Kyoto's BEST Kept Secret Hidden Shrines You Never Knew Existed!

[@TokyoLens]

*NOTIFICATION SQUAD LOVE!!* Going to have to go back again! Still more to explore! Huge thanks to Tokyo Treat and Sakuraco - Use Code LENS to get $5 off for your first #Sakuraco box here team.sakura.co/tokyolens-SC2208 nd #TokyoTreat box here: team.tokyotreat.com/tokyolens-TT2208

[@alchemytree]

What's the name of that track that this video ends with?? Did you write it or have it written for this video/your channel?? It's so good : )

[@floredev4398]

I love to go to the Senbon Torii, every year when I visit I climbe it the same way but behind a lot of shrines there are smaller routes down, everytime it is enchanting me with unseen beauty. In 2019 when I discovered a shirne that is on the back of the mountain it took me 8 km to walk back to the front of the Senbon Torri. Thanks for letting us that can not travel to Japan in the moment enjou all the beauty of Japan

[@thefineartsteacher]

Japanese Style Originator (netflix or amazon, don’t remember which) has an episode on Tori Gate construction, They are very pricy, even back when it was filmed

[@VEOSEEO]

Your channel is so kool🤩 I want to experience living in Japan 🇯🇵 one day, of course once I learn Japanese 😅

[@pollyanna108]

Hoping for your immediate recovery 🙏

[@sherryberryjp]

It was a true adventure! I loved every second of it:) Thank you Norm for the great time in Kyoto!!

[@TokyoLens]

SHERRY!!! Thanks for tagging along! You can officially warn people now that tagging along on a “Norm” adventure is a bear-warning-filled stair festival, right? Hahaha

[@sherryberryjp]

@@TokyoLens hahaha yeah, it was quite an experience lol

[@dolabellajr]

👏👏👏😊⭐

[@conquerthedancefloor]

@@sherryberryjp I just realized it was you that choreographed the Japanese Schoolgirls dance number from a few years back… Impressive ✨ Fantastic work!

[@CoversbyPatYam]

It was nice seeing you here on another Tokyo Lens video, Sherry!

[@Ruperth316]

need more content like this one, country side, road less traveled, off the beaten path type of adventures and with Sherry 👏

[@Violetlais]

There's something so eerily beautiful and sad about the bridges that seem to lead to nowhere, slowly rusting into nothingness. Like a forgotten glimpse of time mostly hidden from the present.

[@LhasaThailand]

I love seeing Sherry in your videos again. She's such a fun personality.

[@thetypebeast]

I love Sherry’s rating system: start at 10 and go from there because this stuff is amazing 🤩

[@TokyoLens]

Felt right!

[@sherryberryjp]

Right~!? Lol

[@tccandler]

Sherry is a fantastic travel buddy! I like how enthusiastic she is.

[@Joonivy]

Woah you're here. Is Norm going on the Top 100 Handsome faces? 👀

[@tccandler]

@@Joonivy Norm is a very handsome man, but I don't think he going to make the Top 100... He will be tied for 101st, like the rest of us.

[@250kmonths]

That's why I love Japan, you got big modern cities with a lot of people and big buildings but also beautiful traditional spots in nature. Both the countryside and the city are amazing in Japan

[@MP-fj6wl]

Sherry's back!!!! Loving this exploration of Kyoto Norm!!

[@TokyoLens]

It’s been far too long~

[@sherryberryjp]

Yes, I’m back!!

[@MP-fj6wl]

Well you both need to post vids more. Sherry especially since we always have to wait so long to see her.

[@becks5867]

‘Waking in the middle of the night and can’t remember if you locked the 7th or 8th gate!’ It looks like a lovely area to walk through, I loved the designs on the first gates 💜

[@scaleddragon143]

Bro, you don't know how much I love seeing people visit abandoned places and imagining I'm there! Definitely on my bucket list! I love how easily you can find mysterious things in Japan.

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

Love your series of abandoned places and buildings! The way you describe them is very interesting cuz you notice things that Japanese people wouldn’t notice sometimes 😊

[@kurtisdowns5156]

You know, I live in Chicago and have for a long time, but watching your channel rekindles my urge for Urban exploring. Chicago and Tokyo are very different places, no surprise there, but wherever people congregate like this, there's always little things that become worth rediscovering.

[@KatsuEnthusiast]

I can not put into words how much joy watching your adventures and explorations gives me

[@TokyoLens]

Secret second comment!! PATREON SUMMER SALE just kicked off!! Come learn how to find hidden spots, enjoy the secret podcast, discord, weekly livestreams, and more!! www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-summer-70789803

[@floccinaucci]

adding support

[@thempstead]

Join us, we have (pictures of) cookies

[@ChiChisStreams]

I am so super happy that I've managed to rejoin patreon. After being part of this awesome family I just felt lost for the month away. I've missed everyone there!! Now I'm back and super happy! Thank you Norm for the Sale and giving me the oportunity to be reunited with the awesome pigeon family

[@KirstenReusch]

The patreon is awesome and absolutely loaded with fantastic content. I'm very much looking forward to what's coming soon. 💜✌🐦🥳

[@briannakwiatkowski7965]

I could spend all day at the shrines, just looking everywhere, getting "lost" and taking sooo many photos. It seems so peaceful and serene there, almost like a scene out of a Studio Ghibli film 😄

[@OverdrivenDom]

I see you have discovered the Kyoto Trail! It's awesome! Starting at Fushimi Inari, you can basically hike around the city of Kyoto on the mountains in a counter-clockwise direction. You can't do it in one day because it is 84km, but you can definitely do daytrips out to certain points by transit! It seems the section you two stumbled on is on the Fushimi-Fukakusa course, which I can't say I have done, but now I need to do that hike the next time I'm in Kyoto!

[@TokyoLens]

That Is AMAZING!!!

[@lazyshinobi2861]

Everything you show us is such a vibe. Idk if anyone else noticed this but once you read this you won’t un noticed. The sound of the cicadas is something special. These areas look beautiful in the summer.

[@littleprincefox]

This video really brings me back! I went to Kyoto on my first trip to Japan and while we did go to some of the more touristy shrines, we found ourselves lost along different roads and just happening upon different little shrines. Those were the really best walks we did because they were absolutely beautiful and we got to enjoy them all to ourselves!

[@Forward.Motion.Social]

Those hidden little gems in Japan are some of the most magical spots I’ve found in my entire life. There’s so much beautiful countryside with unknown spots like what you found! Gosh I wanna see it all again soon 😂 Sherry is awesome! Glad to see her again

[@sofiadeleon6373]

I like how excited you are in every video even though you have been living in Japan for years. This shows how real and genuine you are 😊

[@QCoraA]

What a fun adventure this is so far! I love seeing you explore Japan, especially with friends! I never knew that about the garbage, very unfortunate. Here in America, you can just drive to a dump and throw extra garbage away, yet people still dump it all over the place... guess it goes to show people will do whatever they want because they can. Hope your injuries get better soon and can't wait to see where you end up exploring next!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much, Sarah

[@lunal3blanc]

The bridge around 18 minutes is incredible - I love it!!! I'm moving to Japan in about a month and I love adventuring haphazardly without a plan (as I find if you go in with nothing planned, sometimes you come across the most incredible things/people!)...but I'd love to go there someday (if I can find it, haha!). The bridge you drove across was fascinating, as well. Always just been a lurker ~ but wanted to say thanks for sharing your adventures. All the best and take care!

[@fnorazril]

I'm a scatter brained fool that usually sees the videos come out within minutes and then life gets in the way and months later I wind up going and visiting them. Always a sucker for the exploration videos. Hidden you say? On it. Shrine you say? Definitely there. Combine the two and I'm avidly hanging off of each second, frame by frame just luxuriating in the atmosphere. Thank you as always for the delightful video and taking me along for the ride.

[@alphamike87]

Great video brother, the Shrines looked beautiful, I'd love to see everything in person. Awesome you and Sherry got to explore, also love seeing Sherry again.

[@ruilovewei]

When the shrine showed up at 11:46 together with the music I almost started crying... it was sooo beautiful and it felt like something out of an animated movie. I love your videos of abandoned and hidden places in Japan. It’s just something about them being totally empty and how the nature has started to take over but the place still stays absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to see your future videos visiting more places like this!

[@normar3773]

Love your "adventure walks"! It's so great just to be able to go for a jaunt and discover hidden gems. Seeing you do this in Japan is wonderful. The sights and (real!) sounds are stunning. Thank you for your hardwork and dedication in showing us your excursions. It is greatly appreciated ☺️

[@paulcope3018]

Your enthusiasm and curiosity is contagious! Thank you! My husband and I cannot wait to go back to Japan and explore more! Thank you Norm.

[@JSStudios.official]

It’s amazing how many hidden places there are. I loved the second shrine the most, the contrast between the threes and the gate was amazing

[@stevenkaest7306]

I love how genuinely excited you are when you explore Norm. Hi from Australia 🇦🇺

[@ninjaman1751]

These are exactly the kind of adventures that I have always wanted to get up to in japan

[@EmberMoonprincess92]

On my way from my hostel to Kyoto station in 2019 I found a small little shrine tucked away so I’m very excited about this video!

[@TokyoLens]

So many hidden spots!!

[@PaulSmith46122]

Everytime you have Sherry on I know it will be great. Her smile is so infectious!

[@Joopis]

Looks like such a mystical and beautiful hike there. I love moss and nature and everything just looks like it's rich in history. Also, those cicadas are SO loud omg!!

[@nephalem770]

You are living my dream traveling through japan visiting all these beautiful places! thanks for sharing man much appreciated :-)

[@MikkiNB]

The resourcefulness and thoughtful planning of some of these spaces! How the items in these spaces are made and many by hand! What a beautiful area to explore.

[@garrytuohy9267]

Great Bridges and what a helpfull travelling companion.

[@Stormcrow89]

I think this is my favorite video so far. Love seeing the flip side to the bustling cities; all that nature and how it’s slowly taking claim to paths and such. Gives it a peaceful atmosphere.

[@zachbirch1545]

I’ve been watching all your stuff for nearly a year but shy to comment before but this has made me finally break. You impress the hell out me, from flying to boating to just making it to Japan and most of all how you pursued shamisen. Oh and setting up a scavenger hunt across a country over 2 years! You have big goals and the dedication and ambition to match. I know if you want to keep playing after your accident you will find a way. Or you will move to the next phase, which is fine, you clearly have so much you want to do and only so much time. You inspire me to make shit happen for myself

[@sanashi27]

Exploration videos like these are always fascinating. Unlike regular tourist spots where you can easily find out their history by doing a bit of research, hidden areas usually leave you with some kind of mystery. There's also this strange feeling seeing abandoned places and how they look now - both creepy and sad. It also just makes you wonder about everything in it especially when you're alone cause no one else is there with you to help you figure things out.

[@MsDekaStar]

I showed this video to my mother and we decided that if the government needs people to care for the shrines as in renovation and conservation our number is +55... (not joking, we would totally do that). I'm absolutely in love with these places, thank you for showing this to us!

[@hollywallace1806]

I've never really look into Kyoto too much, but this video makes me want to spend forever there!! It all looked straight out of a fantasy world, I could walk those trails for hours!

[@triforcerf321]

The countryside of Japan is absolutely breathtaking along with the city, absolutely Loving you videos!

[@misskastner]

Oh wow! Seeing the abandoned areas with overgrown vines is so amazing. It has such a whimsical feel.

[@Hetotope]

I cannot wait to come back in 2023-24 so I can just spend my time just exploring and doing next to no tourist attractions. They were fun the first time, but I want the real Japan experience. Love ya Norm! If I come out, I'd want you to show me around, you always have the best spots!

[@RobbC.]

Isn't it really unusual to find somewhere in Japan that is in dis-repair, expecially fallen Tori gates? They are normally all treated with so much care. I visited all 4 corners and was always surprised to find the smallest shrines are still cared for by someone. And fly-tipping? In Japan! Inconsiderate Japanese people? That's another hidden thing that you don't normally see. Wow Norm you uncovered some stuff here.

[@TokyoLens]

It’s oddly More common than you might think Almost every abandoned village I’ve ever been to has an area with smashed up shrines

[@MaShcode]

Even Kurosan has it’s share of derelict shrines.

[@TheImmoralNosferatuZodd]

Rural areas are becoming ghost towns. With no one to keep up on the maintenance, things are going to fall apart...

[@Visions_in_Toyko]

Most of Japan is in disrepair

[@novrinkov0053]

@@Visions_in_Toyko not most of japan japan has only 30% habitable area,most of area are forest that's why people gather in the city area,and abandon rural area japan has still high percentage population density

[@xXStephanieReginaXx]

I empathize so much with Sherry being like "that's a lot of stairs, do you do this all the time" and ger little laugh after Norm is just like "oh yeah no problem" lol

[@sherryberryjp]

I was exhausted but it was nothing to Norm lol

[@yvan2218]

I cant believe it Norm, you did it again. Seamlessly blending in the Tokyo Treat and Sakuraco ad into the storytelling of the video. Absolute masterclass!

[@Astronic]

Insane how beautiful Japan is. I would feel so lucky just living in that nature.

[@kristinacetinski]

Been a bit MIA over the past month due to moving and assessments etc, but finally catching up on some of the vids I've missed. Fantastic footage! Everywhere just looks so magical, I can't wait to return in the next couple years.

[@TripNWithRed]

This video was suggested and I'm thankful. I'm new here. Places like this fascinate me. It seemed a bit creepy at times and incredible all at once. Great video.

[@reisadityo]

Really do love rural area content!!!

[@elflass5544]

Beautiful video! I loved the carved torii, unexpected bridges, vines and moss everywhere and the mountains in the distance! 💜

[@yuukistraussable]

Your adventures are really relaxing. Someday, I will visit the shrines you visited in all of your videos. These shrine exploring adventures of yours is my inspiration. Thank you Norm!

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

Woke up this morning in a not so great mood due to a heartbreak and was already thinking of watching a video of yours. I was delighted that you uploaded a video that ticked all the boxes of things I wanted to see :)

[@shannondore]

Remember, it get's better. Try to have a good rest of your day.😊

[@TokyoLens]

And so glad that I could add even a little to your day~ You’ve got this!! (And huge love and appreciation to Shannon for jumping in with kindness and support on this one!)

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

@@TokyoLens I appreciate the words of encouragement. I think most of it is in my head but I'm keeping myself focused on the bigger picture. These videos remind me that the world is bigger than my own little sphere of influence and that theres so much that I havent done or seen yet that I yearn for

[@gracelingirl5087]

I can feel the age of older civilization watching videos of places in Japan. A time without all this technology and noise. It's amazing thank you for sharing.

[@Catssonova]

I literally almost went down that Kyoto Trail route to Oiwa Okami like 3 days ago when I hiked Fushimi Inari. It looks like it's a bit further off the path compared to other shrines so it probably doesn't get as much care. It would be interesting to stop by again and see who makes that beautiful Torii gate

[@anticonformiste]

The hyper excitement in this, in any other context, would seem so over the top to the point of being a little camp...but in the end it was actually quite charming to see such an unfiltered look at two people genuinely being excited by something. Cool, cool.

[@kittenamy1]

I love these exploratory travel videos, always with a slight edge of franticness but also so interesting

[@alexp7810]

Kyoto is one of the most touristy places in japan for a reason. Even outside the city everything is absolutely stunning!

[@ChiChisStreams]

That was amazing!!! I went WOW with the shrine in the middle of the forest, and then BOOM those bridges! LOVE that! Thank you so much for sharing this video and can't wait to see more!

[@TheLaughingPanda]

Love the hidden places in Kyoto! Apparently a student on study abroad a few years before me in my program hiked the whole Kyoto trail through the mountains.

[@MageThief]

Yay, always makes me smile when @SherryBerry joins your videos. Norm got almost to much energy, while Sherry just got that smooth chill attitude 😄 Yeah using google maps and just slowly exploring have been one of the best ways for me to find those hidden spots in Japan. I have a few of those in Iwate, Tokyo and Saitama.

[@celesinastarshine9658]

Amazing things are typically found away from where others would normally look, and that 2nd shrine looked absolutely breathtaking hidden away in the forrest

[@bellasart2.032]

OMG!!! She's back you guys.... Sherry Berry is back on Tokyo Lens channel... I missed her so much... More travel/vlog with her again please please please Norm 🥺

[@Gray_Fox_]

I visited the Oiwa Shrine in early march. It was so beautiful and peaceful! No one was there. It was also the first time for me, to sea a actual bamboo forest. The bamboo is soooo high, I just could not stop looking up and wow-ing how stunning this area was. Because our visit in Kyoto was only few days, I wanted to visit the Kamo-jinja shrine in automne, while my semester abroad in Japan, but since I didn't get into the program (I am still very sad about that), it will have to wait until I can visit Japan again. Thank you so much for all those nice explores! I can't wait until I can travel again to Japan and visit all this beautiful places! Greetigs, GrayFox don't know how I missed to comment on this video

[@ItsTacosDude]

I just showed my friend this video and she's hooked, we will be watching them together from now on!

[@nightchicken283]

Seeing this exploration made me happy. Also, Sherry is awesome!

[@arthurg7894]

How in the world you don't have a mil+ subscribers already is baffling. The content you make is non-stop incredible

[@wudgie895]

Another wonderful video Norm! I really don't know how you do it, but you always leave me with a immense infatuation, longing and excitement about the places you visit. I hope that someday I'll be able to see them all and more myself!

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

And suddenly the idea of Pokemon having areas of tall grass and heavy forest right outside a town's gate/entrance feels way more realistic. Like... these areas are so beautiful, I want them preserved. And the inside of that bus probably matches exactly to every single playlist on youtube of "music for after the end of the world".

[@InakaAdventure]

Explored Kyoto quite a bit while living there but never found these little bridges! One neat spot is when you take the train from Arashiyama towards Kameoka, on the local line, first stop after Arashiyama is a bridge thats also a train station, can use it to access the river and hike towards a Yuzu village

[@WiscoMel]

I love the beautiful overgrown trails and peace of these hidden gems. I would love to se more like this!

[@GarfieldSaid]

I am in graduate school right now, which can get pretty stressful at times. These videos are a much welcomed distraction and bring me so much joy. Great video

[@glennmatayoshi7027]

SHERRY!!!!! So nice to see Sherry back in your videos!

[@KirstenReusch]

😍 so beautiful, fantastic, and fun - and that's just the first six minutes. Hello to Sherry 👋 BRB watching the rest 😆

[@sherryberryjp]

Hi back~

[@evs2k]

I love finding little unknown spots around Japan (in my case, mostly Musashi related). I always add then on Google Maps so others can find them.

[@rejectedpluto]

i would just love to go and visit shrines. these are so beautiful. the way they made their architecture, and its connected to nature always, i love it

[@haileecreger696]

Kyoto videos are always my favorites. Love your adventures

[@Nighted1234]

Hey! Been to Japan before and I must say walking the streets and stumbling along a little hidden shrine is just awsome, love it.

[@LemonSpuddy]

This seems like one of those magical places you'd stumble upon on a hike.

[@NortherlyK]

It's so good to have a travel buddy. Gonna see how much I can binge before bed.

[@sabina_pip]

I visited Japan alone two weeks ago and stayed for 3 weeks! It was the most amazing experience, so safe and amazing country! A little dystopic in some ways but a whole lot of magic to be seen. These videos were a great inspiration to embrace getting lost keep exploring. Thank you!

[@michaelhall8587]

Japan's history is breathtaking. Thanks for another awesome video!

[@ItaRoby]

That Komo shrine 😍 with the stone gate through the forest 🤯 Magical!

[@myautisticjourney2211]

Once again, thank you for another fantastic video! Kyoto is amazing, this just makes me want to go there discover a little bit more hidden gems. I was there in 2016 and fell in love with the city and all these shrines that are all over the city. I have somehow sworn to go back and take my youngest sibling with me. Until the country opens up for real for tourist again there´s only oen thing I can do - start planning.

[@naturalflow157]

It's so soothing to come and enjoy the relaxing present moment you bring to so many of us. I am just so moved but the feeling I get from this creativity and love for something so unique these days. As someone who lives in the big city and is surrounded by the constant hustle, this truly inspires me to change the things I just don't like in my life and things that make me so depressed. Thank you so much for creating for us and for yourself and willingness to share. Wishing you the best :)

[@eric1800es]

20:39 bears liked the view so much they come out to chill and relieve themselves.

[@seandavie3672]

Thanks Norm. I really love these off the beaten track videos, especially the abandoned places ones.

[@cbauch]

Cool video Norm! I love exploring like this at places where there's nobody around. I also loved seeing Sherry again.

[@taylorgay1641]

Norm your Joy for the outdoors and exploration inspires me to get outside.

[@averymorrison3906]

love the vibes outside of kyoto. Also Fifth Element lmao. Have not thought about that movie in a hot minute! Much love and love to see Sherry in videos!

[@utaume90]

Love these adventures! The decorated stone tori looks magical 😍

[@missbornlucky6676]

so beautiful! love the trees, hidden trails, and old shrines. hopefully one day i can travel to japan and have this kind of adventure

[@probes0]

Always love the combination of awesome footage and the awesome music pairings. Makes for something really special!

[@grizoh4270]

I can’t wait to come and see some of these when I visit next year ! Thank you for showing us these stunning places ! 😁

[@AudioDragon51]

It's insane how many temples there are in Japan, and how many of them are hidden. I would love to know more about when some of these were made and why?

[@drummerlad971]

It's so cool that you can find hidden gems like shrines and torigates when exploring Japan's forests!

[@ikei_tokyorabbit]

I really like exploring shrines in Kyoto, thanks for the video!

[@Alltoc]

7:43 And that's why it is so beautiful. Cities that are not built for the car are amazing