Transforming My Kei Van for the Ultimate Wakayama River Adventure ⼮

[@3putt4u]

I love how you are not afraid to do anything that sparks your interest! You also have great friends that fly quite away to help you. Love Milly the cat. Great job!

[@BethDoublekickChick]

I just love how Millie is involved in ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING 🧐🥰

[@ChaniJapan]

😽

[@BethDoublekickChick]

@@ChaniJapan 🥰

[@Dogsnark]

I enjoy seeing Millie. Cats make everything just a bit more interesting.

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes. Life with Millie is very interesting

[@maisar4563]

Love how the camper van turned out! What a sense of adventure having something like that you can just jump in and travel anywhere. Guard cat Millie is adorable

[@ChaniJapan]

I think it was the best use of space to suit my needs. Millie has space too. She will love camping I think.

[@rtr1233]

You're living my dream

[@spankohyayo]

凄い！自家製キャンピングカー。超クール！綺麗な自然を満喫していて人間らしく羨ましいと感じました。東京を脱出したいです！！ 鈴木の車は最高！僕もジムニーSJ40、1300㏄ジムニー、ノマド等スズキ車ばかり乗っていました。羨ましいです。

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

🎉

[@ChaniJapan]

スズキの車をたくさん持っていましたね！🚙✨

[@tacitusromanus8239]

You are such an inspiration, Chani! I love your can-do attitude. Glad your friends from Australia were there to help you fit out your Mori with all you need for camping. Again, Millie has given her paw of approval ❤❤❤

[@amyhines4702]

Oh, that silly Millie! So cute

[@AnnieHo-i5x]

You're a delight to watch. What I really like about you and your videos is that you're not afraid to learn and try new things. This is very encouraging. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@Plh-yz6hh]

Really enjoy your videos and love your camper van! And love all the Millie cameos!

[@AlysianahNoire]

Living in Japan and now doing van camping. Awesome.

[@由紀長谷川-y5d]

日本の夏を楽しんでくださってありがとう。でも川遊びはほんとうに気をつけてくださいね。

[@由紀長谷川-y5d]

かっぱがいるのは昔からの言い伝えです。

[@ChaniJapan]

ありがとう、かっぱには気をつけるよ！

[@wren9396]

OMG, this van build is amazing! Got me inspired to make ours a camper too.

[@ChaniJapan]

I hope it inspires you to go on your own adventures 😊

[@gaspode7]

Yay another Chani video! The river swim looked wonderfully refreshing. I must say you lucked out with the exceptional skills of your visitors. They installed the insulation, assume they helped with the bidet issue, crafted the bed frame and table for the van, and gifted an awning. Australians, like yourself, seem to be very handy and skilled outdoorsy people. Hope to see more of your river adventures

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks again! Yes super lucky to have some amazing people come visit to make it all possible. They sorted the bidet and insulation and van. Not so easy for me to do all of this on my own.

[@gaspode7]

Newly outfitted Mori will make such a great vehicle for traveling and camping. A video series on camping the lovely rivers of Wakayama and surrounding areas would be interesting for visitors or people living in Japan. Japan has so many beautiful rivers that the population can visit to keep cool. Sadly it also seems that the Japanese people don’t really visit these area to swim during the brutally hot summers which I don’t understand If I had icy cold rivers near me I would visit once or twice a month

[@susanhowling2628]

I’m amazed how well you can set up your van for camping. All the accessories are brilliant, Japan is so organized. I’m looking forward to your first camping trip with Millie.

[@May-tato]

懐かしい川❤清水温泉大好きです。

[@EmilyMadison-sy3ie]

You are such a smart person, because you can fix and build almost everything on your own… and it looks so easy.

[@louisehowe2451]

What a blessing your two Aussie mates were! Your van is really starting to take shape. Your river adventure looked so inviting - no doubt it will be the first of many. 😊

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Thanks for the info Chanci , happy camping sis 💕

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks 👋

[@falonmusic]

Millie has the power!! ::little paw::

[@toshiyukitakei498]

負けました。 脱帽です　これからも　動画を楽しみに待っております。

[@ChaniJapan]

ありがとう😊ございます

[@Mike-ry4ti]

Loving the Australian style awning 😂

[@roshanshrestha3836]

Excellent episode..loved the way you transferred the van to campervan ..❤❤❤.. kudos to the two Blokes..

[@ChaniJapan]

They really did an excellent job. I’m very grateful 😃

[@FollowTheSunAustralia]

Wow I wasn't expecting such a great makeover , I thought you'd just use an inflatable bed kit or something, the awning and fridge too , love it

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. I was originally thinking simple to start but my visitors were really keen to do the build. They love that sort of thing. So I got lucky and went along with it!

[@tankq888]

Your Japanese is just wow. I'm not Japanese but you sound like a local 😮

[@mazfin]

I love your videos and your new car build! ❤ Millie claiming your new device is hilarious! 😂

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! 😁

[@lizzie7929]

Great adventure 🏞️👍🏻

[@cocolenchojapan]

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

[@fairmania]

Don't knock your sewing, I think your glamorous assistant jumping all over things played her part! Looking good, be interesting to watch your progress with your van.

[@quirkynation]

The cute paw on top! So precious. 😹 Loving how the van is starting to look. Is going to be epic.

[@kayleehealy8406]

Littl Mori is looking fabulous Chani. I’m sure you’ll have many good adventures.

[@ChaniJapan]

I hope so! I’m looking forward to the first sleep in Mori 🚙

[@fynakk]

I love your chanel. Makes me wonder when I stopped dreaming.

[@lindacook891]

Japan is truly a beautiful country, can’t believe with all my military time I never got there!

[@BernardoEnriqueGastonButtini]

Great video!! I really enjoy it!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much!

[@tamaran1965]

you really enjoy Japan

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes I do. So much beauty 😍

[@qtdcanada]

You made a good choice for Mori the camper van layout, as it provides clear uncluttered space along one side and folding table on the other side. The interior of the Suzuki Kei van, with the back seats folded down, is spacious. The camp site along the bank of the river looks very scenic, with cool mountain stream flowing by.

[@JeffMendoza]

The van looks great!

[@kendelkerr7409]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I watch Paolo from Tokyo and a commenter mentioned you and I’m so glad they did! I bought your language course and can’t wait to get started (i had the workbook printed at an office store). I love your videos!

[@ChaniJapan]

Awesome! Thank you! 🩷😃

[@jackg5321]

6:45 haha love the camera shot is so close to the water i can feel the ripples - surpised the cam didnt get wet!

[@ChaniJapan]

I used my old GoPro that is dying 😬 I think it’s water proof. No way was I going to use my new camera

[@michellerhodes4076]

Your day out looks amazing! The river and countryside are so beautiful. Millie might have being getting a buzz from the generator!

[@heyshiruka]

omg you are living the dream!! 😍😎

[@Burntques00]

I just left Canada after 13 years of being there, went back home to start planning my move to Japan within the next 2 years. I really hope I can make it work, especially that am going with. Y wife and two kids. It’s going to be crazy 😂

[@ChaniJapan]

Best of luck! Sounds exciting 😃

[@Burntques00]

@@ChaniJapan its exciting 😁. But WOW just moving back home to México after so many years AND with a family Is overwhelming. At times i think a bit more than i can chew. As long as my kids learn spanish and learn a bit of my culture, i Will be happy with that. I am eyeing on going to the Hokkaido prefecture.

[@VirtualHorizonz]

Cool little camper, well done! Wakayama has some great local beers, おいしい　です　ね　😋👍

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes! I think the local beers are so well done here. I’ve not had a bad one yet! 😋おいしい

[@lucasgamezzzvincent1642]

@@ChaniJapanHave you had a chance to visit the local drinking area in Arochi?? I spent many nights here…

[@sallyr4057]

Ooh that mountain swim looked wonderful! Must have been very refreshing. Not sure I could cope with that heat, being a pasty English rose! 🤣

[@ChaniJapan]

The heat is not pleasant at all! The river swim was perfect to cool off. I recommend Japan any season other than summer 🤣

[@michaelleary9233]

Always amazed me that a lot of Australians are as pale as Brits, but the climates are totally opposite. As am American living near the beach, I probably look like I belong in England!

[@sallyr4057]

@@michaelleary9233maybe that’s a good thing - you’re all protecting your skin with sun block? I really hope so 🙏

[@michaelleary9233]

@@sallyr4057 Yes, my mom was fair like me and started using it when no one else did in the 60s. My dad's side of the family is dark, so we are quite a sight at family reunions, all different shades represented.

[@sallyr4057]

What a great mum! I remember getting very burnt back in the 60s/70s. 😢

[@natalietowner6780]

You’re so lucky to have such great friends. What a great job you all did on the van. 😊

[@MissiBoo]

Mori looks great Chani 😍 Miss Millie has such a cheeky character 🥰 I look forward to your travels 🧳🚐⛩️🏯🗼

[@ChaniJapan]

Mille is really cheeky and not afraid of much 🤗

[@daveanderson244]

Great video and looks like a lot of fun and relaxing times. Japan's countryside is so awesome. I went on a drive to Ibaraki recently to see a waterfall. There was also a river that runs between the mountains. It looked similar to your campgrounds. I wanted to go down and check it out but didn't have enough time. Maybe next time!

[@ChaniJapan]

So cool! You should check it out😃

[@PVTKR]

So wholesome😊❤

[@Ralph1039]

Love when your videos come up on my feed - thank you for sharing your journey. (NZ)

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much for following 🩷👋

[@36marty]

Its great to see you taking up the challenge of fitting out your van. I know its not for the faint hearted!!! Well done, cause i don't know if i could!!!

[@5starliving]

Hi Chani , hope you are ok after the storm🫣 and thank for this wonderful video, you always take us to beautiful places and teach us new things with you’re sweet voice 🥹🤗❤️ when watching you am really craving a van like yours and to take a trip to Japan😍😄❤️hugs from Norway 🇳🇴ps:Mori looks great🤗🥹❤️

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@bellsofthenorthhomestead5326]

I have told my husband and son I want your Japanese course for Christmas! My conversational Japanese is getting better but I’d like to keep getting better at it (even after our trip next month). 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Wonderful! How exciting!

[@AtomicGirlPow]

I think Murray looks great! Van life has become HUGE in the US since the pandemic. I love to watch channels that show how people have renovated a standard van to include a bed, kitchen, bathroom, etc.

[@trevorgrenon9162]

Wakayama is so under rated

[@ChaniJapan]

I agree 😃

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

Hi. Greetings from Cancún! Can’t wait to be back in Hokkaido for skiing❤….after Christmas 🎉

[@ChaniJapan]

Have fun!

[@chalronbjork4766]

Thanks for the upload. I honestly believe you could make such a great business with all your travels. Imagine if you provided a type of travel service for foreigners where you picked them up from the airport, dropped them to a hotel near you (if you don't want people in your house), then pick them up the next day and take them camping. Many of us can drive but don't want to in another country and also the language barrier can be an issue also whereas you could provide the link to those and now you are getting to know so many awesome camping places. You could offer a service that's hard to find as there are already so many tour guides that will show groups of people the tourist type destinations. So many travelers don't want to see all the tourist type destinations and are curious about people's everyday lives. You've shown us some amazing camp sites and given us insight into the culture - shown us the onsens and interesting things like the cat train and that cat place you went to. That's part of the reason I follow you and Life in Japan - because you're all Westerners navigating your way to a respectful life in Japan and that is truly fascinating. My uncle, aunt and cousins went hiking on the camino trail a while ago. They regularly travel and my uncle hates doing anything commercialised / tourist activities so whilst doing the camino, they stayed along the journey at people's houses (pre arranged). My uncle wanted his family to be able to experience life in Japan rather than a holiday as such. It's been fascinating seeing the photos.

[@ChaniJapan]

It’s a great idea. Maybe one day I can do it 🩷

[@chalronbjork4766]

@@ChaniJapan I hope you are okay. I don't even know you but I am an Aussie and going to visit Japan in February and after seeing the floods today, was wondering if you and your cat are safe. I've heard there are 3 deaths and seen some pretty crazy footage of flooded underground walkways and streets - it looks crazy. Stay safe. Thanks for the uploads.

[@deanbradford5745]

The carpet squares on the floor really finished it off nicely. Looks great.

[@ChaniJapan]

I think so too! I really wanted a timber look flooring but the floor was too uneven. I should be able to shake them out if they get dirty.

[@janinesheedy8432]

Wow! You are so multi talented 😁 The van is amazing and the scenery so wild And even better no crocodiles 😂

[@dealman3312]

Best video youve done yet! Can’t wait to see the final product ❤️

[@NoBeatenPath]

OMG Chani you are living my dream - hope to be over there doing the same in a few years! Thanks so much for sharing your journey.

[@hazzieandnord]

Love your videos. The river looks heavenly! So exciting watching Mori transform!

[@marianela111]

Chani, the river beach mermaid. 🧜‍♀️ Always happy to follow along on your adventures. 🐈🌻

[@knittydoll]

The van build is looking great! Always lovely to see Millie having fun ❤ I hope she will have a perch and bed in the van too.

[@catherineden5005]

Great adventure, soak in the river looks pleasurable. Milly looks very funny -this is my :)

[@jamierose1384]

Thank you for revisiting shimizu onsen.. i can't wait to try out the new onsen when i am there in December/January.

[@ChaniJapan]

It’s really new and nice! Great view from the onsen. I couldn’t film it. Also try the pasta. It’s so good!

[@lorrane2177]

❤love the video.

[@summerwood619]

Your camper is gorgeous, it’s a home away from home❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes! Thank you! I need to add some personal touches now.

[@solotraveller888]

Millie is very possessive of the charger. 😂😂

[@thecloudchaser1]

I just sighed with delight when I saw how beautiful the camp site is, thanks for sharing - Cheers from Melb

[@miriam2909]

Wow how exciting. The van looks so nice and the awning will make it seem like you have double the space. Wish I could have dived into that river 😂. Good job Chani..and visitors 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

The river was amazing. I think my skin improved.

[@miriam2909]

@ChaniJapan probably full of essential minerals and soft too

[@obsessionprofessional5529]

Mori is looking great! Millie is so funny 😂

[@junedizer827]

You are amazing! Mori looks fantastic. You will have wonderful adventures in your camper. So glad that you take us along. Hi Millie!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much! Meow😽

[@suliwa670]

Love the end where Millie-chan put her paw on the Bluetti to claim it as if on cue! And I AM taking notes on the camping site and the onsen. Thanks. 👍

[@ChaniJapan]

Yeah I really hope you check it out. The ones just opened end of July. It was so nice and new.

[@leaper2294]

Enjoy your adventures!🏞️

[@Bentears]

The build looks great! Mori is taking shape and now you get the fun stage of figuring out what gear works for you!

[@ChaniJapan]

That's the plan! 😃

[@UKSimon4170]

Yay, DIY with Chani. Keep going, this is great.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! Will do!

[@LorraineinAustralia]

How exciting.. That river spot looks fabulous. I love your camper conversion, so nice of your friends to help you get it completed. Looking forward to seeing your adventures as you get out there🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@ChaniJapan]

They really helped so much😆

[@marenhumblebee2736]

Love your cat so much, she is sooooooooo cute and gorgeous. I am a total dog person, but I love your cat. Her behaviour is also very endearing ❤😻

[@projectpenwing]

The river looked amazing! Camper turning out great and Millie as always, adorable!

[@sasaki_on_aoba]

Absolute ripper of a fit out Chani! Well done and look forward to you adventures 👍🏻

[@wendy6512]

Millie so cute 🌸 I’ve heating on freezing over her Northern Ireland great vlog

[@fmini8418]

Congratulations on the camper build, now the adventures start 🙌🙌🙌

[@ChaniJapan]

That's the plan!

[@japanham5973]

Wakayama is a very nice area. Your AC180 will enhance your camping experience, and provide a backup source of electricity in case of an outage.

[@andreamoboe]

Millie - very funny! 🔋😅 😂

[@ChaniJapan]

Such a character!

[@Jillybean620]

Camper Van is looking fantastic. The River definitely looks magical. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.

[@SalisburyKarateClub]

Getting to be a chippy, cool.

[@ChaniJapan]

It was fun to build and ‘supervise’ 🤣

[@michelles.1422]

I'm so excited for you Chani! Campervanning in Japan is my dream holiday and I'm finally making it happen this October. Happy to see you enjoying your life in Japan and embarking on new adventures 🚙

[@Songbirdstress]

Just bought my tickets for Japan, I'm so exited!

[@ChaniJapan]

YES!!! I am excited for you. I hope you have the best time ever 🩷

[@Songbirdstress]

@@ChaniJapan I scored basically my dream tickets, out on BA Premium Economy from a super cute airport named after a famous local aviator, back from Sapporo on JAL! Last time I went to Asia (a very long time ago...I was ill and in the middle on the way back, so was horrendous, not up for doing that in cattle class at my age lol). If you have any tips for cheaper longer stay accommodation, I'm all ears, cos the trip is two weeks longer than planned...:) Edit, very inspiring, thank you, I've been eying batteries for a while :)

[@B_archaeology]

Millie's possessiveness of the Bluetti was so funny at the end of today's vlog Chani. The van refit is coming on so well. Congrats! You are so lucky to have such lovely bathing spots nearby.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you!! 😊 Millie is totally obsessed with it.

[@biteofdog]

I love the modifications you made, it looks cozy as well as practical use of space. It's fantastic that your camper van friends visited you and helped in setting up your van, they are so wonderful and it looks like you visited a beautiful area to camp. ❤

[@briztrav3071]

You’ve done a great job with the van! I always enjoy watching your videos. I taught English in Japan almost 30 years ago, and your videos bring back beautiful memories. Thank you 🙏 🙂

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! 😃

[@rachelbaziak4159]

Looks gorgeous.

[@LukasMioMio]

Really cool project! :)

[@ChaniJapan]

It will be really fun to finally try camping out 🚙 Still too hot at the moment.

[@LukasMioMio]

@@ChaniJapan definitely will! How hot is it at the moment? Enjoy the Summer :)

[@kathythompson9931]

Millie is a cutie-pie! So lovable, I probably said this before…..❤

[@deannaisreal]

Glory hallelujah unto the best

[@akas224]

the water of the river comes from top of the mountains through roots and soils brings the best quality with minerals.

[@zwergpiratsmutje7549]

Hey Chani, thanks for your videos! They actually rekindled my love for Kei Trucks and inspired me to pick Wakayama as my potential next trip destination! I've been to Wakayama some 15 years ago but never had the time to enjoy it's stunning nature. I'll definitely try to do so once I have enough time for a relaxed hiking tour. Have you been to the Kumano Kodo before? I'm thinking about hiking there once. I have enough time (and money haha). Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your videos!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. I haven’t done the Kumano Kodo yet. It’s something I really want to do.

[@spdaltid]

What a great job! A few years ago, during Obon, I had a layover at Kansai and cycled a loop over and around Koya-san. Your cooling river adventures brought back vivid memories of that time. Thanks so much.

[@ChaniJapan]

Very cool! You cycled around, that is awesome. You would have seen many beautiful spots.

[@WhyAmIHereRK]

How fun to watch your new camper van coming together and to see you take it out on a short test run! And what great friends to help you out with all that work! Funny to see Millie 'helping' you...and taking ownership of the power supply 😂 I mean, why else would anyone buy one if not for their furry feline friend? 😊😄♥️ Xoxo Robin

[@ChaniJapan]

She’s so funny I never know what she will do next 😽

[@WhyAmIHereRK]

@@ChaniJapan Cats are the best ♥️😄

[@rickymead5282]

Love your videos mate! You're getting a good following now. I love the fact that even though you are in Japan you are still doing quite Aussie things (Camping, vanning, gardening, diy, hotting up cars, etc...). 😊👍🏽

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks a ton! Hotting up cars 🤣🤣🤣 yesss

[@greekre]

good on ya love!!!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you!!