My experiences generally have been shorter there. Maybe like 2-3 days at the most? And some areas are just so packed. It was usually made worse by how hot it gets there in summer. But, at the same time, I also found spots to go to that took me away from the crowds. I found a nice used game store that was in a neighborhood that was fairly quiet. And my first CoCo Ichi experience was there, at a location near Nintendo’s corporate HQ. It didn’t feel like you had to go too far away from the major stuff to find some peace & quiet.
YES @@ancientflounder exactly! You can just walk one street away and it becomes suddenly peaceful. There are SO many neighbourhoods and areas to explore. Glad you got to experience a bit of it. Along with COCO ICHIBAN THE MOST ADDICTIVE CURRY IN THE WORLD!
The city was a ghost town until late 2022, which was interesting but kind of sad. Nowadays, I spend about 98% of my days away from masses of humans and generally only go to those areas when friends and family visit and refuse to leave the Tourist Zones™.
It's definitely gotten busier post pandemic! But it made me more of an adventurous traveller. Opting for more local and lesser known places to avoid the crowds. I used to be able to go to ichiran without an issue but now ya gotta wait 45+ mins. Going to other places instead of the usual spots.
when we travel instead of a hotel we get an apartment, that way we live the local life and really dive deep, it's the only way to travel, you get to see the Sites ! and still get to Experience Life in your travels. then the last week we go Top Tier Luxury Hotel to decompress. whew. LOL Love the Tour Love Your Work Love You
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!:)
Martina don't need no man. But seriously she was the backbone of the channel and she proved time and time again that she's a master at filming, narrating and editing videos
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.
@@OddLeah So true. I read this and tried to think of any others I saw that prioritize quiet and few people - I came up with nothing. This is the type of guide I never knew I needed!
Ditto! I hate noise and crowds ... esp Chinese tourists being RUDE.. (sorry but they are the rudest!). Kiyumizu made me a bit agitated (I admit) because of all the tourists and people taking selfies.. like its a religious site quit acting like it is your personal backdrop for instasham and your influencer channel. I do think Japan needs to fix their overtourism....
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..! 😊💗⛩️🍛🥰✨✨
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!
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. :)
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!
Trust bro traveling is not as anxiety inducing as you might think. When you get on a plane you'll just be using your phone and you'll be at your destination!
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'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!!!
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.
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.
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 😂
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.
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.
Great tip! Weekdays are the better way to go, but there can also be locals waiting to grab those lunch deals. And I also think it's great to note that ALL cafes, restaurants, and spots in Japan get rammed on weekends. In my neighbourhood I've walked away from quite a few fav spots because I can't wait 20 people deep for a spot I can walk into on a Tuesday haha
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 😂
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!😊
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. 😁
My husband and I have been married a long time, so we have a word we use for lots of situations: ADVENTURE! It can be intentionally going out to explore, getting distracted by something interesting, or even when life throws a roadblock we weren't expecting. It's a reminder to pay attention to the journey, the moment, the details instead of getting so focused on the "goal" that we miss the beauty around us.
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!
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! 🫶🏻
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.
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!!!
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❤❤
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!! :)
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!😊❄️🌨
Every time I dream about visiting Japan I don't even think about going to Kyoto because the crowds seem to be insane. This is making me reconsider...great video!!!
I’m so happy to hear you’re reconsidering after this video, because that was one of my goals. As someone who isn’t into huge crowds, I’ve actually not been to the most popular spots, but I’ve always enjoyed Kyoto my own way. I’ve seen a ton of people online who live in Japan posting about how “it’s overcrowded and changed” and I’m not saying that it ISN’T crowded… but you can literally go to one of the other 2000 places and it IS NOT crowded. I think it’s unfair to write off ALL of Kyoto because popular spots are more popular than usual. But Kyoto is MORE than just a few extremely crowded spots. I hope you’ll make it there someday and find your own less crowded adventure 😊
Martina you're the happiest and the brightest when you're in Japan (or Korea). I think, you connect the most w the culture and you stay true to this identity both in the old channel and this new channel. Fly higher gurl.. I'm just happy that I got the old vibe from your previous channel here. You are really the soul
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.
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 ❤
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'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.
Thanks for this lovely recommendation for Barcelona! I know that quite a few of us in this community have a hard time with crowds or loud over stimulating noises, me included. I want to assure people who feel like they can’t come to Japan due to the crowds and neon lights and tall buildings that there are MANY things to explore that aren’t the biggest noisiest parts of the city, and in Kyoto you can find spots that are less crowded too.
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 ❤
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 😃
Yes exactly I feel the same! When you stumble upon something yourself, it feels like a richer experience as you didn’t plan or predict it. And everything you see and take in, becomes a surprise.
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 😜)
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.
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.
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 🦋
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
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. 🤤
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! 😊
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 🫶
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😊!
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 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 !
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!
Video ideas if u haven't done them: Cheap eats + ONE value for money splurge like a hotel resto that has a great shop or onsen (open to nonguests) as well Where to go in the hot summer months like July 😂 Fruit-picking spots and nearby hidden gems Wheelchair accessible itinerary
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! 😆
I have always hated large crowds and that makes me nervous to travel to big destinations. Even big events in my own city are not something I'm comfortable with. Thank you so much Martina for making Japan more accessible and less daunting for all pf us!
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!
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 😊
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.
My fave place in Kyoto is the Shoseien Garden. It's generally never crowded but bustling enough to not make you feel totally alone. It's a tranquil place with tea rooms and a large pond full of wildlife, plus secret paths that make you feel like you're in a magical realm.
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!
Martina, for the travel guides are they a one and done sort of deal or will you be updating them with new information in the future? Perhaps you’ll offer bonus content to purchase in the future as add ons to existing guides?
If you buy any of the guides and I update them, you automatically get the updates! I’ve already added a few new places to the Tokyo Guide since I’ve published it.
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.
One day my duuudes 😍 i knew there would be serene places there tooo but this took the pressure of thinking about it too much, one day i will enjoy to explore there toooo
Thanks for another amazing video. I'm looking to head to Kyoto in Fall 2024..haven't been back in 15 years to visit. I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago and been looking for tips to accessible (wheelchair, clutches) travels in Kyoto.
