Feeling Too Crowded in Kyoto? ★ King Kogi Guide 

I'd love to know, what have your experiences of Kyoto been like?

I had my doubts that your channel could ever be as good as your previous work. But over and over you proved that you could create something as good and even better! I am the winner here. I get sooo much pleasure from these videos! Thank you for making these amazing videos that are informative, relaxing and inspiring! ...and Merry Christmas!:)

I'm so glad to see a guide that focused on a more quiet, tranquil experience. As an introvert who gets really irritated, if not outright dysregulated, by crowds I'm so grateful to have something made for those of us who can't have a positive experience easily in those packed environments.

I'm also chronically ill and I know what a struggle some ordinary, every day kind of things can be like and climbing those stairs did not look like an easy feat, so extra thank you for doing things like that so you can show us more of Japan. I love King Kogi FOREVER!!!

A wild DAN has appeared!!!

As someone with chronic illness, thank you for putting the extra effort to show us the beautiful views in Kyoto!

She's wholesome, she's witty, she's beautiful...it's Martinaaa, Champion of Asiactic lifestyle and enjoyment~~!! Thank you for another great and ambient video, Kogi-dono! I would go anywhere if you decided to explore it..! 😊💗⛩️🍛🥰✨✨

I wish you 500k subs for 2024 and 1m for 2025. I'm going through dark days, separating, trying to find a new place to live, a job, and I have an invisible disability. But watching you I know it's possible because you've been through it too and you're here, well and alive. You've overcome many things. I hope I'll be well in a year from now too.

As someone who’s never left their home country and has issues with both ADHD and anxiety/depression, with the cherry on top that is loose ligaments, thank you so much! ❤ Martina, I’ve been with ya since 2012 seeing you in your niche just makes me happy but also your videos bring me hope that someday I can be brave enough to hop on a plane. Some things have happened and I didn’t get around to seeing this channel evidently! I’ve missed you girl 😭 I love seeing you happy and (as much as we can be) healthy!

I need all the tips! I've come to realize that crowds make me overwhelmed and overstimulated that i just want to leave 😭

I appreciate this channel for not discouraging us and telling us the place we dreamed of seeing is "crap because it's touristy" like...we know that. But we still might want to see it too along with the beautiful backstreets and more subtle places. :)

This video was such a great reminder that not every trip needs to be a military-speed shuffle from spot to spot. I can choose a neighborhood that looks interesting, and wander around to catch the vibe that locals would really get. Mixing in the popular with the niche is absolutely a-ok!

As someone who lives in Kyoto, this is great advice 👍

10:30 Legend has it Dan is still resting on top of them stairs trying to recuperate He requires an offering of any kind of onigiri to let you pass. Also be aware that Kites come down the mountains and use the Kamo river as hunting grounds during the days. They like to swoop down on innocent picnic-ers and have been known to steal a snack or two right out of your hands. Beautiful area along the river though.

for some reason i really, really liked the bit where the cars were turning right and then martina walked by to the left. it just gave me an unexplained rush of aesthetic serotonin or something.

The amount of editing that went into this was stunning. As a Japanophile I’ve watched every imaginable Japan channel you could find. This is got to be the best produced one I’ve ever watched. My wife is from Okinawa and in the dead of winter you might consider a 2.5 hour flight from Tokyo to do a travel episode about it. Shuri castle burned in 2019 I think, so they’re in the process of rebuilding it. The peace globe in Kakazu, the bonsai at Gold Hall, the huge aquarium in the northern area, shopping street in Naha, so much to see….I think you could get a dozen videos out of it…..hope you’ll keep up the excellent videos…..thanks for your hard work, it’s perfect.

I live near that area of Kyoto, and part of why it's so peaceful is because of what I call the "black hole" where it's devoid of train lines thus, only reachable by bus. There's a quiet little temple just 3mins from where I live and I only found it 8 months into my time here. The side streets are always full of surprises.

I’m sitting in a very crowded rest stop in the middle of my 14 hour drive back home for the holidays. A little tranquility in Kyoto sounds wonderful rn 😂

Cafe Sarasa! I just revisited them last week. Such a lovely spot and it can get very busy over lunch, even on weekdays so its good to be early (they open 11:30). It's quite a walk unless you take the bus but it's so worth it as there is lots to explore in the neighbourhood.

Refreshed youtube and suddenly a new King Kogi video is up. So gooooood. Thank you, Martina :D

When I visited Kyoto, we explored some quiet temples and the zoo 😊. I want to go back and see kiyomizudera but also more quiet places, so I'll keep your guide in mind!

Oh! Can't believe you visited our neighbourhood🌱 Yes! Kenkun Shrine is such a hidden gem and there are beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage during the fall season🌸🍁. If you keep walking just a little bit past the shrine, there is an open spot with benches and beautiful views of Kyoto city. We often go for walks and have lunch there (from our favourite neighbourhood bakery, Tom Sawyer). Next time you should also consider a visit to the Daitokuji Temple complex just nearby. It's got charming little temples and beautiful stone gardens. Very few tourists :) And Hashimoto Coffee (at 13:15) is a delightful little coffee shop, where you can experience good coffee and the charm of elderly locals chatting about the weather 😂

I lived in Kyoto in an apartment "mansion" on the Kamo River for nearly fifteen years, and this is the best info on doing the city I've seen. You're adventurous and down-to-earth. It's easy to understand where you are and the significance of the experience at hand. You make me miss the charming old city!😊

The cinematography in this is clutch.

I missed you Martina, as a hermit, these videos make me so happy too see and give me hope to travel one day. All I do is work and stay home.😅

Your philosophy for travel really influenced how my bestie & I experienced Korea when we went several years ago. We'd pick one thing to do or see for the day, & let the rest be spontaneous. For instance: we wanted to go to 홍대, but there wasn't anything specific we wanted to do there so we just wandered around & discovered a magical Ghibli store & a cute dessert cafe. We ended up doing and seeing a bunch of neat stuff throughout the trip that we wouldn't have if we'd just been bustling from one tourist spot to another. If I ever make it to Japan, I'll do the same thing - probably with the assistance of one of your guides. 😁

New King Kogi! I'm happy to get a dose of Martina in a chilly morning 😊

Dan! Dan! Dan! Glad to see more Dan!

I luv that you’ve made a vid about avoiding the crowds. I absolutely do not enjoy crowded places. Luv your vids Martina and you’re looking gorgeous! 🫶🏻

The pacing and the voice over are fantastic. It‘s so relaxing compared to other (great but ) more frantic paced videos of other creators.

Hey, thank you for the video! As a sensory sensitive person I find your videos very helpful to plan ahead for future Japan traveling. I would also be interested in the most quiet stays in Japan. I've heard that Ryokans are pretty quiet despite having paper thin walls? And the Machiya might seem quiet, but you can hear too much car sounds sometimes. Thank you 🦋

I'm dealing with mobility issues and this is so helpful. I never knew all the build a ladder information would be so needed when I previously watched. Thank you!!!

Most excellent advice! I visited the temple where the author of the Tale of Genji resided mid morning. No one was there! It was magical. And gave me the stamina to visit the super busy Ginkakuji. Also hiring a bike is awesome in flat Kyoto.

Love this ❤ thank you as always

Thank you for another great video!! ❤

I’ll definitely be grabbing your travel bundle! It sounds exactly the type of reference I was looking for, a good combo of the biggest sights and some smaller things to do!

I once again loved how you captured a big beautiful city like Kyoto in your own way! Showing off things often overlook is such a lovely sentiment

Happy holidays Martina & King Kogi community! ❤

Wooooo! Never even been to Japan but I’m so prepared thanks to Martina ❤

I can’t wait to visit Japan so I can use one of your travel guides. Your videos really showcase the details that make travel so enriching ❤️❤️❤️

Amazing video as always Martina 😊 Also thank you for this side of Kyoto, I've always been nervous about going because you always hear how crowded and overwhelming it is. It doesn't seem so daunting now, if i get to go to Japan I feel like i could really enjoy Kyoto ❤

I've been following you and watching your content for many years now. Your videos have always been my comfort content and King Kogi has really taken off in such a wonderful way. I thank you for continued amazing content. I always look forward to a new King Kogi upload. I hope there's nothing but growth and more good things in your future ❤

I love your videos and post Martina!! You had a really hard year/years and you do so well! I'm happy to be following you closely ive learned so much about EDS! Thank you for continuing to share your journey! I hope you have a good holidays Martina 💕 I'm also from Canada just on the west side! 😆

Your travel videos are so fun and it feels like I'm easily traveling along with a friend. Even though I know they take so much work!

Lovely views, always cheers me up to see one of your vids, Martina. ❤

I just came back from Japan! If only this video was out before definitely would’ve followed your guide. Love to see your work Martina! 💕

Martina, your videos are always so relaxing and peaceful. Thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into your content. Much love and happy holidays! Thanks!

Your content gets better and better Martina! Thanks for all your videos, I have hEDS too and I'm planning to visit Kyoto, so this will be very helpful.

Your videos are always so informative, peaceful, and playful. I’ve been watching you since EYK and love your work. Both your videos and guides really helped when my partner and I went to Japan earlier this year. We used the Kyoto city travel guide’s congestion forecast website for crowds-It was super helpful! Happy holidays! 😊

Omg missed opportunity to do the Rocky stairs run and celebration on the top (10:14)! But I love this type of traveling and exploring. Its so cool to see all your experience from being in Japan being condensed into this guide❤❤

Loved being able to take part in your Kyoto adventure here that’s a bit off the main ways! Although I still Have yet to visit Japan, anyone I know that’s going I always recommend your guides! Hope you have a happy holidays Martina 😊

Kenkun Temple looks so beautiful. One thing Im glad we did when we visiting Kyoto was a back ally walking tour. The guide took us to various small businesses along the way to look or sample their wares (fresh kitsune, other snacks, etc). He also explained the significance of many things small and large we might not know as foreigners. It was a great way to see some hidden gems and pick up other ideas on things to do.

Your videos are so fun to watch 😊 and so informative ❤ I hope to visit Japan again 🥹

Your right i was disappointed in Kiyomizudera due to the crowd when i went in Oct. 23. Now a total surprise was when I went Ginkako ji temple (Silver Pavilion) It was quiet and a beautiful zen garden. Kiyomizudera was a bucket list. It was under renovation in 2019 so this was a catch up. Also avoided Arrashiyama and went lesser bamboo forest temples in Kamakura. Hokoku-ji temple great without the crowded. Hoping to go next trip to Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan side and by pass Kyoto.

Martina, your content is better than ever. I adore your tour guide narration.

Martina!!! This can't come at a better time! My family and I are going to Kyoto next week. Thank you for sharing! :)

You've totally inspired me to go off the beaten path more when I visit later this year! Thank you!

This was so lovely and soothing to see the city without the crowds! Also surprise Rocky Martina stair climb?! Great job! 💪

Martinaaaaa~ thank you for another awesome video. I always say, your videos are fun and so comforting to me. I have chronic pain too so your travel tips are very practical and much appreciated! I was last in Kyoto in 2018 and this vid has me itching to book a flight! Your travel interests seem pretty similar to mine so I'm definitely taking notes😊!

Thank you for sharing your strategies for travelling. I already do some of this, which validates my experiences as someone wanting to avoid rushing.

I'm traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto in one week; this video came at the perfect time! Thank you for the wonderful tips; that cafe looks awesome and I'll definitely try to check it out!

I love watching your videos because they are just so relaxing! I would love to see cozy winter activities in Japan if you can swing it -- even if that means going to bookstores and coffee shops or composing King Kogi music! Happy Holidays!😊❄️🌨

Long time watcher! You taught me how to make my instant Ramen the most delicious ever! I just bought the Kyoto guide and I'm so excited for the trip! Thank you so so much! I hope you have lovely holidays :3

This is awesome! Thanks for all you do!

You're doing amazing ♥️ I will always support you by watching your videos 😍 Thank you for being a strong, lovely, kind and talented woman! ♥️

What a gem of a video! Thank you, Martina! When I'll visit Japan, I'll plan my trip using your guide! Looking forward to it! 🥰🌻❤🥰

Thank you Martina for showing us the lesser known places!

Thank you for another awesome video. Those places looked so peaceful

Thank you so much for such informative and wonderful video!

I went to Kyoto and some other parts of Japan in October and I love exploring neighbourhoods and finding cute cafes and shops. There are so many cafes run by a grandma and grandpa duo and they make such good food.

Been to Kyoto once before, we mostly did the typical places and I didn't enjoy it very much. Going back in a couple weeks and was hesitant about a day trip there again but ultimately decided I would as my friends want to go. They watch your videos too though and are excited to see a different side to the busy tourist section! You also mentioned the ramen place in the station and I'd completely forgotten we'd gone there, would highly recommend to anyone with some time to kill before their train, we had trouble choosing which region to try!

I LOVED this!!!! Thank you so much for showing us how to travel in a Japanese city in a simpler, stress-free way 💕 This is exactly how I like to travel, and I appreciate you laying the groundwork. When my kids are older and we go to Japan, we will definitely take advantage of your guides!! Thank you Martina! (and Dan too, we know you work hard as well 😜)

Great video!

Always love a suprise Dan!

Fantastic vid! Thank you.

love these kyoto videos! also, ur hair, makeup, clothes - ur style is popping Martina!

Now that is a beautiful view from the shrine!

I visited Osaka and Kyoto during summer break. It was too crowded and too hot. But the food was awesome.

Awesome video ❤

I love having King Kogi on while I work :). Such happy vibes! Although it always ends with me feeling hungry lol.

I love your videos so much!

I’ve been to Kyoto 3 times and I can never fully wrap my head around its layout 😅 also you look stunning in this video Martina! Merry Christmas ❤️🎄

This video is so nice and relaxing. Of course, the famous sights are great to see, but years later, I can still remember the hidden gems and the stories related to them. Thanks for the video 😃

This is exactly my type of travel guide :) I dont travel anymore but this would be awesome for if/when we ever get to venice :) Love it

FIRST! LETS GO KING KOGI!

I love this video so much. Your cinematography is fantastic and I love learning about how to travel with accessibility needs and introvert friendly tips. Thank you Martina !

Been watching your video from now to then all the way from korea and to Japan. You've become one of my favorite RU-vidrs to watch,any chance i get to.

My first visit to Kyoto was back in 2008, and comparing it to my latest visit a few months back, it's obvious that things have changed forever. Back then, shopkeepers were welcoming and genuinely happy to see tourists, and the place wasn't a selfie stick instagram themepark like it is these days (in the touristy areas). Anyway, great tips Martina. Kyoto still has a lot of beauty and serenity to be found if you wander away from the crowds, but that is getting harder and harder to do.

I'm planing a trip to kyoto at the moment and this is very helpful. Thanks for the great video ^^

Lovely as always

The weather where I live has settled quite firmly into soggy n' cold, so the pretty scenery from this video is a balm to the soul ^-^

Wtf! I've been watching sooo many Japan travel videos for my upcoming trip to Japan and let me tell you this is the best by far! I'm sooo happy to have found your channel ❤

Thank you for this amazing guide, me and my friends have been watching your videos ever since and tried out some of the restaurants you went to in Tokyo... it exceeded our expectations! We're coming over to Kyoto this spring and can't wait to experience more.. Martina, thank you again and we wish you well and looking forward to more of your future posts!! :)

Super cuteness alert! Your soooo pretty! Good job!

Can't wait to visit Japan again! 😍

I visited Kyoto on New Year’s day - it was both amazing but also crazy crowded. The sights were breathtaking, but dealing with the crowds was a chore. We ended up on the local bus a few times that day - and we were packed in like sardines (not unlike Tokyo during rush-hour). I would definitely come back during a less hectic time, and use your guide the next time.

I had some wagashi at Kyoto and it was delicious! I'm wondering if have thought about having a Sweets Japan segment. I understand that Japan likes to push out diff kinds of wagashi or dessert based on seasons and occasions. 🤤

In love with the incredible sights ❤

Hi Martina. I'm new to your channel (I subscribed today). Your videos are amazing and very detailed. This is going to help me tremendously when I visit Japan. Thank you 🫶

I've become addicted to watching videos of Japanese ferry travel, due to the relative and actual isolation being on a boat provides. My ADHD makes me very easily overwhelmed by noise and crowding, so guides for quiet touring are so appreciated! For anyone who would like to visit Barcelona but knows they'll need a quiet place to relax and refresh, I can recommend two spots. First, the Monastery de Pedralbes. The noise of the city fades away and there are enough things of interest to eat up at least two hours. The second spot is the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. The complex is absolutely STUNNING, and again offers lots to see in a couple hours of wandering around.