At this very moment, Japan is closed for tourism because of the horrors COVID-19 has brought to our world. That means even wonderful fairytale cities like Kyoto are… empty.
The Arishiyama Bamboo forest, the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari, the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and so many more tourist attractions are not being visited right now. Kyoto is empty. It's just a heartbreaking fact that many thousands of travelers can't go to see the wonder that is Kyoto. And the locals that are dependent of tourism, are having a tough time surviving.
In exchange, peace and calm have returned to Kyoto. That's all nice for a little while, but do the locals think the same after a couple of months without all these visitors? Do they want foreigners to return?
You will love their heartwarming answers!
“While Kyoto once struggled with over tourism, it has been comparatively empty for some time now. Today we go to Kyoto and speak to some of the local Japanese people to hear their feelings. Do the locals want foreigners to come back? Or are they happy with the way things are?”
This bucket-list location is waiting for you. But first, you´ll need a ticket up in the air!
Tokyo Lens
The director behind this masterpiece of a video is Youtuber Tokyo Lens (170k subscribers). He's a foreigner living in Japan and he documents his life there as he discovers the culture, the language, the habits, the transportation, the food, and the cities and villages. This great guy is a must-follow if you are into Japanese culture.
“Welcome to Tokyo Lens. My name is Norm Nakamura. Tsugaru Shamisen player and Photographer… capturing and telling stories. From Documentaries, to Exploration, to Vlogs, Japanese Music, Travel, and more… This channel is home to it all.”
When this virus is finally over, we will look back at this unique video and be amazed at how quiet it was during these long months of lockdown.
Extra: some of his best videos for you to watch (and fall in love with everything Japan!)
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