Inside a Tiny Japanese Camper Van - Kei Wagon Tour!

What it's like inside of a tiny Japanese camper van?! This particular camper is actually a Japanese Kei wagon and it is filled with awesome features and surprises!! Come inside and see what it's like!
Let's do some camping in Japan and see what this mini camper is all about!
NEW CHANNEL: www.KZbin.com/TokyoLensExplore
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Action Cams used in this video:
(ranked in order of how strongly I recommend them! lol)
Tiny Insta360 Camera: www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?insrc=INRJDY8
The Awesome OneX2: www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?insrc=INRJDY8
OneR Modual Cam: www.insta360.com/sal/one_r?insrc=INRJDY8
The Camper Van (English Website)
camper.3rdp.jp/en/
Explore Always with Tokyo Lens: bit.ly/ExploreAlways
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**Other GEAR USED [2021] Use These Links to Support The Channel**
*NEW* Camera: bit.ly/TokyoLensCam
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**Where to Send Stuff**
Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
1-10-5 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Kokugikan Front Bldg 2F
130-0015
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Tokyo Lens Podcast:
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tokyo-lens/id1312633501

[@TokyoLens]

**LIVING OUT OF THIS VAN FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK:** kzbin.info/www/bejne/emXKm5aplpyrotE

[@alphamike87]

I’d love to stay in this van, I would probably camp near Mount Fuji.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

I am very glad you made this video, anything that promotes people to get out more into nature is a DAMN good thing!

[@shibaful4733]

I pretty much told my friends already that once Japan opens up to travellers we're going on a road trip all around Japan with this van. 😂

[@Kaitlynde]

Ahh that looks like such a cool little camper car! With the limited horsepower though, would it have any trouble with steep mountain roads? Regardless, loved the tour and bts footage of this one. Looks like it would be a super fun and convenient vehicle for travelling and camping. Mixed feelings about the pop-top though, I'd be afraid of falling through the floor. Especially if I could feel the whole car shaking.

[@RowanWatersStudios]

What a wonderful way to start my day by watching your videos! And yes I would stay in a camper van. My mum currently is looking for a motor home, might get lucky and have our own camping adventure this year.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

This car is rather amazing. The level of camping tech especially in the size is crazy

[@TokyoLens]

Lol so small but so well put together haha

[@josephineoliver9499]

That's how the Japanese go, they think of everything 👍

[@BrianPreble]

@@josephineoliver9499 Eveerything for camping yes. But if you want an affordable apartment, they don't consider heat, air conditioning, hot water, or a toilet necessary.

[@BrianPreble]

@@CalmoOmlac That's entirely dependent upon where you live and your tolerances. I was born in Texas, where you have air conditioning or you die. But even in Vermont, I need it for a few weeks out of the year as the Summer still hits 100℉ at times, with humidity well above 90%.

[@BrianPreble]

@@CalmoOmlac There are a few reasons for that. One is the mistaken American belief that comfort is more important than anything else. I can't argue with you there. It's also about the climate and housing. Much of Europe has low humidity compared to 90+% that's typical in coastal America, where most of our population lives. Interior States like Arizona, New Mexico and Ohio are far more tolerable in the Summer, even when it's hot out. Germany gets humid too, but in the Winter; not the dog days of August. You also have stone and brick homes, which are far more efficient at keeping the heat out. American homes are wood, not always well insultated (I know my 120 year old farmhouse isn't), and humidity seeps in within seconds. The temperature in my living room rises from 70℉ when I wake up to 86℉ within two hours during the Summer months. Re my original comment, Tokyo is hot AND humid, since it's subtropical. This hardly seems like the ideal place to live without some sort of indoor climate control. I'll drop this now, as it has nothing to do with a cleverly engineered camper van. I was actually referring to one of Tokyo Lens's other videos about a $100 apartment that would be tagged for demolition in the USA.

[@Strider_Shinryu]

Funny to see that this van actually has more space and comfort than your standard capsule hotel.

[@stephensteinhauer3346]

That was my impression too when he was talking about it feeling spacious.

[@farajaraf]

This is a premium and luxury experience whereas the capsule hotels are cheap and practical.

[@snooks5607]

would've loved to see some pricing examples

[@griefer5846]

capsule hotels are actually fairly cheap

[@griefer5846]

@@TokyoLens still cheap though, around 175 a month and you get food and essentials along with it

[@PeterPlaunt]

100% I'd sleep in that Kei van. It's super cool. I'd even try to sleep upstairs. 🇨🇦

[@fujix_pal]

Norm: "You may have noticed this feature" Me: Too mesmerised to notice anything.

[@TokyoLens]

😂

[@lauraboanas7817]

This makes me want to go camping in Japan. So. Freaking. Bad. 💖

[@TokyoLens]

I’ll see you soon lol

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens I’ll be there as soon as I can 😂👌🏻 It looks amazing! And so cosy. Plus I’m only 5’5 and sleep like I’m dead… so I think I’ll fit fine in one of these cars!

[@BKMHang10]

Nice, I've heard of kei cars before but never actually seen inside one. From the looks of it this would be a lot easier to get around in than a giant RV and pretty convenient!

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly super easy to drive And a ton of fun

[@chrisinjapan5736]

Yes, as I have lived in Japan for over 20 years and it is way easier to drive around in a kei.

[@callummclachlan4771]

@@chrisinjapan5736 I'd love to import one into a country that is basically the opposite of Japan (Australia). Be a brilliant way to save on petrol for shorter distances. Wouldn't take one cross country though. (But who am I kidding. I'd travel cross country in any sort of weird car).

[@lilliancherry496]

Kyushu in this Kei camper is a match made in heaven!

[@yuzuinjapan9389]

Thank you for introducing me to things in Japan that even I didn’t know as a Japanese person living in Japan!! 💛

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly thank you so much for taking the time to watch

[@Flargenyargen]

I daily drive a normal kei van. I'm the type that loves them. I can't believe how well used the space in that thing is! I love it!

[@marieclothildeouellette]

Love the idea of this mini-van, perfect to be independent an be able to stop anyway and be self sufficient, thanks for the wonderful video.

[@Kny8]

Thanks for including the outtakes, we can really appreciate all the things you do to set up a shot.

[@hibiscusboom]

This is seriously the perfect camper van.

[@Stormcrow89]

As someone who adores small, cozy spaces, this van looks like so much fun to travel in!

[@alphamike87]

I wouldn’t sleep in the pop up top but it would be a good place to read comics lol

[@KillerTacos54]

Helll yea

[@hopesilver3905]

“Tokyo lens” is very inspiring project💚

[@derekmcelfresh7646]

This video legitimately made my wife and I decide to buy one of these vans some day. Our goal is to move to and live in Japan ourselves, and while we figure we probably won't own a car for the first few years, once we get to that point we just want to buy one of these Kei Camper Vans. What a great way to explore the countryside!

[@elflass5544]

How many people said to themselves, "But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power convertors!!" when Norm showed the power inverter? 🤣 As someone who loves organization and clever design, this video was awesome. Nice job, Norm.

[@TokyoLens]

😂 that killed me hahaha

[@lydiaderhake2532]

I love it! This is exactly what I want for weekend events in other towns. No tent, no hotel cost!

[@HayBayle]

Chilling up on the "loft" reading a book on a rainy day? Don't mind me if I do! Seems like a pretty well decked out camper. Looking forward to the streams!

[@dattmay]

Love love LOVE the ingenuity behind this Kei Wagon. There are so many small but *smart* ideas that make this a totally livable space (as well as a functional mode of transport.

[@sweetarchangel6748]

First off - I love it. It’s cute and compact. Second - as someone who is 5’2”, I’d fit perfectly up top. Being short has it’s advantages 😅😂 I also see you taking advantage of the fact that that camera can stick to everything. No more duct taking cameras to cars 😜

[@TokyoLens]

Hahahaha trust me … I still carry the duct tape just in case lol

[@pufferfish9272]

I love how you figure out how to use things with us along the way

[@chrismarcy6611]

Hoping to go to language school next year in Japan, but since I can’t travel back yet your videos keep me content for Japan adventures that I crave. Thank you Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks for being here~=

[@user-od8ck5uk7s]

Hey, good luck for next year!

[@chrismarcy6611]

@@user-od8ck5uk7s Thank you!

[@Redpantslol]

The top seems like a good place to put bags/gear at night, rather than in the front seats.

[@jasong.3991]

Yeah that would be cool if there are like 2 peoples worth of stuff but for 1 prob not since it is just mesh right? Someone can easily cut the mesh and take all that

[@dannivizion]

They should market that car in Australia. Well a more powerful, longer and wider version, erm with stairs for the top because we'd actually use that. People here end up creating similar rigs themselves. When you see the stairs going up to the roof on the back of the old 4x4's this is sometimes why, because they hooked a collapsible tent up there when on a really long tour/drive (I gather it's cooler for sleeping, up away from the bugs and such, and means you don't have to shift all your stuff around.) My neighbour also added the solar as well for similar uses.

[@chrisinjapan5736]

It would not meet our safety standards - basically you are dead in one of these things.

[@dannivizion]

@@chrisinjapan5736 Not sure where you are, but there's two home made (altered) similar to it in my street in CQ, and there's less than 30 houses in my street. Seems to require a 4x4, a welder, and a solar kit. I see no reason that Suzuki wouldn't pass a roadworthy except the issue of lacking oompf I already mentioned where I said "powerful".

[@Naegimaggu]

Thought that I'd take a look at it, but ended up watching the whole video, without skipping. Amazing camera work.

[@abelgerli]

Actually the perfect car to explore rural Japan.. This is so inspiring for my next Japan trip.

[@josecaringal]

Just several minutes in and I'm already in love with Norm's rented Kei car. 💙🙈 And as always the cinematography is awesome and really creative. Great job Norm. 👏🏼 Now back to watching the video.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much!

[@diablow1411]

These cars have become one of my life goals to own and go out in the countryside!! Absolutely love how quirky the whole camping experience feels.

[@yourjayden]

I absolutely LOVE cars that you can live in or just stay comfortably in and this makes me wanna get a camper van so bad!

[@OneOfTheFirstToWatchStarTrek]

Oh. Oh my. Oh I need one. Oh now. Oh for Camping on Vancouver Island!

[@pedro66596]

the ride is crazy super compact but enough space to sleep

[@ilovemochi35]

Before the pandemic me and my mom just finished our 5 months adventure, just two of us riding wherever our heart desires. Already miss for another road trip and this car would be our dream come true! May the world gets better and our loved one stay safe💛 Japan are on top of my bucket list

[@aben5948]

Always loved how compact and "spaciou" Kei cars could be.

[@CarCrashf1]

Algorithm did me dirty - I've missed so much content from a couple of years ago! Time to binge. This was a great watch! Always great to get an insight into how these videos are made.

[@catherineconde8076]

Thank you for showing all the different shots with the insta360 go2! Love all the creative shots you can get. Super inspiring for a one person show/ team. Thanks again!

[@TokyoLens]

Aww thanks Catherine! Kinda love that little bugger lol Glad you enjoyed it!

[@risa_vlog]

That's such a cool and amazing van! I love how you just really enjoy everything in life and make it an amazing adventure in everything you do. That attitude is so special and positive to have, especially during times like this in a pandemic.

[@insta360tutorials]

This is the epitome of "Good things come in small packages" 😁 Keep Chasin' Adventure 🤙🏻

[@justoneviolinist4953]

Literally 2 seconds in and I already love the video. Just look at the colours at 0:02 ! Beautiful :")

[@Gersty]

After watching this Ive realized I need to get my license here in Japan and the Insta360. That thing looks like it really comes in handy.

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly both are worth having!!

[@Gersty]

@@TokyoLens definitely will be getting the insta360 but heard its hard to get a license here for Americans.

[@Adi-Dassler]

@@Gersty yep. You’ll have to take the driving test whereas a UK license means just showing it and take a simple eye test then you’re done.

[@Gg2294.-.]

I used to want to live in something compact like this, but I think watching you makes more sense for me. I can explore like this, but not live like this. A beautiful place btw. 🌿

[@trancis_]

I always wondered about this kind of solo car camping alternative in Japan and this video has opened my eyes that this is actually possible! Thank you so much for the detailed video, definitely saving this for the future! (Being short I probably could sleep up on the top too)

[@TopshelfJunior]

The sarcasm in this video keeps the review of the company / product balanced + unbiased. Good work.

[@michaelcherry8952]

So...when you finish driving, do you just attach a handle to the top and carry it with you? :-) I love the fit and finish inside this micro-miniature camper van. A tremendous amount of thought went into this. This thing is SO cool!. However, probably only suitable for a single, average-sized Canadian! It's like a little capsule hotel on wheels. You always find the coolest things to do!

[@stalincat2457]

I normally just pull out the seatbelts and carry it around like a backpack :)

[@michaelcherry8952]

@@stalincat2457 Very practical! ;-)

[@barbdavis63]

Love love love the camper van. It is so cute. Wish we had those in the U.S. I come from a camping family who also had and ran a campground. So one of my favorite things is touring, virtually or in real time, various campers. Thanks soooo much for sharing this super awesome camper van ! 😀

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch~

[@d.g.rohrig4063]

The inverted drain plug made me chuckle! When my brother got the then new button flush toilet, he put a flower pot on top before I came over.. embarrassingly perplexing!

[@Luke-et3it]

Oh how I love the nomadic lifestyle of living in a van, but its become so tiny! How lovely! this is amazing!

[@gdore15]

That is surprisingly decent price too. The regular season on weekday is only 8900 a day, that is not that much more than rental of a kei car for 24 hours.

[@solangevoysest]

Love the little Van, I could sleep there for one night, but my husband doesn’t fit because is tall 😁🤷🏻‍♀️

[@blockytoast7506]

I absolutely love camping as my childhood is filled with camping. All thanks to being a boy scout. But I have never seen anything like this. Really cool.

[@blockytoast7506]

Was it expensive?

[@Niriixa]

Ngl I kinda like that the van can't drive that fast. It looks super comfortable to sleep in as someone who's not as tall and all those little amenities are amazing. The curtains? A tiny sink? An upper level? A built-in shelter from the rain? A *microwave* ?? Really neat.

[@wakjagner]

I can't believe they can cram that much gear into something with so little vroom.

[@Curly3373]

I could almost agree to go camping with this kei car 😋 Usually hoping from hotel to hotel is my kind of camping 😁

[@LittleLongTime]

I just came back to watch this video again, since i first watched it I became obsessed with these micro campers. I hope one day I can get one here in the states.

[@tecnza]

As a foormer Boy scout I would absolutely sleep up there and enjoy a cold breeze and see the stars through the nets :)

[@WhitedeathSN]

This Van is so cool, I have always thought about getting myself a van like this for vacation, but in Germany, we only have the "workstyle vans" way bigger, ment to transport minimum five to eight people and depending on your loading you might even need a truck license for that... I looked for a Kei-Car online, to check out prices in my region to maybe just start out on working on that, but unfortunately these type of japanese cars were only popular in Germany during the 80s and fell out of favour quickly, due to passenger/driver safety concerns. This car looked so nice and thoughtfull packed and designed, I would rather stay in one of these, than a midrange hotel ;)

[@oooppiikkk]

maybe the TV is more of a monitor and requires your own source

[@Lara-hb1yn]

I would love to have one of these vans. It would be perfect for mini adventures

[@artfromtheheart4391]

I actually love Kei cars and trucks. I fell in love with the やきいも　vendors ♥🍠♥

[@41tinman41]

This just takes van life to a different level! It looks a lot easier to drive than regular sized campers with plenty of features still. You can add shower curtains to the awning for a standing shower set up.

[@jwest88]

That van looks super cool. If I had the money I think I'd be down to go around and camp in it. Since I've gotten older I haven't liked laying on the cold hard ground as much anymore. Last time I went camping I got very little sleep. It was late autumn though so it did get pretty cold and I'm sure it also made the ground extra hard. Next time though I think I will invest in some kind of nicer mattress pad type thing at the very least.

[@silviangc8486]

The shot at 10:54 has a diorama quality about it, very cool!

[@ashtrees8969]

Notification squad! ^.^ That car looks like a toy it’s adorable omg

[@TokyoLens]

Right? Love it so much!!

[@ashtrees8969]

@@TokyoLens it’s so cool!!! Ngl the top part feels like I might fall through which is a little scary

[@ferrjuan]

Norm living the Van life!

[@eugeneh.7205]

Norm oh Norm, stop breaking camera gear~!! That campervan is so cool though I won't really fit in there I think. I think i'm about your height so it will be a crazy tight fit XD If it was a normal full sized camper I would love to sleep in a campervan~ I slept in a car for 2 weeks in Iceland and it was amazing fun, albeit freezing cold~~ How much sausages you had btw...?? Your adventure looked amazing though, can't wait for the upcoming ones as well~!! And Norm you LOVE creepy dark places XD Do stop self harming yourself XD

[@michaelkurtz1967]

Love that little van. That is amazingly great. A sink, microwave and tv. Incredible.

[@damansarajaya88]

Everything is just so well thought through. Japanese practicality and thoughtfulness. Magic.

[@RobbC.]

Just when you think you have seen everything, and even though you already realise the Japanese are the smartest people in the World... they just go and out-do themselves with something as smart/cool/awesome as this lil van. Very very cool. WANT! :)

[@TokyoLens]

It was honestly so much fun

[@Max.............]

Lovely!

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@Anione111]

The pop-up top is a game changer!

[@findingbalance7884]

I could imagine my spouse and I adventuring in it, I would sleep up top - I don't use the toilet overnight, and it would be nicer to have the breeze and the extra space sleeping alone.

[@ConvectionII]

Ive never known I wanted to camp in a car like this... Now I know. Great video Norm! I love your production quality! Its always very well done!

[@alec5782]

I definitely need to try and rent one of these one day! This was amazing I love it!!

[@Wynnie.]

Such beautiful nature! Camping in a van looks fun!

[@destmichael]

It looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing.

[@IAmAce2157]

This video spoke to me on a spiritual level. Recently discovered your channel and have been binging your videos but this one was especially cool to me for some reason. I immediately checked if these were for sale in the US but sadly not :(. Keep it up Norm, you're living the dream!

[@Dave435l]

You could always get a tent trailer, super cheap in the US and most US cars can tow a 8' to 10' one

[@biyanslam]

Amazing Bro

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much 😀

[@andrewanyplace]

Kei-camper looks vantastic

[@Daz555Daz]

Japanese inventiveness at its finest!

[@ezkhel]

It feels so cozy but I probably wouldn't like to sleep in it. Its a little too small and narrow for me lol

[@Shibato-7]

that camper van looks dope. i wonder how tough would be to DIY something like these on some fleet vehicles like a ford ecoline

[@kimberlygraham2613]

Awesome video! Can't wait for next adventure.

[@human_maybe6690]

thank you for sharing! your cameras are super cool!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Hey Norm I was just going to go to bed, but.... Cheers!

[@TokyoLens]

Lol caught you Just in time~

[@XSemperIdem5]

Do I need those little cameras that stick everywhere? No But do I want them anyway? Obviously 😅 I'm not the camping type so yeah I'd camp in that little car. I have no idea how tall Norm is but I'd probably sleep at an angle and end up kicking the sides or hitting my head while turning in the middle of the night.

[@joselinpadilla859]

I can’t be the only one that super surprised about the inside of this little guy! Looks are definitely deceiving. The space that is available in this tiny car was used to the max! Very cool 😮

[@davereid-daly2205]

Nice review, great little vehicle. Thanks !!!

[@happilicious]

If that extended roof enables you bath while standing indoor, sign me up I'll buy it

[@zerry6184]

i dont have much to say on this video except for the fact that it was pretty informative and taught about the convienience of camper cars , i will most definetly buy one when im older , pretty relaxing video , good quality and amazing drone footage , the rainbow and mountain was also pretty magical

[@planetbob99]

Great tour of the van!

[@marcusa3177]

Oh boy, this is the ultimate astrophotography camping rig. Putter (yes putter - it's a kei van, can't go vroom on this) up that mountain or along a remote beach camp site while the electronics are charging from the inverter, chill during the daytime, then deploy all the cameras towards the dark skies? It's the dream. I'd probably add more solar panels and a LiFePo power station and use the top bunk for luggage storage. Does this have a fridge? This can totally use a fridge.

[@strix2670]

Yooo.... my notification finally works, feels great to catch this within that half an hr mark ....Wooo And Brother Norm, as usual Have a great day. I do have some Videography related questions, maybe try to hit you up via twitter if possible sometime later

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers~

[@Eli301Don]

Anyone know where an American can get their hands on a car like that?

[@happyday868]

The US laws forbid imports if those efficient cars. To avoid all the rules and regulations the car must be 25 yrs old. This is ridiculous. Kia has a similar one for $25k. Even if you fly over there and buy one, you cannot bring it back to the US. An empty NV200 already costs $25k in the US. So these cars would sell like cupcakes in the US.

[@fixitmann6685]

Simple. Move to Japan!

[@lestatg8]

Damn!! That mini-van rocks!!

[@TokyoLens]

Loooooove it!!

[@kenttinkess4768]

One of the best things about your videos.are the contrasts you find in Japan. You from ancient post towns to late night Tokyo to rural mountains. So nice to see the different parts of Japan. When I visit I only get to the main cities or if I do get to smaller centres I have to stick within walking distance of the JR station.

[@wheeler1]

gotta love bloopers! lol

[@JohnSmith-fo2vh]

i'm binging your camping and road trip videos- love the combination of the two

[@Nynke_K]

Most brilliantest kei car ever!

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

Super-fun mini transformer van! Thanks, Norm!