Inside Japan's Lost Forest | Abandoned for Decades

[@TokyoLens]

Excited to be in nature again!! Seems that hiking and camping season may be coming to a close... So glad that we could do this!! Would you hike these forgotten trails? Join the discussion below!

[@alphamike87]

I’d love to hike these trials, probably not alone though

[@oyveyshalom]

Do you ski?

[@elflass5544]

Definitely not alone, and couldn't navigate all those slippery rocks. I will live vicariously thru you! :)

[@muazshams7052]

Probably not because I could easily get creeped by abandon buildings 😆

[@TopAnimeLoverEver]

Heck yeah. Alone or with friends, either would be fine.

[@silverian]

It feels nice that there are people who take care dogs of owner who passed away moment ago. And dogs still have chance to live in the familiar place. This video made me relaxed! Those monkeys in the end of video made me smile.

[@riverraven4014]

Norm: When most people think Saitama they think... Me: One Punch Man? Norm: The bed town, the people live in and commute to work. Me: ok :'(

[@TokyoLens]

😂

[@hadriel90]

had the exact same thought 🤣👌

[@ggEmolicious]

Rofl that’s what I was thinking, I felt incredibly bad about thinking it too but I’m glad I wasn’t alone!

[@JoshuaGuthrie]

You should definitely watch the movie "Fly me to the Saitama" :D

[@remka2000]

In Tokyo people have a nickname for Saitama and let’s say it’s not nice and starts with dasai. 😅

[@Mike-Eye]

Love these travels of yours.

[@shvdowsora]

Just wanted to say, you deserve 10 million followers. Im so glad i found this channel a couple years back. By far the best channel on youtube. So informative, unique, and just damn interesting. Thanks Norm. When i finally get to Japan i hope we can meet one day haha. Keep doing you! Best job in the world.

[@TokyoLens]

All too kind of you~ Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope you have an absolutely beautiful day 🥰

[@kittykat3268]

Those poor dogs. I'm glad the local people are caring for them. I hope they continue to do so! 💕

[@AtrocitusRage]

Any day of the week and a Tokyo Lens video go together like PB&J.

[@iicydiamonds]

That area looks so beautiful and those trails seem fun! And even if it wasn't the right direction, I'm glad you went up that little hill to peek! Thank you always for taking us along. :)

[@besinji2000]

Really enjoying the back catalog since I found you. So tranquil to watch before bed.

[@TheHollowShrine]

Your adventures always remind me a bit of Yasuhito Tsuge's work (directed Utada Hikaru's "Manatsu no Tooriame" MV and a bunch of mesmerizing documentaries). Both of you really capture how easy it is to fall in love with rural Japan.

[@raaonn238]

Your adventure and exploration always makes my day, the phrase at the end, "its just a log .. beside a wall" is just magnificent

[@Adams42X]

It's always fascinated, seeing how fast nature takes back those places after them being abandoned.

[@christianaquino1250]

As a person who can’t afford to travel in Japan, i experiencing it by watching your videos and i enjoy it very much. Please keep uploading contents like this. Thank you very much and keep safe.

[@DuskDaimon]

A lot of Honshu wolf sightings have happened in the area of Chichibu. It's great to see how intact their mountainous forest habitat is, that gives me hope the 'extinct' wolves are still out there somewhere.

[@ahm_767]

0:33 that's a Kawasaki C-2 Military Transport of 2nd Tactical Airlift Group (JASDF)! They're based at Iruma Air Base in Saitama which makes sense for where you are. Awesome machines.

[@AQWorldsRay]

Yes! Really awesome catch~

[@mxaxai9266]

Only 15 of these aircraft have been built so far, so they're a rare sight - except at their home base, I suppose.

[@CulinaryLifeFarm]

The log beside a wall is very picturesque. I think it might be my favorite part.

[@kristinacetinski]

I guess the takeaway lesson from that forest path is that sometimes the imagination is more exciting than reality haha. Very beautiful place, still! And I loved the camp cat.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

Thank you Norm once again for sharing your epic journey with us every single week, week after week! Ironically for me, every time I watch one of your videos I say to myself, “this is my favorite one,” and then you produce another one, then that becomes my favorite, so forth and so on. May our journey never end!

[@TokyoLens]

Haha all too kind of you~ Thank you

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

My best friend’s husband is from Chichibu and she always says she’s never met a thoughtful and understanding person like him. Now I can guess the great nature and the local community of the city has raised up the beautiful personality of him😊💕

[@thempstead]

The forest trails look pretty ... But there were time when it appeared to be "is this the trail or is this just an animal track?" ... Then, of course, you come across a section which have stone walls showing that yes, this was a proper trail at some point. The woods as well look, especially given the very very end of the video, that they have been/are managed and harvested for wood ... or at least were at some point. Does seem to be a setting for a horror movie though ... no matter which trail you take it always returns you back to the same abandoned village!

[@JapaneseEmichannel]

omg you went to chichibu It's so beautiful and your talking ,editing is perfect✨I definitely go there thank you for sharing😆💕

[@TokyoLens]

Too kind~ thank you 🥰

[@Beanstalker_GAD]

Now this is the stuff I look forward to doing in Japan. The Natural landscape is so beautiful.

[@TokyoLens]

Really is!

[@kierancorti4630]

I like the neat folding and how tidy you leave the space after using it. Such beautiful sceneries and locations too!

[@Stormcrow89]

This was so peaceful…thank you for always going above and beyond to explore where others rarely dare to go. There’s so much beauty that’s left to be rediscovered. It honestly felt like something from Totoro….the hidden paths, the secret river and stream….I love it.

[@lvrdlpz]

It's a little charming and a little sad, that some towns just, die. You visiting and filming, brings them a new life. Now they're not forgotten.

[@TopAnimeLoverEver]

Hey Norm, always love your videos, walking in the city or walking in nature, it's always stunning views and beautiful high def video that makes me feel like I've been plopped right down beside you in Japan, oh how wonderful to be back in Japan again. Your videos singlehandedly helped pull me through my last bout of depression, just reigniting that spark for Japan that I feel, the one thing that reminds me what JOY feels like when the depression insists it doesn't exist. Was hanging out with a friend when you did your last live stream, dropped everything to watch. Thanks for just being you man.

[@grizoh4270]

I’m so envious that you get to explore the beauty of the Japanese countryside and the forests, but I’m so glad you’re sharing your journeys with us. Can’t wait to see it all for myself at some point :))

[@03arthurfelixmartinus93]

Love your adventures man !!! It does feels a bit sad looking at the houses fills with memories left behind. Would love to see more of your adventures 👍.

[@christopherjohnson6993]

It's so satisfying to go to a spot you always wanted to go to, but didn't have time the first time.

[@NortherlyK]

The tent setup music has Great British Bake-off vibes. Love it.

[@blockytoast7506]

I find it hard believe such a beautiful nature walk is so close to the city. Glad you got to get back to the path and continue on through. I remember the specific video from years ago and it brought back some old memories. I hope you never lose that motivation to explore because these types of videos are truly enjoyable.

[@Gadahax]

Nature in general is just breathtaking to look at like this, but Japan just adds an extra layer of beauty

[@KirstenReusch]

Neko-chan would like to have some of your gyu, おねがいします. 😺 I can literally smell the forest, missing it so much. 💜 that log and moss wall. Hiking the forests, seeing the mountain spaces, nature's natural shrines and temples, definitely gives you a depth of view that the cameras don't capture. Some things you really do have to see for yourself. Have a great week 💜✌🐦

[@LetsgowithHyro]

I just keep enjoying these type of spots.

[@joelb3613]

Nature in Japan is breathtaking

[@Tania-zy7ls]

Crazy to think there are relatively recently built buildings just completely abandoned. I understand, though - I don't even live anywhere as remote as those villages, and I miss so many things about the big cities (mainly, restaurants and public transit).

[@diro999]

The perfect video for a cosy sunday.

[@RShakes]

What a beautiful area, it honestly seems like that can be said for nearly all of Japan's countryside though! I panicked a little when you started talking about the dogs but it's wonderful to hear that they're still being taken care of.

[@laurabustos6560]

As someone who won't be able to irl do excursions like these in a foreign land, I absolutely love when you leave the camera and walk into the distance. It almost tricks the eye into believing we're really with you up on that hill/ mountain/ trail!! 🙏

[@Rowan_Waters]

This was epic! Lol. I knew excatly where you were when you said Chichibu and thought of the last video there right before doing a Tokyo Lens flashback. As soon as you picked up the acorn, I was already saying "Totoro!" And last but not least, mind you this is a funny one, when you said they used the old mountain pass to sell charcoal to near by villages, I instantly thought of Demon Slayer!

[@slicesofjapan6662]

I won't lie, I also thought about Demon Slayer when he mentioned that they used the old mountain pass to sell charcoal to nearby villages 😁

[@sebhn4541]

I like how you show places that’s forgetting or people don’t know how to get to, to be able to record.

[@lukiapotato8526]

My man out here, bringing the most awe inspiring landscapes one could hope to view in their life time. Thank you so much for getting us to experiment these sights from the comfort of our homes.

[@gotto510]

Wow‼ How wonderful. I feel the clean air. Thank you very much. from Japan💛💛

[@barbarootoo]

I explored an old path in Wakayama prefecture, it climbed up some old stone stairs into the woods on an overgrown trail. But, it eventually led to a more maintained path that led to a sweet little shrine. The shrine was maintained and had been decorated for the New Year. It was one of the most peaceful spots and that exploration was so worth it. I did wonder though, what are views of private property in Japan. I had no idea who owned the property and was a bit worried about trespassing even though it was a wild wooded place far from any structures. How do you know if it's ok to be in a place like where you are exploring in this video? How do you know you're not trespassing?

[@Libanwhattime]

The pure excitement I get every time norm uploads is unreal. 🗾

[@sasuke1243]

I'm glad you went back to that path, cause The forest is so pretty, and it's weird to see the abandoned village nestled below you.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Looks like a nice area for light hiking & camping. It seems to me that "lost and forgotten" MAY be a bit of an over-dramatization, though. (A trail that's not on Google Maps? Must be LOST AND FORGOTTEN! lol) Well, I guess the point is that there is a region like this so close the Tokyo metropolis that isn't over-developed. That is pretty surprising and cool. But just for contrast, almost none of the trails in my area are on Google maps...

[@peterbartesch6781]

Tosui was the Zen master who left the formalism of temples to live under a bridge with beggars. When he was getting very old, a friend helped him to earn his living without begging. He showed Tosui how to collect rude abs manufacture vinegar from it, and Tosui did this until he passed away. While Tosui was making vinegar, one of the beggars gave him a picture of the Buddha. Tosui hung it in the wall of his hut and put a sign beside it. The sign read: “Mr. Amida Buddha: This little room is quite narrow. I can let you remain as a transient. But don’t think I am asking you to help me to be reborn in your paradise.” -- This is the essence of Zen, leaving the methods and even leaving the Way behind.

[@michaels3474]

I used to do that in my younger days but now it's so built up in my area that I have to go farther out to hike. I used to just go into the woods of Atlanta, GA just to see what was in there. I used to find abandon houses and stuff, it was just fun times. Have fun...

[@Echo11Niner]

This hiking video is so awesome to see. It really takes me back to when I was hiking in Hawaii and I got to see so many amazing views. Please keep safe and good luck with your videos.

[@HereComesThaBoom]

ohh man, im a bit jealous of your adventurous spirit. thanks for taking us along as always ❤

[@RobbC.]

Hiking... rivers... Japan = Living the dream. Looks awesome Norm

[@etherdog]

We are so delighted to see the continuation of the trail from your previous vid, Norm!

[@yuukistraussable]

You're living the life man. I'm envious in a positive way. Someday, I'm going to visit all the mountains and forest that you visited.

[@akiolife19]

Hiking, cooking alone is such a vibe. japan is perfect for camping, especially in Nagano. Really love the last video about Ryo-chan. Keep up the great content friend!!!

[@Zombie_Spaceman]

I love stuff like this. Can't wait to explore one day myself

[@dattmay]

What a relaxing little camping video! Looks like a lot of work packing/unpacking on your end, but the whole vibe of this video was chill and calming; though I’m sure that stunning forest helped with that. Definitely glad you had the opportunity to come back and check out the area past the bridge if only to assuage your curiosity

[@barrybondz9650]

I remember the ice waterfall it looks so magnificent during the winter.

[@ricardo1e93]

Love those exploring/adventure videos, that's the reason I started watching you and so many j vloggers back in the day

[@MrsAnette1968]

Hi Norm. Thanks for this nice hike so nice to be back in the forest 🌳 👏👋🙏

[@sylviab5206]

Thank you Norm for sharing the beauty of Japan. 💕

[@wxlurker]

Thanks for bringing us out there! Its really relaxing to watch you explore the forest and that hammock is huge.

[@pamrapp5474]

So beautiful 😍thank you for being that adventurous person ...

[@DavidSheley]

Thank you so much for sharing videos like these! I may never have the opportunity to visit Japan, so it's videos like yours that help to satisfy my desire to know more about Japan.

[@urusaiko]

All your exploration videos are awesome. Be it in a city's back alleys or out in the wilderness. Great production and wonderful presentation.

[@theshadowboxer]

A great treat here! Plus, that coffee had to be tasty! So happy to see another great video as I catch up on my favorite channels. I need to get to Japan!

[@missbornlucky6676]

none of your adventures is "anti-climactic" by the way. i always love your videos, you did a great job of making everyone who watch wants to visit Japan.

[@becks5867]

Ohh this forest is so beautiful 😍 I love the depths, angles and all the stunning colours 💜

[@andreamanley1077]

Yes please - stories & scenery are great

[@g0dsinexx537]

This types of videos you make are always so relaxing so I'm sure I will love it

[@5starliving]

So many beautiful places in Japan🥹but i must say it’s so sad too see all those cute small villiges abandoned. A love the traditional asian old houses🥹

[@aspherr_]

Woa~ That region looks amazing, I would love to solo camp there one day 😲

[@TokyoLens]

Great space!

[@MrTanisDK]

Just love these videos from you. Just startet to see your videos a few month ago and almost seen them all now. And you just inspired me to start hiking and love it. Thank you Norm. But my love to Japan comes from Abroad in Japan that i have been followed since he startet. But love your city, forest hiking and shamisen videos. You got yourself a new fan.

[@monsieurduquack5440]

0:35 looks like a Kawasaki C-1 transport plane, There must be JASDF airbase relatively close-by

[@astroboy3507]

So enjoy the music choices too!!!! 🌿🌱🪵

[@slicesofjapan6662]

Great video as always Norm, your videos never cease to put a smile on my face and fill my soul with an ever-present and ever-growing urge to get back to Japan and explore as much as humanly possible. Thank you once again for the amazing content, keep up the good work!

[@LuizFernando-ov1um]

Your adventures are really enjoyable to watch and relax. Ever since I started watching your videos I want to start camping and now I just the time to do. Thanks for making those videos

[@vanilla0009]

This just really makes my day.

[@yossisureta2578]

I was waiting for this follow up hiking of the abandoned village! Finally the mystery solved and I’m happy about it🥳

[@wombat1238marsupial]

It's like your on a different planet when you realise it's so close to Tokyo and yet Worlds apart 😊😊

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@seandavie3672]

Thanks again Norm. So interesting and love your passion for exploring.

[@amycole3403]

Yes I'd for sure hike these forgotten trails - those are the best kind! Was happy that you finally got to wander your mystery path and see where it led. As for whether the landscapes look more 2 dimensional than 3, the locations are beautiful and I'll take your videos any day! And doesn't any treat, coffee or #whatnot, just taste better deep in the woods? 🤔🌸

[@ewakraft5770]

Absolutely beautiful and interesting, thanks for showing us!

[@averymorrison3906]

I will never forget my trip to Chichibu in 2017! Shiraito falls were really beautiful. I wish I could get out in nature more often, but it's so hard in Japan without a car I feel like... Great stuff as always Norm!

[@averymorrison3906]

though I had an admittedly sanitized experience compared to this lol

[@scottshepard9008]

I took a trip to Japan in late 2018 where I spent most of my time in Tokyo, but I spent one day out in Chichibu for their festival they have every year on December 3rd. It was such a beautiful place and I hope that I can make it back someday and actually hike the area a bit.

[@megamcee]

Loved the follow-up for the trail.

[@LondonWalkbyLondonSocialite]

nice walk, beautiful 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@memeranglaut]

That hammock does look amazingly comfortable. And that yakiniku looks delicious. Ureshi.

[@jayphillips4942]

I love these videos!! Keep em coming!!

[@carmenation]

Adventure time with Tokyo Lens! I would love hike in Japan especially less known trails!!

[@elly5905]

The acorn!! I'm convinced.. that is small totoro been carrying it !!

[@calebplatt4138]

You are an inspiration to alot of people Norm. Don't ever forget that buddy.

[@TokyoLens]

Too kind Thank you~

[@Anamymasr]

thanks for the adventure

[@pendragnx]

Always a good start to my Sunday to see a new Tokyo Lens video drop ^_^

[@alecbdavis]

You're my favorite yt channel, dude! love the adventures

[@sweetarchangel6748]

Comparing the hammock to the tent, I swear the hammock is bigger 😂 Random kitty ftw 😍 So much greenery, makes me happy. Glad you got to go back and see where that trail went.

[@Thomean]

Nice camp setup montage! And wow, it is really beautiful there. Another location to add to my to go spots in Japan

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers!

[@nightchicken283]

Another great video Norm!

[@kryysberry]

Thats a great log beside a wall! :) fantastic video as always, I was always slightly curious about that path too haha I'm glad you went back to check it out and share

[@monicamares5146]

So sad how people could miss out on the beauty of hiking in such an area!