Table of contents:
Only in Japan
Life Where I’m From
Abroad in Japan
Internationally Me
Rachel and Jun
Travel Vloggers Who’ve Featured Japan
Thanks to the Internet, all the information you could ever need while planning a trip to Japan is right at your fingertips. One place you might not be looking for travel advice is YouTube, the world’s most popular video website. Just as social media can provide you with travel inspiration, advice and recommendations, so too can YouTube. All you need is to find the right channels, which in this case are Japan travel YouTube channels.
Traditionally, people read articles and lists or look at photos for ideas while researching their getaway. However, many people find watching videos more engaging than reading these days so why not use resources like YouTube that are available to you. Much like anything on the site, there’s an overwhelming selection of Japan travel channels for you to look at. To help you just jump right in, below are some of the best Japan travel channels on YouTube to watch when planning a visit.
Only in Japan
For an in depth look at what it’s like to travel and live in Japan, Only in Japan is a great place to start. Created by John Daub who has lived in Japan the last 18 years, Only in Japan is a huge YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers and a great assortment of videos. John’s videos play like episodes of a travel show and explore everything related to travel in Japan, from food and street food, to travel, technology, festivals, pop culture and more.
Most Popular Videos:
Life Where I’m From
Seeing what life is like for people who live in Japan can be helpful if you want to know what to expect. For that kind of thing, Life Where I’m From is one of the most popular Japan-centric YouTube channels. Focusing on Greg Lam and his Canadian/Japanese family who live in Tokyo, the channel takes you into their home and lives, showcasing what local life is like. The videos are extremely informative if you’re looking to understand Japanese culture, but there’s also great travel advice as well, especially for those traveling with kids.
Most Popular Videos:
- What Japanese Breakfast is Like
- 12 Reasons why Japanese Bathrooms are the Best
- Japanese Family Sushi Restaurant
Abroad in Japan
Expats can be a valuable resource when planning to visit a country as they know what it’s like getting to know a place as an outsider. For 7 years, Chris Broad has been producing videos for his channel Abroad in Japan, providing advice to travellers on travelling around Japan. He not only creates destination videos that show you the sights and the food, but also explores cultural curiosities and hands out useful tips to help you make the most of the experience. Occasionally, videos will also feature Japanese friends who act as unofficial guides and help provide their insights on life in Japan.
Most Popular Videos:
Internationally Me
Travellers often fixate on the most popular destinations and attractions, which is why channels like Internationally Me by Angela are so great. Having moved to Tokyo from New Zealand, Angela seeks to share with viewers places they may not have heard of, as well as lesser known spots in popular destinations. Her videos not only encourage visitors to explore all that Japan has to offer, they also aim to show what it’s like to live in Japan. If you’re looking to see a different side of Japan than the usual tourist trail, Angela’s “Japan Off the Beaten Path” playlist is worth a watch.
Most Popular Videos:
Rachel and Jun
What’s great about getting travel advice and inspiration from YouTube, is that not only are channels like Rachel and Jun packed with information, they’re also beautiful to watch. Rachel and Jun are an American/Japanese couple who produce videos on travel in Japan and actually make you feel like you’re right there with them. Their videos touch on common travel related subjects like Japanese food, sightseeing and advice regarding Japanese culture, but they also have mini-documentaries as well, like their “Shokunin” series on traditional handicrafts and arts in Japan.
Most Popular Videos:
Travel Vloggers Who’ve Featured Japan
Along with dedicated Japan travel YouTube channels, you’ll come across countless travel vloggers who have produced videos from their travels around Japan. While these vloggers may not be experts on Japan, they are experienced travellers and often provide a different perspective on travel in Japan. For instance, they may show how Japan compares to visiting other countries or other travel experiences that you might also be able to relate to.
Here are some travel vloggers who have videos on Japan: