Inside Japan's WORST TINY Hotel

This is Japan's Worst, Tiniest, and CHEAPEST Hotel... But it's also in Japan's Most DANGEROUS Area [WARNING] - Japanese people call this area The Slum of Japan and it is filled with cheap and tiny hotels. And today, we will stay at the cheapest one we can get into and see what it's like to spend the night inside Japans WORST Tiny Hotel
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*Where to Send Stuff* - As of 10.2021
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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[@TokyoLens]

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[@jonord]

That one gives me a 404 (not found) though. Maybe I need to wait a bit?

[@dolan-duk]

Room door opening outwards = NO! Great way to be trapped in a room.

[@Game0N0000]

I would definitely stay there, the low type toilet is the best 😄 (for people who have constipation 😛 ) But how is the temperature in the room @Tokyo Lens?

[@theRhysus]

I did, like, a week ago 😅

[@JaniceWithTheTarlovCyst]

Norm, I just sent this to my Son as we're supposed to be in Japan for Christmas 2024 through to just after New Years and we're pretty much game for anything (within reason 😂) though I guess it would be too cold in the winter plus neither my Son or I speak Japanese. I'm claustrophobic but I didn't get the ick factor from the room. The first red flag I noticed was the light switch on the outside of the room. Then I realized that the door opened the wrong way, at least for me.

[@lShishkaBerryl]

I would love to see an interview with the 500 yen hotel owner. Since homelessness is said to be ignored and hidden in Japan I'd like to hear from someone actively helping the homeless survive.

[@TokyoLens]

Unfortunately he opted not to be on camera (as you can see in the video) and I’ll always respect that 💜

[@lShishkaBerryl]

@@TokyoLens Understandable, thanks for trying!

[@OpalLeigh]

It’s still so sweet that he’s trying to help people afford somewhere safe to sleep at night:) we still appreciate him!

[@falaalalala]

So Japan isn't a clean and perfect as some travelers make it sound.

[@creativecredence850]

@@falaalalala of course not, they just do a better job of sweeping it under the rug, so to speak

[@stargirl7646]

I respect the owner of the first hotel for explaining things, and for keeping his place for those in need!

[@NoThanksnothanks]

God Bless him, for 3 dollars a night, they must be absolutely desperate, especially with Japanese culture, how it seems very much a class culture, the haves vs the have nothings. U can’t even get a cup of coffee for that much anymore.

[@AlphineWolf]

Basically the Japanese version of the SORs

[@with_me_JAPAN]

I am from Osaka and have heard so many times that this Nishinari area is dangerous (I have never been there actually.) Didn’t know about the cheap hotels(as listed on google) and the reason of there are a lot of them. Thank you for taking the risk going there and let us have new perspective of Osaka. The hotel you stayed is kind of decent considering the price and I enjoyed your room tour as always!😆

[@TokyoLens]

ahhhh yes! Osaka local~ Thanks for sharing your input on this!! It was an interesting experience

[@timschulze4162]

I slept in capsule hotels in Tokyo which were less comfortable, one directly in Shibuya and one in Narita and yours seem real decent despite the creepy light switch 😅

[@TheCyberMantis]

You never been to Nishinari? 🤔 ( Yuka chan has led a sheltered life ne. ☺ )

[@bearnaff9387]

I wasn't surprised when the proprietor explained that the 500 Yen "hotel" was really a medium-stay housing solution for the destitute. The US used to have something similar that we called "Single Room Occupancies (SRO)". SRO's were single, usually furnished, rooms that were very simple and shared a bathroom between multiple units. They provided a stopgap for people who had _some_ income, but were usually in circumstances where they lacked the ability to acquire a lease for an apartment. Regulation has closed many of the SRO's down, forcing people whose income does not permit them a more normal apartment to stay on the street or live in vehicles. Those regulations serve a purpose, many SRO's were terrible places to live and exploited their tenants, but the lack has come with problems.

[@lazerpeabody8062]

@with_Me _JAPAN hello there I’m planning on moving to Japan in the mid 2050s or 2060 still not sure yet hehe anyway I was wondering if you ever heard of this underground mall that opened in 1955 did you hear it won’t close until 2055 & I’m glad norm wasn’t injured in that bad nighbourhood .

[@gabe9125]

7 USD a night? That's not bad AT ALL. I've stayed at American hotels that were $60+ a night that weren't as clean or as quiet as that place.

[@kurtismckemmie4850]

Most of them in America are as low as $79 and up. I haven't $60 in a very long time 😂

[@felipenunez2058]

Tell me about. When you travel to Japan on a budget. Can't be worst than memphis, st Louis or Detroit.

[@CheapSushi]

Heck, I've seen absolute shizz holes for $150 a night and instead of crows, it's someone screaming at the top of their lungs, waking you up.

[@hayleykiyokoisbae1776]

I’ve paid over 100 dollars for a room that had no bed

[@neonistheloneliestcolor971]

In the US, many weekly and extended stay motels are turned into homes for the poor. It's become quite tragic. They would totally live there without complaints.

[@jessicanigri]

that sound of the crows in the morning is my favorite sound to wake up to in japan

[@Boomforce]

Sup Jessica.

[@Magius61]

I miss Japan so much. Crows included.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

@@Magius61Nothing like waking up to the sound a of a murder...of crows. I have stayed at a hotel that had a tree near it that the crows in the area had formed a large murder on of probably more than a hundred crows. They were very talkative every morning.

[@temkokomissarov3240]

Have same sound in pretty much every place I stay xD

[@noxwill01]

Those crows gave me the creeps, especially in Kyoto. Those one are not the same ones like here in Europe thats for sure.

[@jazzmochi2561]

that owner is a hero, im telling you. he/she is so informative and kind for explaining you and redirect you! :)

[@TheresOnlyVenomTOV]

I actually stayed there with a couple of friends. I didnt realise the area was that dangerous until watching this video. Once Norm called it a slum something triggered in my brain and made the link to the airbnb we got. Honestly would recommend staying away, it was super sketchy. The whole area is run down, you hear people shouting and swearing at each other & I even saw multiple fights breaking out. It was all too common to see people just sitting on the road outside run down buildings in the middle of the day. The unfortunate part was, while we walked to and from our airbnb, we saw a lot of physically disabled old people - this just broke my heart. It was almost like they all had been abandoned and left to fend for themselves. I honestly was taken a back when i experienced this, would not have expected it from japan.

[@mistymoon883]

Statistically, my city (Winnipeg) is in the top 10 most dangerous cities in Canada (used to be first but now it’s 8?) and is also in the top 100 most dangerous cities in the world. The hotels in the worst neighbourhoods here might look nicer in comparison but are definitely far worse in terms of what you get for your money. Looks okay on the outside and a much bigger room, but questionable cleanliness, bugs and used drug paraphernalia are common issues. The people you could expect to encounter are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, lots of meth addicts and gang affiliates, as well as the unfortunate homeless people with untreated mental health conditions. This hotel looks like it’s seen better days but you can tell that staff are doing their best to maintain it and keep it clean. If you don’t feel your safety is at risk and a stolen hat is the worst thing that happens then it’s probably not a bad choice for the price. I would only stay there if I couldn’t afford a nicer place in a “better” location. Side note: I live in a nice area (not the fancy rich neighbourhoods) with a great community, lots of young families and wonderful schools. My car was broken into in the middle of the afternoon outside my local grocery store last week. The past few years the problems of the core area have spread out further into the “old suburbs” with easy access on public transportation. It’s now a regular occurrence to find someone passed out with a needle in their arm at a bus stop and having your car broken into, both in broad daylight and unfortunately near schools too.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you for sharing that!

[@fuzzyturtlez8994]

Are you sure you were in Japan and not any other populated place in the states?

[@Drapiezhnik]

Depends which year you've been there, but you might not be too mistaken about those disabled elderly folks being abandoned. Mostly they are or used to be "day workers" doing any sort of job that might hire them and are either lonely or not communicating with family elatives. Also, number of people on welfare in that district is highest in Japan. Also, this area is known to have the biggest amount of street protests and even riots since like 1960's, the latest big one was back in 2008.

[@themadmallard]

@@mistymoon883 for sure. one look at the bathroom affirms that.

[@Embarrassed_Mess_]

That was quite the lavish storage closet you stayed in there 😂 For that price, I’d stay there for sure. I’ve paid way more for much worse hotels in the past. This one may not be real fancy, but at least they maintain the facility well. Thanks for showing us your closet stay! 😊

[@ZalyQQ]

Watching your last video I told myself it was totally going to be this area of Osaka; I just spent three weeks in japan, 5 days in Osaka and had the same experience. I had this notion that japan was so clean and perfect, but my friend managed to somehow break that illusion by finding the CHEAPEST hostel right across from Shin-imamiya station. It was $16 a night and way worse than what you stayed in. The neighbourhood had soooo many old homeless drunks and 'ladies of the night'. We were offered "cheap massage" everywhere. It's a real shame because the Tsutenkaku tower area and the shopping street around it was so lively and nice, but the neighbourhood itself was definitely not it. It had mold on every surface and peeling wallpaper with more mold behind it, the common room on the main floor had roaches hiding under everything and would come out at night. I didn't even want to hang out with the other travellers down there it was so bad. I met some WONDERFUL people and made some real friends there but the actual hostel was so unbelievably bad it actually made us literally sick. My friend didn't understand why I wanted to take the train 2 stops north to JR Namba to hang out and eat everynight... I just REALLY didn't want to be near the hostel. Edit: The hostel was Peace House Sachi; Stay away!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks for sharing that!!

[@matho6003]

A lot of 'ladies of the night' offering "cheap massage" and a cheap hotel in Japan sounds like paradise.

[@aishajung3430]

This brings back fond memories of lugging suitcases up and down the chipped tile stairs of Shin Imamiya station XD

[@tyrcipher8811]

@@matho6003lol… That probably exactly what these hotels are for.

[@Zorayas]

We walked out of another nearby hostel by the same company two weeks ago! Peace House Suzunami. I was shocked that the reviews were quite good on Google. (I added my own review now with pictures) The room in this video is much nicer because at least it’s clean. The room had lots of trash on the floors, gunk in the carpet and hairs in the bed. When I told the foreigners that were running the place at reception that I think they forgot to clean the room the guy insisted that he did. So he just missed the used toothpick in the middle of the desk, the old receipts and pill cases in the middle of the floor etc. We ended up getting a refund through Agoda and stayed at Hotel Shin-Imamiya right next to the station instead. Nice, clean, new,y renovated room. I like staying in that area because of Spa World, amazing onsen.

[@399-CY]

Bless the 500¥ hotel staff for directing you this way. Seems like it might have been real bad. This one was surprisingly reasonable! Though as you said, not super comfortable in summer or winter though...

[@TokyoLens]

was lovely of him huge appreciation

[@bearnaff9387]

The 500¥ hotel is very similar to a lot of places we used to have in the US, actually. Regulation may have pushed the Single Room Occupancy out of the market, but the need for this kind of housing persists.

[@XSemperIdem5]

Besides not being good for a traveler, it sounds like homeless people rely on it for housing so I get not staying there for both reasons; Norm's safety and not taking up a room someone desperately needs.

[@rajeshgajwelly9035]

I don't understand why the owner did not recommend you to stay at his 500 yen hotel. Was it dangerous? If so who uses the hotel?

[@wakkowarner8810]

​@@rajeshgajwelly9035 they have hotels like that in the USA and they are usually used by people who shoot heroin or people looking for prostitutes

[@morlock2086]

We used to have something called SROs in the larger cities. A Single Room Occupancy hotel was used by the perpetually down and out as a residence so that transient workers - a marginalized population - would have something like a home address where they could stay and have things mailed to them - benefits and such. An example would be the residence of Elwood Blues in the Blues Brothers film. This all fell apart when the major cities began to renovate their downtown areas. Many of these SROs were either knocked down and replaced or renovated into condos. Thus an increase in homelessness across the US and Canada. Your 500 Yen "hotel" sounds like an SRO.

[@Hispandinavian]

I'm staying at a capsule hotel near Osaka Namba Station. I'll be too much of a novice to Japan, to go too far off the chart, so to speak.

[@plektosgaming]

There are a ton of these still in most major cities. San Francisco and Los Angeles, especially. (Chicago and New York seem to have torn most of them down by now) You'll never find them on any apartment site, and you have a fair chance of being mugged at any time. But if you need a place to rent for a week, no questions asked, there you go :)

[@karenneill9109]

That was the same thought I had.

[@anthonydowney-uo2zo]

SROs in SD are way more expensive now 500-1200 a month

[@weekendintokyo]

I actually stayed at Hotel Diamond for two nights back in 2015! It was my second Japan trip, I was only 19 back then. It was definitely a memorable stay. Definitely remember not liking the shower there too much, as they're only on the first floor.

[@Suicune-oz4ou]

Wow, what an adventure! Tbh considering the price I was expecting it to be WAYYYY worse, so honestly I was pretty impressed.

[@Shibafi]

Please stay safe, dont ever put yourself at risk in any way possible for showing us areas like these! Thank you for showing us this hidden gem in this particular area, and the kindness of those who guided you to a "safer" hotel to stay for the night, with that said please be safe once again and looking forward to the next adventure!

[@JourneyPT]

While I understand Norm in this one, because he just wants to share interesting things with us. As someone with a job related with security I seriously agree with the above comment. I'm sure lots of people might disagree with us but mate put your safety first and at least visit those places with a local. It's a interesting video, I just think putting yourself at serious risk might not be worth it. Best regards. 🎩

[@7ngel]

I bet most US cities are more dangerous than this place lol

[@widyasantoso4910]

I understand your concern, but I don't think it is needed. While Norm's encounter with the hat thief was shocking, he has enough street smarts to not lead himself into any serious danger.

[@markgriessie3697]

This area is spr safe this guy is just crying

[@SmilingQuokka]

Good evening from Perth, WA! This was an interesting one. Thank you for venturing into this area to share with us. While its cheap and clean, i dont think i could stay in this one. The dodgy wiring situation, the light switch being outside, the general atmosphere, made me feel anxious. I'm glad to hear the first hotel was keen to keep spaces free for those more down on their luck. I assume they're more like a hostel rather than a hotel. The owner sounds like a good person if they're looking out for others.

[@blackgirlyellowsunvibes]

Saying hey to you Perth from Spokane

[@whyisthisathingnow...]

Nice to see someone else from Perth watching!

[@mgollow]

Hey fellow Perth person. But now I am living in Japan

[@SmilingQuokka]

@@whyisthisathingnow... Thanks! Best part of my evening 😊

[@rachelbrennan6882]

Hello from Perth County in Ontario Canada!

[@kevinholt2648]

Having been sent to various places around the world with questionable appointments and company. I would stay here, but it would not be for everybody. Thanks for sharing Norm, it definitely redefines/refocuses a person's requirements for a place to stay.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much~

[@IrisCorven]

With the exception of the questionable wiring, that actually does seem like quite the deal. Decent bedding, clean restrooms, a decent selection of vending machines. Hell, I've stayed at low-end hotels in the states that don't even have clean restrooms IN the room.

[@sharril1408]

I went to japan a month ago and stayed at this neighbourhood at an airbnb! For sure the vibes you get at night didn’t really feel as safe as compared to a more popular area, but overall it was a nice and peaceful place to stay in. It’s actually quite convenient too. Less than 15 mins away to the Dotonbori and Namba area.

[@mrrobotnica]

The thing about Nishinari is that, for all the time I’ve spent around there, it’s actually not that bad these days. You just have to be more mindful of the drunk and crazy people (the forgotten) at night, but they generally leave you alone. Dobutsuen Mae and Tsutenkaku have more or less been gentrified ever since Abeno Harukas was built.

[@fabiok.3043]

I have casually walked into Nishinari while visiting Osaka during daytime, and thought it was so amusing. I walked through an old shopping area and it was so interesting to see old vending machines and local karaoke places. I also did read about the Yakuza presence over there, but I didn't feel unsafe at all. At night time it looks like it might be a different story though.

[@Starboy_tw]

Love your ‘Tiny appartment ’series 😍 please make more

[@shinyagumon7015]

That abandoned hotel was very creepy😢 Glad you didn't stay there cause I'm almost sure that video would've turned into a found footage film.😂

[@TokyoLens]

was a bit too much....

[@XSemperIdem5]

@@TokyoLens that place was basically a set for a horror video game. The doll heads. Why? Just, why?

[@shuriken05]

You ain't kidding. I thought if he even dared stay there he'd end up getting spirited away into some horror movie.

[@silluete]

Or got massive lice infection. Don't ask how I know.

[@josephgelsthorpe6995]

Sounded like a guy was cryin 6:56

[@k_redacted5353]

Always interesting to see such a subject in a not sensationalized presentation 🤩 awesome as always

[@TokyoLens]

all too kind~ Thank you so much!

[@TehGoldenWiz]

Awesome to see another video highlighting the little known spots in Japan!

[@TokyoLens]

More to come!

[@TehGoldenWiz]

@@TokyoLens Looking forward to seeing your next adventure!

[@TokyoLens]

the Tokyo Lens Shorts channel will get 3+ new vids a WEEK!

[@laurabustos6560]

I've been waiting all week for this!!! Thanks Mr Norm for sharing your adventures with us! ✌️

[@TokyoLens]

More to come! the shorts channel will be FULL of mini adventures

[@felipekfcosta]

Honestly, I really appreciate both places, the first one for being an accessible place for homeless people, and the one you stayed for maintaing a clean and cheap place, especially considering the usual living costs in Japan. I dont think I'd find a place half as decent for that price where I live, and I don't imagine either them make much money at all, but they're still there

[@yetiiiiiiiii]

thank you for all of these videos! I'm taking a leap of faith and I booked a 1 month long solo trip to Japan for next February :) Never travelled solo so wish me luck! :D

[@sassafrasdent4557]

Thanks for another interesting ‘tiny spaces’ video & I’m very happy to hear the news of your new channel! The brazen theft of your hat seemed pretty shocking for Japan. I’m not sure I’d feel safe to stay in that specific area but it would be good in a jam & looked preferable to a capsule hotel. The hotel due to be demolished was the stuff of nightmares - definitely glad you didn’t stay there!

[@rysiekkolanko2324]

Morning Norm! You always show us the best of tiny spaces, it's fun to go the other way and see the worst for a change of pace

[@TokyoLens]

this one is... WILD

[@SwerlingZero]

I stayed in an AirBnb in Nishinari ward earlier this month; we had no idea what the area was like when we booked it. It was definitely very run down and dodgy compared to everywhere else I've been to in Japan, but I never felt unsafe even when walking there at night. I certainly felt safer there than walking around in my home city in the UK.

[@darinschneider8192]

I really really appreciate how your videos are not about where to eat, or what temple or onsen to go to... thanks to you I have so many thrift stores saved to visit!!

[@dblock5one4]

While the room is small, just enough space to basically sleep, who could complain for $7, that's insane, I'd sleep there if I was traveling on a budget. Good to know these places exist! I'd prefer this over a hostile.

[@TokyoLens]

yeah at least you have your own space and a lock right? not bad!

[@dblock5one4]

@@TokyoLens Exactly!

[@retrohipster1060]

Serious shout out to the guy who was renting rooms for 500 yen. What a kind soul..

[@IdoBerg]

that video was awesome norm! loved the editing and vibes! keep going

[@mattiswithdrawn]

Man Norm you have no idea how much I love your videos, I always get so excited when they pop up! ❤

[@jeffreylivermore1048]

Whenever I travel Japan, I look for cheap hostels. I just need a place to sleep, bathe and put my stuff. Hearing about places like this is great and let's me know there are more options out there. Now, I usually travel with a group, so this would only be used if I was alone. But still, good to know about

[@JeekayTenn]

I actually stayed in Nishinari on a week trip to Osaka, not realising it was one of the dodgiest areas in all of Japan (which is probably still safer than any area in my local city). I stayed near Doubutsuen-Mae station, so near the edge, and I'm 90% sure my hotel was also very much the place where homless people stayed. It was 4 tatami mats large, but was dirt cheap! (Also saw some strange bugs in the corridors, but hey they never came into my room)

[@cppctek]

I’m so glad I found your KZbin channel. This is such a vibe ❤

[@RahulM-ck4zs]

Amazing video as always Norm.

[@koxukoshu]

Would definitely stay the night! Seems comfy enough aside from the fact that people can play with the light switch from outside. In a pinch, I would kill for a place like this for the price.

[@Stormcrow89]

I know it was located in the less savory area of the city, but it seemed more quiet than what I was expecting. I’m not sure if I would stay there, though. Decent accommodations, but I just get a weird feeling about the place. Maybe it was how the floor plan was laid out, or the wiring….still a very interesting find!

[@nickc7494]

Excellent content

[@GentlemanCorpseTechno]

I love that you still have this shirt, I think I saw it first when you explored some abandoned village. Got the same and really love it, especially those button up sleeves. :D

[@yossisureta2578]

Holy 🐄 I’m glad that you were safe there!! But the room actually looks better than capsule hotel as you say🙄 thanks for always expanding my horizons👀🌱✨ also excited to watch your new shorts channel!!

[@TokyoLens]

lol that cow emoji killed me The shorts channel is gonna be a TON of fun!!

[@inkarozu2309]

The fact I could stay there for two weeks for less than a single night of a cheap hotel in the states is insane. I would absolutely stay there on a vacation.

[@allisonrobertson5423]

Thanks for the video! Glad you're ok :)

[@Bear-jg8ey]

I love your videos i been watching you for a few years now. Never stop! 🎉

[@PunkJax]

I went to Osaka for a day and had a wonderful time, but even my very pretty hostel I stayed at managed to end up having bedbugs and ruining the rest of my trip. Good luck on these stays!

[@whutever]

I once booked a place in this area for a good week when I was a student, not knowing the infamy of Nishinari. Homeless people were everywhere around the area but the hotel (or rather, the apartment) itself was actually not bad at all. They house some homeless people at the place, and I never stumbled upon them inside the premise, but the caretaker was very kind and accommodating.

[@kdawg8292]

Ive been a fan of Japan for a long time and i enjoy the insight into japan that you provide.

[@aleenr4425]

You’re the best! Great video!

[@halbmetallmensch]

I've stayed in Nishinari myself in the past, because of the cheap hotels. While not the nicest area I never felt especially unsafe. I think I also payed something below 2000 Yen a night back then, but the room was a bit nicer, while still basic of course :) It's also easy to reach and the Osaka Tower and a huge Donki is close by :D

[@leouchiha1539]

I think I could live with the space and bathroom situation but I would be scared to stay in the area as a young woman

[@TheSilveryew]

I was coming here to say this, if I was travelling in a group maybe I could do it, but certainly not on my own >

[@startingover7217]

Same here.

[@MarkoPot]

Thank you for yet another tiny space video!! This one is so cheap that it's definitely worth it lol

[@jamesstuart3346]

Great content...keep it up 😊

[@joshuamstark]

Well to be honest, what is a hotel but a place to clean up, and lay your head? Dollar to dollar, great find, I think. Great video Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

not a bad place overall

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

I was astounded that the room had a lock! I'd prefer a capsule hotel, the amenities in some are just insane 😮 Quite surprised to see this side of Japan when it's Always so smart and clean 😕

[@Megamibunny]

The Sanya slums prove that it’s not what it seems in Japan and it’s a facade.

[@timothyliong3772]

Thank you for the video. Lucky for you to be able to found this place before it's gone.

[@TokyoLens]

yeah me too~

[@AvaFayIliza]

Thank you for putting your YTshorts on a different channels. As far as staying in the hotel, If I was really down on my luck in Japan, and I needed a place to sleep, then Yes, I would stay there. I would not, however, choose to stay there for the purpose of "an experience". I am glad you showed it to us. Thank you! 💖-Ava

[@ScibyTravels]

I lived just south of that area for a couple of years, in a place called Tengachaya and had ridden my pushbike through Dobutsuenmae countless times and never had a problem or felt unsafe. Yeah, it was always a bit dodgy and lots of homeless people around because allegedly a lot of Osaka's homeless get collected and processed in that area just SW of that Hotel Diamond, but I never had a problem - but one night I had to walk through there for reasons and got mugged and "lightly stabbed" (long story, very shallow cut, didn't even realise until i got home) just over the other side of the tracks from that hotel. So yeah... Nishinari Ward is sketchy and I'm not sure I'd ever stay there as a tourist, but people still go about their lives there..

[@MWKRider]

I definitely would stay there. I remember on my first trip to Japan, me and my friends found a really cheap hotel in Osaka for about 800jpy a night. The room was slightly bigger than the one featured in the video but it was basically the same. Toilets were super modern though and it had a nice common area. Basically a place like this is more than doable for me since it’s basically the same. Edit: I think the area might have been the same because there was a lot of homeless from what I remember.

[@Ghost19_]

9:45 there is a cute house on the corner and it really got me thinking if all of those arts were graffiti or paint-intended. Really looks cool!

[@saypinecone]

Yes I’ve been waiting for this video!!

[@AnnikaVictoria24]

OMG me and my partner accidentally ended up in this neighbourhood after following our map wrong (this was 2011 we still had paper maps haha) and after experiencing the rest of japan as excitable 19 year olds, we were just like "WHAT IS HAPPENING :O " we went past all these lil buildings with young women sitting in the windows like a display, and old ladies outside them being like "ahh come in", i guess they were brothels??? i had forgotten about this happening until you posted this haha

[@GG_JoJo]

That first hotel was giving off VERY dangerous vibes. But besides that, the mess! 🤢 The gentlemen that gave you some direction, though, I thought that was very kind of him. The second hotel, if you were to take it out of the dangerous area it was located in, seemed not that bad. It was clean. And other than the street noise coming in, it seemed very quiet.

[@TJ-Games]

Awesome vid as usual! 😊 Ty for showing options for travelers on a budget! I'm really hoping to get to Japan next spring and I think could stay at a place like this. I figure I will be spending most of my time outside seeing sights, visiting places and trying food!

[@nicholerigsby5033]

It's a simple pleasure to wake up in the morning and see a new Tokyo Lens video, thanks Norm!

[@jomarlanthonyejim6018]

I would stay there for a night if not for the area. As you described, I can imagine how dangerous the general area around is. Were you not scared at all after your hat got stolen? 😰

[@TokyoLens]

I was frustrated... I was unharmed and safe but an unpleasant experience overall

[@thelonelyamazonian7039]

Norm is Brave and 💪. Our prayers are with him, However, he’s intelligent and prefers to avoid confrontation. 👍 🇬🇧

[@TheresOnlyVenomTOV]

I actually stayed there with a couple of friends. I didnt realise the area was that dangerous until watching this video. Once Norm called it a slum something triggered in my brain and made the link to the airbnb we got. Honestly would recommend staying away, it was super sketchy. The whole area is run down, you hear people shouting and swearing at eat othe, fights breaking out. People just sitting on the road outside run down buildings. The unfortunate part was, while we walked to and from our airbnb we saw a lot of physicalled disabled old people - this just broke my heart. It was almost like they all had been abandoned and left to fend for themselves. I honestly was taken a back when i experienced this, would not have expected it from japan.

[@saphcal]

same

[@JaniceWithTheTarlovCyst]

​​@@TheresOnlyVenomTOV😢 The physically disabled elderly hit home because that describes me, though I'm in 🇨🇦 and have a really nice one bedroom apartment in a beautiful apartment building in a safe part of my city. Whenever I venture downtown I'm struck by the homeless elderly people and the youths. I don't have much as I'm on a small disability pension but I'll buy coffee and doughnuts for people and share my 🚬 (bad habit, I know) with anyone who asks. I normally keep a few extra packs in my car because I know I'll get asked at least 3-4 times. Our city is buying up real estate left and right to build high-rise apartment buildings while ignoring the vulnerable people who, I have found out time and time again were homeless suddenly when COVID hit; there's not enough RGI housing in my city. I understand your heartbreak. I've worked full-time since 1977 until I became disabled in 2009. I applied for RGI housing and disability who then made me withdraw every penny in my RRSP. The law has since changed and Ontario Disability can no longer make you withdraw your RRSP.

[@carlossantiago6642]

I know nowhere in the world is perfect but I was shocked to see Japan have an area like this. Great video norm and happy holidays.

[@Grimlock-ry8fg]

Another amazing video, Norm.🙂

[@kankun123]

wow what an experience loved it

[@thelonelyamazonian7039]

Thank You Norm, that was a very interesting perspective of ‘the most Dangerous place in Japan’. However, to me it seemed like the most safest place……in comparison to London. 👀 Keep up the good work, and stay hydrated! 👍 Love & Peace 💙✌️🇬🇧

[@Pkou]

I love this! I'm all for more of the er... darker? seedier? more dangerous side? of Japan that you don't usually get to see. I'd be fine staying in something that small. But I'd be fine in a capsule too. I've also stayed in worse for more expensive. Lol

[@Wasser-fz9ub]

Oh I was so waiting for this one

[@bg695]

It’s buckwheat in the pillow. I had them at my business hotel in Tokyo when I travelled for work and I loved them! I actually bought one for home :)

[@Shanyandao]

I don‘t know what i expected the hotel room to look like, but it definitely wasn’t this 😂 Don’t think i could spend the night there, i‘d need more space 😢 Also getting banned from every local bar is quite the achievement 🤔

[@TokyoLens]

was a bit of a surprise~ and yea... she worked hard on that lol

[@thedankengine585]

What did she do to get herself so thoroughly banned?

[@XSemperIdem5]

@@thedankengine585 my guess would be disorderly conduct while highly intoxicated plus maybe not paying her bills.

[@altf4gaming637]

The "Worst" place in Japan is 1000000 times better than 99% places in South Africa. So sad.

[@TokyoLens]

lol

[@zerry6184]

honestly another amazing video , though that one bathroom gave me ptsd. Thanks Norm !

[@simtitan1]

Thank you for making these videos. Its fascinating to see how people live their lives in other parts of the world. Japan for the most part looks like a really nice place to live. Not too sure I could survive in those tiny apartments though.

[@foxtomian]

4th ❤

[@TokyoLens]

Nailed it~

[@sordmasta6646]

"most dangerous area in tokyo" hehe. so basically normal for europe. and very safe for latin america.

[@TokyoLens]

sure

[@franco3584]

Great Video Norm ,. I think its great to show areas that are a little sketchy or dangerous letting people beware . I love Osaka but have always had that feeling , if I venture out too far , it could be a bad thing . I don't think I'd stay there because of the area and the fear of loosing my hat 😉

[@Nyraksi]

Something that really surprised me while visiting Japan is how clean everything is. I stayed at ryokans and everything was always so well maintained and clean. I was scared of using the shared showers but they were always very safe with a locking door. That was about 10 years ago and I remember the cheapest ryokan were around 25$ CAD each night per persons. We stayed in more expensive ones in Kyoto that were such a joy, we returned 3x in our following trips. It was still much cheaper and more convenient than hotels.

[@Fou12]

Thank you Norm for all these videos! Love from greece !

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much!! Glad to have you here~

[@t.kersten7695]

just another facette of Japan i´ve had never seen before. it is a real country with real people after all, with all their ups and downs and day to day struggles. Tokio Lens turns out to be a real magnifying glass once again, focussing on details, tourists might barely encounter in their sight-seeing rush. and by the way. if i would ttravel to Japan, i would make sure to stay a proper hotels. just one part of the overall costs for travelling.

[@kamiiu]

this is actually pretty cool! i live in nyc and its impossible to find an affordable hotel. im glad japan has places you can sleep in without much money.

[@shanellaj]

Norm, I'm glad you're ok. So Happy the owner told you they were closing and the other person suggestion you shouldn't stay

[@BW13771]

I spent a week in the exact area you opened the video in. It definitely opened my eyes to a different side of Japan 0:25

[@LetsgowithHyro]

This in a weird way is cool😂 Thanks for creating these unique Vlogs Norm👍🏼

[@walterishere5864]

1:52 You're so hardworking, my lazy bum's most definitely going to the 7th floor to go down to the 6th floor.

[@ghoffrantaha]

MY DAY JUST GOT BETTER!!!!

[@Minkyon]

omg a new Tokyo lens video!! woohoo

[@angelpjc]

Goodness, scary location. Glad you made it out unscathed. Do people live long term in places like that? I've seen your tiny apartments but cannot recall the prices. Thank you for the content. 😊

[@maurocontreras9628]

It amazes me the polarity of Japan is. Like how forward some parts are yet backwards on others.

[@magical_catgirl]

I stay in this ward just about every time I'm in Osaka. On the northern edge of the ward near Shin-Imamiya Station. Reasonable walk (except during summer) to Namba and Tennoji. I've seen the large amount of homeless people in the area, but never felt unsafe.

[@Drapiezhnik]

Thanks for the video! Brings back a few memories (of randomly wandering around the city and somehow ending up around Shin-Imamiya "under the bridge" part in the evening). Been living in Osaka for 3 years and can confirm the locals (mostly colleagues of middle class, living close to the city center or in those commuter towns) are real scared of Nishinari\Kamagasaki and older Tennoji part (the one where Tobita Shinchi and Shinsekai are), all of these being called "dangerous slums" with Nishinari probably being the most scary due to a large amount of homeless elderly drunkards. This district also has a fame of "used to be criminal lair" as a large part of tennants were not really registered anywhere and been kind of hard to track down, so it's been the best "lay low" place for petty or not-so-petty criminals. I also believe it used to be much more dangerous in 1980's and 1990's, by now it's just noisy and run down. I'm originally from Eastern Europe, so... yeah, I agree the district could be called slums, but "the most dangerous" - per Japanese standards, like it's not a hell on Earth for sure.

[@pres002]

Ayee you use that camera clip, I do too! Opens up so much while your cam is attached is nice

[@Tscharlieh]

It is still very clean. That is amazing.

[@chantellemifsud7033]

Atleast it has a window not bad :) I wouldn't t stay if there's no sign of air for sure. Cool videos