Abroad in Japan

15 days, 1,200km cycled and $1.4 Million RAISED for the Immune Deficiency Foundation! ✨A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who tuned in and supported our monstrous journey from snowy Aomori to the chaotic streets of Osaka.

This was the 5th Cyclethon and undoubtedly the most challenging. The first few days were painfully tough battling Siberian gales on the northeast coast, being relentlessly pelted with hail and endless rain. By Day Three honestly I started to think I wouldn’t make it to the finish line. Not even the promise of pizza was enough to lift my shattered spirits.

But by week two, contempt at choosing the Sea of Japan coastal route soon gave way to spectacular weather, serene fishing villages and stunning mountain passes. The winds turned in our favour and the concept of hope returned once again.

We were joined by amazing guests from start to finish, thanks to Ironmouse, Schlatt, Garnt, Rob and Felix for keeping our spirits up along the way. And of course to the incredible van gang of Ian, Paul, Nabi and Ryo for their support everyday of the trip.

Pete as always was the ultimate hype man, and of course, a huge well done to Connor for once again making this event happen and for firing up so many people around the world to get involved!

It’s been an absolute honour and privilege as always to be a part of the greatest community on Earth. Thank you so much guys 🍻 Please pray for my legs.

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 23,264

Abroad in Japan

Today Connor and I are kicking off our 15 day, 1,200 Cyclethon from Aomori to Osaka! 🍻
It’s our most epic route yet with fantastic guests, beautiful scenery and surprises along the way! Fundraising once again for the Immune Deficiency Foundation!
We’re LIVE right now on Connor’s Twitch - join along there and I’ll be posting behind the scenes over on Instagram 🇯🇵

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 18,541

Abroad in Japan

Final cover reveal for the brand new Journey Across Japan book! 🇯🇵🥳
Now available to pre-order a signed copy!

Once again illustrated by the brilliant Matt Saunders, who captured the escapism and magic of rural Japan.
While inside the book Erica Ward brings each chapter to life with stunning greyscale illustrations of each region.

✨Writing this book took about a year and nearly drove me to insanity. But I’m immensely proud of it.

If the Abroad in Japan book was about the culture shock of living in a remote corner of northern Japan for three years, Journey Across Japan is about what happened next.

JAPAN’S forty-seven unique prefectures each have their own story to tell, shaped by centuries of squabbling lords, impenetrable topography and a fierce local pride.

And though it was never my intention to do so, I’ve inadvertently explored every single one.

Journey Across Japan is an epic adventure that spans every corner of the country. A collection of embarrassing stories, practical recommendations and hard-learned lessons, expect to learn about signature dishes, charismatic locals or mildly terrifying festivals. From volcanoes and islands, to public baths and mysterious temples, there are well over 150 ideas on places to discover around Japan.

It’s the ultimate guide for folks looking to go break away from Tokyo and Kyoto, and discover a hidden side to the country that still exists to those willing to find it.

✨If like me you’re wondering why anyone would pre-order a book, it turns out book tours are basically determined by the numbers of books sold.

Hence, if the preorders do well, hopefully I could be coming to a book store near you before the year is out, clutching a pen and drenched in biscuit crumbs.

Release date: SEPTEMBER 24TH

For more details (and to grab a copy), hit the link in the pinned comment 🇯🇵🍿

A huge thanks to Penguin for making this happen 🙏 And as always guys, a massive thank you for your support.

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 21,226

Abroad in Japan

15 years ago today, Japan was struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The magnitude 9.0 disaster unleashed one of the most devastating tsunamis in modern history. In some areas, the tsunami exceeded 40 metres, with waves over 10 metres battering more than 400km of coastline. Natsuki once described the events of March 11th as feeling like the “end of the world.”

I remember visiting the coastline in the years after the disaster and seeing villages buried in debris, boats and cars tossed inland, and in Fukushima, huge stacks of contaminated topsoil bags piled high. Yet, going back year after year to witness that recovery has been remarkable.

From towns like Ishinomaki, Kesennuma and Onagawa that have been rebuilt and reimagined, to preserved ruins left behind as reminders for future generations, Tohoku’s recovery has been deeply moving to witness. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to make around five documentaries on the region and interview dozens of wonderful locals.

It really is an extraordinary place with incredibly resilient people.

Telling even a small part of those stories has been a privilege. 15 years on, there is still so much the world can learn from this beautiful region.

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2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 10,655

Abroad in Japan

Can’t believe it’s already our ONE YEAR anniversary! 🥳

For 10 years I've watched countless friends & family land in Japan, pick a dodgy SIM card, then spend their holiday desperately clinging to public Wi-Fi like an oxygen tank.

Which is mad, given Japan has the fastest internet on Earth. But all too many SIM companies sell tourists painfully slow, throttled connections and it really isn't good enough.

So 12 months ago we launched our own: Journey Japan eSIM 🇯🇵

JJESIM utilises Japan’s best network, covering 99% of Japan’s population. It's the gold standard. And unlike big international eSIM providers that bounce your data halfway around the world, we’re based IN Japan, meaning no extra lag.

We’ve also just launched an insane 5G Unlimited plan: the ultimate option if you want to absolutely destroy the concept of a data limit.

Best of all as we’re local we have awesome perks!
From 500 yen off at Big Echo karaoke, to 500 yen off your first cocktail at LOST Bar in Shibuya (a frankly dangerous combo).

So if you’re planning your own Journey Across Japan, don’t sabotage it with a bargain-bin, bandwidth-throttled SIM.

Grab yourself a JJESIM.

Then enjoy super-fast, super-reliable internet from snowy Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa.

🌟And a huge thanks to the 30,000+ travellers who’ve chosen us since March 2025!🌟

Happy travels this Spring guys,
Chris

2 months ago | [YT] | 11,190

Abroad in Japan

90,000+ words. 300+ pages. 12 months of staring at paper and glass slowly losing my sanity.

But by some absolute miracle, I’ve finished my new book 🥳

Bigger, bolder & packed with dozens of awkward stories, it’s the ultimate unhinged guide to travelling Japan off the beaten path. I can’t wait to share the stunning book cover and more details in Spring.

Honestly, a big thank you for sticking around while I went full blown hermit to get it done.

While I’m immensely grateful to get to write a second book, there are definitely days hunched over a notepad or keyboard where you genuinely start to hate yourself.

Taking pride in your work certainly comes with consequences. Particularly when you’re on your fifth rewrite of a stupid anecdote about snow monkeys.

But it’s done. I’m super proud of it. And I’m finally free.

For the first time in almost a year, it’s time to dive back into the world of Youtube.

Natsuki is enthusiastic to hit the road together in the weeks ahead. I’m anxiously looking at my bike helmet once more.

Exotic islands and unhealthy dishes await.
- Time to crack on 🇯🇵

2 months ago | [YT] | 23,403

Abroad in Japan

Thanks to everyone who endured Abroad in Japan in 2025!
It's been another incredibly memorable year.

I feel so absurdly grateful to still be able to do this after 13 epic years, alongside such amazing friends and amidst the greatest community on Earth.

Wherever you are tonight, I'm wishing you a very Happy New Year!
- See you in 2026 🥳🎉🍻
Chris

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 29,596

Abroad in Japan

If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift 😉
- Best of luck to everyone who left their shopping until the last minute today!

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 11,987

Abroad in Japan

Delighted our favourite Japanese Uncles could set aside their decade long rivalry and come together for the big day. They’ve never looked so sharp 👌

5 months ago | [YT] | 54,997

Abroad in Japan

Married at last! 🥳 🌟
After months (if not years) of planning, Sharla and I enjoyed the most incredible day, surrounded by so many amazing people. Truly the perfect end to 2025!

We chose Christmas as it's our favourite time of year. A time to be cosily tucked away indoors alongside friends and family.

I have to say a huge thank you to everyone who's been a part of our journey over these years. We're beyond blessed to have a spectacular community of people around the world. Have yourself an amazing Christmas! I'm eternally grateful to you all! 🍻🎄

(Scroll through below for the photos!🌟)

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5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 111,855