Exploring Tokyo at Night - Before it All Changes

Exploring Tokyo, Japan at night~ From the backstreets to the rooftops, Tokyo just hits different after dark, and tonight we are in one of Tokyo's most popular areas, the rooftop paradise of Ikebukuro~
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[@TokyoLens]

Trifecta Squad for the absolute win! lol **What is YOUR favorite area of Tokyo? Let me know in the comments!!** Great to be back out in the City at night~ A few people had been requesting I do another one of these So I figured I would squeeze it in before next weeks vid (^_-)

[@floccinaucci]

favourite area of Tokyo ... I'll have to go for the only place I visited ... Haneda airport :P

[@alphamike87]

I have two Asakusa and Akihabara

[@elflass5544]

I really enjoyed Asakusa as we got there early before anything was open (except Donki and Starbucks) and wandered around the side streets as the neighborhood woke up. Very cool and I would like to see more of it.

[@alphamike87]

I’m hoping to love all of Tokyo, and all of Japan

[@HenrikWilhelmsson]

I love Yanaka! Always stay there.

[@jackcarter9872]

Its breaks my heart to hear that the neon signs and the buildings with cascading air pipes are going away. They have such a calming Bladerunner vibe to them

[@patrycjawrobel5444]

I am a designer of the roofs of the commercial buildings of London, and I love to see the city from above, it gives a completely different experience and perspective on the city, very often not accessible to other people. I also do understand the sentiment whenever the old iconic buildings are being taken down or refurbished (even though this gives me job). Great to see Luke again in the video. The views are stunning.

[@TokyoLens]

Wait… really? How have we never talked about?? That’s so cool! I wanna come out and do London Rooftops now lol I just have so many questions now!!

[@patrycjawrobel5444]

@@TokyoLens haha. When you’ll finally visit London I am more than happy to show you the city from rooftops, wherever possible.

[@julesmo323]

What a view it must be for the birds, the stars and the chimney sweeps.

[@CheapCharlieChronicles]

I always liked Ikebukuro. Doesn't get the hype that Shibuya and Shinjuku get but it's a fun, busy neighborhood.

[@cashmoney3801]

Shibuya is overrated asakusa is better, asakusa is nice to walk and shop shinjuku is just great to go eat, alot of cheap reataurants

[@dprfail]

no one cares if you've been to tokyo so stop thinking you're special

[@cashmoney3801]

@@dprfail who are you talking to😭

[@dprfail]

@@cashmoney3801 the other guy

[@fucku3460]

@@dprfail you do realize you were talking about a travel channel?

[@happyhappyaus2128]

I love the randomness of Tokyo and how everything is hodgepodge- that's why it's so magical. I hope it doesn't lose that with all the development.

[@elflass5544]

So as much as I adore the mossy temples and countryside videos, this was its own kind of relaxing: cool neons, the lights of windows and trains, orange-lit sweep of a freeway, and then the dark-darkness of everything else hiding in the shadows. Thanks you guys for volunteering your knees as tribute to climb dozens of flights of stairs so I didn't have to but could still enjoy the view ;) 💜

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks eh!!! 😊 See ya over on Discord~

[@aspherr_]

The night life Tokyo offers just looks marvelous. I wanna explore all the secret alleyways 😫

[@TokyoLens]

So many hidden spots to find~

[@kwesibruno]

I remember when I visited Canada (Toronto), I thought the alleys were beautiful. Funny, but I get you...as long as no one gets mugged.

[@Mrspiderwalk]

I love how the cat had the sign “security system” behind him. Like, he’s the security there. Great video as always!

[@Tania-zy7ls]

Cities at night always feel like a liminal space when you wander them. I didn't wander Tokyo at night too much (my feet were too sore after walking all day and I don't drink), but the view from my hotel room was really good (Super Hotel in Akasaka - and the view one day included some poor salaryman sleeping on the ground beside his briefcase!).

[@TokyoLens]

Lol yea you get a lot of that In Tokyo!!

[@Tania-zy7ls]

@@TokyoLens I always thought it was an exaggerated stereotype until I saw it in person. 😂 Lucky for him it was the morning before Faxai hit and not the morning after.

[@blxnkclaps2875]

@@Tania-zy7ls I’ve seen that guy before when I was in Akasaka!

[@ItsSwissBeatz]

This makes me miss Tokyo. Spent a year in central Tokyo attending a language school, and walking through the city during the night, just exploring random back alleys was one of the most relaxing things to do.

[@eric1800es]

“Every time we get together it’s just rooftops” Said every Batman villain. :)

[@lostnthenoise]

I will.never cease to be amazed by Tokyo's raised highways and how clean and precise they are. I think its why Tokyo has to be the most futuristic looking city.

[@imtiazbhuyan877]

It's been a long time since norm has explored tokyo at night. I remember kickdown days here norm just walk around tokyo at night 😄

[@TokyoLens]

Far toooo long~

[@adamcross60]

The sneakers came out for neon night. Perfect. The area still has a sort of cyberpunk vibe, even as the neon lights vanish. That cat really seems like it's some magical talking cat that would have led you into a Ghibli film situation.

[@magnummagpie8792]

There's something about Ikebukuro that just feels like a set. It's really preserved a showa era feel to it, turning corners looks like you're about to enter a scene from a movie.

[@Magius61]

The tiny shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto are one of my absolute favourite things. They brought me a little burst of joy that defies explanation. So different from Canada with our short history and comparatively sterile culture.

[@wasabiapple2924]

You always evoke such a tremendous feeling of exploration . It makes me nostalgic for things I've never even done. It's wonderful! Thank you!

[@mobiuspaw494]

Love watching the rooftops at night , I found it strangely comforting.

[@clannad4286]

7:16 Ikebukuro East , back in 2015 was working in that area, the memories of exploring the area and what surprise me is how quiet it become after 9pm as all shop closed at that time.

[@lukiapotato8526]

These videos are a blessing for my writing. I've constantly been hitting blocks or really just procrastinating, then you drop one of those and suddenly, all is well, and the will to write comes back. I'm a sucker for urbex, climbing, and just any sort of exploring, be it cityscape or nature. You're an absolute boss for bringing us to Tokyo in every video, my dude. Keep it up!

[@rvfiasco]

I find for me taking walks helps a ton for blocks. The writing seems to manifest itself as I walk around.

[@Verklompen]

The transition music to the view of the highway is the kind of thing that keeps me coming back here for more

[@jackiegeronimo1728]

Norm makes Japan seem so magical and beautiful! Well, maybe it really is.

[@munzutai]

I just recently got into street photography, discovered and binged Lukasz' channel, and now you're both doing it together. The algorithm is evolving.

[@sjc1169]

Thanks for the tour guys. I miss Tokyo dearly. The alleyways, nooks, and crannies becomes illuminated when night falls. The city takes on a whole new personality.

[@carloscaloca1101]

I love ikebukuro everytime I hear it, it reminds me of one of my favorite animes Durarara!! Never been to Japan but definitely wanna go there when I do!

[@flipkiller8521]

Tokyo backstreets just keeps reminding me of 80s-90s Japanese media about gangs and Shenmue. I don't but I think there's a certain charm to them that captures me.

[@HeyMJ.]

@11:48 Trains passing in opposite directions at a station viewed from a rooftop late-night. 🙌🏼 So Calming & Beautiful. Thank you!

[@chloes5043]

This reminded me why I love Tokyo so much. Can't wait to be back once the borders reopen !

[@RobbC.]

Love these night shoots, pretty darn special. Well played Norm n Lucas

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks eh

[@JacquelineForand]

The nostalgia hit HARD on this one! I studied abroad at Rikkyo University (I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada), during my 3rd year at university. The amount of time I spent all over Ikebukuro came back when you were around Sunshine city, and even more so when you were at the bridge over the train tracks.

[@ShiinaHigurashi]

this sounds so lovely! I was supposed to start my term abroad this september but due to covid, I unfortunately cannot yet. I love listening to or reading other's stories from their time there :D thx for the insight

[@ChickenWingzz]

Man this felt so nostalgic. Was in Japan back in 2017 attending the Edogawa Fireworks Festival and missed the last train back to my Tokyo Airbnb. Had to walk about an hour through the empty streets of Tokyo at midnight. In any other foreign city, that would have been terrifying, but I felt so safe and serene. Can't wait to visit Japan again when borders open. Thanks so much for this!

[@TheBreezeShoot]

How do I comment, like and subscribe 100x in the same night? This? This is unreal. This is the kind of imagery that gives me inspiration for my photography. This is the kind of video that gives me wanderlust. I literally don't know how to thank you enough for posting things like this. I watch every one of your videos and every single one gives me so much....

[@Jarlaxleify]

Never stop doing this stuff man, excellent work!

[@basix317]

Japan is gorgeous.Such beautiful scenery. I could hang out on a rooftop all night in a place like this just staring out over the city until the sun comes up.

[@thunderwarrior1759]

Japan to me is a country of wonderment,beauty and tradition..please, don’t ever change

[@tsukinii9513]

It's just stunningly beautiful. What a great Vibe

[@jasonlieberman4606]

This barely took 3 minutes to remind me why Tokyo is my favorite city. I've had too little time there to have favorite parts really, and i only have U.S. cities to compare to, but a certain energy of Tokyo is so palpable it comes right though from lens to screen. Find a peaceful quiet place and it's still buzzing, animated.

[@diedraunderwood1114]

I was supposed to be staying in Ikebukuro as I am typing this. It is such a cool place. Thanks for letting me get a little glimpse, especially at night, which is my favorite time to explore.

[@dannivizion]

So much geometric shapes, layers and colours in this video. Very aesthetic. I absolutely love it!

[@czeslawpi]

I know nothing about this channel and it’s the 1st video I’ve watched. I’m struck by how clean Tokyo is. Wow. No garbage. No graffiti. Amazing.

[@TokyoLens]

Well hi! Nice to meet you then~ I’m norm~ And yea Tokyo is kinda crazy clean in comparison to some places! Anyway Welcome to the adventure~ Hope your day is great

[@golfpunk0r]

Ahhh that cat reminded me of that big screen digital cat in Shinjuku on it’s little ledge!! Lovely nighttime viewpoints in the city - can’t wait to travel again :)

[@JackMyersPhotography]

That final view was really amazing. It’s always great to meet a house cat when you’re out and about.

[@virys.5887]

Two Years ago, at exactly this time, I arrived in Tokyo....I still miss it so much 😭 Tokyo ist such an amazing place. I felt so Free and welcomed...We stayed in Shinjuku it was wonderful ❤️❤️❤️

[@dianechaniewski293]

I'm not a big city person, but when I see your nighttime photography, it really is something special. I've been in Manhattan, NY and downtown Washington D.C. at night and it really is a different (and beautiful) vibe. Thanks for this.

[@floccinaucci]

wonderful music choices as always Norm. Hope you enjoy your extremely busy week (us Patreons will miss you)

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha glad I could get that update in there for y’all! Plenty to look forward to!

[@KitLeeYami]

My stomach dropped in so many of the shots, such amazing views. Those alleyways looks so cool to explore. ♡

[@zalfornt]

watching this late at night adds another layer of coziness for me.

[@extra875421]

Norm, I love how enthusiastic you are on your videos. You commentaries adds an extra layer of immersion to the place, it's like i'm there traveling with you in the streets of tokyo. great stuff!

[@germano7633]

i've always wanted to move to Japan, it has become a goal for me, and im not gonna lie, this is the coolest video i've seen in a long time, hope to see more like this one, thank you very much dude!

[@sondres.8021]

This made my sunday so much better - also I'm sad stuff like the neon signs are disapearing, even more since I haven't been there yet. I've seen pictures though, and I would love to see it more than anything... Tokyo night time is so beautiful

[@lardeyell]

Massive "Perfect Dark" vibes from this.

[@kdot1121]

8:40 maaaan, that specific family mart I used to go there everyday. I miss that whole street in ikebukuro. So much memories and im glad that I randomly see this place on your vlog 🥺

[@lauraboanas7817]

Oh man. This was everything I wanted to see and more! I honestly can’t wait to get back. The views were absolutely beautiful. Those trains 😍😍😍 Just everything! Absolutely everything. I was also scared for the cat momentarily. Thank you for sharing!! 💖💖💖

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks for always being here for it!!

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens always going to be here for it!

[@bhetteroth]

I miss Japan so much. Can't wait to go back. Only spent a couple of days in Tokyo so don't have a favorite part yet. We did really enjoy Tokyo Tower though. Would really love to do a photo tour like this.

[@Heazza456]

I have mad respect that Lukasz can take night photos without a tripod, as someone with shaky hands, I could never

[@confracto]

I keep coming back to this video, as it's the one that really made me want to visit Tokyo more than anything else.

[@lyr1kn156]

I don't know what it is about this kind of urban enviroment, but it just feels surreal to me, in a way. I love it, I wish I could live somewhere like that, I would go out on night walks all the time.

[@akhrorsiddikov1470]

Tokyo's rooftops reminds me Mirrors edge game it's insane!

[@TopAnimeLoverEver]

Oh my god Norm, PLEASE never stop showing us this. Nighttime walks, rooftop views, lights, even your forest and temple walks, it's all got such beauty. But these city ones just hit me different. It's never an abstract goal or destination, the walking around IS the goal, and I LOVE that. I've only ever seen one other channel do walking around and they don't talk at all. Yours feels so natural, like I'm there, walking around Japan again. Heading to eat, heading to the store, just walkibg to enjoy the walk... It helps me break through my depression and feel a yearning again, that fire in my soul that the depression smothers, and reminds me of how very much Japan feels like home to me. It makes me WANT to work hard again and study and get there someday. You, Sharla, Chris, and Rachel and Jun, Mikan, Emma, you're all keeping me going, helping me WANT to stay alive, but these night city walks, they singlehandedly lift the crushing weight off my shoulders. Thank you so much Norm for sharing this with us. Also that's a rad demon. Some fine art. ...oh, I would absolutely accidentally drink that soup stock

[@eshwars1446]

I have been meaning to go to Japan for vacation for 5 years now. Fell in love with the country back when I was in college, now I can speak Japanese a little Am a huuuge fan of your camping videos, maybe we could go camping once when I come to Japan?

[@cmh0223]

Akihabara is my favorite area, but I think Odaiba is also very cool to visit. Love the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Big Sight! Please keep doing these videos. It's been hard not being able to travel, but I hope we can visit again soon.

[@ojcubz]

Always love these night videos, Japan just looks so photogenic. Its amazing how many buildings you can get up or inside without any real issue.

[@Robonator14]

The sheer quality of these videos... i love it.

[@caffinatedhaggis7393]

I lived in HongKong for 5 years, I often went to the rooftops in the city center and in the new territories. You made me remember the lovely feeling of watching the lights at night and the special feeling that you get. ありがと。😊

[@lindatannock]

I love seeing a city from a photographers point of view! So many interesting places/things to see that other people wouldn't look twice at 😍👏🏻

[@rosscalhoun3389]

I love cityscapes, and I love nightscapes! Super happy to see another one of these.

[@TelekineticKhai]

Love how you appreciate the little and unseen things.

[@wxlurker]

The night shoots always feel so special. Such a good way to spend the night before the madness of the weekday hits again.

[@slyfawkes7772]

I'm usually not much of a city person, but something about Tokyo makes me want to go and explore.

[@aesthral]

i love the how the buildings are arranged how the background buildings go so well with the first view plane

[@braxalus]

Well, this video, its editing, music, vibe, netted you another sub. It's just two friends taking in the viewscapes, shooting the breeze. I especially love the 'salt mines' dig... keep up the fantastic work!

[@curry2386]

Your friend is so sweet, it was nice watching y'all hang out and vibe over air conditioners and air ducts.

[@rvfiasco]

I have to thank you for these. It's great being able to visit this wonderful city from afar with such quality images. Excellent work!

[@landorseasprint]

As someone who does not enjoy the sheer heights of buildings due to vertigo seeing you on the wrong side of the railing is alarming. Epic views though!

[@MicabooMedia]

I have always been enchanted by artificial light. Done well, it is magic. Filmed well, it is a work of art and you achieved just that. Your work in "post" to eliminate noise is nothing short of genius. A++++!

[@ConsumptiveSoul]

I remember places that been around when I moved to japan in 2013 and they just disappear like 2 years later still love living in japan to this day

[@kellyadams6789]

What a great video to watch first thing in the morning! You really made my day! I am absolutely in love with all the wonderful shapes and quirky design concepts in Japanese architecture. Watching you walk through the city at night really made me realize how Japanese Manga and anime artists get inspiration from the city around them.

[@heinrich-josephspeer5568]

This is only the second video on this channel that i watched and i have to say that these 2 guys really harmonise well with each other.

[@LordLiquidBaconII]

This was a comfy video and it's always nice to see another video where Norm just chills and takes photos of the landscape with a friend. Also the music choice was on point!

[@JustinBrehm]

Anytime I see the word Tokyo mentally I think of Rhett and Link when rhett draws out the secret word, Tokyo lol. But thank you for the video because the landscape and scenery looked awesome

[@Appleloucious]

One Love! Always forward, never ever backward!! ☀☀☀ 💚💛❤ 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏼

[@gnemelf]

Amazing video those roof spots are crazy! Thanks for taking us along!

[@marcusa3177]

oh hey notification squad! Nice to see Lukasz again, and you guys going through Tokyo's rooftops. The music is so spot on, that 80s synth beats paying homage to the endangered neon lights. PS - the link to Lukasz' channel is borked

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks!! Fixed it~

[@slicesofjapan6662]

Tokyo just looks so beautiful at night, thank you for another amazing video Norm! My favourite area of Tokyo has to be Asakusa because it manages to retain the vibe of an older Tokyo which I absolutely love

[@quicklist7888]

When I want to feel warmth or comfort, your channel has been my go to. The videos are just therapeutic.

[@deej11098]

Yet another fantastic video. Thank you for the excellent work you've done for the whole world's enjoyment. You are a terrific ambassador for Japan. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@pistachiooo9033]

i love city lights as much as i love breath of fresh air on villager’s farms. there was a time when i was back and forth between capital city and hometwon village but now i’ve settled in the village. oh i miss those city lights! thankyou for making this video

[@donicaramirez2846]

Just stunning!! Thank you for sharing the beauty of Japan. Makes me want to visit even more in the near future.❤

[@RawkusX]

Love Ikebukuro. It’s got a little bit of everything. Beautifully captured as always!

[@astroboy3507]

I’m a city boy love Tokyo city lights!!!!! 🌌🌃🌠🌃👍🏻 I really enjoy these roof tops views!!!

[@Sylpharts]

It's amazing how intimate and secure this part of Tokyo feels at night. Your lens captures it beautifully. Also, that cat is fearless

[@jkenlive]

Beautiful views. Hiking through the city at night looking for views is fun. Loved all the little details you pointed out.

[@SandroPezao009]

"Chase the light." - 6:03 - So poetic... 😊

[@KillerTacos54]

Incredible video!! Always love the Tokyo Exploration videos they’re so cool

[@chinmaydwivedi549]

There's a vibe about these late night city videos. Thanks once again Norm for this beautiful video. 😍

[@nightchicken283]

Night, beautiful views, interesting facts, exploring, stairs and not to forget, underground tunnels and ... Stairs-kun and a cat... what more can we have?

[@shanecrixus5381]

Tokyo lights look so freaken cool at night… Also kinda amazed that you could see Tokyo Tower from Ikebukuro!

[@personalcontrasts73]

06:00 "Chase the light" would be a great motto for your next shirt and hoodie collection my friend. Deep stuff man. Got multiple meanings.

[@Junowater]

On my first trip to Japan back in 2015, Ikebukuro was the first place my wife and I stayed in, so it has a special place in my heart. Great video!

[@andreikobyakov7109]

I love how everything is so dense but beautiful, The outdoor ac units with the electricty cables and the pvc pipes, I don't know maybe i'm crazy.