Tokyo Neighbourhood Tour: Shin-Koiwa Station

[@spacemonkeyman]

I thought its actually was a nice relaxing format, especially how you were talking and interact with your wife. Felt like we were exploring with you together.

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Thanks

[@spacemonkeyman]

@@LifeWhereImFromX you can call the format, "Explore together".

[@ahmadsamir1031]

If there is VR version of videos like this, i wont be lonely anymore

[@FabioHadokz]

I really liked the style of the video. Mainly green narrow street .

[@diedraunderwood1114]

I really enjoyed this video as is! When I went to Japan for a week, everyone asked me what did I do. I told them I walked. I loved just walking through the neighborhoods because it was always so peaceful and interesting. Sometimes a mix of new with old and I loved it.

[@deadby15]

I’m just like that, too. I think walking around in multiple areas is the best way to feel the city.

[@BuckleBunny]

I walked a lot also. I also took the train everywhere.

[@PowerfulKundalini]

I did the same thing. People make it sound like it wasn't an eventful thing to do, but when I was there doing it, there was always something new around the next corner. I was staying in a neighborhood similar to the one in this video.

[@gmusashi_45]

2 minutes in. From all the years I've been watching Japanese vlogs, this is the first time I've seen a bike parking lot - not the one you typically see just at the side of the road but an actual building, similar to car parks. (Edit) Finished watching the entire thing. I think this type of video has charm in it. It's similar to Google maps where you explore using street view. This time, it has an added narration from someone who lives in the area. In my opinion, a small snippet like this is perfect for this sub-channel. Unlike a live feed where you whip out your camera as you walk around the streets, this has some added edits to better describe something of interest.

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

This makes me want to do a video centered around bike parking. There are actually so many different kinds!

[@benybudi5796]

@@LifeWhereImFromX you should! Or maybe you could create a video to tell how one would commute from their home to their office using bike and train together. I think that would be helpful for people who would live pretty far from train station.

[@JarrettOriginal]

I liked this long format, easy walk, cinema veritas style. Felt like I was just walking through a neighborhood with a pal, soaking it all in. Loved every second!

[@ejay4032]

I think Greg should consider ebook narration. He has the perfect voice for it.

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

I actually really didn't like my voice recording for this one as I messed up the levels and it's too hot (that's seriously a technical audio term). Also, I don't like my off the cuff talking, which is why I generally voice over. But thanks for the kind words.

[@ballsonmyeyes]

@@LifeWhereImFromX Hearing someone talking while walking is indeed sort of unsettling, voice over is a good call.

[@jenisse1000]

yes, I agree 100%

[@huggybear970]

What genre?

[@gamaliellysandercabria7856]

@@LifeWhereImFromX the pacing and softness of your voice is so similar to what I am listening in audible. 😁

[@vinapocalypse]

I'm fascinated by huge older houses in the middle of Japanese cities like the one at 38:35 - obviously very expensive and very secluded so the owner probably cares a lot about their privacy, but it would still be fascinating to tour a property like that

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

I don't know about this one, but in our area, my wife would say, "Oh, that's the house owned by the landlord." As in, the people who own a lot of property in the neighbourhood often had these bigger chunks of land. They would own the apartment buildings around the area.

[@Nynke_K]

According to Google Maps, the old house with the little shrine on the corner is actually a Buddhist temple! I'd be super curious about what it's like inside (and at least as curious if it were a private home in that style!)

[@terioreilly5644]

I'd love to see a video about pharmacies in Japan seeing as most people will do videos about things like daiso/100 yen stores, convenient stores, and grocery stores

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Do you mean the drug stores or actual pharmacies? The drug stores, as far as I'm aware, only sell over the counter drugs. You have to go to pharmacies for the prescription stuff, and they only fill orders. Someone please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

[@terioreilly5644]

@@LifeWhereImFromX I'm not sure which kind you showed, but I guess the ones more for over the counter stuff. Kind of just the type of things they sell in general or, as an example, if someone who was visiting Japan caught a cold or something, what type of otc products they could look out for, seeing as brands especially vary from country to country.

[@quintrankid8045]

@@LifeWhereImFromX I think both would be interesting.

[@fancyguyy]

More content of you just walking and giving this type of narration style would be amazing! It’s really chill and informative.

[@paulofrota3958]

BEST. VIDEO. EVER. Please make more of these videos! Even without narration or commentary, just film and put notes about the places and things around!

[@ClearlyPixelated]

This is great! I would love to see more tours of different Tokyo neighborhoods. It's a great way to showcase each area's unique features. Could be a fun series?

[@longlivethekingisded]

Agreed!

[@Hessic]

It'd be interesting hearing more about the shotengai. The history of how they developed, the challenges they're facing now. Maybe you can meet and speak to some of shop owners.

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Never thought of that angle. It's a good idea.

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

Yes. They are in some ways reminance of European medieval cities where people lived in the same building they have their business. A great idea!

[@realjuan]

@@LifeWhereImFromX You breifly mentioned it but the tofu store may be interesting to go into/see. It's definitely something that most non-Japanese viewers would not be familiar with.

[@hitachicordoba]

I really enjoyed the Japanology episode on shopping streets, though it had a wistful tone because most are disappearing due to Costco etc. A 2021 update, especially after the effects of the pandemic would be extremely interesting. Ganbatte shotengai!

[@linalmeemow]

@@LifeWhereImFromX I used to work on one in Ooyama in Toshima-ku, "Happy Road". It was busy and thriving back in 2003 when I was there but now it seems very run down and a lot of the shops are vacant - maybe a good place to try?

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

If you have comments about a specific thing, please put a timecode, like (01:27 Are those bike police?) This is a really rough, highly unedited video of me doing a walking tour of the neighbourhood around Shin-Koiwa station. Please forgive me for any mistakes and feel free to correct me. The reason I made this video was because a Patreon supporter asked me what you could expect to find around a neighbourhood in Tokyo. So I'm doing this as kind of a practice video to show you what's around. If you can tell me what you're interested in knowing more about, then I'll try and make a more focused video (or several of them) on the main channel. So please, ask away and even though I may not know the answer right away, I'll try and find it out for you. Peace! Greg

[@liberty4175]

Love the covered mall. Smart they don’t have to have AC our heating system. Question why would the police question you with the camera. If there was a bike park like that in nyc bikes would be gone.

[@liberty4175]

So quite

[@sinclaar75]

I'm interested in urban planning and Japan is so particular in this specific field, i love this kind of neighbourhood tour, thanks Greg !

[@artey]

This was great, super interesting and relaxing. No questions, sorry, but I'd love to see more videos in this style about different places in Tokyo/Japan!

[@leticiamoreira9512]

This video reminded me of your bike around tokyo video and I LOVED THAT how relaxing and enjoyable it was. I'm not gonna lie but i love this type of videos and thank goodness someone asked you to show because this is really good. I don't know if it's possible to do more in the future but this format of just walking around relaxing and pointing out stuff is the best for me. Thank you so much for showing this!

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Glad you enjoyed. I don't think I'll do this kind of format with any kind of regularity, but as a way to practice before making some more focused videos, I think it did its job.

[@persianOUTKAST]

very chill & relaxing video. felt like i was on a casual stroll w/ you & your wife. as far as in-depth videos, maybe more about : - shōtengai (many shōtengai have their association office in a building nearby, so possibly interviews w/ members about what they think the future holds for them) - pharmacies (how to navigate & find basics - had the hardest time finding simple medicine for upset stomach for my friend) - police (this would be difficult & would probably require tons of red-tape & back & forth emails; but if possible, their daily tasks, how to ask for help, etc.)

[@SandroMathys]

This wasn't part of your tour, but I remember that Tokyo has designated some major streets (like the Ome Kaido) as some kind of emergency streets. I think in case of a major emergency (e.g. a strong earthquake), those streets are reserved to emergency services only and I think they're repaired with top priority if damaged. I think that might be an interesting topic, including what emergency plans the metropolitan government has planned in such emergency situations and how does streets will be managed / used. Or maybe just a general "this is what would happen if a major earthquake hit Tokyo" - where do people evacuate to, how are those evacuation centers managed, what will people find there, how will they be provided with foods, etc.

[@iambunnieman]

OMG when my girlfriend and I were studying abroad we stayed in a room share near this station. We called this area home for 28 days and still talk about going back and how awesome it would be to live there permanently. It was very quiet there. There were so many little shops that gave the area character. There were many people who were willing to put up with our very limited amount of japanese. A woman even helped translate for my girlfriend when she was being denied at a nail saloon because we didn't have an appointment. I don't know when we will be going back to Japan but we are definitely spending a few days back in Edogawa by Koiwa Station.

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

I used to lived in a sharehouse in Koiwa too ☺

[@gemynd5894]

Really enjoyed this video approach, Greg. It's great to be able to look at all the little details in a less edited way. Cheers!

[@JonnyD000]

Even in a more unplanned video you are so super informative, that's what I love about your channels.

[@kenweidemoyer2221]

Thank you for showing Japan in a very good way.

[@daisukiKonbini]

This has actually been one of my favorite videos so far. A very calming video to watch during my lunch break.

[@toddlisasmith9512]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, I didn’t find it boring at all. I liked the informal commentary while going slowly through different areas. Closest thing to being there.

[@Nny11YT]

I thought it was very interesting to see the small businesses that are the ground floor of apartment buildings/homes. I'd enjoy learning more about those sort of shops or zoning set ups since we don't have much of that where I live.

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Yeah, it'd be kind of cool to interview various owners about their businesses and homes. I think the tricky thing would be to get them to agree to open up access to some random dude. But I very much like the fact that by default it's completely legal to run many types of businesses from your home anywhere in Japan (with some exceptions, of course).

[@Nny11YT]

@@LifeWhereImFromX It would be nice to educate/draw attention to that style of shop, but I completely understand that it wouldn't be easy to set up! Thank you for all the fantastic videos, always brightens my day to see a new one :)

[@Snoleo22]

Second this. Of course it is understandable if some of the shop owners are too shy for an interview, but there must be some that wouldn't mind extra publicity. For me it is very interesting to know what are the rules/policies for having a small business in Japan. Just from this video it seems there are many very small shops , does that mean that is it fairly easy to start your own business?

[@Meli1380]

I enjoyed this a whole bunch! Tbh I didn't expect to as much, next to your other videos. After actually being there, this is the next best thing and I do love to wander round new places. Your commentary was super interesting as well, so much that is done differently. This was like a relaxing armchair walk through a part of Tokyo. Thank you so much!!!

[@allesiosnens8152]

I Love this kind of videos, you should do more and your commentary is very nice

[@Missmethinksalot1]

Yes most of us actually did make it that far into the video. Non-scripted videos have their own charm and for me they are also stress relieving. I played this while studying and ended up preponing my study break to watch all the things and places you kept pointing at. Thanks for the upload.

[@MrAlexanderkhu]

Japan never cease to impress me - honesty and integrity is so prevalent. This really is the best place to raise kids. Thank you for making this video.

[@thekittypookies]

Greg these videos may have lesser views than your videos at lwimf. But the narrative with no music and the down to earth, honest sense of the vlog was simply phenomenal. I can’t praise this enough or express my appreciation. Thank you; arigato gozaimasu.

[@gazorpazorp9798]

This was delightfully diverting- I wouldn’t change the format much

[@JasonZeppelin1]

I would like to see a video on how clean and tidy public spaces are and how that relates to Japanese society and customs. I liked that you mentioned how people around the water park took turns cleaning the area.

[@andreaswallin8862]

I'd love to hear more about renting/buying a bike in japan and all the little things that goes with it

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Ah, I actually want to make a video about all the different types of bikes you can buy in Tokyo. I also wanted to make a video about the rental bikes they have (which can be conveniently found at most 7-Eleven's in Tokyo).

[@andreaswallin8862]

@@LifeWhereImFromX the rental bikes would be super interesting for when I come to visit Japan. Maybe even if possible where one can rent one in the countryside to bike among the small islands. I really enjoy all of your videos so I wouldn't mind both 🙂

[@SandroMathys]

Buying a bicycle is quite straight forward, probably the same as where you live. Go to a store, look at the bikes they have, tell them which one you'd like to buy (or order one, I guess), pick it up a few days later. In Tokyo, all bicycles must be registered with the police, and the store will already do that for you usually (if not, go to the next police box with it).

[@stux77]

@@SandroMathys cost of new bike ?

[@ericng5707]

@@LifeWhereImFromX You could also go over bicycle insurance, registration with the police, and the relatively recent "driver recorder" packages.

[@manong_calbo]

Enjoyed the video! I like the pacing and the tone. Good stuff to watch on a weekend. Thank you! 👍😊

[@NikolaTubeNikolov]

Greg I like this kind of stuff! Just a random walk in areas where normal tourists will never go. Thanks 🙏

[@robynwood550]

I absolutely loved the longer unedited video. We used to live in Yokosuka integrated early 2000s and we really miss seeing the neighborhoods. Thank you.

[@juddosborne305]

I lost my wallet in a club in Harajuku. As soon as I laid my head down to sleep on the ship in Yokosuka one of the guys came to inform me that the front gate had received my wallet from a guy that drove his car down from Tokyo to return it. We always said if someone stole something from you in Japan it was a foreigner ( not Japanese) that took it.

[@deadby15]

That’s quite incredible even by the Japanese standard.

[@nickreyes3604]

Interesting

[@juddosborne305]

Roppongi, not Harajuku, sorry.

[@mxclr8]

Love this video. It’s my favorite Japan / Tokyo tour video because it’s factual and objective. You’re not trying to glorify certain things you just say it how it is. If you ask me, I would like more video tours of this format! Thank you for all your videos!

[@brianbuchmeier]

Thanks for taking us around with you, Greg. I was in Japan for a few months in 2019 and loved just walking around residential areas like this.

[@annaksmith9608]

I loved this entire video. I don’t know if you plan to do any more videos of just neighborhood walking tours, but I found this video so captivating, like I was exploring the area with you. Thanks for sharing!

[@arnskoffee3970]

I watch your videos and I think this is the first "walking video" I've seen from you...? The shots are GREAT No shaking of camera I dont get dizzy when I watch. And so wonderful to see those places. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@cocoachii]

This was the neighborhood I stayed at when I was studying in Japan. This entire video made me so nostalgic, so thank you. 😭💕 I loved the Shinkoiwa area so much, it was quiet but it wasn't too far from central Tokyo. The people were always so kind and I just loved the vibes the area gave. Hopefully the next time I go to Tokyo, I can give this area a visit once again. 😊

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

I used to live in Koiwa, just a station away from ShinKoiwa

[@pattobyo]

懐かしい！！！I lived in Shinkoiwa a couple of years ago. You kinda walked by my old apartment at one point haha. Thanks for showing what it's like these days!

[@emy7873]

I don't really have any useful feedback on what I'd like to see on the main channel, but I enjoyed the whole video, kind of vicariously having a wander through the town. I love just walking around places I visit, and those green ways seem so beautiful!

[@taigatapia7900]

4:10 quite the opposite here in America, Drug store items are overpriced. We do all our shopping at walmart for all supplies. The only time you would use would use a drug store is when everything else is closed and or medication cannot be found at other stores. They usually have everything you need when it comes to medication

[@bozoone3781]

Very true! Like convenience stores, they are open on holidays and times when other places are closed. You have to pay for the" convenience"!

[@JimL666]

I have never shopped at a Walmart and that is by choice.

[@adorabell4253]

At the 20 minute mark you call the street "ugly" but to me it's very attractive. The lack of traffic, the different buildings, the feel of being residential while still connected to the rest of the city, it's emotionally appealing.

[@bozoone3781]

Very lucky that honest people like you and your wife found the wallet! I'm sure that when the person realized they lost it they were in a panic!

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

I think it's fairly normal for wallets to be returned in Tokyo. I was more leaning on the side of not touching it, since I didn't want to seem like we were stealing it. But I do think it was better to go to the police with it, as you never know, someone might have not taken it back.

[@bozoone3781]

@@LifeWhereImFromX here in the US the credit cards would have been used and the money would be gone😒 Sad, but true!

[@toya.channel]

@@LifeWhereImFromX Are there any cases where the wallet is actually stolen in Japan? Because stereotypically it would seem that wallets are generally returned to owner or just left on the ground. There are also news portals outside Japan where reports such as "Police are bored and lazy in Japan because there's so little crime" . Just truly curious about that side of the story. Also, the keeping 20% of the money thing, I'm really surprised that is such a thing, I've never heard of that before! That's fascinating

[@mopslikvonstein]

@@toya.channel from wikipedia "According to the 2016 UNODC statistics, Japan's rate of intentional homicide per 100,000 population is the lowest in the world at 0.3 per 100,000 inhabitants." I wouldn't say the cops are bored, but they may be pretty inexperienced when it comes to certain crimes, like murder.

[@elblanco5]

A video on lost and found with the police and transit would be interesting.

[@NateStarkson]

I was literally thinking "This basically looks like any street in a city of Japan" right before you had said it yourself! Much appreciated video. I've probably walked between 500-1000 miles on foot around Tokyo when I lived there just exploring like this. Unfortunately I did not know what I was looking at a lot of time, so having you explain just the little details was very interesting! I'd love to see more of these videos maybe exploring different neighborhoods that have a unique twist.

[@mobrien7128]

I love seeing all the plant pots - all full of plants! Good for Tokyo!

[@CompetitiveCasual]

The last five years before 2020, I spent a lot of my time in Japan in/around the Shin-Koiwa/Koiwa area. So this has been really nostalgic and really has me itching to be back.

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

I used to live in Koiwa too ☺

[@russellparker1250]

I liked the slow, relaxing pace of this video and all the small seemingly mundane details of everyday life you were able to highlight. The land use info was really interesting as well. I would love to see more of these in other neighborhoods with a brief historical background of the area if possible. Keep it up!

[@johnkevinreyes4514]

Please create more of this Greg. I felt like traveling with you and your wife. It’s very helpful especially people are unable to travel yet. I’m missing Japan so much. 😌

[@HansStam]

Please make more videos like this. this is the perfect companion when working from home.

[@emmaura]

Thanks for showing us the neighborhood and slowing down to admire the flowers

[@wraitholme]

I really really enjoyed this sort of casual walk-around. I'd love to see more exactly like this, just different kinds of areas or even more of the same and a running commentary on what we're looking at. It's both calming and interesting, a really pleasant video experience.

[@dshban]

I really enjoyed this format of a guided tour around a Tokyo neighbourhood. I'd love to see more of this exact thing, actually! Just giving us a sense of what it's like actually living in some of the bigger areas/cities - the quick change between hustle & bustle, and quiet suburbs, is so cool.

[@SLewis-do6xh]

Watching this makes me homesick. There are neighborhoods in Hawaii that look a lot like this in the back side streets.

[@yenlicious4318]

Hey Greg, great content. It was informative and to the point. I enjoyed all the practical details you share like bike parking, grocery shopping, mixed-use properties, map information and transportation. Learnt a lot. Been a long time fan of your style of narration. Thank you for sharing.

[@moshua]

This is such a cool video! I love all of your stuff and all the production work that goes into it, but this “stripped down, just taking a walk“ vibe was really nice. I’ve only visited Tokyo a few times but I’m absolutely in love with it, and it’s nice to see and understand more about the little intricacies of an average neighborhood. I’m blown away by the little bike wheel conveyor belt, the construction site peekaboo panels and the fact that they wash the panels when they leave. So cool! Keep it up!

[@jonokun1974]

Glad to see you doing videos on my neighborhood!

[@viviesme]

It would be cool to see a video talking about how hospitals/doctors clinics in Japan operate!

[@schelle3333]

At the start of the video (around the 3:00 minute mark), you showed a Lawson and across from that was a small hotel (3:15) with a restaurant on the first floor. I stayed there in February 2020 for a few days. I never expected to see that area on KZbin and your video really brought back the memories. I hope to be able to visit Japan again someday so all the miscellaneous information you've discussed are very helpful. Thank you.

[@jimw544]

I enjoyed every minute. Thanks for this one and thanks to you wife for her comments.

[@thetalkingshrimp5683]

I enjoy calm walking tours where there is narration, nicely done Greg!

[@TheEffulgentLotus]

Loved this video! I really enjoy seeing more residential sectors. Usually, people focus on the more commercial thoroughfares. I really like the greenways.

[@mcgoo721]

Love this style of video! Would like a series on each neighborhood from the ones we all know to the ones we may not.

[@chrisf3463]

I loved this video so relaxing it’s like I just took a stroll through Tokyo. Would love to see more like this

[@nitropioO]

I absolutely love how you use city planning facts in your videos as well. It's quite technical, but I am so into that. I love the look of urban areas in Tokyo. The store that just sells tofu is interesting, because this probably doesn't exist in Western countries. The greenway looks so cozy around minute 9. The river park is soooo beautiful! Especially with the cherry blossoms The potted plants are so cool, to have them standing in front of you house seems so Japanese to me

[@ladiesdays]

Ah those cherry blossoms

[@LifeWhereImFromX]

Ah, that's good idea. After I shot the video, I realized I didn't highlight any of the community gardens. Usually there are community plots scattered throughout the neighbourhood that people can rent. I think it works on a lottery system, but I'm not 100% sure. And the reason that small scale farming (like greenhouse farming) can still work economically, even in a dense city like Tokyo, is because I believe the taxes charged on land used for farming is much less than land used for homes or businesses. So I think it's a good way for someone to hold on to their land without putting a building on it.

[@ladiesdays]

@@LifeWhereImFromX it might be a bit niche, and not super popular...but I'd love to know more :D

[@egoist9782]

I love that kind of "walk & film" videos. When I watched the video, I was able to escape reality for a short time and dream a bit. Sometimes i get lost on Google Maps street view exploring random streets in Tokyo.. I love your videos. They so often show the most beautiful sides of Japan. Thank you for that. Keep up the good work.

[@adalbertmb1]

I think a video on the different types of Universities and other adult education in Tokyo would be cool to learn about. It would be interesting to see how the campuses look like in a large compacted city like Tokyo. I'm clueless on Japan's higher education system so if you haven't already made a video on it, I think its a cool idea.

[@farispolutak5678]

This video was so good. A portion of tokyo for everyone to dive into. Thank you and all the best wishes and greetings from austria!

[@brandeni1785]

Great video Greg. I like the just walking around a see what we see. Gives a looks at a typical Japanese neighborhood.

[@davidl1350]

Spent most of my last trip in Hirai, which is one station down from Shin-Koiwa, great to see it all again while I can't get back there, thank you!

[@arnoldh9012]

Great video! I really like this casual style. Everyone does videos on food in Japan. But it's nice to see someone give their thoughts and point out various things in a Japanese neighbourhood.

[@tak178]

For someone who has just cancelled his third trip to Japan from Seattle over the past year, I needed this. Thank you, Greg. I hope you and yours are doing well.

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

I loved this, reminded me a lot of channels like Rambalac that do continuous shots of Japan during a walk. More of these, please!

[@newqer]

what a nice and chill video! enjoyed the narration with input from your wife. would really enjoy a narrated walk like this, of different kinds of areas or neighborhoods, once in a while! some people do them as live streams but all that "hello x, hello y, thanks for the super chat" and answering random questions, makes them rather boring to watch later. this video though has just the perfect mix of soothing walk with extra context to know what is what!

[@jimmyzhu6034]

This video is sort of a cross between post-edit video and live streaming and it gives me a raw, natural, unedited feeling. The feeling is a little bit similar to that of watching your early videos. I really like it.

[@CeeCee630]

I love this style of video. So informative! Please do more.

[@officialabdulrehman]

Loved it! Reminded me of Norm from Tokyo lens. Peaceful and calming exploration. Thank you

[@kuroodo_]

I know you wanted feedback on specific things that we had questions on. But I personally wouldn't mind more videos of this format. Essentially Rambalac but with commentary.

[@Finnspec]

Really well done, better than the mute walking videos. I would like to see more with the same kind of concept, from other wards or even cities with locals who can give more context on interesting places.

[@harktischris]

I loved this video! It gives me a better slice of life of what Tokyo is like. I'd like to see more about these neighborhood-scale shops and streets, it's a side of Tokyo I don't see a lot of (mostly lots of metro and tall buildings)

[@auggis161]

This video was so lovely and entertaining thank you! I wish we can see more of these informational neighborhood tours!

[@slavetobloodcomic]

In regards to businesses running out of residential blocks/ homes, that isn't unusual in UK cities. For instance, many of the supermarket chains only get planning permission for new stores if they include apartments above the store (this might include affordable housing too). Or you see large semi detached or detached houses, that have their ground floor, or entirety, used for a business, such as a dentist, chiropractor, nursery, etc. Generally you can apply to the local council for a Change of Use of most buildings, but there are restrictions on types of businesses allowed in certain areas.

[@ethelmartinez1985]

Thank you for this walking tour of Tokyo. Greatly appreciated!

[@KelsomaticPDX]

I loved this and would love more videos just like it. I’m the kind of person that likes to spend time exploring a city in Google street view and this scratches that itch but is way more interesting!

[@Zanncene]

Thanks so much for this video!!! I was living in Koiwa for a year so this is such a nice throwback. There's also a really nice park behind shin-koiwa station where people played baseball and there was sitting under sakura trees :)

[@jjjjonathan]

Please make more of these videos! Excited to see what this practice video will be for in the main channel

[@linkandshiek5522]

This is one of my favorites. One of my favorite things to do when I loved in Japan was to just go for a walk around town. I love this.

[@nickreyes3604]

*lived

[@RainbowPlayMaker]

As an American, I am so surprised at how quiet it is 😬

[@halashoib6084]

I really enjoyed this video. Would really love for you to do a similar video in a different neighborhood. It was very relaxing to watch.

[@SaberX2248]

Wow. First time I completely watched a 45min youtube vid!!! Awesome, thankyou.

[@yusei1996]

really love this kind of video. Would be amazing to have more of these for random stations all throughout Tokyo. I especially love the little parks and shrines and random small stores!

[@ManJamLyn27]

You briefly mentioned how you and your wife will pick up specific things at the drugstore vs the supermarket. I would love to see an explanation on how Japanese families, couples, and/or young professionals do their standard shopping! As an example- My husband and I have no kids, and live in a large city in the US, and we do 1 weekly shop for groceries, and monthly trips to Target for household goods (paper products, cleaning products, etc).

[@thoptercrew]

Greg, this is amazing! You should send it to someone responsible for social media in the public administration or even a real estate association and make more of these as introduction videos for foreigners thinking of moving to the Tokyo area. Have one for each of the most popular neighbourhoods amongst Tokyo commuters and use them to introduce potential buyers/renters to the different places. Keep up the good work! I watched the video while running on the treadmill and it was almost like being there.

[@thoptercrew]

(In partnership with them I mean, not just to let us hear your soothing voice :D )

[@WadeLees]

This is the most relaxing Sunday morning video... thank you!

[@anotherone4u]

I enjoy your videos and topics so much. Please, keep making more material

[@azusa558]

The local Tokyo neighborhoods are so pleasant to walk around. I miss walking there so much!

[@soutagull1675]

Super interesting video, thanks for creating it. I find this video format interesting in itself, so I'd be exited if you decided to make more of these. Maybe in an upper class or an unpopular neighborhood. Many people pointed it out already, but the Shotengai would make for a great topic for a future video. Also, you'd make a really good podcaster!