Hiking to Japan's MOST BEAUTIFUL Spot - The Sky Gate

[@TokyoLensExplore]

One of the last videos in the 1M series!! Let's make it a great one!! Leave me something below (What was your favorite vid in this series so far?) And I will see you.... Real soon!

[@KirstenReusch]

Favorite? Like potato chips, you can't have just one 😁 At this time, it's a tie between driving out to the dam and walking the roads around Yo-chan's for first, but the others change in their appeal from day to day and mood/feel. I think that this one will also become an absolute favorite. 💜✌️🐦

[@dandomine]

You ask some seriously tough questions, Norm. I like them all and I still need to watch some of the first ones. But this thumbnail is definitely my favourite one. If this isn't a wallpaper, I don't know what is.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

My favorite vid is definitely the master video on the main channel. That might be colored by the amount of time I've spent searching through it. Much like the driving video in Kagoshima. Its not just the fantastic video or the really good mix of music and editing but the extra challenge that turns it into a game. If the question was more about livestream/premieres I will have to think.

[@st.heavenz]

Your two flight school vids especially when the birds hatched in the end💯💕

[@JUEGABONITO83]

If I 😮could create a video game it would consist of your scenery in this series. Picture this, you equipped for survival, and the more and more beautiful scenery you provide the more you want to explore and ... i hope you get the idea. 😊

[@shannondore]

Seeing the positive in everything around you is important to good mental health. I learned that from my mom, who was in a wheelchair for most of her life. She was one of the most positive people I knew and never let anything get in her way. She raised me by herself, and she's why I'm strong, independent, and creative. She would have loved your energy and your channel. That hike was pleasant, and the trees and views were beautiful. Thank you for taking us with you.❤

[@LifesHourglass]

the sunlight falling on the trees and the reflection of it is what i live for on days when i feel like giving up, breathe, go up...

[@brodyanderson9339]

Even the simplest things in Japan are magically mystical… lol. Thanks for another gorgeous view.

[@tdolan500]

I had that conversation walking around the outskirts of the imperial palace in December. From the grass to birds it’s like everything is preprogrammed to be a little bit mystical.

[@Wasser-fz9ub]

As a German, yes we are all hiking, I'm proud you made it.

[@mr.parker8014]

Wow, Norm, I didn't realize I i needed to hear all that. Staying positive is something I struggle with but hearing you talk is always so inspiring. Thanks for being you, man

[@chrislessard975]

Cause saying Hiking Japan's Most Beautiful Spot # 8,675,309 doesn't have the same ring to it. Long story short, Japan doesn't disappoint.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

lol just wait till you see it.... haha

[@marilynyoung8343]

Oh boy thank you so much for climbing this just blown away, what a way to tie up this series all I can say is wow, just wow, I've just come back from Japan myself and am going through these videos, it just makes me so want to go back again. The diversity in terrain and the countryside is just gorgeous, I love that these places are so peaceful, with minimal people lol (spent some time in Osaka lol 😅) so serenity is great. I would never be able to make it up this mountain so I'm so grateful that you have made the trek for us. That view wow, I always marvel at the isolated hard to get to areas you have shown us and wonder how they got the materials up there to erect the Tori's or houses, shrines, temples etc. Thanks again for your time, passion and drive that keep these videos so wonderful to engage with. Take care, rest up and I can't wait to see your next body of work. 🎉

[@gailmorris2751]

it blows my mind that you where talking the whole way to the top of this beautiful mountain, amazing!!!!

[@zrugel]

beautiful walk, and absolutely stunning view from the torii gate. incredible ❤

[@tammi6771]

The hike up looked so steep, but it would definitely be worth it for that view. It was so beautiful!

[@cforssman2797]

Loved the backstory in this video, very inspiring!

[@JDPrimeShots]

Great video! This is honestly my favourite view in Kagawa. At least 3 times a month I get a coffee at lawsons then just chill up there for an hour or so in the morning before the crowds. Also a note for anyone interested, driving up is limited to buses only from 9-5pm on the weekends

[@AGoogleUser-im2xw]

This is incredibly relaxing

[@Kristen-kp6dh]

Just beautiful and such wonderful advice for everyone. My oldest son (25) 7 months ago graduated from his group home to become independent. He's on the autism spectrum and has always wanted to live on his own like everyone else. Through many struggles of conquering simple things to most but not to him, he achieved it💓 He has a nice apartment in a bigger town from us 30 minutes away from us. He doesn't drive but uses a metro mobility bus to get to work or do errands. He's had a few things come up that happen in life and has gotten frustrated. I've learned through my life going through not so good things that happen in life, you need to stay positive and realize will get through it. For mental and physical health is the way to conquer it. It's a learning curve in the road in life and also gives you knowledge to help others who may be going through the same thing. This has helped my son. Thanks for your wonderful uploads and sending much positivity to everyone from Minnesota🐈

[@alphamike87]

Beautiful Norm, I wish I could see this in person one day, I watched this with my aunt, she liked the views

[@richardzwama5138]

Thank you. Everything. Always.

[@kevinholt2648]

Beautiful view and a great encapsulation of how we got here with you. With the world taking so much of a negative turn your channel is a welcome respite and is probably key to your success and your million subscribers. Best wishes Norm on your next million

[@alphamike87]

Beautiful views

[@myggggeneration]

Thanks for taking us on that steep climb through the forest and for introducing us to the backstory of your channels. I certainly appreciate your aspiration of setting positive intentions. Learning about that in this video was an unexpected bonus :-) . Of course, the Tori Gate and view are spectacular, but ascending via the untouched nature of the mountain trail gives this experience another dimension. 🙏

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Norm. This was an amazing hike up a beautiful mountain 🏔️ I’ve been really enjoying this 1M series I always enjoyed watching your videos about all this awesome hikes and walks. Thanks for letting us ride along with you on your adventures.

[@Stormcrow89]

Thank you so much. I know I say it a lot, but thank you. I really needed this hike, these stories. I have a lot of stress going on (who doesn’t?) and my current health journey is one of those major stressors. So thank you for this.

[@mvbvshart]

Man that was so nice, that sky, the trees and a nice breeze. Absolutely loved it, thanks again for an amazing video!

[@alphamike87]

Great video Norm

[@fuzzydragons]

that view along the ridge when the trees break is amazing! those steps look a tad uneven, was holding my breath waiting for a fall 😜

[@davevillalobos2805]

Those positive vibes are truly needed in today's world. Thank you

[@JUEGABONITO83]

That must look like heaven.

[@lorrdy7640]

Honestly I didn't thought the view would be so beautiful. Watching the whole video building up to that view was awesome.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@skeebs]

im here since the beginning and laughing and exploring with you as you go. It has been so so wonderful, so cool and so much to see and learn. You are a great and friendly talker and i wanna say a quick thank you ❤ for everything! greetings from the netherlands 🍺

[@jjpg2000]

23:30 you forgot shamisen. Love the work! Please keep it up! Edit, that reveal was spectacular!

[@SaiyanTCG]

Wow that view from the top is just amazing! Also I enjoy the backstory about turning negativity into something positive which led to your channel that people can watch and enjoy. Also glad that you were ok, and that something worse didn't happen with you breaking your toe going down mount fuji.

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Another great hike! Enjoy your time in Amsterdam. I would have loved to come and meet you but it's a 9 hour flight from where I live. So I'm also a small content creator from the island of Aruba which is a Dutch island in the Caribbean. Have followed your content for years and apart from entertaining me, they also inspire me (not to mention the dose of Japan vlogs I need LOL)! Congratulations again on your 1 million subscribers!

[@AssyrianPrincee]

I was there in may its very beautyfull

[@dearmountains3431]

What a wonderful adventure, the scenery was absolutely incredible!! Thank you so much for sharing the great footage．😉💙💙💙

[@jeffreymorreale7223]

It's super odd that every place you hike too you call Japan's most beautiful spot; and you are always correct. Keep at it Norm. No pressure but we're all counting on you. 🙂👍🏻

[@bothmerkrisztina1224]

Thanks. What you said, hits home. Interesting to hear my own thoughts said out loud by someone, whom I don't know and is thousands of miles away. And thanks for the breathtaking views.

[@caitlincardon2756]

❤ all your videos are amazing and makes me so excited to visit Japan

[@TokyoLensExplore]

hope you have an amazing time!

[@OldGreyWolfOkami]

Fantastic view and a story well told and well worth hearing. I am in the throes of finding a foothold for living in Japan and the concept of Explore Everything Always just immediately burrowed into my core. I will be carrying that with me so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@onoechan]

So leaves up the score of stairs, now? Funny. Thanks for sharing your negativity story. I already knew the ending with the screaming and the broken toe, but not so much the depth of the negativity. I too am definitely someone who struggles with negativity. To the point I can't stand overly positive people. They are just so fake to me. To the point negativity is comfort. It shouldn't be, I know, but that's the struggle. Beautiful trail. Beautiful view. I'm in awe of how you can climb such a height so quickly and not be out of breathe. But then I'm a prairie girl. Still amazing. Thanks for the video and inspiration.

[@aracelisotelod3448]

Thank you so much for the spectacular experience and explanation. It's very interesting your work. I never see something like that. Thanks.

[@MariaFletcher-bf5pk]

Holy cow that was some walk. Absolutely stunning view. even if i was 50 years younger i doubt if i could have done it. I was tiered Just watching you. thank you Norm great walk. b safe take care. catch you on the flip side 👍😀❤️

[@cat3crazy]

I would have tried if I was 50 years younger. I was walking a lot back then. Now, I probably wouldn't get more than a few yards before I would have to stop.

[@MariaFletcher-bf5pk]

@@cat3crazy Hello I used to walk a lot to in my younger days. but that would have killed me if I tried that. to steep for me. thank you cheers 👍❤️😀

[@AlanVByrnes]

Hope you get to visit more places like this soon again!! Really enjoy going to these types of places here together with you 🤝🤝🤝

[@chelseacarpenter2302]

Can't think of anything better to throw on the TV while I fold the mountains of laundry I've been ignoring for 2 weeks 😅😅 I 1000% agree with you on the positive outlooks on things! Like when I lost my phone in Japan day 1 and you helped give me the tools that helped find it! But I was looking at it positively until I found it, while I was without it I had ZERO distractions from the beauty that is Japan! Much love from Arizona 💜💜

[@ao1871]

STUDIO GHIBLI’S WHISPER OF THE HEART! ❤

[@AlanVByrnes]

Appreciate this one very much Norm love the way it looks around here and all the beautiful temples and shrines!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@sharsnow]

hello hello. thank you for yet another amazing journey. thank you for sharing! I can tell how steep the route were by listening to your breath.

[@GBCrush]

Such a good climb. The views on the way up were beautiful for a hiking trail....and then BAM! getting to the top and turning and it's like...Wow, that's what its all for. Thanks for taking us up the steep way, Norm. I'm glad you didnt need a spider stick!

[@GBCrush]

Favorite vid in the series? If we don't count the 12 hour long supercut? :) I still like the dam you took us up to. I'm not used to it being so green and picnic worthy around dams like that. wow! It was cute sized too!

[@Hannya-grd]

been planning to climb this tori gate and see the sunrise since ive been to japan! tnx for this video!

[@VerhoevenSimon]

What an amazing view.

[@brnnyd]

The "sneak peeks" on the previous videos were breathtaking and left wanting more. Now we get a whole hiking video!!! Amazing!

[@TokyoLensExplore]

was worth the hype!

[@andrewlamb3585]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful hike, Norm! Great to watch as im researching grad schools in Japan!

[@SakuraiEvsa]

Really nice hike and view. Looking at the mountain I thought it would be at least 1 or 2 hour hike but you manage it under 30 minutes.

[@Fern8]

素敵な景色だよ！I can’t wait! 😊✨

[@john-rossmorland]

Shimiyama San is a very engaging man when you've had him on. Much love to him.

[@john-rossmorland]

Would also love to see the shop in person.

[@janine6014]

That beautiful vista was worth wvery step. Thanks for taking me on this journey. I've recently re- discovered your channels and am really enjoying this series. Love the exploration of the abandoned village. Creepy, yet so beautiful, too. Thanks Norm. 😊

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I vibe with your style so much.. but you are much more fitter than me!

[@HonestSpiritual]

Worth the view. Amazing!

[@mvbvshart]

Dang, I almost forgot about this. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

[@ninjitso6666]

It's truly is a beautiful place, if only I had the time to go there. So close and yet so far 😕

[@KirstenReusch]

Each view more stunning than the last 💙 ☁️ ⛩️

[@TokyoLensExplore]

wasn't easy but was definitely worth it haha

[@jed86515]

Norm you are a beautiful human being, thankyou so much for taking us all on that walk and sharing x oh and the view at the top was WOW !!

[@shovel25mm]

Well done man.

[@AnthonyDFHogan]

Never underestimate the stress relieving qualities of a good swear at the point of negative impact. I find myself, often, saying, "Oh FFS!" and feeling immediately and significantly relieved afterwards :)

[@kuukeli]

great video

[@syapik99]

early next year my sibling going to japan ,really jealous with them . they bought ticket earlier but i got no saving to buy ticket. and im the one who really love to go to japan in my family. sad sad life

[@johnkies1189]

i was going to check this shrine out after i did the shimanami kaido when i was there last november but never ended up doing either unfortunately. One day I will though

[@Se7enFive]

Big thanks)

[@brackb1]

Another great video!!! A BIG THANKS from Central Kansas. LOL

[@Shibalvr]

Wow yeah! 😅😅 great thoughts!❤❤

[@michellevandyke5000]

Norm! What a nice surprise!

[@thecolortwelve3784]

Looking forward to it. That shrine looks very impressive on maps if somewhat nightmare ish if you climb all the way from the start of the stairs.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

it was more of a climb than I expected lol

[@StarLine317]

I apologize to lizards all the times on my hikes and runs, I'm glad other people do as well. Definitely adding this place to my list of ones I'd love to hike.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

On the plus side I don't have to worry about finding this one.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

LOL fair enough

[@roberrzadkowski2789]

Everything Everywhere All At Once

[@kathrynlebda780]

I cannot wait to make it to this place myself. Just as stunning as I thought it would be when I first saw pictures of it.

[@ltcinsane]

Norm got Gambatted on final stairs up. Ironically it was fitting with your earlier conversation. XD

[@floccinaucci]

Almost time. Not quite enough time for another episode of supernatural, so I shall just wait.

[@LaineeeTravels]

Hmm, now need to try to rearrange things to fit this into my Shikoku itinerary :)

[@koenmanusama]

I so know these climbs. Whether or not you are fit, oxygen isn't the problem but the warmth and sweating kills me xD

[@mrheineken88]

Beautiful thumbnail!!!

[@mrheineken88]

Pinned on Maps. And even if you don't want to rent a car, It is reachable. From Tokyo, 1h flight, 2h bus ride(2h of sideseeing) So in less dan 4h.

[@jameslong3936]

That thumbnail could be a Ghibli movie poster!!!

[@galespressos]

Cool❤

[@FlynnHarvey-g1s]

Message well expressed. Thanks. If you have an opportunity in the future, Ishikawa-Ken, Kanazawa-Shi, Asanagawa & Saigawa upstream/downstream from foothills to Sea of Japan via bicycle would be a splendid exploration. Enjoy the day.

[@rolandgdean]

I recently started working in auto sales for Toyota because this economy has virtually killed my small woodworking business. I've found that being around a sales team, people who MUST stay positive to do their job, I feel WAY better now in general because of the FORCED positivity around me. However, I think we get more mileage from LESS NEGATIVITY than more positivity in life. I've heard it said, "Do not speak poorly of yourself because the warrior within you may hear and be lessened by it."

[@AliiSparkle]

Hell of a view! It's got me feeling ugly jealous lol 😂

[@kaiberg4549]

Wow! I was just there last year. Amazing spot!

[@Maikigai]

A worthwhile hike. Would make a nice camping spot, but I’m guessing that’s not allowed 😅

[@yang_beatz]

*positivity* 🌈

[@Jizuu]

❤❤❤

[@DubhghlasMacDubhghlas]

I want to know how bran new hiking boots split a part. How sharp was that rock.

[@dbl0fluff]

Very beautiful but I will enjoy it through your video. Not in shape for this trek.

[@alecangelo7443]

The title of the stream reminds me of the Pink Floyd song....... lol very fitting considering the view.... the climb itself looks like an intense workout all on it's own... can't wait...

[@TokyoLensExplore]

was a CRAZY hike

[@arrexu01]

10:11 the way you grunt in Japanese is everything lmao

[@johnnyc0882]

One of the things in the vending machine looked like a bottle of wine

[@bditsysmith]

❤

[@RenGin510]

I thought I was right on time but I'm exactly a day early 😭😅

[@TokyoLensExplore]

perfect!

[@etherdog]

The railing on the steps near the end was installed since January 2022. We followed your hike on gmaps. Nice soliloquy!

[@thempstead]

I'm tired just thinking about climbing enough steps to get that high

[@rachel_vill]

How is shimayama-san? Were you already able to visit him with his okasan?

[@mathieub3953]

Am I strange because I watch 30 minutes of heavy breathing? 😂😂