Exploring a Hidden Village in the Japanese Mountains

This village hidden deep within the Japanese mountains has always been one of my favorite in the entire country. Tucked in a valley, and absolutely spectacular from every angle, today... we enter Day 9 of the @TokyoLens 1,000,000 Seconds Through Japan Adventure!
TOKYO LENS NEWSLETTER: bit.ly/TokyoLensNwsltr
Help Choose our Next Locations!!
Create Adventures with me on Patreon: / tokyolens
Full Playlist
• Exploring Japan's Moun...
The Shamisen Plushie!! teespring.com/shamisen-tokyolens
The iVideo Wifi Website: goo.gl/rLzyin
Wifi AND e-Sim
The Promo Code (for Daily rentals)
10% with code TOKYOLENS
Explore Always with Tokyo Lens: bit.ly/ExploreAlways
-----------------------------------------------------
*GEAR USED [2024] Use These Links to Support The Channel*
Streaming Gear:
Gimbal: amzn.to/2Sa40CH
Streaming Lens: bit.ly/NormLenses
Streaming Box: amzn.to/3bxWLeT
Big Cam: bit.ly/TokyoLensCam
Other Gear:
go-go-go Camera: amzn.to/35R97ZF
Cinema Camera: bit.ly/NormCineCam
My Fav 360 Camera:
www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i...
Podcast on: amzn.to/2TcV0IA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Where to Send Stuff*
Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
9F Tokyo Foresia 3-2-24 Toyosu Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0061
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tokyo Lens Podcast:
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

[@TokyoLensExplore]

An AMAZING morning walk!! Thank you so much to all who joined live and after!! Would you come out here?

[@astrialnature]

I'd love to come here, such a pretty space tucked into the mountains! I can't wait for the main channel videos of this adventure!

[@quinnhouk5369]

I haven’t seen it yet but I love the idea of a village in a secret place. It’s like a secret fortress that few people know about

[@alittlebitofskye]

The calmness of your voice is giving me Bob Ross vibes

[@yasao_art]

I love how your streams seem to have main characters, like the stick, the umbrella, the heron or the crow this time. ♥ They accompany you on your journeys, as do we. And while the 11 days still aren't over, I would like to say 'thank you' already for these walks. You've given me something to look forward to every day.

[@Chonky_boi265]

So many hidden gems once you get off the beaten path and this was no exception. Thanks for the treat today Norm. Next time I go to Japan, maybe I'll take the Shinkansen to a major city and then rent a car to explore so the real adventure begins.

[@fnorazril]

This village has some truly breathtaking views. I'd never waste a morning lazing in bed if I had that view out my window. Just trying to wrap my head around what autumn would look like. Truly spectacular. Though the adventure draws to a close, I know more are waiting around the corner and can not wait to see where you take us all next. As always, thank you!

[@findingbalance7884]

🤣🤣🤣 'Because I am a professional and I am very good at what I do and this is what happens when you're very good at it' - RE: accidentally turning off the gimbl Epic quote there, so incredibly relatable and applicable to so many skills.

[@whyisthisathingnow...]

I'm leaving my comment now because I wasn't quite able to wake up at 5am😂 Absolutely love the mountains in Japan. The vivid greens, birds singing and overall tranquillity always makes my heart smile.😊

[@Dale-TND]

Are you KIDDING me!? Japan can't actually look this amazing, what game is this?

[@Jedimind11]

The game played here is Shinobido 3 only on ps 2

[@findingbalance7884]

I love your stories about truly connecting with people in small villages.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome livestream as always Norm. You always show the most amazing and beautiful sides of Japan thanks for taking us along to all these amazing and remote places.

[@bmcatt]

The quiet village "vibe" is so peaceful and relaxing. Much appreciation from New Jersey. Not going to throw a dart at a map, but more villages would be awesome, and not just the outskirts perhaps?

[@502Aviation]

I would happily give up all that I have in America for the opportunity to live in a peaceful, serene, Japanese village in the mountains like this.

[@leahnardo]

This is by far my favorite walk so far. Just so much forest and river and nature (and TEA)! I would absolutely so this kind of walk. May you enjoy some tea and snacks after you are done, and rest!

[@nicktankard1244]

Incredible views, as always. Thank you, Norm. I was laid off two weeks ago, which sucks, but it also means that I can catch all of your live streams. I think that's a win. Cheers from Vancouver BC :)

[@zrugel]

lol, that opening was great 😄

[@georgedahlgren5941]

Wonderful mountain village walk with K cars, crow, neat swirling road, bridge, river, veggies by the road, and fantastic views. Love your content Norm. If this is the last live stream, I enjoyed this very much. Thank you! 😷

[@catwatson2795]

Thank you for another breathtaking stream, love the windy roads, the houses nestled into the hillside and the colours of the forest. What a gorgeous place. Can't wait to explore it one day! You deserve a relaxing night away in your hammock after this epic adventure. Keep up the good work ! Cat

[@hellangelzx]

That village plus the thickness of the forest surrounding it reminds me of the one featured in Wood Job. Had to look it up to make sure it wasn't actually filmed there.

[@chrislessard975]

Amazing place, beautiful scenery. I love villages like this as the locals arenclose nit and more likely to help out. Shows the good side of humanity, which is a beautiful thing. Another place you can very easily unwind and relax

[@ZakkieVR]

I've been watching these streams while I work at home, it's super peaceful and helps me focus (even if I get distracted as easily as you 😁)

[@ItsSoDane]

Kofu is my suggestion.

[@chrism7395]

23:00 the temptation to fit a small servo or turntable under that doll head so that it turns to follow people would be almost overwhelming

[@michaelsaleeby8388]

A lovely village. I've been to Ehime once and to Kagawa three times, I love Shikoku and the Inland Sea islands. Now I want yo visit Kochi and Tokushima and the Iya Valley. You guys found such a perfect place to share! Oh, I love Canada, too.

[@DubhghlasMacDubhghlas]

I love the shot of those houses on the riverside. I did not expect them have lower level floors.

[@saneminotaur]

Really enjoyed this livestream, looking forward to tomorrow! I don't have any suggestions for places to visit, (and honestly plenty of people have make great suggestions), but I wanted to say thanks for doing what you do, and also thank you for giving such a detailed answer when I asked about how long it took you to learn enough Japanese to have a conversation. It's really awesome how much you care about connecting with the people you meet and interview during your adventures.

[@saldesalsal]

Back in January 2012, we foolishly decided to drive along a snowy route 438 on our way to the Iya Valley. This would have taken us past Ochiai if we hadn't gotten stuck on the side of Mt Tsurugi. We needed to walk down the hill to find some road workers, who drove up and physically lifted our car to turn it around. I acknowledge how naive we were. Thanks for showing us what Tokushima-ken looks like in spring.

[@alecangelo7443]

Watching this couple hours after the stream ends....The views were unreal... thanks for lovely walk...

[@TheWolfgangGrimmer]

It kind of throws me off when you anthropomorphize vehicles, but I guess those have a way of making you feel like they have a soul of their own. Also this place is incredible, looks straight out of a fantasy novel.

[@lallison2825]

Have you been here? Ishima Island? It's apparently a tiny island in Wakayama Bay. There's a small fishing village with a shrine it looks like. And some wetlands with decent hiking.

[@floccinaucci]

I think the consensus was daikon for the plants.

[@MeItsLiterallyMe]

Okay, that bridge and road are terrifyingly tiny. Secondly, that crow is there to remind you that it, "can't rain all the time". #90s movie reference

[@VerhoevenSimon]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful village.

[@peterg1753]

Went through the Iya Valley in the winter of 2017. Remote, gorgeous and very atmospheric. A car is recommended but driving can be challenging on narrow mountain roads.

[@TheShnoogle]

Another charming mountain village, love the calm vibes 👌

[@hoptoad19]

This was a gorgeous walk to have on my computer at work tonight! Thanks for the scenery and chat today Norm!

[@maythepotato4465]

Thanks for the stream, Norm! I don't usually comment, but I will this time It was really fun, and the scenery was gorgeous.

[@KirstenReusch]

I'm going to lobby for Omihachiman, Machu Picchu in Gifu Tea Garden in the Sky, Ryujin Waterfalls, Korankei Gorge, **Goho Falls (red bridges, 5 waterfalls)** among others. There's a lot of land between Osaka and Tokyo, and given your "love" for Nagoya, I figure you'll be trying to skirt around. Safe travels. 💜✌🐦

[@LivvyAlexW]

It’s so breathtaking and green!!!!!

[@fairannie9]

Love and gratitude Norm for all these amazing experiences you have provided for us ❤ such magnificence and grandeur ❤ thank you so much, love from Australia 🦘❤

[@kwgluvna]

Norm, this walk was amazing! Thank you!❤❤

[@voidepi]

i'm finally catching up on your adventure. so happy to have some of these to binge watch in the background while i work. the mountainous foliage with the steam rising up everywhere... so serene. safe travels!~

[@undauntedtheoni]

Submitted my final uni assignment! Now I can chill and catch up on this after burning the midnight oil!

[@undauntedtheoni]

Watching the upload seems like a cheat for the secret endings 😂

[@jonemmons4796]

Wow this livestream was so amazing! Watching this after the fact. Catching up on the backlog of videos. I could wander around this place for so long I feel. I love seeing nature like this in such a peaceful setting. Keep up the livestreams as they are always so fun to watch!

[@ThatGuyRyanH]

Thanks for these Norm! Enjoying this in the background as I work, and I often put your videos on in the evening as a nice relaxing experience at the end of the day. I hope to visit Japan someday, but for now, this is the next best thing.

[@Varzio]

Such a gorgeous view once again- lucky to have caught bits and pieces of a few of the streams as they were happening but I can't say how much joy these videos bring me every single time

[@cheesern]

What an amazing place! Added this to my to-go list! Need to visit this place! The doll head reminded me about something we saw a lot of while cycling Japan. Farmers put doll heads on spikes as scarecrows. Super creepy, one head after the other just lined up along the fields.

[@icaro_ch3946]

Norm, Thank you for that amazing walk. Live to listen to you and the ending. Luckly you did not get wet feet. I will jump right to your next one, need to catch up to you.

[@jacobdavidcunningham1440]

what a view that intro

[@ambergaillard]

So glad I caught most of this one on time 😁 Happy Birthday Norm! 🥳Thank you for a lovely stream as always 😄

[@yang_beatz]

So very calming! Thank you, Norm ^_^

[@mikecrowe4148]

Watch out Norm you might have been under Itachis Genjutsu lol loved this walk and can't wait for future walks and lives

[@calxtra5361]

TY FOR THE VICARIOUS TRIP

[@johnnyeastland]

Great stream! It would be cool to see Narai if there is time on the adventure back to Tokyo.

[@thursdaynighter263]

Happo Pond looks cool!

[@Sunshineandnature7]

Stunning view for the intro!

[@WoutervanMarrum]

Final shot freaking amazing! well done man.

[@yang_beatz]

Loved to be there live, even if it was in the middle of night for me haha One Love!

[@wanderinggypsymimi]

Ahhh I missed it again 😮😅 watching the rerun..love this so much Norm…encouraging me to hike 🎉

[@ko.wildlifephotography]

What a wonderful village. I would move there in a heartbeat. So peaceful, full of greenery and bird song.

[@batoyskiworld5377]

1:00:27 that's about 20-degree incline..yup, that's steep..kinda reminds me of some/most of the roads at Baguio.. 😄

[@stormwarning9182]

Loved this video! Such a beautiful place & was great listening to your stories. I watched the replay and was half expecting you to do a Ferris Bueller style ending “You’re still here? Gooo”. 😂

[@avatarLT]

Such an amazing village. You find the best places! Thanks for sharing :)

[@aralikk]

I'm loving the hairpin turns of this walk! i guess the camera doesn't really show how steep it is there, hope it wasnt't too harsh on your legs.

[@poru4815]

Going to need an episode of just michi-no-ekis brotha 🙏🏻

[@nickb6324]

Amazing video as always

[@naomicastle8785]

Spectacular!

[@Theorof]

I would love to see some of the Yagyu kaido hiking trails and shrines in Nara.

[@CrypticM3rc]

great stream norm time to watch what I missed

[@allisonrobertson5423]

Thanks for the stream! So many great views, and only a little steep lol Also, hope all the travelling went well :)

[@5r33ns9]

Iya Valley

[@TheHawaiianc]

Hey norm you ask where you should go? Go Gunma it’s has cool long bridge and you can hang out at the road side park where they have mountain slide it’s pretty cool farm area.

[@michaelsaleeby8388]

Gunma is great!

[@ericpascua3288]

Thanks for taking us on your adventure Japanese Culture is so Beautiful can't wait for your next one Thanks again. God Bless.

[@miyagimeyer1048]

Yes, I agree that the local people in the country side was my best experience in Japan in October last year.

[@trelblant2414]

Thank you Norm! The view through Tokyo Lens is always an experience.

[@Alertse]

that opening view is stunning

[@quinnhouk5369]

Cool

[@stice7867]

@TokyoLensExplore I don't know if this came across your mind yet, but could you visit the Nishiyama Onsen in Keiunkan?

[@Jedimind11]

Looks like ninjas might live there, or kagemusha had a training session in the paddock.

[@maciejjablonski9982]

Hello Norm, out of curiosity, as you have Apple Watch… how many steps you made during this 11 days trip?

[@Minionz]

[@nairdocarmooliveira1678]

Just beautiful 🥹🤗❤️🌲🏯⛰️ are leaving Japan? New adventures?😊

[@TokyoLensExplore]

Why would I be leaving Japan?

[@nairdocarmooliveira1678]

@@TokyoLensExplore yes why would you🫣😅 you say you were living but you must have ment the village you were in. Keep doing great videos🤗🥰

[@jdii5698]

1:13:45 - A Kie cop car! 🤣That would not scare me if I saw it in my rearview mirror.

[@ll4897]

You should meet with people and talk with them and spend time with them. It would be more interesting than just streaming those quiet villages. Just a suggestion.

[@ilikeartica]

Is there any chance we could get links to the locations or the name of the locations in the description? finding these on google maps has been kind of difficult, especially that abandoned school in Wakayama.

[@colleenmurphy7812]

When you meet a car on those narrow roads do you do rock, paper, scissors to decide who backs up?😊

[@TokyoLensExplore]

I cover that in an upcoming video!! Usually the biggest car gets priority, but not always!!

[@catharsisexe4780]

😂yahahAHA

[@catharsisexe4780]

1 1:09:34 is bruh

[@catharsisexe4780]

lol 😂❤🎉🎃

[@catharsisexe4780]

1 -×2=1 2

[@ryannaustin8468]

Why not just call this trip "A million seconds across Japan" for the English title?