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ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE TO NATSUKI | Patreon Vlog Exclusive (Patreon)

Published:
2019-03-24 04:25:06
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

Hey guys,

I hope you're all having a great weekend wherever you may be this Sunday!

So in the next couple of days I'll be renting a reasonably priced Honda and driving up through the stunning, remote mountains of Yamagata prefecture, en route to seek a much awaited audience with King Natsuki VI.

Whilst we saw each other in Tokyo briefly  last month, we didn't have much time to make any videos, so as well as catching up with the man himself for a Patreon Q&A vlog, and some additional Abroad in Japan videos, I thought it'd be fun to also film the journey itself, as it's a beautiful place that most people never get to see.

Road trip videos are also amongst the most heavily demanded videos, and so it'd be good to get the hang of them a bit better for future videos.

Along the 3-4 hour road trip, I'm keen to answer your questions about ANYTHING; Youtube, travelling Japan, where to find fried chicken or my personal tips on how to produce a radiant smile.
- The possibilities are limitless.

With that in mind, please SEND in your questions below on this post, and I'll do my best to answer as many as I can along the drive, without driving into a ditch.

And for those of you who've missed week's video or the Podcast check them out below:
► WATCH: How I Make Youtube Videos | 6 Steps to Success (https://youtu.be/GtYmDTdo_3E)
► LISTEN: Is Japan Losing Patience with Foreign Tourists? (http://hyperurl.co/nhgr30)

That's all for now guys - looking forward to taking you along for the ride in the next couple of days!

Enjoy your weekend,

Chris

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Comments

Rob Biberhofer

Have a safe and enjoyable trip! I look forward to more of your videos!! Can’t wait.

Anonymous

Have you heard of Ogasawara, and if so do you think you'll go there one day in the future? Enjoy your trip and be safe!

Anonymous

Hey Chris! Have a fantastic trip. I'd love to know how you dealt with your first year as an ALT in Japan. I'm talking about when the 'honeymoon' period is over and you realise holy shit I'm actually here. I'm currently waiting on hearing back from JET and trying to prepare myself for the possibility of actually moving to Japan! Can't wait for the videos ❤️

Anonymous

Hey Chris, drive safe! My questions is, what are your plans for making content outside of YouTube/the established niche Japanese video base? Do you have any desire to make content for a wider audience than japanophiles?

Anonymous

Hi. I’m curious if you’re aware of (and claiming) the Brave Browser BAT token payments for your content.... I’m sure I’m not the only viewer of your content that uses that system to reward content providers even if it is very much a niche payment method today.

Anonymous

Hey Chris! I'm planning on becoming an English teacher in Japan once I finish my degree, though I'm not sure what I need to major in. Would I have to major in English? Japanese? Or can it be anything? Thanks for your help! Hope to hear from you!

Anonymous

Best friend just came back from Japan, and we’re planning to go together next year; is it worthwhile for me to get an international drivers license? Or will the rail pass be better?

Anonymous

Hiya Chris, I hope you have a wonderful trip. I know you're out of your apartment often and eat out at restaurants. When you are home, what is your favorite meal to cook for yourself? Do you cook anything special when you feel home sick? What advice would you give to someone living with a tiny kitchen? Stay safe out there!

Eels

Have you finally watched another Studio Ghibli film other than Totoro and if so, what did you think of it? I hear they deport people who fail to show an adequate appreciation for Studio Ghibli.

Eels
>>21094027

I know you're not asking me, but you definitely don't need to have majored in Japanese to become an English teacher there. It helps a lot, of course, and you'll be required to learn some when you get there, but it's not a requirement to have studied it previously.

David Miller

Hey Chris, coincidentally I just posted a request asking for something like this a couple days ago. One of the things I was curious about is how getting gas in Japan might be different. I know whilst visiting there that some of stations looked like they might not be self service. If your video could include an interaction at one of these it would be great.

Anonymous
>>21094509

As they should! It's the Disney of Japan (but more then that)

kzap

How do you film and drive at the same time? Is that even legal? A lot of times there seems to be camera-person behind the scenes, when do we get to meet the camera holders?

Anonymous

Entertaining question, how does one teach English without knowing Japanese... Lol

Anonymous

Hi Chris, You mentioned in your last video that you’re going to make a short film this year. Any hints on what the theme will be?

Nynke de Haas

I've been sitting on this question for months now: how does the Japanese division between city and countryside (inaka) work? Obviously, Tokyo is the city and farmland is the countryside, but I get the sense that some (or all?) really large cities get lumped in with the countryside, as long as they're not in a megametropolis. Case in point: Matsuyama in Ehime. Population: half a million! No one would call that the countryside where I'm from in the Netherlands! Is this the same in Yamagata? How does it work?

Anonymous

Hi Chris! What kind of lighting set-up do you have back in Sendai?

Anonymous

Hi Chris, enjoy your trip. Is there any chance of getting a job in Japan other than teaching English if you don't speak Japanese?

Anonymous

Hi Chris -- For those looking to do their own road trip in Japan, what is the biggest difference between driving in the UK and driving in Japan?

Anonymous

Hi Chris, I cant think of anything better than going for a lovely long drive with them views. I'm with Irina, I'm planning my first visit next year but by doing my research and through watching loads of videos including all if yours at least three times (Glob that makes me sound like a stalker) I already know I'm going to enjoy this beautiful country. I have strongly considered moving to Japan but thought it be wise to visit first. I am nearly 37 and a trained Audiologist so, if you know, what would my chances be if getting a halfway decent job in the tech side of Japan. I know that there isn't much call for Audiologist over there at the moment unfortunately.

t4ku57

I am sorry if this is a boring question but its video relevant! Watching your videos has often made me strongly consider renting a car and driving around next time I am in Japan. From one Brit to another, how different are the driving rules and etiquette compared to our roads? Considering we have the same vehicle layout and whatnot, it seems like it should be pretty easy but was there a big learning curve when you first used a car there? Was there any challenges from lack of language knowledge? I have been studying Japanese for around 3 years and I am at what I would consider an intermediate level of Japanese comprehension. Would I have any problems with road signs or anything?

rafa UGM

Chris, do you think you'll ever be able to enjoy natto?

rafa UGM
>>21097762

Windshield wipers and indicators' positions are reversed.

Levis

There are moose in the North and kangaroos in Australia. What kind of animals you try to avoid hitting on a road trip in Japan?

Nick rees

Chris two questions as follows, is there any sort of car share systems for sharing a journey with drivers along the way. And do you have to pre book on a journey even if it's just the night in small road side bed and breakfast

Cesar S.

Excellent Chris, looking forward to see the video!

Anonymous

What is the best way to visit Kyoto and Osaka? Looking at going for a week before a week in South Korea! Love the videos Chris!

Thomas Beasley

Any advice for going to Japan in August.

Alev Akkor

Will there be a monthly Q&A livestream this month? I believe March was extra exhausting with TC Learn and all.

Lewis

What do you think are the best places to visit across the Japanese countryside? I am keen to return to Japan in the future and get more of an izakaya/ryokan accommodation and food experience and would appreciate any insights!

Mathew Williams-breese

Hi chris, I have both a question and a bit of a request but first the question: Do Japanese men give out giri-chocolate to their friends on White Day the same as Women do on Valentines day? And for the request, do you think you'd be able to record and upload an unedited version of the road trip for Patreon viewers? Might be a minority here, but I quite like the idea of seeing a bit more of the Japanese countryside. Would be a perfect background noise video while doing other stuff.

Anonymous

With the Rugby World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics coming up over the next 18 months, there will be a big influx of visitors, some of whom will have disabilities. Have you ever thought about making an informative video on just how accessible Japan is to people with disabilities? Japan hasn't always had the best track record with disability issues. There must surely be organisations who would be happy to link up with you on this, How visible are people with disabilities in Japan? I know in the past many were hidden away by families, or institutionalised. Bit of a heavy topic, but to link with those people with disabilities living in Japan, and to look at this issue in the run up to the Paralympics in particular, could prove useful to many worldwide.

Anonymous

Hello, Chris! I hope you'll enjoy your trip! This summer I'm going to participate in two volunteer projects in Japan: one in Aomori prefecture, the other in Oita city on the island of Kyushu. Between the two I'll have 28 days, which I'm going to dedicate to travelling. I've made up my mind to get a JR pass as it seems indispensable in my case, but I'm still struggling to choose the places to visit. I was wondering if you could give any ideas. I'm mostly interested in seeing the nature, hiking and cycling. Of course, I'd rather spend as less money as possible, but I doubt that I could manage the never-ending cycle of despair of yours! ( the Shimanami Kaido Cycling is already in my to-do list, though!) I mean, I understand that the list can be endless, but I thought maybe there were some stunning places that you would highly recommend to visit to grasp the atmosphere of the region.

Anonymous

hi Chris! greetings from Singapore! I was just wondering which subjects you took in A levels & uni, and whether they were helpful in applying for the JET program, or for film making/youtube in general? also, how is university life like in the UK compared to Japan (if you have any knowledge about this)? I'm looking to live & work in Japan for a couple of years perhaps after A levels/university. Thank you!

Anonymous

Have you been to oirase gorge chris? What season would you recommend to visit that beautiful gorge with a beautiful ending of lake towada. I have been there in winter, it has a unique charm to it together with the frozen falls. Mood is kind of gloomy but it really was calming.

Kevers (Adventures'N Moore)

What level of the JLPT have you passed? Who do you maintain your Travel Visa through or did you become a Japanese resident? How do the local Japanese people feel about the power plant that had all the issues and are they concerned about the leaking radiation effecting the fish they eat?

Anonymous

Good luck on your road trip! I already can't wait to see the video(s)! :D Japanese countryside is the best! I would love to move to Japan for a year or two, but the thought of it scares the hell out of me as I would be completely alone! Do you have any tips to get over the fear or any advice in general about moving to Japan? :) I want to explore the country as much as possible if I do end up going!

bren

Hey Chris, Here are some questions: 1) What's your favorite way to travel Japan? 2) If someone only had a week in Japan, what do you suggest they see/do? 3) favorite roadtrip music?

Anonymous

Got some questions for the road! 1) Go-to music when you're driving? 2) Do you often daydream that you are in a movie? If so, what's the best plot you can think up? 3) What is something about yourself that most people do not know or think you are lying when you first tell them? And finally... 4) In order to save the universe from a massive alien invasion, you must sacrifice someone as way of ensuring human survival. The unfortunate souls: Natsuki, Ryotaro, Mr. Snuggles, or yourself. Who do you choose and why?

Anonymous

Will brexit have an effect on your Japan visa?

Eels
>>21095310

When I studied beginner level Japanese at a language school in Kyoto the lessons were entirely in Japanese. As far as I knew there were only two teachers in the whole school who knew English. It's definitely possible!

Anonymous

I am planning on visiting Japan later this year and I really want to check out some onsen. Since I have a half sleeve of tattoos, will I have to rent out a private one? Or has Japan relaxed their view on tattoos a little bit?

Shannon Sweetser

If you could relive one travel day from the cycle over and over again, Groundhog Day-style, what day would it be and what changes would you make?

Anonymous

Just recently watched "Why No Japanese" and loved it. I missed that one for some reason. Better late. That and "We Made A Commercial..." are the funniest, imo. Maybe this is a question better asked of Sharla, but she must be a very good friend indeed if she's currently residing in Seoul but can appear in so many videos in Japan. How does she do it? Not complaining, of course. Her ebullient attitude and laughter always make those videos that much better. Also, are you able to watch The Grand Tour from Japan? Not sure if Amazon is available there.

Anonymous

Hi Chris I work in an emergency/Police call centre in Australia, my question is have you ever had to ring the police or an emergency number in Japan? I'm heading with my family to Japan in November for the first time. God forbid anything goes wrong (touch wood) but I was wondering is the 119 number the same for all prefectures and are call takers bilingual (Japanese/English) ?

David Miller
>>21147656

Philip, Sharla actually has moved back to Tokyo due to personal reasons, you can check out her channel for more information.

Anonymous

Ah. Wasn’t aware. Hope everything works out for her.

Anonymous
>>21101152

This is so interesting, would be great to learn about this!

Anonymous
>>21101637

Aomori is beautiful but a bit difficult to visit with public transport I'd say... Nevertheless, try to visit Oirase and Lake Towada, there are buses that will get you around. Go down to Sendai for a few days and do day trips to Matsushima and Yamadera.

Anonymous
>>21103736

I was there in October and that was amazing, sunny but not hot. Much too early for red leaves though, I imagine that would also be stunning.

Anonymous
>>21134389

Do some research in advance - some onsen now allow tattoos but most still don't.

Anonymous

Here are some weird random questions not about Japan. I thought you mentioned Depeche Mode and liking 80's Japanese music. Do have a 80's play list and what is your favorite Depeche Mode song? My playlist has quite a few songs from them.

Vanessa Walsh

I asked this in the last post asking for questions, so I risk being very annoying reposting it, and for that I sincerely apologize. However: Two questions for you, Chris! May I adapt one of your night photos in watercolor (with credit to you of course), and may I draw your portrait? Which photo of yourself is your favorite?

Anonymous

I wouls ask Natsuki if he has continued working on his music since the trip to London and the movie

Anonymous

Is the mailing addres still valid?

Anonymous

Hey Chris, I've noticed you have been getting more into photography. Do you have any tips for people wanting to start it as a hobby?

Anonymous

Hey Chris! I was just wondering if you had any tips for networking with different employers in Japan? I’m looking to work in the education sector but not as a teacher. Also, if you and Natsuki were to visit Washington D.C., would you like a tour guide? Keep up the great work!

Hirami

A (B)Road Trip to Natsuki (... that's it, that's all I've got to say)

Doug

Me an friends plan to visit Japan for the Olympics. Where would you recommend to stay that’s outside Tokyo but close enough for a commute to see an Olympic event? Love the vids and podcast!