Inside a Tiny Japanese Camper Van - Kei Wagon Tour!

[@TokyoLens]

**LIVING OUT OF THIS VAN FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK:** kzbin.info/www/bejne/emXKm5aplpyrotE

[@alphamike87]

I’d love to stay in this van, I would probably camp near Mount Fuji.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

I am very glad you made this video, anything that promotes people to get out more into nature is a DAMN good thing!

[@shibaful4733]

I pretty much told my friends already that once Japan opens up to travellers we're going on a road trip all around Japan with this van. 😂

[@Kaitlynde]

Ahh that looks like such a cool little camper car! With the limited horsepower though, would it have any trouble with steep mountain roads? Regardless, loved the tour and bts footage of this one. Looks like it would be a super fun and convenient vehicle for travelling and camping. Mixed feelings about the pop-top though, I'd be afraid of falling through the floor. Especially if I could feel the whole car shaking.

[@Rowan_Waters]

What a wonderful way to start my day by watching your videos! And yes I would stay in a camper van. My mum currently is looking for a motor home, might get lucky and have our own camping adventure this year.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

This car is rather amazing. The level of camping tech especially in the size is crazy

[@TokyoLens]

Lol so small but so well put together haha

[@josephineoliver9499]

That's how the Japanese go, they think of everything 👍

[@BrianPreble]

@@josephineoliver9499 Eveerything for camping yes. But if you want an affordable apartment, they don't consider heat, air conditioning, hot water, or a toilet necessary.

[@BrianPreble]

@@CalmoOmlac That's entirely dependent upon where you live and your tolerances. I was born in Texas, where you have air conditioning or you die. But even in Vermont, I need it for a few weeks out of the year as the Summer still hits 100℉ at times, with humidity well above 90%.

[@BrianPreble]

@@CalmoOmlac There are a few reasons for that. One is the mistaken American belief that comfort is more important than anything else. I can't argue with you there. It's also about the climate and housing. Much of Europe has low humidity compared to 90+% that's typical in coastal America, where most of our population lives. Interior States like Arizona, New Mexico and Ohio are far more tolerable in the Summer, even when it's hot out. Germany gets humid too, but in the Winter; not the dog days of August. You also have stone and brick homes, which are far more efficient at keeping the heat out. American homes are wood, not always well insultated (I know my 120 year old farmhouse isn't), and humidity seeps in within seconds. The temperature in my living room rises from 70℉ when I wake up to 86℉ within two hours during the Summer months. Re my original comment, Tokyo is hot AND humid, since it's subtropical. This hardly seems like the ideal place to live without some sort of indoor climate control. I'll drop this now, as it has nothing to do with a cleverly engineered camper van. I was actually referring to one of Tokyo Lens's other videos about a $100 apartment that would be tagged for demolition in the USA.

[@PeterPlaunt]

100% I'd sleep in that Kei van. It's super cool. I'd even try to sleep upstairs. 🇨🇦

[@Strider_Shinryu]

Funny to see that this van actually has more space and comfort than your standard capsule hotel.

[@stephensteinhauer3346]

That was my impression too when he was talking about it feeling spacious.

[@farajaraf]

This is a premium and luxury experience whereas the capsule hotels are cheap and practical.

[@snooks5607]

would've loved to see some pricing examples

[@griefer5846]

capsule hotels are actually fairly cheap

[@griefer5846]

@@TokyoLens still cheap though, around 175 a month and you get food and essentials along with it

[@BKMHang10]

Nice, I've heard of kei cars before but never actually seen inside one. From the looks of it this would be a lot easier to get around in than a giant RV and pretty convenient!

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly super easy to drive And a ton of fun

[@chrisinjapan5736]

Yes, as I have lived in Japan for over 20 years and it is way easier to drive around in a kei.

[@callummclachlan4771]

@@chrisinjapan5736 I'd love to import one into a country that is basically the opposite of Japan (Australia). Be a brilliant way to save on petrol for shorter distances. Wouldn't take one cross country though. (But who am I kidding. I'd travel cross country in any sort of weird car).

[@Grandliseur]

I have the same kind of car without all the fancy interior and roof tent, but I do have it fitted out with a nice big bed in the back. On a 6000 km trip around Japan, including Hokkaido, I got about 22 to 23 kml with air-conditioning on. Didn't stay at hotels; instead, I used Michi no Eki with very good toilet facilities. I used a regular futon and nice warm cover and slept as well in the car as I do at home.

[@marieclothildeouellette]

Love the idea of this mini-van, perfect to be independent an be able to stop anyway and be self sufficient, thanks for the wonderful video.

[@Flargenyargen]

I daily drive a normal kei van. I'm the type that loves them. I can't believe how well used the space in that thing is! I love it!

[@lauraboanas7817]

This makes me want to go camping in Japan. So. Freaking. Bad. 💖

[@TokyoLens]

I’ll see you soon lol

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens I’ll be there as soon as I can 😂👌🏻 It looks amazing! And so cosy. Plus I’m only 5’5 and sleep like I’m dead… so I think I’ll fit fine in one of these cars!

[@sanel45]

the ride is crazy super compact but enough space to sleep

[@Kny8]

Thanks for including the outtakes, we can really appreciate all the things you do to set up a shot.

[@Stormcrow89]

As someone who adores small, cozy spaces, this van looks like so much fun to travel in!

[@yuzuinjapan9389]

Thank you for introducing me to things in Japan that even I didn’t know as a Japanese person living in Japan!! 💛

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly thank you so much for taking the time to watch

[@CarCrashf1]

Algorithm did me dirty - I've missed so much content from a couple of years ago! Time to binge. This was a great watch! Always great to get an insight into how these videos are made.

[@lydiaderhake2532]

I love it! This is exactly what I want for weekend events in other towns. No tent, no hotel cost!

[@lilliancherry496]

Kyushu in this Kei camper is a match made in heaven!

[@dattmay]

Love love LOVE the ingenuity behind this Kei Wagon. There are so many small but *smart* ideas that make this a totally livable space (as well as a functional mode of transport.

[@hopesilver3905]

“Tokyo lens” is very inspiring project💚

[@fujix_pal]

Norm: "You may have noticed this feature" Me: Too mesmerised to notice anything.

[@TokyoLens]

😂

[@derekmcelfresh7646]

This video legitimately made my wife and I decide to buy one of these vans some day. Our goal is to move to and live in Japan ourselves, and while we figure we probably won't own a car for the first few years, once we get to that point we just want to buy one of these Kei Camper Vans. What a great way to explore the countryside!

[@elflass5544]

How many people said to themselves, "But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power convertors!!" when Norm showed the power inverter? 🤣 As someone who loves organization and clever design, this video was awesome. Nice job, Norm.

[@TokyoLens]

😂 that killed me hahaha

[@pufferfish9272]

I love how you figure out how to use things with us along the way

[@HayBayle]

Chilling up on the "loft" reading a book on a rainy day? Don't mind me if I do! Seems like a pretty well decked out camper. Looking forward to the streams!

[@hibiscusboom]

This is seriously the perfect camper van.

[@sweetarchangel6748]

First off - I love it. It’s cute and compact. Second - as someone who is 5’2”, I’d fit perfectly up top. Being short has it’s advantages 😅😂 I also see you taking advantage of the fact that that camera can stick to everything. No more duct taking cameras to cars 😜

[@TokyoLens]

Hahahaha trust me … I still carry the duct tape just in case lol

[@Naegimaggu]

Thought that I'd take a look at it, but ended up watching the whole video, without skipping. Amazing camera work.

[@abelgerli]

Actually the perfect car to explore rural Japan.. This is so inspiring for my next Japan trip.

[@diablow1411]

These cars have become one of my life goals to own and go out in the countryside!! Absolutely love how quirky the whole camping experience feels.

[@alphamike87]

I wouldn’t sleep in the pop up top but it would be a good place to read comics lol

[@KillerTacos54]

Helll yea

[@josecaringal]

Just several minutes in and I'm already in love with Norm's rented Kei car. 💙🙈 And as always the cinematography is awesome and really creative. Great job Norm. 👏🏼 Now back to watching the video.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much!

[@catherineconde8076]

Thank you for showing all the different shots with the insta360 go2! Love all the creative shots you can get. Super inspiring for a one person show/ team. Thanks again!

[@TokyoLens]

Aww thanks Catherine! Kinda love that little bugger lol Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrismarcy6611]

Hoping to go to language school next year in Japan, but since I can’t travel back yet your videos keep me content for Japan adventures that I crave. Thank you Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks for being here~=

[@ぶ乙]

Hey, good luck for next year!

[@chrismarcy6611]

@@ぶ乙 Thank you!

[@yourjayden]

I absolutely LOVE cars that you can live in or just stay comfortably in and this makes me wanna get a camper van so bad!

[@damansarajaya88]

Everything is just so well thought through. Japanese practicality and thoughtfulness. Magic.

[@ilovemochi35]

Before the pandemic me and my mom just finished our 5 months adventure, just two of us riding wherever our heart desires. Already miss for another road trip and this car would be our dream come true! May the world gets better and our loved one stay safe💛 Japan are on top of my bucket list

[@TopshelfJunior]

The sarcasm in this video keeps the review of the company / product balanced + unbiased. Good work.

[@Insta360_Tutorials]

This is the epitome of "Good things come in small packages" 😁 Keep Chasin' Adventure 🤙🏻

[@Luke-et3it]

Oh how I love the nomadic lifestyle of living in a van, but its become so tiny! How lovely! this is amazing!

[@justoneviolinist4953]

Literally 2 seconds in and I already love the video. Just look at the colours at 0:02 ! Beautiful :")

[@laurajapan661]

Road-tripping in a Kei camper car is on my list of must-try activities when I visit Japan someday. It is adorable and has such neat space-saving features. The solar powered microwave, awning, and top sleeping area with a pop-up tent are my favorite parts of this super cute mini- RV.

[@aben5948]

Always loved how compact and "spaciou" Kei cars could be.

[@michaelkurtz1967]

Love that little van. That is amazingly great. A sink, microwave and tv. Incredible.

[@risa_vlog]

That's such a cool and amazing van! I love how you just really enjoy everything in life and make it an amazing adventure in everything you do. That attitude is so special and positive to have, especially during times like this in a pandemic.

[@BSWVI]

Oh. Oh my. Oh I need one. Oh now. Oh for Camping on Vancouver Island!

[@trancis_]

I always wondered about this kind of solo car camping alternative in Japan and this video has opened my eyes that this is actually possible! Thank you so much for the detailed video, definitely saving this for the future! (Being short I probably could sleep up on the top too)

[@barbdavis63]

Love love love the camper van. It is so cute. Wish we had those in the U.S. I come from a camping family who also had and ran a campground. So one of my favorite things is touring, virtually or in real time, various campers. Thanks soooo much for sharing this super awesome camper van ! 😀

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch~

[@kenttinkess4768]

One of the best things about your videos.are the contrasts you find in Japan. You from ancient post towns to late night Tokyo to rural mountains. So nice to see the different parts of Japan. When I visit I only get to the main cities or if I do get to smaller centres I have to stick within walking distance of the JR station.

[@Gg2294.-.]

I used to want to live in something compact like this, but I think watching you makes more sense for me. I can explore like this, but not live like this. A beautiful place btw. 🌿

[@bluefootsteps2356]

This is the greatest little car, the wood looks so beautiful. I love this car and would totally buy one. Bloopers are always fun to watch.

[@Redpantslol]

The top seems like a good place to put bags/gear at night, rather than in the front seats.

[@jasong.3991]

Yeah that would be cool if there are like 2 peoples worth of stuff but for 1 prob not since it is just mesh right? Someone can easily cut the mesh and take all that

[@joselinpadilla859]

I can’t be the only one that super surprised about the inside of this little guy! Looks are definitely deceiving. The space that is available in this tiny car was used to the max! Very cool 😮

[@jwest88]

That van looks super cool. If I had the money I think I'd be down to go around and camp in it. Since I've gotten older I haven't liked laying on the cold hard ground as much anymore. Last time I went camping I got very little sleep. It was late autumn though so it did get pretty cold and I'm sure it also made the ground extra hard. Next time though I think I will invest in some kind of nicer mattress pad type thing at the very least.

[@gonzarellious6102]

The first time I drove a kei car I thought I'd hate it, but surprisingly I found that I really liked it. They're ridiculously easy to maneuver around the small roads in not only the countryside, but especially in the city. That and the fuel economy is fantastic. Very true that they've pretty much got no power.

[@ozidanni]

They should market that car in Australia. Well a more powerful, longer and wider version, erm with stairs for the top because we'd actually use that. People here end up creating similar rigs themselves. When you see the stairs going up to the roof on the back of the old 4x4's this is sometimes why, because they hooked a collapsible tent up there when on a really long tour/drive (I gather it's cooler for sleeping, up away from the bugs and such, and means you don't have to shift all your stuff around.) My neighbour also added the solar as well for similar uses.

[@chrisinjapan5736]

It would not meet our safety standards - basically you are dead in one of these things.

[@ozidanni]

@@chrisinjapan5736 Not sure where you are, but there's two home made (altered) similar to it in my street in CQ, and there's less than 30 houses in my street. Seems to require a 4x4, a welder, and a solar kit. I see no reason that Suzuki wouldn't pass a roadworthy except the issue of lacking oompf I already mentioned where I said "powerful".

[@fusionor]

As a seasonal camper that goes camping a few times a year and rabid fan of Yuru Camp, this was a cool video to watch. I have been dreaming of camping in Japan and this really scratch my itch. The van does seem like it can only sleep one person, two if they don't mind the two levels or getting comfortable together. I saw they have a wider van that can hold a queen size bed. Campervan community are some of the coolest people you can meet. I'm also a avid astrophotographer so this is a perfect setup.

[@Curly3373]

I could almost agree to go camping with this kei car 😋 Usually hoping from hotel to hotel is my kind of camping 😁

[@Minakie]

I really love your commitment to breaking as many cameras as possible for the perfect shot xD

[@WhitedeathSN]

This Van is so cool, I have always thought about getting myself a van like this for vacation, but in Germany, we only have the "workstyle vans" way bigger, ment to transport minimum five to eight people and depending on your loading you might even need a truck license for that... I looked for a Kei-Car online, to check out prices in my region to maybe just start out on working on that, but unfortunately these type of japanese cars were only popular in Germany during the 80s and fell out of favour quickly, due to passenger/driver safety concerns. This car looked so nice and thoughtfull packed and designed, I would rather stay in one of these, than a midrange hotel ;)

[@Lara-hb1yn]

I would love to have one of these vans. It would be perfect for mini adventures

[@ConvectionII]

Ive never known I wanted to camp in a car like this... Now I know. Great video Norm! I love your production quality! Its always very well done!

[@heilyfromjapan7759]

I love camping😍And your English is easy to understand. Your pronunciation is beautiful ✨ Thank you for posting many worthy video😊

[@alec5782]

I definitely need to try and rent one of these one day! This was amazing I love it!!

[@ashtrees8969]

Notification squad! ^.^ That car looks like a toy it’s adorable omg

[@TokyoLens]

Right? Love it so much!!

[@ashtrees8969]

@@TokyoLens it’s so cool!!! Ngl the top part feels like I might fall through which is a little scary

[@gdore15]

That is surprisingly decent price too. The regular season on weekday is only 8900 a day, that is not that much more than rental of a kei car for 24 hours.

[@teamrasputin]

This video had a great vibe. Most enjoyable. The vibe? Enjoyable.

[@BiyanSlam]

Amazing Bro

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sierraandcali9589]

I'd love to see this channel hire a guide on camping trips in Japan. It's a bucket list item for me.

[@solangevoysest]

Love the little Van, I could sleep there for one night, but my husband doesn’t fit because is tall 😁🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jonnyst9583]

I straight up want one of these to own. That camper van is siiiick

[@IAmAce2157]

This video spoke to me on a spiritual level. Recently discovered your channel and have been binging your videos but this one was especially cool to me for some reason. I immediately checked if these were for sale in the US but sadly not :(. Keep it up Norm, you're living the dream!

[@Dave435l]

You could always get a tent trailer, super cheap in the US and most US cars can tow a 8' to 10' one

[@idha39]

So sad to see anything end! i dont like it when things come to a finish or just... stop sadly that is anything in life, i hope to one day see and be able to experience as many things, places, and people as possible, before they're gone, thank you for inmortalizing this man and this village and showing it to us before its gone

[@41tinman41]

This just takes van life to a different level! It looks a lot easier to drive than regular sized campers with plenty of features still. You can add shower curtains to the awning for a standing shower set up.

[@sorwolfa]

Norm you are awesome. Im glad I get to hang out with you watching these videos. Have a great day and do something today that will make tomorrow better! :)

[@Gersty]

After watching this Ive realized I need to get my license here in Japan and the Insta360. That thing looks like it really comes in handy.

[@TokyoLens]

Honestly both are worth having!!

[@Gersty]

@@TokyoLens definitely will be getting the insta360 but heard its hard to get a license here for Americans.

[@paultuck]

Impressive how much was managed to be fitted in such compact vehicle. I'm not the camping type, but my brother is so I'll passing this video onto him to watch.

[@eugeneh.7205]

Norm oh Norm, stop breaking camera gear~!! That campervan is so cool though I won't really fit in there I think. I think i'm about your height so it will be a crazy tight fit XD If it was a normal full sized camper I would love to sleep in a campervan~ I slept in a car for 2 weeks in Iceland and it was amazing fun, albeit freezing cold~~ How much sausages you had btw...?? Your adventure looked amazing though, can't wait for the upcoming ones as well~!! And Norm you LOVE creepy dark places XD Do stop self harming yourself XD

[@LittleLongTime]

I just came back to watch this video again, since i first watched it I became obsessed with these micro campers. I hope one day I can get one here in the states.

[@Shibato-7]

that camper van looks dope. i wonder how tough would be to DIY something like these on some fleet vehicles like a ford ecoline

[@JohnSmith-fo2vh]

i'm binging your camping and road trip videos- love the combination of the two

[@RobbC.]

Just when you think you have seen everything, and even though you already realise the Japanese are the smartest people in the World... they just go and out-do themselves with something as smart/cool/awesome as this lil van. Very very cool. WANT! :)

[@TokyoLens]

It was honestly so much fun

[@silviangc8486]

The shot at 10:54 has a diorama quality about it, very cool!

[@ferrjuan]

Norm living the Van life!

[@alidalavezzari4103]

Beautiful. My old jimny suzuki became a microcamper last week. Have a nice life.

[@wakjagner]

I can't believe they can cram that much gear into something with so little vroom.

[@abyk.r.7855]

I live full time in a large 5th wheel camper and I love this tiny little guy. It'd be a good option for someone who wants to travel rural areas of Japan for a week or two.

[@michaelcherry8952]

So...when you finish driving, do you just attach a handle to the top and carry it with you? :-) I love the fit and finish inside this micro-miniature camper van. A tremendous amount of thought went into this. This thing is SO cool!. However, probably only suitable for a single, average-sized Canadian! It's like a little capsule hotel on wheels. You always find the coolest things to do!

[@stalincat2457]

I normally just pull out the seatbelts and carry it around like a backpack :)

[@michaelcherry8952]

@@stalincat2457 Very practical! ;-)

[@brayleighhope4246]

I absolutely adore this little van lol please keep the bloopers coming, I love a good laugh at the end of a great fun video 😂

[@oooppiikkk]

maybe the TV is more of a monitor and requires your own source

[@bizklaustdeity3115]

I literally drive a Kei- car as a daily driver here and I absolutely loving it! So it would be nice to have one of these when I am going to live in Japan someday because I would love to explore and camping at various places over there!

[@Max.............]

Lovely!

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@artfromtheheart4391]

I actually love Kei cars and trucks. I fell in love with the やきいも　vendors ♥🍠♥

[@zerry6184]

i dont have much to say on this video except for the fact that it was pretty informative and taught about the convienience of camper cars , i will most definetly buy one when im older , pretty relaxing video , good quality and amazing drone footage , the rainbow and mountain was also pretty magical

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Hey Norm I was just going to go to bed, but.... Cheers!

[@TokyoLens]

Lol caught you Just in time~

[@mauritsalexander2278]

I've seen soooo many funny commercials of this car when I visited Japan, all of them bragging about the spaciousness despite being small. Well now I'm convinced 😀

[@XSemperIdem5]

Do I need those little cameras that stick everywhere? No But do I want them anyway? Obviously 😅 I'm not the camping type so yeah I'd camp in that little car. I have no idea how tall Norm is but I'd probably sleep at an angle and end up kicking the sides or hitting my head while turning in the middle of the night.

[@alphazion4354]

I NEED THAT KEI VAN!!!!! This is my new dream car in Japan. If/when I buy a proper home in Japan this is the car I will strive for.

[@ezkhel]

It feels so cozy but I probably wouldn't like to sleep in it. Its a little too small and narrow for me lol

[@fijigirl001]

I love watching videos of camping in Japan. I saw one camper van that a small family rented and put up a tent that attaches to the side of it. Makes me want to go camping!

[@strix2670]

Yooo.... my notification finally works, feels great to catch this within that half an hr mark ....Wooo And Brother Norm, as usual Have a great day. I do have some Videography related questions, maybe try to hit you up via twitter if possible sometime later

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers~

[@Nynke_K]

Most brilliantest kei car ever!

[@happilicious]

If that extended roof enables you bath while standing indoor, sign me up I'll buy it