Inside an Abandoned School (With an Amazing Secret)

[@TokyoLensExplore]

WILD PLACE!! What did you think? Would YOU explore this alone? *FOUND AN ENTIRE ABANDONED VILLAGE!!* kzbin.info/www/bejne/eojbgqGEorKmosU

[@uzbek9669]

I love these little escapades you take , very fun to watch and they remind me of the old times when i used to explore abandoned places in my youth( i am 28)

[@escapingordinary9580]

Probably would not explore alone but the school reminds me of the abandoned school we used on Rebun Island for our archeological project.

[@saneminotaur]

Definitely wouldn't explore here alone, mostly because as mentioned, there may be people/ animals living there. I think a man is probably safer when exploring solo; I feel much more comfortable exploring through videos like this :D My SO loves exploring abandoned places, and I never wanna hear about his escapades until he is home safe to tell the tale.

[@epicthief]

Would love a 3d video!

[@elementneon]

SO glad Spirited Away was mentioned 😊 it is 100% spot on. There was some part of my subconscious that arrived at the same correlation without the thought having fully manifested in my conscious thought prior to it being acknowledged.

[@booksandocha]

The sign at the front was from the school's closing ceremony, and the one of the first rooms had a leaflet that Norm looked at, which dated that closing ceremony as March 22 Heisei 22 (meaning 2010), so the place has been closed for 14 years.

[@Ducklordess]

thankyou for the helpful information.

[@myrdalmuda]

thanks, I thought It was 2022

[@ludovica8221]

I do think that Norm should read out all signs he sees. My Japanese is confined to recognising Hiragana/Katakana characters so it'd be nice to hear the words spoken and then translated to English

[@alcor4670]

Do Japanese schools (or at least high schools) have class reunions and such? And if so, how are they held once their alma mater closes down? It might be safe to say that some graduates might be curious enough to visit their old schools, but I can't help but feel sad for those who's schools closed down.

[@williamsiyanko4631]

What a creepy old Abandoned Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵 😢😢😢😢

[@lyndonlives638]

There's something wonderfully Japanese about finding an abandoned school that leads to a forgotten forest path that leads to a dark mountain tunnel that leads to a long bridge crossing that leads to an empty village that leads to...a working vending machine! 😊

[@WarFoxThunder]

ikr ^^"

[@aimemari]

it makes me love Japan even more, I've always appreciated that place

[@amonra4046]

Młotkiem rozwalić szybę i sobie brac co się zechce.

[@littlereviewmaster5669]

And a freaking bmw😊

[@autistic_armadillo]

Spirited Away vibe is no joke, this is a Studio Ghibli movie just waiting to be made.

[@UncleBubba]

Norm may well be the only person in the world who can walk past an unattended piano without hitting some of the keys.

[@Pauzix]

he also walked past a telescope that was clearly pointed at something outside

[@mtv565]

I wouldn't touch that piano due to bacteria on the keys, and its strings would definitely be out-of-tune.

[@bitterellaselectricgroove8544]

It's for the better. We don't need him summoning some ancient spirit. 🤣

[@iamjames8403]

This angered me so much.

[@iamjames8403]

So much so that I will think about it everyday for the rest of my life.

[@DGR_Dave]

I am in awe that there is virtually no graffiti...I admire how much Japan respects its structures, even if it's abandoned!

[@stevew8513]

I was going to say the same thing. I watched a video about Adak Island in the Aleutian Islands chain that used to host a Cold War era military base that closed in the 1990s, and everything has been vandalized to hell and back. A former listening post to spy on the Soviet Union, shut down and a population only in the hundreds, with little reason for tourists to visit... and everything is smashed, looted and covered with spray paint. I wish we had the Japanese culture's respect for other people's property here.

[@bmona7550]

Most likely because this is at a country side with a sinking population of young people. I feel like there might be graffiti if this school is near the Tokyo area or any other big city.

[@kotnapromke]

Это отсутствие свободы, а не культура. Привыкли жить по жестким правилам.

[@vongolashodaime1975]

Hey DGR, cool to see that you watch Norm too

[@John-fn2ln]

You can still tell people has been in here because it's not actually in perfect condition

[@tinman271]

Still amazed at how there's still electric lights and a working vending machine there despite it being mostly abandoned. Such a great find.

[@OllamhDrab]

Guessing the doors are open and such cause people do occasionally pass through there for some reason.

[@shanesnider8645]

As well as well worn paths

[@Lightice1]

The school is abandoned, but it looks like the village is still inhabited, people are just out at work in some nearby town or larger village. It's sparse, but not completely dead, at least not yet.

[@JohnDarkSoul69]

​@@Lightice1 you're probably right. There's many such villages in Japan where it would seem they're abandoned at first glance when in fact they just don't have that many people living in there and the few people that do are out working.

[@erwin734]

This is Japan. Finding vending machine in the middle of no where is not strange. I have seen vending machines in the middle of a rice field.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks to everyone joining this 1M seconds through Japan Adventure~ Leave me something down below!

[@Scrumtrulescent0]

What a time to be alive, to see another person's journey in a secret far away place like this. Greetings from Virginia, USA! Thanks so much for sharing this for people like me who would otherwise never have the chance to explore Japan this way. Absolutely riveting.

[@zebrobertson]

Awesome find and exploration Norm!

[@trapchan86]

Loved this video. It's a dream I have to be able to do something similiar but life doesn't allow it (mental health). I would love to be able to aimlessly drift around Japan in order to find stuff like this. I've done some back home a few years ago, and I miss it every day.

[@Maid.p]

It's always so cool to experience new places and cultures. I'd like to be able to do it sometime in the future, too ! ! !

[@twistedfree]

People can learn so much from videos like these. Thank you!

[@bigorange2082]

For those who don’t know here in Japan it’s cheaper to just abandon the building than clean it out. The land I live on and own is basically worthless with my house here. If I tear down the house and make the land clear, the land value goes back up again. There are so many abandon buildings here in Gifu too. Stores, a doctor’s office, houses. I’d like to explore them too but I don’t know if it’s legal. I can send pictures of the outside. 😅 Best wishes from the mountains of Gifu.

[@cokesquirrel]

I saw the same thing in china. And the people who live there said yes it's cheaper to abandon it and I never understood why thanks for your explanation. And the people who live there said yes it's cheaper to abandon it and I never understood why thanks for your explanation

[@lorinlankins3004]

Can you ask your city council? Make videos like this guy does because love seeing these old style Japanese towns

[@doug2349]

it may be cheaper but land isn't unlimited, something could go in the old places area

[@ahatfullofdreams]

Hi, I just wanted to take the time to say "thank you" for making these videos. Though I'm only 40 years old, chronic illness has robbed me of almost all mobility. When I was younger, I loved hiking, exploring, and going on little adventures like this. It makes me so sad that I can't keep exploring and seeing more of the world. Videos like yours allow me to still feel just a little bit like I'm off on an adventure, seeing something new. I really appreciate it.

[@mungbean345]

Similar story here. Fist bump for facing another day, and I hope tomorrow will be a beautiful one for you. ☀️

[@theresa_lili]

Big hugs and prayers. I have CRPS making me in the same boat as you. I feel very lonely most days Trapped in a rental I can't stand. I don't drive due to vertigo. If you ever need an ear, I'm here for you. Nice to meet you @ahatfullofdreams

[@ahatfullofdreams]

@@theresa_lili Thanks for the kind words! It sounds like we have had similar experiences. I have hEDS and POTS. The pain severely limits my mobility, and the dizziness has also left me where I can't drive. The only things that keep me sane are my supportive family and my floofy cat. It's tough, but it helps to look for the bright spots, wherever you can find them. Wishing you the best!

[@mungbean345]

@@ahatfullofdreams VERY similar story, apparently! So happy for your supportive network and floofy cat! I'm allergic to pets, so we have a lifelike dog pillow who lives on the couch and is probably the reason the apartment manager put a paper on our door with a fine and a threat of eviction for an undisclosed dog. After feeling initially stressed out, I got a good laugh out of it. Glad you look for the bright sides, too! Keep up the good work!

[@mungbean345]

@@theresa_lili Prayers for you, too, and it was very wholesome to see someone reaching out to make sure someone else with a chronic illness is doing okay. We've gotta cheer each other on! ☀️

[@Sperbs_9]

I love that you said the town was giving “Spirted Away” feels because I immediately thought “zombie apocalypse” vibes 🤣

[@DubhghlasMacDubhghlas]

Yeah, I definitely got more zombie apocalypse vibe.

[@catenthusiast3421]

I was waiting for some sort of jump scare, to be honest.

[@mrlolmaster1019]

that bridge gave me latest bald and bankrupt in tajikstan video vibes

[@desireepaulplummer4386]

I agree with you there I was about to say that until I read your comment, it’s so well preserved like like walking into a mirror into an empty version of Japan that stand still in time I agree with you there I was about to say that until I read your comment, it’s so well preserved like like walking into a mirror into an empty version of Japan that stand still in time😆

[@myatheplaysgames]

I was thinking more like SIlent Hill, abandoned school, and a weird tunnel, and a rusty bridge, all you needed was a foggy day to explore for the real SH vibe.

[@mayonaise000]

Abandoned and semi-abandoned villages just give a kind of profound sadness.

[@user-yuri665]

It always feels very lonely and sad

[@mudpuddle8805]

Its funny, I feel like I just found home. I wish I was there now. What a magical little village. Wonderful!

[@rachel_v_k]

I would enjoy the solitude and the surroundings while living in such a village. The forest and river are profoundly beautiful.

[@daria7369]

yeah right like there are so many memorys made in that school we will never konw about

[@JohnDarkSoul69]

It gives me a peaceful feeling tbh. I would love to visit a place like that just to chill a bit.

[@carycoombe3380]

I cannot believe how this school is open and still contains items of value, after many years. Seems like a whole different world.

[@fatal_error_3]

If I were a Japanese taxpayer, I would be quite annoyed how things of value like f.ex pianos are just left to rot away.

[@SeventhSwell]

Probably down to the locals being decent and respectful people. Videos like this one, even though I like it, make me worry outside people will find out about the place and go loot and vandalize the place.

[@diray3474]

I very much appreciate the way you are filming without sensationalizing everything. Just a guy exploring an abandoned building with interest whilst being respectful of his surroundings. It's very refreshing in its authenticity.

[@fnorazril]

What a nice little find. Places like that always make me feel a little melancholic. Once bustling with the sounds of kids doing kid things, now just left as a silent sentinel to watch age march on toward inexorable decay and collapse. Feels like when a school goes this way it's the final death knell of a community. Soon will there be any people left that lived there and remember it? Moments like that make the world feel smaller. Like it's contracting away from the edges.

[@Just1Nora]

Well said! It's bittersweet. The more we advance as societies the more we streamline and prune inefficiencies, and this does lead to us shrinking into pools of population around cities that get deeper and deeper and spread wider by the year.

[@rhynecordle7013]

How on earth did you land on these words for a youtube comment? "silent sentinel", never even heard "melancholic", "bustling", "inexorable decay and collapse" ,"contracting away from the edges" when describing the world?!?

[@fnorazril]

@@Just1Nora Thank you! And yep, it's a sad fact that tends to be the trend. But convenience and localization of supplies and services does tend to have that effect.

[@fnorazril]

@@rhynecordle7013 They just felt like the right words, I suppose. I like doing urban exploration, so I see a lot of buildings left in disrepair. Because of that I tend to lean toward those words. Plenty of other words that could be used too. Beautiful easily comes to mind. Lush verdant mountain sides filled with life crowding down on the school. The tunnel alluring and just beckoning you, see what's on the other side. That bridge was an inspired piece of engineering and has such a great view of the river. Not all of it is gloomy, I just tend to reach for those words in my toolbox of choices.

[@ShadowsandCityLights]

Imagine you're just chilling in your secluded village and some foreigner comes yapping across the old school route and starts yapping up a storm for a bit in town, then leaves. 😂

[@ScooterinAB]

lol. "I thought moving out here would free me from ever having to speak English. Cursed Gaikoku."

[@mungbean345]

Yes, I was imagining that. 😄 I grew up in a rural area in the Midwest USA and definitely had this sort of thing happen several times. Some of the people just walked by, but others would steal our asparagus, pet and then try to take our turkey, have photoshoots in the falling apart one-room shack between our house and the neighbor's, and city kids pawing through our old barns in the early mornings on a dare or looking for stuff to sell. For all of us country neighbors, the offensive part was that we would have been willing to give away these experiences and show even more hospitality if people had been respectful and tried to say hi before helping themselves. So as curious as I am, I'm always thankful that Norm has manners and boundaries in his explorations.

[@desireepaulplummer4386]

Do you have to make this be a good place to do a photo shoot? And some cosplayers here Who love country theme like anime among us🤔😅

[@rawmaw]

And playing around with a stick aha

[@BellUH-1]

If Spirited Away taught us something it's not to enter on a random abandoned tunnel on a forest. At least you didn't found an open restaurant without waiters and cooked food ready to eat. Jokes apart, this is the side of Japan that really makes me want to visit, the cities are okay, but the little villages surrounded by forests and sometimes some abandoned buildings are just an amazing view. Just thinking about the calmness of the place where some people lived and lives a quiet life brings a "timeless vibe", as if time just stopped and preserved the memories of its former and current habitants. Sorry if there are some mistakes english isn't my main language.

[@Maggie12791]

As he entered the apparent ghost town I thought 'wouldn't it be cool (and creepy as hell) if there was a fully operational colourful vending machine just standing there somewhere' and SURE ENOUGH-

[@Stormcrow89]

Is it bad that the mom brain part of me wanted to just pick up all those books and stack them neatly? Other than that, this was really cool. I’ve never seen a school with the auditorium on an upper floor before, and that tunnel was just captivating. The beautiful spring green moss was a lovely accent to it all.

[@ikaruseijin01]

Imagine if you did... City officials come to check on the abandoned school and find the library cleaned and put back in place. 😄 Might be worth it to see their faces.

[@micabryant4513]

I wanted to tidy it so badly too! Place had charm..wanted to see it looking nice again..

[@wuggieofthehood3711]

I've been to two repurposed high schools here in the U.S. where the auditorium/gymnasium was on the third floor (top floor) the where both in small, historic older Cities in the mid-Atlantic area. Seems like it might be a bit annoying to be sitting in math class and people above you are running around playing basketball or sometbing lol

[@steveforbes8287]

My OCD went into overdrive when he entered that library! LOL

[@k.vn.k]

What a beautiful places. You started with an abandoned school, still with many items left inside, but every empty rooms would tell a story. Then a dark tunnel leading to a bridge and you find the most beautiful village across the river… empty and again, each buildings would tell a story. What kind of story is up to your imagination, however the beauty and emptiness leave a very lonely melancholic feelings.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

The moment of the valley opening up over the river as you came out of the tunnel was rather stunning. Lovely place though I could not deal with that many spider webs. I ran into enough last time I was in Japan and I never went any where abandoned, just some less traveled spots.

[@razi_haron]

That village fits my dream place to live in ...quiet, greeneries and the sound of water flowing .

[@JamesBurdon-gu5yu]

Yea but devoid of shops, life development or income

[@itsfiberr]

​@@JamesBurdon-gu5yu get starlink up and running with a work from home job. Have a small garden and go out of town on a motorized bike for meats and such. Very doable

[@fujitrash]

Fun Fact: The school was closed in 2010 to merge with a school in a larger village.

[@OllamhDrab]

Ah, that squares with my impressions, there: it kind of looks like more of an incomplete move-out than 'Just abandoned,' ...for instance most of the student desks seem to be gone, which implies they were needed elsewhere, say, if you moved more students to an otherwise-furnished school somewhere. It also doesn't seem *totally* neglected, as if they at least had some hope of repurposing or restarting it again. It's like ....they took *some* of the stuff, started taking some of the most-useful books and bookshelves, maybe, offices maybe not-so-cleared out of things left over after however many staff changes..... No real sign of things abandoned by *children...* Like maybe they moved stuff out over a summer, eventually called it quits when there was no more need or room, maybe even still go back for the occasional thing.

[@Desolate1]

Anyone out there that went to school here? I’d love to hear someone reminisce! Also, it would be really cool to see an anime based in this school and village.

[@ScooterinAB]

That checks out. The school I worked at ate, like, 7 other schools as the town closed in and consolidated all the kids in one place.

[@bigorange2082]

@@OllamhDrabit’s cheaper to leave the stuff instead of cleaning it out.

[@kimkeller8126]

Thanks for the info I was wondering why it was closed

[@Tempest-613]

I'm glad you found that school and village! They're both so lovely and it's a shame that they're going abandoned as people move into the cities and the older population die. It's nice that there's at least this small record of them ❤

[@mnk9073]

It's a nice building, lots of natural light and good facilities. I bet kids liked going there. It's really sad to see it just left to slowly decay.

[@MiddleAgedSwedeGoesForAWalk]

I thought the (presumably) centuries old stone bridge I crossed every day on my way to school was pretty cool but that tunnel is on a completely different level, would've made every walk to and from school feel like an adventure 😀The fact that the light is still on in the tunnel does make it seem like it's still being used somewhat regularly.

[@Tajarim88]

Probably not. I would guess it's just part of a law, that traversable paths need to be sufficiently illuminated, as they would have had to prevent entry otherwise. I came across quite a few abondoned properties in Japan that were completely chained up.

[@yazyaz2969]

​@@Tajarim88If it's a law that it should be illuminated. It probably means that someone is checking the light regularly for maintenance

[@Tajarim88]

@@yazyaz2969 yeeeees? That is what that OBVIOUSLY implies. Have a 🍪 for thinking about it.

[@yazyaz2969]

@@Tajarim88 Man the OP said "it's still being used regularly" and you said "probably not". I'm just pointing it out lol Here's the milk for your cookie 🥛

[@icefox7022]

I do lots of urbex photography here in Italy, and i gotta say, i'm always amazed by the amounts of beautiful abandoned places in Japan, the decay and stories you get to see from even just the objects are worth so much. Stuff like this, sadly, would never be preserved in this state here in Italy where things either get demolished or vandalized very fast. I can only wish to experience and capture such places.

[@Makidapon]

This video made me appreciate living in the countryside and walking to school back in my elementary days.

[@scarnia2787]

That place would be an amazing spot for a community centre. Such a shame it’s been abandoned.

[@steveforbes8287]

Maybe so but, it appears that the community no longer exists.

[@greenbriar07]

Fun to see those paper-strip chains in the classroom - we made those in elementary school, too :)

[@darthalpaca]

Was anticipating a person to be like “hi” throughout the journey inside the school considering it is in such good condition still. Never really have seen the auditorium/gym on the top floor nor an entrance from above. The tunnel system is a cool find and the suspension bridge is amazing. Looking at the marking on the wall next to the bridge I wonder how high the river waters get. Must be pretty high. I get the eerie vibes when walking through the tunnel and that walking this area would be a challenge of courage and more spooky at night time. Thanks for sharing with us 🙂

[@itsmeshuro]

Imagine passing through that tunnel and discovered you travel through time and can't go back😂

[@desireepaulplummer4386]

At least I don’t have to worry about housing crisis that happened go find myself a new home, Steiner life all over again, travelling through thyme escape from Authority and the law🤔😏🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 No more high inflation

[@Yoinkus]

Sounds like a movie I’d love to watch

[@azurecorviknight4189]

Or traveled to another world maybe

[@scottrych]

Not sure why I was so nervous for you until I realized, you had to actually upload the video, so then I knew you had to have survived. 😂 I loved the video, so cool that you could do that.

[@marshawargo7238]

So funny that he kept saying that he should have kept the stick😂!!! Dude! There's like a million sticks to choose from, all around you😮!!! Pick one up❤!!! Problem Solved😊!!!

[@xxenogear]

You found a real gem here Norm. I instantly fell in love with that school and the tunnel and area around it. That is such a spectacular mountain backdrop. I would totally retire there.❤❤ And brew coffee all day, lol.

[@cheskydivision]

That school would be a great apartment/hotel.

[@cudyllbach6468]

Why so many schools and villages abandoned in Japan. These areas are so beautiful. So sad

[@wuggieofthehood3711]

Smaller populations of children lead to abandonment and consolidations of schools leading to fewer school than where needed in past decades and people have slowly but surely been relocating to cities rather the the countryside/mountainside villages of long ago. It so sad to see places like this and so many others go unused.

[@Rlfa84]

Because the buildings built for another reason before they were schools and other public facilitys

[@JoyNova]

The path from the tunnel to the bridge, was the coolest thing ever. What a great find!

[@ernestwalker5173]

I'm sorry to see Japan's high mountains like this there were such nice people living there, when I was there very respectful of other people, even to an American like me.

[@SeeJayEmm2]

Watching these feels like a whole other world to me.

[@Miquiztli111]

That thumbnail is awesome can’t wait

[@oldgregg86.]

No trash, no drugs, no destruction, no graffiti, no addicts, no squatters. Amazing how different Japanese abandoned buildings are compared to American ones.

[@Lightice1]

Japan has all of the above, but this area is so remote that coming there to cause trouble just isn't worth it to anyone so inclined. If this school happened to get an urban legend related to haunting or such, people would flock there to cover the walls in spooky graffiti in spite of the distance.

[@simonphoenix3789]

@@Lightice1 in the US, no matter how abandoned and out of the way it is, some a-hole will come along and paint a bunch of letters all over the place.

[@bitterellaselectricgroove8544]

Other countries such as England, for example, also have the same problem as America. Graffiti in/outside abandoned buildings, homes, etc.

[@wout123100]

ofcourse, japan is civilised, cant say the same about the us anymore

[@alistairkewish651]

Too far away to appeal to squatters, I think. This is rural Japan.

[@chrism7395]

I'm always amazed how much fixtures and fittings are left behind and how the buildings are left unsecured - in the UK, it'd be almost gutted and the lower level ingress points would be boarded up with at least a suggestion of monitoring by a security firm.

[@megamcee]

16:45 I know that this is a quite reductive thing to say, but this is a quintessential "japanese thing" Abandoned school into a seemingly empty village deeeep in the mountaints, BUT THE VENDING MACHINE WORKS! Love it

[@sekrymFalanitule]

It’s not even that deep into the mountains, The main road is a 5 minute drive away and the Machine just had an upgrade this year as it was broken :)

[@Marc.B111]

Somehow I wish that our schools would be located in such a beautiful enviroment. The view (at around 5:18) out of the windows directly into the overgrown slope is just pure magic. No fields, other buildings or noisy roads nearby, just quiet nature.

[@TheRandompaint]

I went to a boarding school in the middle east on a mountain city. There's really nothing like waking up to an incredible view and being surrounded by beauty 24/7.

[@Nommicus]

We used to walk 4 miles to school (primary) down and up a river valley on our own before my 10th birthday, one year snow upto my armpits, we still went. This was in UK in the 80s. It not surprising they walked that every day, it was more than we had, we had a broken road that was often waterlogged. Plus the lawns and houses in that village you walked past were kept and mowed showing folks do live there and probably work away now.

[@Graymanjft]

This is a problem that is seen across the world, the dying of small, rural towns. I grew up in a small town in southeast Kansas that had 5 elementary schools. The town has, at last count, lost half of its population. They closed all the elementary schools and built one central school. The closed schools were never repurposed and have all been abandoned. The windows have been broken out, ceilings are caving in, etc. It's incredibly sad. The hometown of my youth is gone except in my memories. Thank you, Norm, for your videos. My son, his girlfriend, and I are planning on visiting Japan in November and we watch your videos for ideas of where to go. You have rapidly become my son's and my favorite youtuber.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

This was fantastic!

[@AltevBaka]

I’m so glad you said Spirited Away because as soon as I saw that entrance to the tunnel that’s exactly what I thought of

[@tccandler]

That was an excellent abandoned tour! Thanks!

[@robopiplup5193]

Absolutely criminal how many perfectly salvageable things were just left in that school. Plenty of books, tools, musical instruments, and even cool science equipment and preserved stuff. I'm sure some of the scattering was from people going through things afterward, maybe by other explorers, but the school gives off the appearance that it was abandoned in a hurry. Very surreal.

[@capitalb5889]

The books are surplus to requirements - probably obsolete in any case. The musical instruments and some other stuffI agree - they could at least have been sold.

[@jennifergodinez5679]

By far this is THE BEST 'abandoned adventure vid' ive ever seen. This is the first video of yours ive watched but i already like you more than other people ive watched. I also loved how there was no tagging (the ugly, untalented, unnecessary kind) in the tunnel! Shows you how different cultures are more respectful than the US. Amd all the green, so beautiful! Thanks!

[@Its_Dave_Just_Dave]

Theres always that feeling of sadness when people visit abandoned schools and villages, especially ones like that with belongings and school equipment still there. Makes you think of how many people studied there, the teachers and what they were like and what became of them, who was the first student and the last one. What the teachers must have felt with each year passing there were less and less students.... until the time happened that they decided to close. I can understand about the destruction and disposal costs but some of the things like the old farming equipment and alot of the other things in there could be of interest to decorators and collectors.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Norm. Exploring abandoned buildings in Japan are always so interesting and fascinating because you get to see things you’ve never seen before. And one of the best things about abandoned buildings in Japan is there almost never been vandalized. Thanks for letting us ride along with you on your adventures.

[@Ckinproduction]

Its so crazy to think those halls at one point in time where probably full of people and children. Now its just quiet and empty. The many stories and experiences that have happened in that building. Truly amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us, Norm.

[@brooksnorthcutt]

I think I've said this in another video, but there's a pain I feel when seeing a place that was abandoned in my lifetime. I remember 2010, and the feeling I get seeing that school looking so old is pure sorrow.

[@jeanproctor3663]

Thank you for this little adventure and sharing it with us all, Norm. We really appreciate seeing such beautiful and peaceful places.

[@jimspectre6545]

This was fascinating to me. That foot paths view was spectacular and that waterway below the suspension bridge and the vision of seeing that little village coming into view was such a wondrous sight. What an amazing experience!

[@tovi099]

It was awesome to go through that tunnel with you, Japan has a lot of secrets to be found.

[@funkytwostep]

So many writing prompts! Imagine being the vendor that keeps drives out to supply the machine in an abandoned village that always seems to need a refill. I love would to hear the stories of the former students that attended these lonely places.

[@KSilverlode]

There may not have been bats in the tunnel, but the size and pattern of droppings in the school do look like they are from small bats. If you looked up where you saw the droppings, you might have seen some roosting under the ceiling.

[@dejahdanger]

Bravo. Excellent and thoughtful analysis and commentary.

[@TokyoLensExplore]

Thank you kindly

[@coobcakes]

Honestly when the texture of the tunnel changed and got all smooth at 11:37 ish, I was thinking "is this a prank? is this CGI? is this going to turn into some 3d world on the other side of the tunnel?" The suspension bridge and the river surrounding that tiny town was gorgeous. It's crazy to see how much stuff was left in that school.

[@perpeder4370]

That is how most tunnels and cliff faces by roads (been secured) look, yes? At least in Norway I’ve seen that kinda sement-type stuff a lot

[@party4lifedude]

This is like a holy grail of location for me, I've always wished I could go to Japan and just explore remote areas and do urbex

[@simpleliving-bulgaria4787]

I would stay in that village any time - what a magical place to live. So sad that it seems so deserted. Cool explore

[@veronicaclarke7499]

If this was a horror film I would have been saying 'DON'T go into the creepy old tunnel!' Great video - I'm always surprised no one's walked off with the stuff left in these places.

[@nicholaslandolina]

That place would be amazing restored

[@turbotablet]

That's spectacular, Norm! Always a pleasure to explore Japan through your Lens.

[@Ianlee1977]

It's really fascinating to see a facet of Japan that's been somewhat forgotten and abandoned but at the same time i'm amazed that people haven't secretly moved in to live there. It looks amazing but i can't imagine how creepy it would be at night.

[@truthteller8274]

One of the most fun exploring videos I've seen, bravo mate!

[@lT7StevenWingslT7]

Wow, this is simply amazing and breathtaking - it kind of reminded me of the anime "Akebi's Sailor Uniform" as well. I'm halfway through the video but hope that you got to speak to or interview some locals in order to find out more about the school.

[@Varzio]

These abandoned places are always fascinating (I was glued to my screen) but at the same time it feels a little sad. Also very surprised by how "intact" everything still was- everything that was left there still looked to be in pretty good shape!

[@x2jzb]

Very Scary!! My hats off to you for going the extensive track to cover the school, bridge and village!! Thank you for weathering the spider webs and spiders you saw. Very interesting!!! I can’t wait for the next video!!!❤

[@dunkirchen1940]

What a great video! Thank you for taking us with you, Norm!

[@girlwithtiger5233]

Wow, this was very cool! Everything in there looks like it's just waiting to be used. There's surprisingly little rot. Really makes you wonder what the place would have looked like when it was still in use.

[@_Adie]

What a beautiful, amazing place. The school itself, the tunnel, and the village. I'd love to explore a place like that for myself one day. Really does feel like a different world.

[@zrugel]

holy crap that place is absurdly cool. its like it was lost to time, but only recently.

[@texasgal3903]

Beautiful place, so gorgeous. I guess most people moved out, which is very sad, because to me, that's an adventure! VERY enchanting!

[@Murphy007]

That was old school Tokyo Lens today. I know exactly what that school smelled like. What a great time .

[@TruGloryxists]

This is one of the best abandoned video i have seen so far. Thankyou. I love history and how ancestors lived.

[@MaiHand]

This is such a gosh darn cool find! that tunnel and bridge to the little village is amazing! making such a tunnel and bridge to ensure education is honestly inspirering!

[@EternalShadow]

That tunnel reminds me so much of spirited away i got chills Japan is so amazing

[@EternalShadow]

And jsut after i posted that it was said on vid XD Japan is just so cool

[@adriancentra]

27:13 it says something like let’s all encourage each other and grow. Well the wildlife sure has taken that motto seriously…😂

[@desireepaulplummer4386]

No kidding😅😅😅😅😅😅🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@joannamysluk8623]

In Japan, even the plants understand the importance of education.

[@pendaco]

Norm walking with the stick reminded me of Renge from Non Non Biyori. "It's not a stick! The weight, the branch-like shape.. It's obviously the legendary sword!" 😄 Norm just didn't know he was wielding it! But I feel like the kids going to school there had the same imaginations. That view of the mountains after you walked out the tunnel was just breathtaking!

[@Mr_Nobody-]

Beautiful place to explore. Thanks for the trip Tokyo Lens.❤

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

What a great explore. Thanks for taking us with you Norm.

[@randomaccount-dq1jq]

Looked like someone had been doing some light general cleaning of the place, would likely be a good focus / nostalgia place on the ground floor for ex students/ teachers. The village looked a beautiful place to live if the closest actual city is within a 30-45 minute for an introvert, bet the wifi is better than parts of nw England 😂

[@HiCZoK]

This is absolutely incredible

[@ludovica8221]

Wow!! I hate to see all those books and other educational resources abandoned and going to waste. Its amazing to me to see such a building just abandoned. The tunnel and bridge were very Ghibli-esque.. Amazing

[@lep23456]

This was quite a treat!!! THANKS!!!

[@techytube7764]

a stunning area its so sad to see so many places like this in Japan its going this way in every country it seems now except maybe Ireland where there is a massive housing crisis and prices have jumped 200-300k for houses

[@Thinkingofsomebrunch]

This is so beyond awesome!! Loved every minute!!

[@NateSwanni]

Yesss love the abandon exploration!

[@Velleck]

MAN! I have missed these videos of yours, cant wait to see more.

[@Ogur1981]

id lov eto liv ein a lushy placelike that

[@whoevenknows762]

This is So many ghibli vibes! I can imagine a story already! A guy goes back to his home town in the mountains after losing his city job and struggling with depression and self worth issues. He visits his old school many years after it closed. He goes through the tunnel and comes out the other side a child back in the past and starts his adventure ☺️

[@max--park]

Is this the beginning of Spider Norm arc? Who knows! Either way, it's once again another awesome video, you always have the best Japanese countryside exploration videos!

[@jed86515]

great video as always, I wanted you to explore the village more but then realised how far you had walked. Thanks for finding these amazing places

[@ChiChisStreams]

This is amazing!! Loved it!

[@franco3584]

Norm , You always find the best places . This was Fun and a little Spooky.

[@misteriron69]

Wowwwwww, BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL!!! Definitely worth the wait. enjoyed the premiere. Norm, Keep doing these, and I appreciate what you do with this Explore channel a lot. Thank you, Norm, for the effort and for giving us the opportunity to have a look into this amazing part of Japan!!!

[@WillHuizenga]

That's awesome. I'd love to live in that little village

[@almoe1675]

I loved it. I miss Japan, and I would love to acquire a place like that to slowly turn it into my home or many homes for others in the community. Just a dream. Keep up the good work.