly and you have close access to a lot of beautiful nature. Basically what the Indonesian guy has said. And because it's the biggest tourist destination in Japan outside of Tokyo, it has amazing connections with like every place in Japan. Osaka is super close, so I can go there any time if I want a dirty big city life (I only go if I have to though, I don't particularly like Osaka lol) or want to use the Osaka airport. And I liked how when Japan was closed off during the pandemic, I would very rarely see a foreigner in Kyoto (and yes, I would get stares too but I don't care). If I return to Japan one day, I will either just move back to Kyoto or try out Hiroshima, which also has all the particular vibes I like.

[@omnistone53]

Your Interviews remind me so much of the Story of Yonosuke. Seeing you doing what you like and traveling everywhere makes me want to start creating too!

[@ganndalf202]

This is interesting. I was actually watching some people who live and have families in Japan and they made videos about some stereotypes. They pretty much mentioned how is living in different cities and how the restrictions are situational. Looks like it's true, you will have different experiences in Japan depending on where you are and on your own personality so basically everyone can find a place in Japan. Thank you for giving us a free tour through Japan and educating us. Kyoto is really beautiful.

[@maegalroammis6020]

Kyoto is a beautiful place but it's one of the worst cities of japan when we try socialize. i even knew a chines-japanese girl who manipulated me with her tatemaes. always distrust people from there. they can easily backstabb you.

[@ganndalf202]

@@maegalroammis6020 I don't really care about that since I have been back stabbed by a tons of non Japanese people so I have huge trust issues anyways no matter who the person is or where they are from.

[@maegalroammis6020]

@@ganndalf202 say ther ignorant introvert

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Youre so chill and do a great job with these. i appreciate them

[@brun_rug2843]

I lived in Kyoto for about 5 years until I moved to the United States. I always loved it there especially during the cherry blossom season

[@frogwalkerworld3547]

Living in Kyoto is awesome especially if you thrive with more nature time than party time. Highly recommended!

[@davelovesdrums]

I've just started teaching myself Japanese and don't know much about Japanese culture yet. Your videos are really interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@TorturedSlayer]

Did you carry on learning Japanese? Or did you give up?

[@davelovesdrums]

@@TorturedSlayer I gave up! 😄

[@TorturedSlayer]

@@davelovesdrums hahaha legend 🤣

[@davelovesdrums]

@@TorturedSlayer 😂

[@D3athW1ng]

Wow, this is so true. I've stayed in Tokyo for 5 months and Kyoto for 2 and while the family I stayed with in Kyoto and some of the people I met were friendly, it is harder to socialize with random strangers in Kyoto than say Osaka or Tokyo. Folks definitely seem to want to keep to themselves more in Kyoto and that could be a good thing depending on what type of experience you want.

[@erzascarlet03]

Kyoto sounds like the perfect place for me, I'm not a people person and have anxiety in big groups 😅😅😅

[@scrubjay93]

I was thinking the same thing--I feel more like a Japanese person than an American because our culture is really much better suited to extroverts 🙂

[@rachellerachelle2931]

Then definitely DON'T come to Kyoto. It's quiet now because there are no international tourists, but once the country opens up again, it's horrible. Overtourism is a real thing here, and I avoid certain areas of the city from about mid-March to early Dec just to avoid the hoards. Luckily I live in a non-touristy part of the city, so that helps.

[@wiegraf9009]

@@rachellerachelle2931 It used to be much more reasonable but in the last decade Kyoto became quite unlivable for locals.

[@rachellerachelle2931]

@@wiegraf9009 I know! I'm a Kyoto local, been here for 8 years.

[@wiegraf9009]

@@rachellerachelle2931 Nice! I lived there for 6 years altogether myself!

[@GiGi-ou4eg]

One thing that I'm interested in is learning what discipline is like in Japanese schools. How do they handle students who misbehave? In the US, student behavior is getting worse and not much is done about it. I just subscribed to your channel. I really like your channel! Thank you!

[@maegalroammis6020]

it's just like the army

[@casluvs]

I mean Japanese kids are taught to have respect for adults and each other growing up. sure, you’ll have students now and again who play up slightly because that’s how children are in general, lol, but it’s of course sorted out straight away but it’s really rare for Japanese kids to behave negatively in the first place. long story short, yes, they do misbehave, but nothing like American children, haha.

[@gaminiranasinghe6291]

Hi It was a lovely video, I am an Engineer 72 yrs old from Australia, and booked in to a Japanese language school in Kyoto. Hoping that I will be treated well by the Japanese people in Kyoto. Thank you for your videos always. Best Regards Gamini Ranasinghe

[@hithereitsme7090]

It would be interesting to see how day to day life looks like. Like grocery shopping, going to a Café, to bar, music event... it’s very personal of course.

[@ChuckNorris-sz6xj]

I absolutely LOVE your videos. Even thought they are simple, the responses from some people are different than what I thought. Keep up the great videos! :)

[@kieronjohnson8834]

One thing to bear in mind, this is really more from a young person's perspective. Their interests are far more likely to be catered to in Osaka, Tokyo or Kobe. That said, people will often not sit next to you in Tokyo on public transport. I visit Kyoto often. I don't find the people too much different to those in Tokyo. As someone who appreciates silence, quiet and reserved types, Kyoto suits me just fine. I guess it depends where you go, who you are or want you want. I was in a jazz bar in Kiyamachi this week and the owner was a fantastic guy. Conversely the staff in a very trendy hipster cafe in Oike were extremely rude to me. Maybe I was the wrong kind of gaijin - not the tall, white European kind. I wouldn't put that down to it being in Kyoto, just a severe lack of class generally. Personally I love visiting in winter, when the city empties, nothing like having a gorgeous Zen garden all to yourself. I wouldn't live in Kyoto, it's just too damn hot, but since I don't want the entire world to love me and be my friend Kyoto and it's stand-offish-ness is not a concern. I'd have zero problem living there.

[@shadowfury8403]

Video is awesome Takashi, I love hearing other peoples travel experiences. Very insightful

[@rogelioh3683]

I haven't really focus much on head movement when women talk in Japanese but they tend to bend their heads to the side a lot of the time. Also, for some reason, if they are talking to people they don't know their pitch (high) changes but when they talk to someone they know well, i.e, family and friends they talk normally.

[@jacquelinemarquez485]

This is a great video! I will be movng to kyoto this summer so it is very helpful to hear other's opinions :)

[@ilyanasimmons3512]

Thank you for these videos! I want to improve my Japanese this year, so seeing a lot of foreigners living in Japan and speaking Japanese is reminding me to practice!

[@jathanthegreat]

You can tell takashii loves talking to people, its great

[@gaziasifabdullah8519]

Thank you from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@shurato00]

Hi Takashii! Recently, I started watching yout channel and I am really enjoying the content, if possible, I`d like to see the videos more like a conversation instead of just asking questions. Tkssss

[@fenim5617]

I'm watching this from my hotel room in kyotooooo! Wow i ws in India yesterday, and watching Takashii thinking woaah japan sugoi ne, and now im in the same city as he's interviewing. Soooo coool! Super nice video Takashii San!

[@hori166]

I’m in Kyoto now staying in Shijo. I just realized that like Paris, the buildings are the same height with wide main avenues which gives a human scale to the city. In Tokyo you feel like you’re at the bottom of a canyon. Also Kyoto has a nice mix of old and new which is visually interesting. Tokyo was bombed during the war and is an ugly hodgepodge.

[@akpl4210]

I respect the Indonesian guy, he seems too young but very decent, really amazing

[@GreenGretel]

I love how basically every interviewee here is like, "Kyoto is beautiful and traditional and a great tourist destination with lots of culture and all that jazz, but the people are somewhat cold here." And then completely unprompted: "Now _Osaka_ on the other hand, _that_ is the place to be!" 🤣

[@Thegamer-go1tt]

Hi Takashii thanks for all of the entertaining and helpful content I’m coming to japan in 2024 with my aunt and uncle in law I hope I can see you or something when I visit

[@scrubjay93]

If you live in an area that gets a lot of tourists, the locals probably will probably be a little more reticent about meeting new people since so many are just there for a very short time. I imagine if you regularly frequent a shop or restaurant or cafe, the people there will start to recognize you at least. It's pretty hard everywhere to make friends unless you are in school or have a job where you work around other people all the time. 🤥 Best friends and coworkers move away and get new jobs and suddenly your friends are gone. 😔 The very best thing is to find a class in something you are really interested in and then you will meet like-minded people. I just found this channel and really liked this video. My father was stationed in Japan just after WWII ended in Germany and he fell in love with it. Then he and my mom traveled there several times collecting art. I was raised surrounded by Japanese arts and crafts and furniture and learned about Japanese culture from the time I was born. I am now 60 and my house is also full of Japanese toys, art, furniture and I have timber bamboo and Japanese maples and bonsai in my yard. I love Japanese architecture, food, films, you name it. I was into manga and anime when it first came onto the American scene decades ago when there was no internet. We had a little club in Berkeley where people would share videos. I often feel I am more like the Japanese in many ways and I honestly have grown to hate America and the way people are here--loud and rude and self-centered, cruel to animals, bigoted, and everything is about making more money until you drop dead. I like nature, arts and crafts, quiet, cute animals, and polite people. I have always wanted to see Japan but I don't like just visiting places on short trips. Now I am retired early, not married and have no kids, so I am thinking about selling my house and moving overseas somewhere while I am still healthy and adventurous. (My mom is 95 and still living independently and healthy.) Your videos made me think about Japan again and the possibility of living there. I like your interviews with people both Japanese and foreigners living there. It gives me an idea of what it might be like. I know Japan is not the easiest place to enter into as an outsider because of its long history, but I'm not a person who needs a lot of social activity. I have lived most of my life on my own and I'm happy reading, painting, and enjoying nature. I subscribed so I can see more 😊 oh, and I've also been a Buddhist for a long time. I did really well studying Mandarin and loved learning all the traditional hanzi with their many strokes, but that was long ago and of course I remember nothing, lol. Anyway, thanks for sharing your videos and giving me a peek behind the scenes, especially with single foreign women living in Japan because I am female and the experience as a foreigner could be different for a woman than a man? At least as an older woman I would not be seen as being in Japan just to meet cute girls. 🥰

[@samuraijosh1595]

Well you can meet cute guys in Japan lol.

[@jase276]

You sound delightful and I wish nothing but the best for your goals

[@sunnycortes2776]

Thank you. Its really helpful. I'm interested to know about where to live better in Japan as a teacher.

[@aprajain9642]

i love kyoto!! Have been here for 5 years. Just a suggestion, in your videos when youre showing a place in the beginning, you should put some music. I always end up thinking my speakers arent working or something haha

[@LeBigPanda]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@snorremortenkjeldsen6737]

One thing I notice clearly, having lived in both Kyoto and Osaka for two years, is that introverted westerners tend to choose Kyoto, while extroverted ones go for Osaka

[@Zavora1]

I have lived in kyoto for 3 years and most of the negative points apply to most of japan haha. The only thing I agree with is that people from kyoto are a bit colder than the rest of kansai. People not sitting next to you on the train happens all over japan. And id argue people in Tokyo are just as cold as people in kyoto. People in Osaka are most definitely a bit warmer in terms of personality

[@ivanbudianto1962]

I don't agree, I was on vacation to Japan, there was someone sitting next to me on the train

[@Zavora1]

@@ivanbudianto1962 ofc it doesn't happen all the time lol😅

[@gordonbgraham]

@@Zavora1 I've lived in Japan for 30 years and can't recall someone not sitting beside me when there was a seat open on a crowded train.

[@dondido9048]

You’re videos are consistently getting better and better, love it!

[@stevestomp4235]

My first time in japan was 2019 and I fall in love with Kyoto and Osaka it’s my dream city to live once in my life Thank you for content it really make me want to live in both city

[@GoutAttack]

I enjoy your channel, Takashii. You're a thoughtful interviewer. Keep it up!

[@christiepark8187]

Thanks for the informative video! It was great!

[@HandlewithcareVibes]

Interesting video, keep it up! Would love to visit your country one day. Greetings from 🇮🇹

[@ria6480]

kyoto is beautiful, i hope to visit one day :)

[@Tatsuya.Strength]

the blooming trees are beautiful!

[@katastrophenkeks]

I can imagine that many locals expect foreigners in Kyoto to be visitors but not residents as they're much more common. I got a taste of how different the expectations can be when it comes to foreigners. I remember our trip to Kyoto as European foreigners who lived and worked in Tokyo at that time. The woman at the hotel was shocked when my husband and I checked in with only two handluggage sized suitcases and wrote down the adress of our apartment in Tokyo. She probably thought we were making fun of her. She asked several other staff members about what to do and it took us some time and explaining until she understood that we were actually living in Japan and are not staying in the coutry for only a few weeks. The suspicion surprised us a lot especially in a tourist place like Kyoto. Maybe we just met the wrong person but it felt less welcoming than any other place we visited. Despite the rough start the trip was great and I still recommend visiting Kyoto!

[@ukiyo5283]

I lived in Kyoto as an American during COVID and it was amazing. Most beautiful city, it was so great with no tourists around because of coronavirus. Though with all the tourists around you get treated as a tourist even though I can speak Japanese and live and work here so that is kind of a downside to me.

[@goofybaII]

These videos are great! keep up the work man

[@Rainy_Day12234]

Beautiful gardens, and a pleasant surprise seeing geishas walking around.

[@AshThinksHandlesAreStupid]

I've been considering language school in Kyoto after university, and after watching this video, I still like Kyoto. I saw young people saying they want to be around younger people and to be social, but I'm very introverted and prefer to keep to myself, and it sounds like Kyoto is good for me!

[@radio_j3787]

This video was quite informative. Please make one for Osaka

[@noel7241]

another very good Video👍 keep it up. greetings from Germany 😄

[@Juan.Padilla1998]

Kyoto is so beautiful

[@davidmckelvey2601]

When I visited Japan last year, I went to Osaka for a day trip. Honestly wasn't a huge fan of it but I didn't explore too many areas in the city. I enjoyed Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara far more. However, if I lived in Japan, I think Osaka might be a good place to live.

[@AnimeXNinja]

Hello Takashi love from India 💪❤️ Please Give me a heart

[@5u7uELF]

Ran Takahashi is from Kyoto and Tatsunori Otsuka is from Osaka. They both are member of Japanese Volleyball National Team. Now, i understand why these two are different but can get along well #tatsuRan

[@maxbrazil3712]

Kyoto is a very tranquil city.

[@arseneousmanemethods]

Thanks for sharing these valuable informations !

[@comequandofuoripicch]

Thank you, really interesting...continue do this !! 👍

[@evalex71]

I love your channel, thank you

[@BlackOps78321]

I thought about being western living in Japan because honestly I am drawn toward those very cheap capsule hotels or high quality hotels I have seen, where you could basically live there, and I could be like gaming or just live a simple lifestyle. I think if I live a normal life there, and it were cheaper somehow, it would actually be nice. I like the automated vending machines, and the difference in culture, it could be different having less interactions and less people. Maybe, even meet even more friends in a new place; even if it were for 1 year, it could be a nice experience. But, I think I would be stereotyped as a westerner and I don't want to be anywhere I am not welcome. I think Japan is ahead in some quality of life in some ways. Maybe 1 year would go by quickly?

[@LionVasileva]

Omg I didn’t expect the first person to be Bulgarian that’s so rare for bulgarians😂. I’m from Bulgaria too and I’m SHOCKED

[@austin6946]

I lived in a lot of places around the Kansai area and Kyoto has always been my favorite place

[@h44wi14]

nice videooo can’t wait to visit one day!

[@salvatoremannino3389]

Agree with them all. I live in Kyoto it's almost 18 years now and it is not a really nice place to live. People are unfriendly and there are lot of specific things to Kyoto you don't find anywhere elase in Japan like the Chonaikai, a kind of community tax you need to pay regularly that is absolutely useless to a foreign person but unavoidable, just to mention one of many

[@salvatoremannino3389]

@@missplainjane3905 I would gladly answer but you first tell me why exactly you are asking me those questions. that is what are your reasons for the questions?

[@salvatoremannino3389]

@@missplainjane3905 It's a long and difficult subject "Japan" so if you really want to talk about it we should switch to something like messanger. I would also need to ask you many questions because your character background and the reason of your visit they make a difference (if for instance is a holiday things are way easier to be talked about. Instead if you are thinking about staying for a long period then it is a totally different story). So probably not the best person to ask if you are just looking for easy quick answers

[@salvatoremannino3389]

​@@missplainjane3905 Check the videos of "Paolo from TOKYO". That would be better than general answers because Japan is too peculiar and complicated. Japan is everything and it's opposite. Crazy good and crazy bad. Developed and backward. Beautiful and really ugly. Full of rules but devoid of logic. Polite to the point of annoyance. Noisy, clean but then very dirty. There is freedom apparently but so much social pressure that you are not really. Conform and you'll be fine, never get out of line or you'll be marked as a troublemaker. Finally Kyoto is very different from the rest of Japan. That is what I mostly know and Tokyo, where I spent almost a year

[@salvatoremannino3389]

@@missplainjane3905 Decently fluent yes but lot of room for improvement

[@willhart4762]

I have visited Kyoto several times and enjoyed but I would consider living in Japan, period.

[@lizawinslow4773]

Thank you!! I hope to visit Kyoto soon💕🌈