Beyond the Crowds: Exploring Japan's Silent Backstreets [4K]

Today we are exploring the quiet backstreets, as we hunt for temples and shrines! A place hidden in plain sight right in the Shonan area. This area is right around the corner from the beautiful Japanese island of Enoshima, and amazingly all you have to do... is walk in the opposite direction!
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[@IKEMENOsakaman]

After moving to Japan, I started to find beauty and happiness in small things. Growing up in the US, I always thought I needed to be a "someone". Someone big. I was always trying to prove myself to others. I was always trying to make an impact. But after moving to Japan, I learned that those things really don't matter. What matters is living the "now", and finding peace and happiness in the minute details. Your video reminded me of my 初心 in Japan. Thank you.

[@matthewc9806]

Inspiring, thanks

[@MetaphoricalMusic]

so true.

[@VoxVeritasXXX]

I'm getting some serious Bob Ross vibes from this video "Look at this tree, it's such a happy little tree.. look at this shrine, it's such a happy little shrine.. look at these flowers, they smell so good and they're so happy together.. we have a cozy little mountain over here, snuggled in with a comfey little valley over there.. and they're all friends with each other!"

[@pres002]

Until you get involved with policy's.. Japan caters to the elderly and doesn't care about the younger generation and they end up getting screwed. Plus all the paperwork is a joke and over worked work hours pass.

[@myleswillis]

48:35 Out of all the houses here that's my favourite. Just someone living in one simple room above their beloved car.

[@chrislessard975]

I am with you there Norm. Give me mountains and forests, and that is my heaven. Areas like that give me so much energy and joy. Some beatuiful scenerary's as well.

[@yami2227]

This longform content is what I love most, and the cool exploration videos of villages and smaller towns. Chill atmosphere, nice to relax to this and unwind after work.

[@yami2227]

When starlink gets up and running in Japan and they dish out plans, live streams in the middle of bumpkin nowhere will be possible and will be soo fun. Can't wait for such tech

[@lostinaustin_]

Haha, I love when you say “Look at that!”, sometimes followed by an even more emphatic “Look at it !” That always cracks me up!

[@VoxVeritasXXX]

I'm getting some serious Bob Ross vibes from this video "Look at this tree, it's such a happy little tree.. look at this shrine, it's such a happy little shrine.. look at these flowers, they smell so good and they're so happy together.. we have a cozy little mountain over here, snuggled in with a comfey little valley over there.. and they're all friends with each other!"

[@cristinakennedy6962]

Hi Norm! The fragrant floral creeper on the building is called Jasmine.

[@coryaustin7379]

Man, a lot of Japan reminds me of what California used to be. This segment in particular reminded me of what Oxnard Shores and Beach Side Ventura used to be like, plenty of well-kept homes, flowers and trees everywhere but now it's kind of gone the way many cities in California are going, drugs and homeless people have taken over.

[@Stormcrow89]

Not sure how I missed this one, but glad I found it! I loved the mossy stairs, and the variations of bicycles oddly enough. Such varieties of styles and colors.

[@HereComesThaBoom]

More of these please. so relaxing and smooth.♥ (edit p.s.) Just when i pressed enter you said "smooth" with the car passing by. What a coincidence lol 😅

[@chrisadams628]

I love the longer videos like this. It's such a beautiful area

[@ShadowPuppet3001]

great video, I love the temples, you take great video footage of everything in Japan 🇯🇵, if I had a choice between an older house and a modern one, I would choose an older home in Japan 😊, because with an older home there is a story behind it 😊, it also brings out the unique vibe that makes Japan - Japan 🇯🇵 😊, again awesome video Norm

[@daisyrosario3438]

Thank you so much Norm!❤

[@jeffhoward9186]

GOD, how I miss Japan. Lived there for 8.5 years and enjoyed each and every day. Cannot wait until I can go back to my second home for a visit. Thank you Tokyo Lens for sharing a day in your life in Japan. My memories are coming back.

[@confracto]

commenting to say that "look at this" is one of the reasons I come here. everything you tell us to look at is breathtaking, and I enjoy it immensely.

[@simam2227]

I love that you are never tired of exploring backstreets (neither am I tired of watching) .. and that's why you are my favourite youtuber based in japan ♥.

[@ZX48zero]

Hi @TokyolensExplore Out on your walk you in an off had comment after seeing a drift car you said it was from The Anime Initial D you opened a rabbit hole !!!! never heard of it before but you had me binge watching it all followed by the Movie. More Anime recommendations please Love the Walking videos BTW Japanese backstreets & alleyways are amazing.

[@shannondore]

Omg Japan is so beautiful. I love all the trees, flowers, and most important the quiet. What a lovely walk, thanks Norm.❤😊

[@El2ocm]

The Enoshima livestream is one of my favourite of your videos. It’s just magical at that time of morning.

[@shinyamato]

I'm loving this kinda of video & stream. so peaceful, be one with nature, slow pace live. waiting for another one

[@thempstead]

I've been to Enoshima before which was quite pleasant, although a bit touristy. I love the little Enoden train along from their to Kamakura. I need to introduce the people I'm with next trip to the wonders of backstreet wandering as they normally just like countryside hikes

[@floccinaucci]

Only just having time to watch this just now. Keep up the great job Norm.

[@avi5802]

It's very rare I'm only watching youtube. I'm always doing something else while having a video on in the background. So, thank you for saying "look at this" because then I don't miss something particularly interesting : )

[@Jormunguandr]

Love exploring and listening to nature incl. "bad" weather. Eg: sound of tree's leafs in the wind. Thanks for inspiration.

[@-BEASTOR-]

It is amazing that every corner is different, every house is different. Nothing is the same where you go. I love that.

[@0hauntedtoast0]

I adore these videos. I've been lurking around both of your Tokyo channels for almost a year now, so I figured I should finally drop a comment. Thank you for your hard work on these videos and showing this side of Japan.

[@eric1800es]

28:15 stairs! My favourite drinking game is Stairs in Japan.

[@flinnferret]

watched this on a rainy day at home with a cup of tea and it was perfect!

[@brooksnorthcutt668]

I'm shooting for seeing Tokyo next year. The hype is real.

[@0bjectr]

Love watching you exxplore the back streets and it has inspired me to "get lost" more when I travel.

[@shannondore]

You never know what you're going to find when you get lost on purpose. I once found a really old forgotten graveyard off the side of the road. Some of the tombstones had dates as far back as 1700's. I felt bad that it had been forgotten but I was thrilled to find it.

[@pres002]

Queit amazing and it's close to a stop? Win. I can't wait to go back after 6 yrs in November. Going to be so fun

[@EdwardM919]

These walks are enjoyed by all who can't afford to travel.

[@SmilingQuokka]

Wow! Just gorgeous! We really do need Smell-o-vision though haha. I really love these rambling walks where we discover interesting spots. 🙌 I need to go back and properly rewatch the walk around the Lake town. That was beautiful too.

[@rachel_vill]

Well, thank you for keeping on stopping. As we can see more through your lens!

[@thundreturtle]

This whole area looks super nice :D. On the one hand smellovision would be cool, on the other for a lot of other videos from other youtubers I'm glad there is no such thing XD

[@mayonaise000]

Absolutely beautiful as always. These walks are ever the treat to someone who is stuck behind a desk in another country.

[@TheHawaiianc]

Thanks norm for the video norm

[@bitfreakazoid]

I think the way to do it is to have a traditional style home made, but with modern things like insulation. It's crazy to me that they still don't build like that. Besides helping to keep the home temperature regulated to something actually comfortable, it would also help to save on electricity.

[@MeItsLiterallyMe]

43:05 bless you × 2😎

[@DinnerForkTongue]

It's curious how such a densely populated country can have so many quiet spots. And I mean MANY quiet spots. If I ever visit, _these_ are the places I want to see. Maybe talk to people that call it their usual stomping grounds. Must be fascinating.

[@ehlersdanlosandi]

I really enjoy these videos, they're perfect for relaxing in a bath or escaping during a recumbent bike ride. Someday I'll go back and enjoy it in person, but until then, thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your adventures!

[@sassafrasdent4557]

Wow that opening shot of the shrine! Thank you for showing us around such a beautiful area 🙏 I really enjoyed the houses and gardens too.

[@Cogpadron]

I love these kinds of vidoes, please dont stop making them! :D

[@cruz_angulo]

I missed these!!

[@Gothrek2341]

I'd recommend you go to Yokohama Nissan Stadium area, it's open, green and really nice especially in windy weather. They also have a skate park there. Highly recommend

[@florencegabriel6683]

Hello from Pasadena California. As always, your videos inspire me to travel. Thank you for sharing.

[@epicthief]

These are my favorite videos for doing work to, just so peaceful and passively relaxing

[@alecangelo7443]

You could explore for days and it won't be enough lol... calming and therepeutic with your voice.. You should try narrating an audiobook I am a physical book kinda person but I'd gladly listen

[@merlyndyches-bessent6104]

Hi Norm--Lovely ramble as usual--The flowers there are amazing---It's a refreshing view rather than what's outside my windows--here in dry-as-a-bone Texas--glad to see the truck injury is getting better with time--also good to hear you are advancing towards that pilot's license--Keep doing these great videos! They bring joy with breakfast in the mornings and respite from jewelry production during the day--Safe travels on all your journeys--Merlyn (ATX)

[@tammi6771]

Another amazing video! Reminds me of how much you can miss if you don't go exploring. The shrine areas were so beautiful. I can't wait to do my own backstreet exploring. Thank you again!!

[@KirstenReusch]

Wasn't expecting to see the azalea bushes still going strong. The fabulous smelling vine might be honeysuckle. And OMG what fantastic and unique lanterns at the second temple. And that's just in the first 10 minutes... Been missing these premieres and walks. Thanks for the adventure in one of my favorite areas and have a great week. 💜✌🐦

[@yeevita]

The vine going up the side of the building and smelling amazing is jasmine. There are various types. I think all them smell amazing.

[@natsukashiistory]

This is such a fun walk ! I love your tours through all the little streets and all the little details (it's impossible to pick a favorite!). Going on wanders and taking the quietest paths and trying to get lost was my favorite thing to do the few times I've been to Japan. Now my health isn't too great and I can't really go walking at all, so suuuper thank you for taking us with you !!!

[@jaredf6205]

Glad you’re posting on this channel again. When I visited Japan, one of my favorite things just just wondering off into little areas and up hills.

[@afifemiya5825]

Wait a sec.. Why did i never knew about this video? How did it escape my notification?! 😂 Yes, new video to watch!

[@PNWGardener]

Thank you for sharing your love and joy for Japan. I'm visiting the country next week for the first time to see my sister who has been studying there for a year. I'm so excited to see her, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of Japan's beauty in person (after a 3 year delay!!).

[@PNWGardener]

And, speaking as a landscape designer, I absolutely agree that if you enjoy a tree you can pretty much enjoy anything!

[@kuukeli]

yay

[@shanellaj]

I just love your explore videos. So relaxing and gives me more hope and desire to want to move from the Caribbean to Japan.

[@kevinholt2648]

I saw the bike add-on and thought it might be for carrying lumber or hanging your groceries on, but a surfboard works too. Great semi-zen walk through Japan. Thanks for sharing the peaceful walk. The manicured details of the second shrine was extraordinary. It seemed like another world.

[@benrichardson5662]

You know if I found places like this in America I'd find it eerie. But this just looks chill and calm.

[@KrisYamagata]

Another cool backstreet video. They’re so much cooler than the main streets especially when there’s a shrine that’s all BAM here I am.

[@StaringIntoSpaceMan]

Definitely more walking videos, they are my favorite type of Japan experience and was what I loved doing the most when I visited!

[@marinesnail]

Hi from Saitama. I like your point of view and way of talking. I would suggest going to the Izu Islands. But since you said you are not a beach person, I am a bit hesitant. Dolphin swim in Mikurajima, sea turtles in Hachijo. There are also topographic attractions such as the geological formations visible by the beach on Niijima and the volcanoes and onsens on almost all of the Izu Islands.

[@ScottMcMaster-er4xj]

I really like this content. I hope you will be posting more exploration videos. Its great just seeing parts of Japan like this. Its a relacing vicarious visit to Japan. Thanks for sharing these experiences.

[@adambastien3635]

This was such a beautiful walk. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to visit.

[@mattdelong8449]

I am loving this shrine. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!

[@jocelijn]

Thanks for the great walk! Always love these videos. The area looks really nice and cozy. 😊

[@sharsnow]

hello! thank you for your video! I really enjoyed it because I don't think I have the budget yet to travel to Japan at the moment. I've never been to Kamakura or Enoshima. Wanted to but my sister insisted to check out Tokyo and other main streets. I personally, prefer places that are less busy. There's a house in Enoshima that was used for the J-Drama 'A Girl and Three Sweethearts' filming. The house is wooden and it's like a surfer's house. It's so cool. And there's a restaurant/cafe on the hill. It's really nice. Your video reminded me of that J-Drama. teehee~~~~ Thanks again!

[@devriestown]

THIS IS WHAT I LOVE❤❤❤ little back road small town/cities secret places. Love your content, man. I'm from New Zealand 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿. Can you please do a video on the judo kodokan . I love judo and the history of judo in Japan. Could you please go to Masahiko Kimura grave. I will one day go to Japan on my own trip to pay my respects. This is what I could find...... Getting there A 25-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line Kawajiri Station, get off at Daiji Temple, a 5-minute walk.

[@kevinwebb82]

48:49 It's the Initial D car!

[@gori-wanders]

I enjoyed this video a lot. Thank you!! I would love to live there; the shonan area is one of my favourites. I can't wait to visit it again

[@ozidanni]

Thanks for the walk, Norm.

[@xredgambit]

Great video! Love seeing the back alleys.

[@andrewcook495]

Ah, that's a clean AE86. You have good taste in cars!

[@LaineeeTravels]

Really enjoyed this walk. I've yet to make it out to the Shonan area, but might need to plan a trip when I'm in Japan next February.

[@artfromtheheart4391]

I really enjoyed that! It's my kind of Japan. When you said about building a traditional home why not have some fusion going on? Traditional exterior but with modern interior or Modern exterior but with updated traditional interior (Actually being warm in winter and cool in the summer)? Or traditional exterior and updated traditional interior? I feel there is still so much room for creativity and ingenuity regarding housing. Cheers Norm ^^

[@PipMiister]

🌻

[@tinanova9717]

Hi T.L... I'm pretty sure that lovely smelling vine you liked is a kind of Jasmine 😊

[@Minionz]

So many little pathways, I wonder what was at the end with all that bamboo.

[@BukiOh-ANP]

The beginning of this reminds me so much of the setting of Doraemon, the suburb. 😋 And though it seems like a very lovely place to live in, I think a considerable amount of money would be required. 😅 Thank you for another lovely walk.

[@jaseinclee]

I live on a high street in a British town. Would happily swap it for a beautiful backstreet in Tokyo

[@ImpatientAndy]

Ooh I didn't know about this Channel! Another channel I watch recently stopped (or super slowed down) uploading long walks around Japan. I enjoy your commentary (being both informative and fun) so I would love to see more of this! Definitely gonna dive into my new backlog! I'm going to Fukuoka in a couple months and saw that you have a couple vids there so that'll be my first stop!

[@sleeepylittlesheeepy2474]

To be Honest, I missed these kinds of videos. The livestream are nice, don't get me wrong. But the consistency of the quality is nice to have. Also, what you said, you don't have to wonder if we have the best quality. Sadly I couldn't catch this in the premiere, but the area is gorgeous. Thanks for showing us! The little shrines and their gardens are beautiful!

[@martinvalencia798]

We were just at Gero

[@jdii5698]

@ 14:50 - I can't imagine driving a G-wagon through alleys that narrow. Have you tried/thought about the new Insta360 GO 3? It looks promising.

[@bitfreakazoid]

Oh man. Pretty sure I've driven past that Hobie surf shop before.

[@OllamhDrab]

Haha, kinda like the 'Bonkers' concrete house. Looks like sufficient garaging, maybe more room for that kind of thing. (Maybe excessive *house* otherwise. But I can see lots of car people being in that neighborhood by the end, I see space for cars and stuff, little places over garage bays, whatnot. Apparently the folks with the hachiroku had the same idea. :) (And I was thinking it *would* be a nice spot for a cafe, right where the bigger street is, looks like there were once a few businesses there. Wonder if there'd be enough neighborhood life at other hours to sustain one. I think about these sorts of things when I see neighborhoods and houses. )

[@allisonrobertson5423]

Thanks for the video! Whether they are live streams or not, I enjoy both :) (p.s. I'm in the process of learning to drive, and accepting the fact that it might take longer than I thought it would lol)

[@TheNr1CoD4pro]

Is the video somewhat blurry? :O Love the scenery

[@dandomine]

How about you do one walk, one live, etc...I would be perfectly happy with that. Maybe you could drop in a Q&A in there, one that was prepped a few days before? Also, concerning the vloging camera, why don't you try out the Canon Powershot V10? It could possibly be a good alternative, no?

[@KatieCeee]

I still love these videos so much, sad I missed it live 😢 Also Norm I wanna get a second piece of your merch (I have the pink hoodie) and now I want the tshirt, but don’t know which color to get, can you respond to this comment with a random color choice?!

[@devriestown]

Nice man🫡🫡🫡

[@RowanWatersStudios]

Epic video! And thank you for the congrats. I wanted to invite you to my gradution party. However, they still have not comfirmed the day yet.

[@eric1800es]

14:28 it looks fairly posh. And just in the minute since you came out of the grounds, 2 European cars.

[@seebastian5834]

TIL the Japanese house has only 4 weaknesses: Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn.

[@RIKU2022]

Your video is quite good. I also produce videos related to travel in Japan🇯🇵. I've learned a lot from your video,thank you! 😀

[@stephenlewis7847]

Sorry can't catch you live hope you have a good one also is there any news on your fingers and can you still play the shamizen

[@thempstead]

If i remember correctly this is briefly mentioned in last weeks main channel video whilst Norm is walking across central Tokyo

[@martinvalencia798]

Surfboard

[@thecolortwelve3784]

Dang I'm running late

[@philipjay2099]

Looking at all the this and thats lol

[@fusionor]

So that Hachi-Roku is the Levin which was Itsuki's car. Takumi had the Trueno which everyone knows. Difference is that the Trueno had the front pop-up lights and the Levin didn't.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

lol

[@fusionor]

@@TokyoLensExplore Sorry. I was a huge import tuner fan when the anime came out. Iol. I can't wait for the new anime to come out this fall. Another great video btw. I was just in Japan this March and was in those side streets taking photos.