The BEST Travel Guide to YOKOHAMA with Locals Including ODAWARA and KAMAKURA 🇯🇵

The BEST Travel Guide to YOKOHAMA with Locals Including ODAWARA and KAMAKURA 🇯🇵

Japan is a country we’ve 
wanted to visit for a long time. Tim!
How are you? It’s always fascinated us because it seems 
to be a land of stark contrast. From its serene temples and ancient traditions. To its majestic mountains
like the iconic Mount Fuji. All the way to the crazy 
neon lit streets of its cities and its almost obsession with technology
and efficiency. Like the highspeed bullet trains
which we’ll also be using during our travels. Holy moly that’s fast.
He’s doing 300 kms plus. Thats amazing. Tim and I are traveling here for the first time. It’s taken us a while to get here,
so we’re making the most of it by taking nearly one month
to explore this beautiful country. Later on in the trip, my sister-in-law
and niece will fly in from Australia to join us on this Japanese adventure. And it all starts right here
in Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama. Behind me is the beautiful port city
of Yokohama. It gets overlooked a lot by tourists. Everyone flies into Tokyo and stays in Tokyo. Then just goes to a couple of
the other major famous cities. But Yokohama has a lot to offer a beautiful port city.
It’s a city of 3.5 million. We’re going to show you some
exciting things around this city to do. Absolutely, it’s definitely a place that should 
be on your list if you’re coming to Japan. We’re going to go and visit a famous castle
that’s not far from here, Odawara Castle. It’s a beautiful castle with amazing views and
you can see Mount Fuji from there on a clear day. But we’re also going to visit
a famous ship in this area. We’re going to go to a famous ramen museum
and also the biggest Chinatown in Japan. So come along with us on this
Fair Dinkum Japanese adventure. What’s this street called? Dankazura. Dan-kazu-ra. Yes! Dankazura. Correct?
My Japanese is not good. Well, welcome to Yokohama Chinatown.
One of the largest Chinatowns outside of China. It’s the largest one in all of Japan. First was established not long after
the port of Yokohama was opened in 1859. But then the Chinatown was established
by many migrants that were coming and helping merchants to communicate,
they were like the middleman. So, this is how this started in 1880
when it was first established. The little restaurants and working as chefs. So, we’re expecting some good food.
We’re going to try some dumplings, hopefully. Find something delicious to eat for lunch. Catch up with some mates
from the US and they’re right here. No way. Tony and Sam. Hi. How are ya! How are you mate?
Good to see ya! You feeling better?
I’m 100%. That’s good. So Tony and Sam,
they been learning Chinese for a long time. So that’s why we decided,
we’ll meet up with you guys in Chinatown. That way they can tell us
the best food to have and where to go. They’re old mates from Florida in the US. We’ve decided to try a Taiwanese pepper bun,
which is like this little sesame covered bun. It’s nice and hot and it’s apparently filled
with like peppery pork or something. I’ll break it open for you
so you can have a look inside. Give it a taste. That’s tasty. It’s like a little bread roll on the outside. Some really yummy, 
delicious Chinese pork filling. It’s really good. Okay, let’s keep walking and 
see what else we can eat. Is it desert time?
No not yet. We should get some of these candy strawberries.
This is like a viral thing in Japan. Bit of a mango smoothie in a cup. Really hot day today in Chinatown,
here in Yokohama. It would be 38°. Well, here is a famous icon of the port of Yokohama.
Hikawa Maru. Built in 1929. It was one of the first ocean liners
that sailed from Yokohama to America to Seattle. It would ferry passengers across
as a luxury cruise liner and back again. Famous Charlie Chaplan come on this
and come across to Japan. So it has a long history,
it survived World War II. It’s now a museum and it’s permanently
moored in the port of Yokohama. So let’s go on and have a look. So, it’s still in its original condition. This is one of three Japanese cruise liners
at the time were doing Yokohama to Seattle. But the other two didn’t survive
the Second World War. This one during the Second World War
was made a hospital ship. After the Second World War, it actually
hit a couple of mines a few times but still survived. Now it’s been here since 
early 1960s as a museum. So if you wanted to travel first class
on the Hikawa Maru back in the day. It would have set you back 500 yen,
five dollars Australian. But the average wage back
then for a worker who even worked on the cruise liner,
was 70 yen a month. So it gives you an idea and back then
you could build a house for a thousand yen. The cost of a return ticket over and back first class
you could build a house for. Good views from up in the wheelhouse and 
see all over Yokohama City and the port. Cruise liners come into the port all the time. 
Here goes one right now. Amazing it even gets under the big bridge over there.
That’s how high up they are. But the Queen Elizabeth too cannot come in here
because it’s actually too high. So, they have to ferry people
into the international ferry terminal here. Where all the cruise ships mostly dock right here. But there’s canals all around here
throughout Yokohama. It’s really like the Venice of Japan. You can get boat rides all through the canals. So, that’s the port. 
Now time to explore a bit more of Yokohama. Yokohama has a few famous food museums. 
You have got the Cup Noodle Museum. There you can make and design
your own cup noodles. But behind us is also another famous
food museum…the Ramen Museum. So, if you’re a lover of ramen,
this is the one you need to come to. We’ll explain a little bit how it works.
You pay a fee to get in. You can see the museum
the history of ramen. How it’s been made through the centuries,
where it’s come from, all of the different regions that 
produce the different types of ramen. Then you can go down to a really retro area
that’s got lots of little booths. You can buy your favourite ramen there.
Small bowls or large bowls. Small bowls if you want to try a few.
Large bowls if you know which one you want. All right, let’s go in
and have some ramen for dinner. So that’s interesting.
Actually, Japanese ramen originated in China. The first recorded evidence
of it being in China is from 1485. In a book that referred to ramen noodles.
It’s a Chinese book, of course. The first mention of it
being in Japanese literature is in 1697. So there you go. It’s from China. So, this is the ramen lab
where you can actually make your own custom bowl of dried ramen noodles.
The flavours that you like. You can package it and you can take it home. Wow, this place is so cool. Well, there’s so many ramen shops
you like which one is the best? There are lineups on lots of them. I’ve asked a couple of Japanese people lining up
is this a good one? They said we like it. I think it’s a bit of a lucky dip
which one you’re going to get. There you go ‘Home Run Bakery’
and “Nostalgic Play.’ I’m so glad I got my Holafly eSIM
because I’ve hit the ground running with internet. I can translate any of the signs
and we haven’t been lost yet. If you would also like to get an eSIM. You can see our link down below
for a 5% discount on a Holafly Sim. They got these little menu screens
like you know when you go into McDonald’s or KFC or something like that how
you’ve got to order, it’s the same here. Each shop’s got their little menu and
you’ve got to order which one you want. What do you want Tim?
With extra pork or just the ordinary one? Just ordinary one. Do you want a small
so you can try some others? Yep. Got our tickets. 
So, now we just got to wait here. Hopefully, they tell us when to come in.
I think that’s how it works. It’s my favourite type of ramen.
Tonkotsu ramen. But I’ve only ever had it in Australia.
I’ve never had it in Japan. So now I’m going to try it
authentically in Japan. It’s great just sitting around these tables. They’re cooking it right in front of you.
So can sit here watching them. You can choose if you want your noodles soft,
if you want it really salty or how you like it. Thank you very much We have our ramen. This is a small. Still looks pretty big. I’m going to try the greens off the top first
because it looks pretty hot. That’s really good.
It’s not too salty. The greens are really fresh
you can taste the flavour of them. Try some of this pork. Full of flavour, super tender
just a small slice but it’s all you need. It adds the flavour to it. Just around the corner
from the ramen museum. We meet up with a group of our friends
at a famous fourth generation Chinese ramen restaurant called
Yangzhou Ramen Merchant. So this is the history of this place here. The generations that originated from China
and started this little restaurant. We’re catching up with some friends
who are taking us out to one of their traditional restaurants
they come to. Yakisoba noodles. And this one is?
Shoryu ramen. How’s the prawn?
The prawns are delicious. It’s like a sweet chili, not too sweet, but spicy.
Its good. Tako, what’s this one? Tonkatsu ramen. Pork ramen. How cool is this?
They give you like a paper napkin to wear. So you don’t get it over your good cloths. Now I’m having the beautiful pork ramen.
All really amazing. Delicious.
Absolutely delicious. It’s a must stop if you’re in Yokohama
this place. We’re on the bullet train.
Man they go fast, so fast. It’s good you get somewhere. Yeah, get somewhere quick. Today we’re heading south of Yokohama
to the historic seaside city of Odawara. We’re taking the Shinkansen bullet train. Which only takes us about
15 minutes to reach the city. At the heart of the city
stands the majestic Odawara Castle. One of Japan’s most iconic castles
and a proud symbol of the region’s history. It’s a bit wet outside today, but that’s not going to stop us
exploring this beautiful place. Well you can never plan for perfect weather. We’ve come down to
just out of Yokohama to Odawara Castle. It was run by the Hojo clan. 
They ruled this area for about 130 years. It’s a 14th century castle.
But it went through three major battles. The last battle in 1590 the Hojo clan
lost to Toyotomi clan. Who then ruled this whole area. It was called the Sengoku period.
Which was really the wars between all the states. It was also known as really the samurai period
when they were really at their peak. Lot of battles took place
between the samurai. We’re going to go in now
and get out the weather. We can’t help the weather.
It’s a bit of a miserable wet day. But it’s just stopped raining now. So we’ll head inside and
have a look at the museum and have some amazing views
from the very top. Let’s go. Interesting the castle been rebuilt many times. Actually never got damaged during 
the Second World War from the bombing. It was actually protected at that time. It still fell into disrepair numerous times
and has been rebuilt in 1958. Then just recently had a new renovation.
So, let’s head on up. So there’s about three to four levels and
each level has a different display right throughout. I’m on the third level
and here you have the traditional armor that the samurai wore
when they fought with some of the swords. You’d think it’d really restrict you in battle, but apparently it was quite flexible
to be able to move in it. Well I made it to the top.
Here you have wonderful views. 360° views right around the castle. Down here is where all
the battles took place. The Odawara battle between
Toyotomi and the Hojo clan. All through down in front of the ocean
just on that ground there. Wonder how many people died.
Don’t know that answer. Lots big fight of the samurai. Well, this is a historic entrance
for Odawara Castle. This is where the samurai
used to cross a little moat and come in here They could ride in on their horses. It’s high enough for them sitting on their horses
as they ride into Odawara Castle. So, that’s your main entrance. Now we’re about to go into the samurai museum. The spirit of the samurai. The museum is packed with real
samurai armor, swords and artifacts. From the Sengoku era when 
the Hojo clan ruled this region. Here if you’re really up for it, 
you can get dressed up in a samurai costume
or a ninja costume. Up the top of the Minaka building
here in Odawara. There you go.
You can see Odawara Castle. Rain’s coming in.
There’s the Pacific Ocean straight out there. What’s this called? Ashiyu.
Foot spa. Yeah free foot spa and it’s hot. It’s really warm water. Not that you feel like it’s too hot
that you have to get out. But like right up nice and warm water. They got these rocks in there
and you can push into your feet. The soles of your feet
to give your feet a massage. Gets the blood circulating, 
soothes your feet from walking all day. It’s free and it’s got a view of the ocean.
Like, how awesome is that? Well time to get out of the weather. We’re walking the streets now of Odawara
and making our way somewhere for lunch. In the centre of town has been restored
and has a lot of authentic unique Japanese dishes. This being a seaside town,
it’s famous for its seafood here as well. We find the perfect place for lunch,
a traditional Japanese bar and grill. And joining us is our good friends
Pushpit and Aurora. Who happen to be on holidays here in Japan
at the same time. You got the smoke of the bbq up there
of all the char grill they’re doing with fish, octopus with squid.
But you got it mixed with the smoke of the cigarettes. But still old school Japanese 
restaurant where you can still smoke in it. All the Japanese beers. Nice and smooth. Both are very good.
Thank you Sashimi. Wow. Tell me. That is so creamy and fresh.
What’s wasabi like? The wasabi is beautiful. It just took the punch out of it
by dipping it in a bit of the soy sauce. Delicious.
Absolutely delicious. It’s buttery and soft.
So good. Indian approved. Ocra and beef skewers. It’s spot on with their seasoning. The ocra is crunchy. This is amazing. Grilled squid. Chewy. It’s good but a little bit chewy. Some tomato wrapped in pork.
Interesting. Hot.
But good. You will like it.
Once the tomato explodes the heat. Juicy really juicy. So good. Everyone you see around here
are all Japanese. We’re the only foreigners.
I was going to say gora’s. But we’re the only two gora’s.
You aren’t even a gora’s. Indian Spaniards.
Yes. Thanks mate.
You’re welcome. We’re joined by my sister-in-law
Juliann and my niece Shelby. Who flown into Japan from Australia. Today we’re making our way down to Kamakura. 
About 15 minutes south of Yokohama. It’s a beautiful small coastal city with numerous 
temples and other historical monuments. It was once the political heart of Japan
during the 12th and 13th century. But nowadays
it’s a popular tourist destination. For its laidback beachside escapes
and its surf. We arrived in the seaside town of Kamakura. We’ve come to meet up with some of our good mates
who are locals here, Takashi and Keiko. They’re going to show us around
where they live. Tim.
How are you? We have been waiting.
How are you? How are you my brother?
Good. So nice to see you too.
How are you? Juliann and Shelby.
This is Takashi and Keiko. Nice to meet you. So Kamakura was the capital of Japan 
during the 12th century. There’s an interesting little fact for you.
Before it was relocated to Kyoto. Takashi was saying Kamakura applied to
become a world heritage listed town. But it was denied because they weren’t willing 
to maintain all the old Japanese buildings. Because of the cost to be able to do that. Hence it’s not World Heritage listed. Tim, my recommendation the porchetta. Okay, I’ll get the porchetta. 
With blue cheese? Yeah, blue cheese good. Keiko and Takashi have brought us to this
Italian panini shop. But the house is a traditional
old Japanese style house. That has been converted into this restaurant. It’s pretty cool you can see
the old the sliding doors and the wooden floors. The owners lived in Australia as well. He’s from Korea and she’s from Japan
and that’s where they met in Aussie land. Now they running Italian store of all things. I’ve got a Messina Italian beer and
we’re going to have a nice Italian sandwich. Such a hot day.
That’s good. On a hot day
I’ve gone the spicy ginger ale. Like a little kick to my ginger. Nice not too spicy
just the right little kick of ginger. Little bit sweet, not too sweet.
Perfect and refreshing on a hot day. What’s that one, Jules?
A prosciutto. Looks nice. Mortadella.
With cheese, ham and mushrooms. It’s cool finding these little places like this,
having the local guides. Looks Oishi (tasty). Thank you. Got the Porchetta
and it’s been a little bit fried. It’s soft and warm with some pesto. Oh, so tasty.
It’s really good. Kanpai (cheers) Arigato-gozai-masu
(Thank you very much) All right thanks, bro.
Thank you. See you later. Here you go a vending machine that’s got
all different types of cookies. Japanese cookies and some Japanese
homemade cakes. Oh, okay. Yeah.
So, only certain ones are left.   There you go you can get everything
on the vending machines in Japan. Takashi is just letting his 
friend drive his car. So Keiko. Yeah.
I have a question for you. Okay. Did you grow up here?
Yes. You did, so this is your hometown? Yep, after came back from Switzerland,
I grew up here. Wow. Are these the traditional old buildings? Yes.
Traditional house. Yes. What’s this place called here?
Hachimangu. When we started walking the path
was a little bit wide. Much more wider.
Now it’s skinnier. Now narrower and narrower.
Yeah. Why? The shogun made this path. 
Oh, okay. The Shogun was he a Toyotomi?
No, much more ancient. Okay more ancient than Toyotomi. It’s good it’s hot.
Ready for some shade and a cold beer. Yeah, highball. These are all sake barrels from different areas
and different companies. This one back 1781 the date of the
company that made them. I don’t know the reason
why all these sake barrels are here. Why are all these sake barrels here?
Okay they are for god? Ah for their god, their offerings. They want good luck from their god. So all these sake barrels have been gifted
to the Buddhist religion to their god. They’re empty. I think they just 
offered an empty barrel instead. So behind me is one of the most 
famous and oldest temples in Japan. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu built in 1063 AD.
So she’s nearly 1,000 years old. On top of the hill here, you get great views
over the ancient town and the old city. Japan is really a mix of Shintoism and Buddhism. I don’t really know the difference
between the two faiths. You see a lot of these ancient shrines everywhere.
In every city around the place. After exploring around Hase
and Kamakura city. We come down to the beautiful seaside town called Zushi. Which reminds us a lot like parts
of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Looking around Zushi.
You’re the king of the world. It’s Hayama.
Zushi. There is Hayama. Japanese wedding taking place here in Zushi. It’s a nice little area and the marina is just here. We’re going to have a coffee
in the Malibu Cafe farm. Just maxi relaxi with Takashi and Keiko. We make our way back to Yokohama
to the famous Red Brick Warehouse. And enjoy an evening with Takashi and Keiko. We’re at the Red Brick Warehouse
down here at the Port of Yokohama. This gentleman’s an artist. He draws everything with pencil by hand
of these famous red brick warehouses. He’s just given us a bit of a gift
and given us a couple of his drawings which take him he said
up to three weeks to draw. He comes down and just sits here
for hours on end and draws these warehouses. The red brick warehouse is really a famous
location here in Yokohama. Yokohama port was one of the first ports
in all of Japan to open to the rest of the world for international trade. Because for over 200 years
the emperor forbid foreign trade. No one could come
and he actually closed off Japan completely. The port of Yokohama in 1859
was the first port to open in all of Japan. These warehouses date back to 1911
when they were first built. That was really to sustain all the international goods
that were coming in where they would be housed. Today it has been redeveloped
now food shops and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to come in the evening
to watch the sunset behind the city. Looking over the port and enjoy a nice
refreshing cold Japanese beer, some sushi or steak. Whatever you’re in the mood for
they’ve got everything here. Inside the warehouse
there are three levels. It’s full of little souvenir shops
food shops, lots of snacks and other food. Man, everything looks so cute, so beautiful. The food looks like, I want to eat it all. I want to try everything in this place
but I’m only one person, so I can’t. But definitely worth checking out. With Keiko and Takashi. And we are going to go to one of 
their little favourite places for dinner. Looking forward to trying some Japanese beef.
That’s what I’m after. From the grill. Can’t beat this a steak and a beer.
How good is that? Beer’s good. Very tasty.
Delicious Japanese draft beer. Variety of sauces come with the steak. Barbecue, mustard, and what’s the last one called?
Chimichurri. But this is cooked medium rare.
Absolute perfection. I tell you what can’t beat Japanese steak.
Beautiful. This is my all-time favourite meal. Steak and a cold beer
can’t get much better than that. Takashi is yours good?
Yes very good. He knows the restaurants
to come to in Yokohama. A few! After an absolutely delicious dinner. Takashi and Keiko take us to
a nearby rooftop bar. Where we can enjoy some absolutely stunning 
views of the city lights of Yokohama. Wow nice views. I would say if you’re coming to Japan. Then Yokohama has to be on 
your list of places to visit. Yokohama eye! Nestled between forested hills and 
winding rivers, we travel to Kyoto. Once the heart of Japan’s empire. Today, it’s a living bridge
between the past and the present. It’s crazy you go up the hill a little bit. People everywhere trying to get there,
perfect Instagram shot in front of the pagoda. Wherever you see a pile of people
you know that’s the best angle the best spot to get the photos. You got to wait your turn
and hope for the best. So we’re walking through all the torii gates.
There’s over a thousand of them through here. On the Hozugawa River. We’re about to head down the rapids
and through the mountain range. All the way back to Kyoko.

Episode 51 – We travel to Japan for the first time and spend a month exploring this fascinating country. We meet up with local friends who are the best travel guides to show us around Yokohama, Odawara and Kamakura all located in Kanagawa Prefecture. We start our journey by staying in Japan’s second largest city Yokohama which is known for its international port heritage, being the first port in Japan to open to the world in 1859. We visit the lively Chinatown which is one of the largest outside China then to the historic Hikawa Maru ship moored in the port and of course to the iconic Red Brick Warehouse. We also taste our way around some of the best restaurants and places to eat in this beautiful port city. Not far from Yokohama we visit Odawara and its famous mid-15th century castle which was controlled by the powerful samurai Hojo clan and we explore the nearby historic coastal city of Kamakura which is famous for its scenic temples and beautiful beaches.

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Japan
01:22 Yokohama
03:02 Yokohama Chinatown
06:22 Hikawa Maru Ship
09:38 Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
14:01 Yangzhou Ramen Merchant
16:16 Odawara Castle
20:06 Odawara Samurai Museum
21:06 Minaka Odawara Free Foot Spa
22:52 Traditional Japanese Bar & Grill
26:44 Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
29:09 Antico Rondino Prosciutteria
31:57 Kamakura City
33:29 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
35:36 Zushi
36:34 Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama
39:01 Charcoal Gril Green Bashamichi
41:30 Next Time Kyoto

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