Inside Japan's FOREST OF MONONOKE - [Solo Hike 4K]

Step inside Japan's forest of Mononoke. This space is hidden in the mountains of Nagano Japan, closed for nearly half the year, and is one of the most beautiful moss-filled forests that you will find in Japan. A perfect place for hiking in the Japanese mountains.
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Where was this video filmed? Where is this forest?
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Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
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[@TokyoLens]

So excited to be able to bring you this video --- Not an easy place to get to, but 100% worth the journey!! This video picks up the morning after we left off with our last video of hiking the Nakasendo trail (kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4KQiml6qdqdbbc) Triforce Squad.... I will see you in the comments below!! lol Ps Extra love if you watch it more than once and catch the secrets lol

[@derdome1702]

We r already here norm as u know.😜 And damn imagine this forest filled with fog damn would have been amazing.

[@marcusa3177]

I have figured out where this is. Does that count as a secret hahahaha Gorgeous place. One can easily spend the first three hours of sunlight chasing fog and sun beams on moss and still not run out of things to take photos of. I have to ask though - was some footage running backwards? I like the effect (and would probably do the same) because dang, it turned the enchantment up to twenty. Yes twenty, because eleven won't cut it here. --edit-- Jeebus. Getting here via commute is probably a week's budget of city travel - one way. Drive if you can y'all, the enchantment comes with a hefty price tag hahaha. It's totally worth it though XD

[@tinaharrison8846]

Norm, you did a SPECTACULAR job in capturing the ENCHANTMENT of the forest! I can understand why you got emotional, when you were describing it on the live stream. Well done !!!

[@auberginearcher7610]

Did I die because this looks like heaven! Thank you for expanding our horizons until we’re able to join you! ☺️

[@amandatextor8948]

Hi Norm! I absolutely love your videos!! They are SO beautiful & relaxing! I was actually adopted from Japan when I was 2, after 28 years found my Birth Mom in 2014 & got to meet her in 2015 there in Japan!! I miss her & Japan so much but your videos help me remember the incredible times I had there. Thank you for sharing Japan with us! ☺️✌️

[@sascha4162]

I can see why people call it an enchanted forest. There’s something magical about it when the light breaks through the trees and the steam is rising from the moss.

[@TokyoLens]

100% enchanted!!

[@robertfranken7543]

木漏れ日!

[@katylibarnes9393]

Same sentiments.....this left me speechless.

[@pomskylifenova7344]

for sure

[@lauraboanas7817]

I don’t think there’s words adequate enough to express how unbelievably breathtaking this video is. You’ve captured this forest in the most wonderful way; everything is perfect. 💖 This is where I want to exist, always. 💖💖

[@TokyoLens]

100% time to frolic Lol if there was time for a slow mo frolic montage I would have added it lol

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens it is the most perfect place for a danger frolic, judging by the slippy floor. Worth every fall lol 👌🏻 It is a pleasure to get to ‘come along’ on these hikes with you.

[@croakmaster2663]

When Norm shook Hashi's hand it gave me chills. I know this is not the last time we see Hashi.

[@taimoorshah8230]

japan is straight out of a fantasy world. i am amazed to see everywhere you go you will see trees but none of them match up. its always like looking at a new place. japan is GOD gifted land.

[@Libanwhattime]

Norms Passion when talking about these places in Japan gets me so excited.

[@TokyoLens]

😉

[@L0R3NtheS0URL3M0N]

*light breaking through trees exists* Hasshi: I AM SPEED

[@GLOCOgaming]

ABsolutely serene shots. You did this place justice. I never knew there was another "mononoke forest" other than the one in Yakushima. Thank you for this.

[@micoosu]

Aye, Gloco

[@jademontesclaros5937]

Aye gloco san

[@derdome1702]

Just wanted to say I love how u can scroll through all the comments and norm just talks to everyone. So thanks norm for bringing us such amazing content and thanks to the community love U all.

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha of course I do~ Grateful to always have you here Thanks so much eh!!

[@pomskylifenova7344]

i agree

[@peachypanda1019]

The Forrest by itself is absolutely magical and beautiful but when I saw "Mononoke Forest" I was literally imagining the tiny little white spirits from "Princess Mononoke" just standing below the trees or kinda peeking from behind the beautiful tree trunks and ticking their head

[@colleenmurphy7812]

There is just something about walking in a forest, the beauty of the trees , the sun shining through, calms your mind and lets you see the beauty of creation no matter where you are in life.

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@dikadothings6301]

my to-go list is getting longer and longer every episode. I can't wait for Japan to open its border for foreign visitors again, until then be well and keep sending us the majestic landscape of Japan through your lens mate.

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha thanks eh!

[@animefanNana]

This is such a treasure, Norm showing us some places one would probably never find (at least speaking for myself). When i visited Japan 2019 just before the pandemic I put on my itinerary a posttown Norm mentioned somewhere - without knowing I would have to walk the Nakasendo to get there. It is one of the most treasured places of my whole 4 weeks journey, still so grateful I got to see and walk that path and I will remember it with joy always.✨

[@randiackland5366]

Same

[@dikadothings6301]

And guess what, now i've been living in japan for one year..

[@Gray_Fox_]

How beautiful can nature be. I almost teared up. Those lights are sooo beautiful! No wonder japanese have a word just for describing this phenomenon as "komorebi" which means something like "sun light filtering through trees". I would very much like to visit this forest :) Thx for taking us to the Mononoke Forest, Norm

[@RiotHouseLP]

You can tell that is an old forest because of how uneven the ground is. Each indentation or sump is from a tree that had fallen. Each mound or "pillow" is from a decayed stump/log. Very beautiful, very wild, and unmanaged. Love it.

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

Two people meet in a wood. They both came for the beauty, and they both left with a new friend. Sounds pretty magical to me.

[@pinkisflammable]

I’m not even a minute into the video and I’m already in love!

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@pomskylifenova7344]

so true

[@jb0258]

Been eagerly awaiting this video! Princess Mononoke is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie.. this will definitely be something special (: Edit: this forest is indeed something special. Absolutely beautiful in every imaginable way!

[@TokyoLens]

😊 Yaaaaaay

[@jb0258]

@@TokyoLens every second of this was an absolute treat. 100% lived up to the hype

[@nathanielkluckhohn8601]

Wow that forest looks so beautiful Edit: (How does something like that even exist)

[@TokyoLens]

I was thinking the exact same thing

[@bencarpanini9905]

I'd like to think it is due to a respect for nature and the environment. Beautiful spot, thanks Norm for sharing 😃

[@paullesley7282]

Trifecta squad!

[@derdome1702]

Yes sir

[@TokyoLens]

Love it~

[@ScawyFF]

This makes me wish I could appreciate nature more. As someone who is terribly afraid of bugs and over all has a tough time with the outside, getting close to greenery is like a one way ticket to hell. This video showcases such a beautiful forest, it makes me want to visit and get the full experience. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MrWinning43]

Ride a bicycle you're less likely to have bugs stick on you

[@amariafrost]

This place has now been added to my to-visit list whenever I'm able to get back to Japan (in 3 years at this rate).

[@karziflora]

I wish I was a fairy so I could live in this gorgeous enchanted forest, thank you Norm for this magical walk

[@Shanyandao]

If this forest isn’t enchanted then i don’t know. Would really love to walk around there- maybe when it’s not super slippery lol. Thank you for bringing us along on this magical experience!

[@TokyoLens]

riiiiight??

[@amar0312]

Just from the thumbnail, i could tell this video was going to be awesome!

[@TokyoLens]

Yaaaayy!!

[@lukiapotato8526]

Bless your adventuring heart for bringing us such hidden marvels of Japan. As someone experiencing art block for weeks now, this enlightened me. Stay safe out there, man!

[@personalcontrasts73]

Norm, thank you so much for shooting this video. I am crying now for the third time while watching it, because I am overwhelmed by the beauty and never thought such a forest as in the movie actually still exists. Knowing there are still such spots on this planet fills me with love and I will definitely go there at least once in my life to breathe the air, indulge in the wisdom of the forest and sing to their kami-sama. Next time maybe bring your shamisen and play it at a chosen spot in the sun - I bet it would be an experience you will never forget.

[@bobbydigital316]

Every NPC you talk to in japan always seems to be so insightful and interesting. Such a lovely country.

[@Stormcrow89]

This was absolutely breathtaking. I could see myself easily sitting there for hours just enjoying the shifting light through the trees, the textures of the smooth stones and velvety moss…it truly is like a dream, a fantasy. Thank you for taking us with you

[@jefftraboulsy8631]

I could sit there for DAYS

[@SuperbFairy]

Every time I see these videos in particular I long to visit Japan, england has some beautiful sights but nothing compares to the forests and mountains you've showed us through the years. Thanks for all the amazing content

[@rilindkillsyou]

absolutely breathtaking. there's definitely some kind of magic in those trees. can't watch the whole thing now, just a few minutes, but that means i'll be able to throw it up on the big screen later and i can't wait.

[@TokyoLens]

Truly magical!!

[@jon780]

Norm - this is absolutely breathtaking. please, more videos like this. Don't lose this please. It's so special.

[@josh___something]

Woah, the majesty of this forest. An almost mythical level of beauty captured with stunning cinematography. Just the first few shots make you feel like you're being led into a painting. The editing is top notch and the background music was a good choice.

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@adamcross60]

I must have watched this three times already. Being remotely escorted around through magical and primeval places is precious on it's own. It's even more invaluable when a lot of us feel trapped by the pandemic. These perfectly timed, expertly edited, and musically coordinated glimpses of where you go are like the morning rays piercing through the forest canopy. A light in the darkness.

[@KirstenReusch]

💜💜💜 heaven's fingers - that light 😲 💜💜💜 can literally feel the earth breathing, pouring peace into your soul

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@floore_chan]

This video made me admire the beauty of nature more. I just find it so calming and soothing to the soul, especially early in the morning with fresh air and the sunlight that peaks through the trees.

[@elflass5544]

My friend and I came in from a day of running around at busy shops and flopped down to watch this video. What an amazing way to decompress. For nearly the whole thing neither of us said anything, except an occasional comment like, "Moss" or "Look at the mushrooms!" I want to live in this peaceful world. Thanks for sharing it~

[@sweetarchangel6748]

So beautiful there 💜 I can see why they named it after the Mononoke movie. Another place added to to go if I ever make it to Japan. Thank you for bringing us along 💜

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much for coming along!!

[@pomskylifenova7344]

for sure. looks serene...

[@zalfornt]

Very beautiful komorebi! Once again, Happy Birthday Norm! 🎉 Thank you for sharing this beautiful place!

[@TokyoLens]

😊 thanks for joining!!

[@MulinaTheAngelWolf]

the swooning over natural beauty is real oh my gosh THE VIEWS THE LIGHT FILTERING THROUGH EEE ♥

[@KK-hq8jd]

Im So Happppppy!!! I did not chime in on the want to see these lovely places filled with my fave living things....Trees! Im so thankful you did this & shared! Amazing

[@mionka96]

The forest looks magical! Each time the sun was peaking through the trees was breathtaking! The trail looks fun and dangerous at the same time. I hope I will have the chance to visit and try to hike to the panorama viewpoint :D As always really beautiful scenery and great commentary on the way!

[@Neeko2lo]

I come back to this video every now and then. And each time I feel genuinely taken aback by how stunning this entire video is. Please more of this.

[@isaimanuddin13]

The ambience of forest is one of the best ambience in the entire world.

[@doda9ilovegackt]

I cried watching this video by how absolutely beautiful it is. Glad you are living your best life visiting these magical, breath taking places.

[@fatfingers1911]

This felt like poetry, the music, the shots, everything was perfect. It almost seemed like I was the one exploring the forest. Really loved the video!

[@goldengem_3]

Wow! That was so amazing. It's crazy how seeing so much green can be soothing. And I can totally see why it was called the Mononoke's forest. Absolutely amazing.

[@TokyoLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@bonzbeasty]

Like a dream! I can feel the magic of that place permeating through the phone

[@jefftraboulsy8631]

This video took my breath away

[@XShadowPrincessXx]

Wow that was probably the most beautiful, most breath taking forest I have ever seen! Everything looked so green! Love these videos and as always wonderful job capturing this area.

[@slicesofjapan6662]

I'm not sure if I can accurately put into words how beautiful and mystical that forest looks, I could almost imagine those little kodama spirits from Princess Mononoke peeking out from behind some of the moss covered rocks and trees, making their little sounds. 😮 Once again Norm you've successfully convinced me to add yet one more location to my ever-growing list of places in Japan I need to visit, right next to the Nakasendo Trail between Tsumago-Juku and Magome-Juku.😁 Thanks again for another fun and beautiful video, keep up the amazing work Norm!!!

[@davidcornejo2983]

the sun rising and the piano sounds makes it a unique experience. Specially in Japan where piano is one of the most liked instruments.

[@nimpf2118]

I am just sad, that this absolutely beautiful video enden. When I have the chance to be in Japan, I will definitely go there. Thanks for showing me such a place. I am speechless.

[@ashsasaki]

Another area I really can’t wait to visit. Ever since I was a child I’ve always wanted to hike through this area. It’s just so aesthetically pleasing, and has a weird comfort, I feel deep in my soul. That I can’t wait to feel in person. Thanks, Norm for so many wonderful shots!

[@sanashi27]

That place is beautiful and looks so peaceful! It really does give off a fantasy vibe and the music made me feel like I'm watching something from a ghibli film (some parts just made Spirited Away pop up in my mind). It's a place that feels like you could get lost in it the further you go with the trees all around and the many pathways you could take. I could just imagine myself knowingly getting lost in it as it'd be hard to resist following the path more and more. It makes me wonder what would happen if you stray off path and wander in the forest more. I had to watch this in full screen cause I wanted to see how pretty the place is. Thank you for sharing this video with us!

[@terencetuer3403]

WOW, is the first thing I need to say about this stunning piece of art. So much better than 99.999% of the videos on youtube. I see an Oscar in your future, for documentary or cinematography. Keep up the amazing work.

[@purberri]

I never get tired of watching videos of Japanese forests

[@sprightlyghoul]

Why do I feel like you had way too much fun narrating this? It looks stunning!

[@TokyoLens]

Was an amazing place to be~

[@sprightlyghoul]

I'm already knee deep in a Google search of how to get there.

[@MumisPlace]

Enjoying this hiking videos a lot! Thanks!!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks~

[@reyanth1337]

Your videos and narratives have "bad habit" of having very strong "feels good man" vibes on them. Some of them even being really really touching. Thank you.

[@chrislessard975]

You probably wouldn't want to get lost in the forest, but for this one, I wouldn't mind one bit. The music goes with this so well. Good selection there.

[@ChiChisStreams]

Norm, this is the most beautiful video I've ever seen! And that music! I hope you didn't hurt yourself with all those falls! 😅

[@TokyoLens]

Awww thank you I’m well!!!

[@bhetteroth]

Beautiful forest. Looks like it would feel like walking through an enchanted land for sure. And I've never seen one with narrow plank trails like that. It adds to the fantasy vibe a bit I think. Also it's crazy how you can make friends with people everywhere you go. Speaks to your good nature.

[@demoneyedcam]

Amazing scenery Norm

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks! 😊

[@jamesbond-ic6qx]

The production quality of this channel is 💯

[@IshaanKumar]

Thank you Norm for taking us with you on this adventure. The mesmerizing visuals, the always-on-point background score, and your passionate storytelling provided a satisfying escape :) Keep up the good work!

[@adeerahmehmood1788]

What a beautiful place. The place looks sooo magical…. 😍😍

[@TokyoLens]

Feeeeelz magical

[@patrishaharrigan4466]

Nagano prefecture? Enchanted forest? Yes please!! Just breathtaking! Thank you Norm, for taking us to so many gorgeous places!

[@Runitsyourmamarun]

This video perfectly describes this KZbin channel… as I explore more and more there are wonders around every corner, just like exploring this forest.

[@TokyoLens]

That is an insanely kind comment. Thank you so much and I hope your day is beautiful.

[@macbryant822]

Another great video of a beautiful hike with you. Especially after having knee surgery this past week and stuck inside to heal for the next 6 to 8 weeks. Really needed this. Hope everyone is having a great day and week

[@utaume90]

WOW I'm speechless, my eyes aren't sure they could catch all the beauty in this video 😍 the trunk transition is really well done 👏 thank you for sharing this spectacular foster with us ❤️

[@azazels428]

Can't believe such a forest exists! Amazing!

[@TokyoLens]

Me neither

[@Vlidery13]

Perfect place to try and forget the rest of this planet and just be for a moment.

[@heatherloveseevee9778]

When a video makes you smile whilst simultaneously bringing you to the edge of tears you know it’s something special. Thank you for showing us this wonderful amazing forest, so beautifully shot and edited, just perfect 💕

[@kodydog1229]

Wow Norm great video! I have been to Japan 4 or 5 times and I keep telling myself to explore other countries, but videos like this keep bringing me back to Japan.

[@TokyoLens]

Relatable lol

[@debasishmajhi687]

Some unexplored/unuses area are like some special ppl in life whose story can take to another world and it's very calm and unique

[@startchi]

Was only around a minute into the video and was already blown away by your gorgeous shots of the forest. Watching the whole video almost brought tears to my eyes too as I’m reminded of the warmth and beauty of Mother Nature. After constantly reading news on recurring natural disasters and the worsening climate crisis, this is a very welcoming and much needed reminder. Thank you for gifting us comfort and hope, Norm. This is a beautiful video.

[@Dairski]

This is absolutely amazing, feeling chills yet calmness watching the gorgeous footage. Seriously breathtaking ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly in love with this space!!

[@veezerr8439]

For the first time, a video soo great that makes me feel the place itself. Thanks Norm for all of your amazing works

[@TokyoLens]

Thabks

[@mistseeker388]

The forest is insanely beautiful, but i have to admit, that in order to convey this beauty your skills as an operator are equally impressive.

[@PaulSmith46122]

I’m sitting in my home right now, and a blizzard is going on outside. THIS film is making me forget all of the crud outside. Again you have such a talent that I hope more and more recognize in the coming years.

[@Enoxix.]

Amazing and beautiful video! Whenever i’ll go back to Japan I have to visit this place! Seems a really nice place to rest…

[@sherryberryjp]

Amazing🥰🥰🥰

[@TokyoLens]

Theeeeere you is lol Took me a lot of hours to find this lol

[@sherryberryjp]

@@TokyoLens hahaha cuz you are poplar~

[@bork0992]

I think if I were to see this in person, I would cry. It’s so breathtaking, pristine, stunning…so many words to describe its beauty. I think this video is my favorite because the area is just so perfect

[@dpi209]

What a magical place! It's almost like the forest wanted you to get lucky ;)

[@megamcee]

JP's nature is really insanely beautiful. Hope to visit it someday.

[@TokyoLens]

Very worth the visit~

[@williamlloyd3769]

Reminds me of Fern Canyon in Humboldt, CA Japanese pathways are phenomenal!

[@Kuralai95]

Walking through this place all alone must be the most surreal experience ever. I hope I’ll get to do this one day. I would be stuck there for hours (days??) admiring every scene that I see..

[@v.4mp]

this video was so beautifully recorded it was an experience just watching it

[@digitaleveTTV]

Mononoke like in princes mononoke?

[@TokyoLens]

Yuuuuuuup

[@rizqiyaharyeni]

It sure looks like a fairy would jump out any second. What a beautiful video! 🧚‍♀️💚

[@raxn58]

This one was magic, it looked super slippery, but such an amazing place to visit.

[@kcfish4862]

God damn this is some CRISP shots, it gave me a Makoto Shinkai's movie feeling

[@TokyoLens]

Beautiful morning~

[@kcfish4862]

@@TokyoLens indeed, the music too, great choice on that

[@ryanphelpsmiester2505]

Wow! I've watched this channel for a couple months now and I can't believe I missed such a cinematic masterpiece.

[@Thebassjunk]

Absolutely gorgeous and so serene. The forest looks ancient and untouched. Even those boardwalks look like they belong there, and don't detract from everything to be see around you. Visiting these places has become a bigger and bigger dream thanks to videos like these. I'm so thankful you share your adventures with the world. Can't wait to go there someday.

[@animechickie18]

With every video I watch I am realizing I will need multiple trips to see all of the locations on my “need to visit” list.

[@benzach14]

Just like Hayao Miyazaki's Animation of Princess Mononoki this was really enchanted. Love the place.

[@dargondarkfire]

It really is a beautiful forest and does fit the movie's esthetic. Thank you for showing us this gorgeous place.

[@harrisonstoliker4932]

One thing I consistently say about visiting Japan was that the pictures and films simply doesn't do it justice. You *have* to go experience it yourself. I'm here to eat my words. God damn if this isn't magical Norm. Amazing stuff. Although I don't doubt the stuff that wouldn't fit in the frame is still well worth the trip.

[@matt_b5551]

Norm's super power = sleep deprivation induced creativity Norm's kryptonite = slippery logs and rocks

[@sanablue]

When I say I love Japan, this is what I mean! It's gorgeous and I wish I could just go there and sit in that forest for hours.