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.
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Episode 32 : Chichibu: An Autumn Pilgrimage
November. 15,2016
For hundreds of years, pilgrims have made their way to the hills of Chichibu, northwest of Tokyo, to follow an ancient pilgrimage route. Wearing special pure white tunics, they visit 34 Buddhist temples in the area that are dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Estella Mak returns to Chichibu to complete the pilgrimage she began in the spring.
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Episode 30 : Yubari: Mining the Nostalgia
October. 25,2016
Yubari, in the center of Hokkaido, is famous for its international film festival, which is held each winter, and for its picturesque scenery. But half a century at it was best known as a thriving coal mining community. Now little remains of that era except memories and atmospheric ruins. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, American actor Charles Glover explores the relics of Yubari's past, and finds there is still life in the city.
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Episode 29 : Tanegashima: Guns, Rockets and Surf
October. 18,2016
Tanegashima is an island that has embraced new cultures and people since olden times. Starting with Japan's first firearms-brought in by the Portuguese-the island has accepted all kinds of things from sweet potatoes from Sumatra and a major space center to surfing culture. British model, actor and social entrepreneur Dean Newcombe meets the energetic people and discovers the diversity of Tanegashima.
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Episode 28 : Uchikawa: A Retro River Townscape
October. 11,2016
This neighborhood lying alongside the Uchikawa River in Imizu CIty, Toyama Prefecture, has been a thriving fishing port for over 1,000 years. Because of its proximity to the water and its unified townscape, it has been nicknamed the "Venice of Japan." Through the centuries, people in this district have lived alongside the river, protecting and handing down their traditional lifestyle from to the next generation.
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Episode 26 : Akita: Swaying Lanterns Brighten Summer Nights
September. 20,2016
The Akita Kanto Festival attracts more than a million tourists every year. One kanto pole is lit with 46 lanterns and more than 250 poles are raised up together, creating a dreamlike picture of illuminated golden rice ears swaying in the night sky. The festival can also be enjoyed in the daytime, where competitions called "Myogikai" are held and the performers compete in showing their acrobatic skills. Our traveler is Malaysian model Deborah Ten. She enjoys the festival and the pastoral scenery of summer in Akita.
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Episode 25 : Aomori: Out of This World
September. 13,2016
Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan's Honshu main island, has a number of enigmatic places that feel a world apart. On Journeys in Japan poet Arthur Binard explores the area's sacred spots. He passes through more than 200 torii gates leading to a Shinto shrine, encounters fantastically-shaped giant rocks, and visits a sacred borderline of this life and the afterlife, as well as a temple with 2,000 stone Jizo statues. He discovers the mysterious traditions of Aomori.
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Episode 24 : Hidden Village Kuma
August. 23,2016
Deep in the steep mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, lies the remote village of Kuma. Located on the raging Kuma River, this area was cut off from the rest of Japan in the old days and still retains the feel of yesteryear. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, British actor Dean Newcombe explores this rural region, to meet the people of Kuma and discover their traditions.
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Episode 23 : Hokkaido: Summer Gardens Under the Northern Sky
August. 16,2016
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, turns into a paradise of flowers in spring and summer. After the harsh winter, plant life erupts in all its brilliant glory. It's a wonderful place to discover gardens. The 250-kilometer highway from Asahikawa to Obihiro passes close to eight notable gardens. That is why it has come to be called the "Hokkaido Garden Path". Each garden has its own individual character, setting, and vegetation. Anthony Wood is a photographer from the United States who has lived in Japan for 10 years. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Anthony embarks on a road trip through the far north of Japan, in search of beauty.
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Episode 22 : Bounty of the Wild North: Cape Soya, Hokkaido
August. 02,2016
Cape Soya lies at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido Island. Located at a latitude of 45° North, the landscape in this area is very different from the rest of Japan - and it is sometimes known as the "Ireland of Japan." In this edition of Journeys in Japan, John Moore explores the wild nature of Japan's northernmost tip. He sees for himself the bounty of the ocean, even in this harsh climate. And he tries his hand at fly fishing, in the hopes that he may come face to face with the mysterious itou fish.
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Episode 19 : Iejima: Resilient Land, Resilient People
July. 12,2016
Iejima is a small island off of mainland Okinawa. It was the scene of fierce battles in World War II. Its people suffered deep wounds. But they never gave up. After the war, they devoted themselves to replanting their burned fields to revive the land and their spirits. Today, the island produces original products made from sugarcane and wheat, and invites scores of students to experience simple island life. American photographer and writer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura enjoys the slow island life. She also meets the resilient, and resourceful, people of Iejima.
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Episode 18 : A Taste of Nagasaki
June. 28,2016
During several hundred years of national self-isolation, Nagasaki served as Japan's only window to the world. Many foreign cultures flowed into this port town, nurturing the development of cuisine found nowhere else. Behind each and every dish born in Nagasaki, there's a story. David gets to hear these tales from people who take pride in keeping Nagasaki's unique culinary traditions alive.
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Episode 17 : Komatsu Kabuki Kids
June. 21,2016
The tradition of children's kabuki on festival floats has 250 years of history in Komatsu. American actor, Charles Glover travels to Komatsu, Ishikawa prefecture, to experience this castle town's deep culture and excitement over its "Otabi" festival. A highlight of the festival, which is held in May, is the magical outdoor kabuki performance.
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Episode 16 : Nara: Tranquil Temples and Bountiful Blooms
June. 14,2016
Japan is famous for its spectacular displays of cherry blossom, which draw visitors from far and near. But the peak season for most other flowers in Japan arrives after the cherry petals have fallen. Nara City used to be the capital of Japan, before Kyoto. The surrounding area is home to many ancient temples that boast beautiful gardens within their precincts. It is a wonderful place to view the abundance of seasonal flowers, and a great opportunity to find tranquilty and restful rural scenery. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Deborah Ten visits temples known for their displays of early summer flowers.
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Episode 15 : Tendo: An Enduring, Evolving Passion for Wood
June. 07,2016
Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a major producer of pieces for shogi-Japanese chess. They are only three centimeters long, but appreciated as miniature works of art due to their beautiful calligraphy, their high quality material, and beautiful grain patterns. Ukiyo-e woodblock printmaker David Bull visits a shogi-piece craftsman and one of Japan's top designer furniture makers. He also enjoys a spectacular shogi festival and dishes using fu, a local specialty made from wheat gluten and fresh water.
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Episode 14 : Ise-Shima: Experiencing a Lifestyle Close to Nature
May. 31,2016
The Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture is best known for its beautiful, indented coastline. But recently it's been in the news for another reason: it is the venue for the 42nd Group of Seven meeting, which is being hosted by Japan this year. In this edition of Journeys in Japan, Sonia del Campo begins her journey on Kashiko-jima, a popular resort island which is where the G7 summit takes place.
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Episode 6 : Kakunodate: Pride in the Samurai Tradition
March. 22,2016
The ancient town of Kakunodate, in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, is steeped in history. For visitors, it is like a time slip — back to the period when the streets were filled with samurai warriors. In the old days it developed as a castle town and became a regional hub, both economically and culturally. Many vestiges remain from the Edo Period (1603-1868), including former samurai residences, which are open to the public. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan explores this fascinating town, which is known as the "little Kyoto of the Michinoku region".
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Episode 4 : Kushiro: The Crystalline Sounds of Winter
March. 01,2016
JJ travels through the Kushiro Wetland in Hokkaido. He sees Red-crowned Cranes-a designated Natural Monument of Japan-and takes a dreamy canoe ride on a river flowing through the frosty and snowy wetland. Later, he experiences a grill-style of cooking called robatayaki. We introduce the natural attractions of Kushiro with a focus on the splendid sights and sounds of winter.
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Episode 3 : Koyasan: New Year at a Traditional Power Spot
February. 16,2016
The sacred area of Koyasan was founded in the year 816 by Kukai, a Japanese monk who went to China to learn the practices of esoteric Buddhism. Kukai is also known by his posthumous name, Kobo Daishi. Together with other sacred sites in the Kii mountains, Koyasan has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are about 50 temple lodgings (known as shukubo) at Koyasan. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Jenn Barr stays at one of these lodgings and experiences the way the New Year is welcomed at this traditional power spot.
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Episode 2 : Miyako: The Island of Song
February. 09,2016
Miyako Island, one of the southernmost islands of Japan, is a tropical paradise. Since olden times, the islanders have used song and dance in sacred rituals and as a way to unwind in every day life. American Shakuhachi player, Bruce Huebner travels around the island, discovering its heartbeat.
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Episode 1 : Takachiho: Dancing for the Deities
February. 02,2016
Takachiho lies deep in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, in Kyushu. It is believed to be the setting for Japan's creation myth. In winter, villagers perform sacred dances, known Yokagura, which have been passed down among the local community for more than 1,000 years. Both the performers and the audience immerse themselves in the world of myth and reaffirm the bonds that connect them.
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