Maybe it’s a good way to end this thread before it turns into my blog that nobody cares about. 
If there is interest, I will make short updates on my progress at major milestones in terms of learning time.
Finally, a few pictures.
(I couldn’t upload the original pictures because the resolution is not allowed in the forum. That’s why I had to reduce the size with screenshots so forgive the quality.)
Wow!! These photos are beautiful 
It looks like you had a wonderful time, I hope you got chance to use all the Japanese you’ve been learning 
Please keep posting about your progress!
It was so much fun, and the people were so friendly. But I didn’t have to use much Japanese because, at the hotel or attractions, they almost immediately switched to English when they saw me. Maybe for the better, since I’m just at the beginning, haha.
But I tried to use all the standard phrases like hai onegaishimasu, sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu, genkin de or Suica de. I was very proud of myself when I once asked a waitress, “Doko desu ka?” when I was looking for something, or when I said “Gochisōsama deshita” after a meal.
I know it’s not much, but I tried. It’s also a completely different experience watching beginner videos versus talking to a native speaker. Sometimes it’s hard to understand because they speak so fast or wear a mask. I just tried to pick out a few keywords. But by the time my brain processed what they were saying, most of them had already switched to English to help me out.
Right now Im planning my next trip with focus on Kyoto and Osaka. I need to go back, also prefect for solo traveller.
Ah I’m so glad you had a nice time 
Good job using some phrases! ^^ it must have been fun to use some of what you’ve been practicing! I totally get it being hard to understand native speakers who are speaking fast, I had a similar experience when I tried to speak German in Germany 
its super difficult right?
I’ll look forward to hearing about your next trip!
Hello, I’m interested in your blog
Please keep posting updates.
Maybe we should all post updates. I’m very interested in seeing people progression based on their hours of input.
頑張って!
Alright, I’m gonna keep going. I hit a bit of post-travel blues after my trip, but I’m back at it now!
There’s no better motivation than the next trip to Japan, hehe. And yeah, seeing your progress would be super interesting for me too!
I’m back!
Where have I been?
I’m currently at 430 hours. I’ve been a bit lazy, but now I’ve found new motivation!
I have now also reached the 450-hour mark.
At the moment, I find the beginner videos are right for me. The next level is still too difficult. On YouTube, I would say that corresponds to N4 content.
So things are moving forward.
On my last trip, I made small talk for the first time and noticed that I could often answer questions, but I had difficulty understanding them.
I think this is simply because there is less content where two people are just having a conversation.
That’s why I’m looking for extra content in this area. Maybe you have a few recommendations.
I’ve watched so much video in the last few months that the different levels are beginning to blur together a bit in my head, but there’ are quite a few “people chattng to each other” videos at the Intermediate level - maybe try some of the easier ones? I particularly like the ones with Yuki and Ken.
Ken also has quite a few such conversational videos on his YouTube channel and those are good too. I suspect many of the other CIJ teachers also have similar videos on their channels
Yes i like the videos with Yuki and Ken too!
I’ve now created a YouTube account just for Japanese content. I’m currently searching for videos like that there, as the selection here is still a bit limited.
Until now, I have almost exclusively watched CIJ videos but I am slowly expanding my library now.
Yes, I am doing the same. I’ve just finished Intermediate and starting on Advanced and can really feel the comprehension level dropping. My plan is to watch all the CIJ videos once and then spend a few weeks going back to the Intermediate/Advanced videos I found tough and re-watch them and then move on to other content.
But even now if I want some background listening while working out etc, I often put on easy N5/N4 level content from Ken’s Youtube channel or others like Japanese with Shun and just let it go in passively.
If I want to watch native content I sometimes watch the live action version of the famous Detective Conan anime (it’s mostly anime but there’s a short live action series you can find on YouTube) - it’s a fun light 20-25 per episode watch and it has subtitles. it’s not pure CI (because of the subtitles) but it’s a nice break
I finished the year with 465 hours, which isn’t too bad! In 2026, I want to finish with 1000+ hours.
What is your hour goal for this year?
I want to reach 3500 - 4000 hours this year. At the moment I am at 2400 hours.
Wow crazy numbers. Congrats!
Do you remember how many hours it took you to switch to intermediate videos?
I never fully moved away from complete beginner or beginner videos. I still watch them regularly - they are fantastic and one learns a lot. Even though I also watch Disney+ and Netflix in Japanese. But to answer your question in a different way, I started to add intermediate videos around 600 hours to my daily routine in smaller amounts.
I know this thread is kind if old but those are really Beautiful Photos! 
Thanks.
Yes, kinda old but still ongoing. The journey is just beginning. 
