Journeys in Japan
TV-G
8.8
2010
Documentary
Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.
-
- Cast:
Episode 42 : Mesmerizing Islands at the Crossroads
December. 31,2013
The Goto Islands in the East China Sea, comprise over 140 islands. The influence of diverse cultures has formed a unique architectural landscape and way of life.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 41 : The Miniature World of Bonsai: Omiya
December. 17,2013
The traditional art of bonsai recreates intricate scenes of nature in miniature, often called "living art". The Omiya Bonsai Village is one of Japan's biggest centers for bonsai. It is located in Saitama Prefecture, just to the north of Tokyo. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura discovers how these miniature trees are crafted.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 40 : Continuing the Thread of Tradition: Kiryu
December. 10,2013
Kiryu City of Gunma Prefecture is renowned for its textile industry. Kiryu Ori is produced using Jacquard looms for intricate, as well as colorful, kimono and obi sash designs. Model and actress Lemi Duncan explores the city, visiting a Kiryu Ori mill, a weaving workshop, and a bakery in a converted sawtooth roof mill.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 38 : Nostalgic Kawagoe
November. 26,2013
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, famous for the Kawagoe Festival with its dazzling floats, is only 30 minutes away by train from the center of Tokyo. On this journey, our traveler, looking for a break from the hustle of his adopted-Tokyo, visits Kawagoe to enjoy the old Edo ambience. This journey fully introduces the attractions of Ko-Edo Kawagoe, near Tokyo.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 36 : Kagura: Dancing Beyond Time
November. 12,2013
Kagura is a ritual dance of Shinto, the indigenous faith of Japan. Since ancient times, it has been offered to the gods in thanks for the blessings of nature. In the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture, Kagura has developed independently of other styles. Contemporary dancer, Alessandra Lupi visits a small village to explore the many dimensions of this magical performing art.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 35 : The Land of Fire: Kumamoto
October. 29,2013
Kumamoto Prefecture is known as the "Land of Fire", with the active volcano Mt. Aso as its icon. Since ancient times, people have feared the volcano, yet at the same time learned how to live in harmony with it.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 34 : Deep Into Traditional Japan: Gokayama
October. 22,2013
Deep in the mountains of Toyama Prefecture, not far from the coast of the Sea of Japan, lies the Gokayama region. The traditional architecture and culture of the villages in this area have been carefully preserved to the present day.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 32 : Life on the Lake: Kasumigaura
October. 01,2013
Kasumigaura is the 2nd largest lake in Japan. Just an hour and a half by train from central Tokyo, Lake Kasumigaura is also considered one of the 100 most beautiful places in Japan. Erin Fowler came to Japan from the US 3 years ago, and works as an English teacher at an elementary school in Ibaraki Prefecture. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Erin visits the Kasumigaura area for the first time.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 31 : Japan's Porcelain Legacy - Arita & Imari
September. 24,2013
In the 17th century, porcelain known as Imari ware was exported from Japan to Europe despite the country's isolation policy. An elegant style called Kakiemon especially astonished people around the world for its vivid colors on a lustrous white body. Our traveler, Kristina Mar, visits Arita and Imari, where these porcelain pieces originated.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 29 : Ise Jingu: Man, Gods and Nature
September. 03,2013
Ise Jingu (Grand Shrine of Ise) is one of the most important and most revered Shinto shrines in all Japan. Founded over 1,300 years ago, it lies in the east of Mie Prefecture, surrounded by unspoiled nature.On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Manjot Bedi explores this majestic power spot, to gain a deeper understanding of its significance and the special energy that can be felt there.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 28 : Setouchi Triennale: Art-Island Hopping
August. 27,2013
The Seto Inland Sea is surrounded by 3 of Japan's 4 main islands - Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. An international art festival called the Setouchi Triennale takes place on several of the 727 islands scattered across the sea. Our traveler this time is documentary film director Soraya Umewaka.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 27 : Tsugaru Soul Music - Tsugaru Shamisen
August. 20,2013
Japan's Tsugaru Shamisen is taking off in North America and Europe today. Fans of the lute-type instrument are captivated by its dynamic sound, produced by striking thick strings with a plectrum. On Journeys in Japan, our reporter JJ, visits the heart of Japan's soul music - the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 26 : Living with Horses: Hidaka
August. 13,2013
The Hidaka area on the southwestern coast of Hokkaido is famous for its racehorses. This is where many of the most famous Japanese racehorses were born, raised and trained. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Daniela Shiga travels to Hidaka to see the way people live alongside horses.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 24 : Osaka Art Power
July. 09,2013
Osaka is a vibrant city, full of warm people. But that is only one aspect of Japan's 3rd largest city. This edition of Journeys in Japan explores Osaka through its art. Our traveler, woodblock printmaker David Bull embarks on a journey to encounter Osaka's beauty from past to present.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 23 : Hakone and Izu: Classic Hotel Stays
July. 02,2013
Mt. Fuji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Hakone and Izu are popular resorts near the majestic mountain. Our reporter, American actor Charles Glover, enjoys historical hotels in the area that offers world-class service and cuisine. He savors the serene beauty of a traditional tatami guest room and relaxes in an open-air onsen hot spring surrounded by nature.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 22 : Tohoku Haiku Journey: Following Basho's Footsteps
June. 29,2013
Haiku are brief poetic snapshots that encapsulate in a few words the essence of a moment, be it the beauty of nature or just a scene from daily life. This form of poetry, born in Japan, is now becoming known around the world. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, writer and photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura travels through the north of Japan, following in the footsteps of the 17th century haiku poet Matsuo Basho, who described his journeys in his book, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North".
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 21 : The Rhythms of Ainu Life: Lake Akan
June. 18,2013
The indigenous Ainu lives in Hokkaido, Japan's most northern main island. Our reporter, Shakuhachi player John Kaizan Neptune, visits the shores of Lake Akan to experience Ainu culture, including its music.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 20 : Tateyama Peak Experience
June. 11,2013
In this edition of Journeys in Japan, musician JJ enjoys the beautiful snowy scenery of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, one of the foremost mountain resorts in Japan.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 19 : Peach Trees and Rural Retreat Kofu Basin
June. 04,2013
The Kofu Basin, in Yamanashi Prefecture, lies north of Mt. Fuji. In mid-April, when peach flowers blossom, the landscape becomes a carpet of pink. On this edition of "Journeys in Japan," German national Lana Bergmann, who is studying film, visits Kofu when the peach flowers are in full bloom.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 18 : Kamakura Tradition: Spring in the Ancient Capital
May. 28,2013
The historic city of Kamakura lies about 1 hour south of Tokyo by train. At the end of the 12th century, Kamakura was chosen to be the administrative capital by the samurai warlord Minamoto no Yoritomo. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Rosa Yum returns to Kamakura to explore the city further.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 17 : Ishigaki Island: Living in Harmony with the Ocean
May. 21,2013
Surrounded by pristine water and coral reefs, Ishigaki Island lies at the far southwestern tip of Japan, around 1,900 kilometers from Tokyo. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Teodora Vegh meets with a number of Ishigaki islanders, and finds out about the strong connection the local people feel for the sea.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 14 : Minami-Boso: Seaside Trip With Children
April. 30,2013
Close to Tokyo but far from the city, there are great places to visit in Japan if you're traveling with young children. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, the Koivumaa family from Finland - Mikko, Elisa and their children Eero and Eeva - are making a short trip to Minami-Boso, in southern Chiba Prefecture.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 13 : Jazzy Kobe
April. 23,2013
Our destination is the cosmopolitan city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. Actor Charles Glover discovers its unique culture of jazz. In fact, the city is considered the birthplace of the genre in Japan. Being a prosperous port city, Western fads were introduced early on including jazz, which quickly took off.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 12 : A Spiritual Journey in Oita
April. 16,2013
Oita Prefecture, in southwest Japan, is an area with beautiful natural scenery and many sacred sites. It also boasts a remarkable number of Buddhist statues, in out-of-the-way rural locations. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Mark visits Oita Prefecture and visits some important Buddhist sites close to 3 stations along the JR Nippo Main Line.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 11 : Spring Colors of Ibusuki
April. 09,2013
In this episode, photogravure artist Peter Miller travels to Ibusuki City, a hot spring town at the southern tip of Kyushu, in search of spring.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 9 : Discovering Tottori Crafts
March. 26,2013
Tottori is a major folk craft center in Japan. On this trip, our reporter Dario Ponissi travels across Tottori Prefecture from east to west to discover the world of Shoya Yoshida's folk crafts.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 8 : Ice Monsters and Warm Hospitality: Zao
March. 19,2013
During the full moon, a special Moonlight Walk is held, giving visitors a chance to walk through the ice monsters.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 7 : Sanriku Coast: Abundant Sea Part 2
March. 12,2013
The Sanriku Coast of northeastern Japan is a beautiful area with stunning scenery. It was devastated by the great earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. But life is gradually returning to normal and people are rebuilding their communities and their lives. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, JJ returns to visit another stretch of the Sanriku Coast.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 6 : Honjima: Treasure House of the Seto Inland Sea
February. 26,2013
Honjima is one of the Shiwaku group of islands in the Seto Inland Sea, between Japan's mainland Honshu and Shikoku. On this edition of "Journeys in Japan", radio DJ Chris Glenn explores the history and culture of Honjima and discovers handsome townscapes that have changed little for more than a century.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 5 : Pure Mt. Fuji: A Winter Journey
February. 19,2013
This week we journey to the foot of Mt. Fuji in winter to discover the area's majestic nature.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 4 : Namahage New Year's Rite
February. 05,2013
On this "Journeys in Japan" our reporter Deborah Ten experiences the rings in the New Year in northern Japan. She visits Oga Peninsula, in Akita Prefecture, to see an unusual New Year's Eve rite. During the folk ritual, known as namahage, demon-like incarnations of the mountain gods go from home to home in the Oga area.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 3 : Zen and the Samurai Spirit: Kamakura
January. 29,2013
The city of Kamakura lies just south of Tokyo. From around 800 years ago, it was the capital of the samurai generals who ruled Japan. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Rosa Yum explores Kamakura when the autumn foliage is at its most beautiful, and visits several of the ancient religious sites in the city.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 2 : Winter Bliss in Takayama
January. 22,2013
Our destination is Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. Our reporter Charles Glover discovers the city's traditions by sightseeing on foot.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 1 : Exploring Yatsugatake's Nature and Jomon Legacy
January. 08,2013
On this edition of "Journeys in Japan" we visit the southwestern foot of Yatsugatake, a chain of mountains extending 30 kilometers from north to south on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Seasons
Similar titles
Thailand: Earth's Tropical Paradise
Go beyond Thailand's beaches to discover a sacred kingdom of awe-inspiring beauty. This series takes in the towering limestone cliffs, the paddy fields, the hidden temples and the teeming city of Bangkok, before visiting the forests of the north where ancient tribes practice time-honoured traditions and tigers still stalk the forests. Thailand: Earth’s Tropical Paradise reveals a land that is worlds away from the familiar tourist trails.
Ugly Delicious
Star chef David Chang leads friends on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world's most satisfying grub. All the flavor. None of the BS.
Searching for Soul Food
Follow rock star celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds as she discovers what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out the food, she also explores the stories, the people, and the traditions of each place she visits, bringing her own flavor right along with her.
Seasoning the Seasons
This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.
The Ganges with Sue Perkins
Sue Perkins undertakes an epic, personal journey to the source of India's Ganges river in the Himalayas, meeting hermits and holy men to understand the sacred nature of this river.
Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands
Japan's landscapes range from snowy mountains to subtropical warmth. They are full of wildlife - and animals' and people's lives often cross as they adapt to these extremes.
Lenny's Britain
Comedian Lenny Henry sets out on a journey to discover what makes us laugh and what role humour plays in our lives
Long Way Round
In 2004 Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embarked on an epic challenge to bike 20,000-miles across 12 countries and 19 time zones in just 115 days. Watch as two friends ride around the world together and, against all the odds, realize their dream.