Seasons & Episodes
Kyoto: Coloring the Season
Kariyasu, kuchinashi, and moegi -all are Japanese words for colors. The Japanese language has a lot of words for express
Kakunodate: Stories of Old Families
Kakunodate is the "Little Kyoto" of Tohoku, a castle town and popular tourist destination where the streets are lined wi
Spirited Away to Tono
The folklorist, Kunio Yanagita, wrote his "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono) about a century ago. The book related how my
Japanese Towers: Memories Past and Present
Towers that reach to the skies. Towering tourist attractions around the country have precursors in the stupas of Buddhis
Matsushima: Islands of Beauty and Prayer
The beautiful islands of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture are known as one of the three great scenic spots of Japan. The
Suwa: A Celebration Down Through Time
Suwa was a center of culture in Japan in the Jomon period before rice cultivation arrived. It is said that in those anci
Niyodo River: Living with Japan's Clearest River
With its glass-like translucency, the River Niyodo on Shikoku is renowned for possessing the clearest water in Japan. 12
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest peak at 3776m. Its magnificence and beauty have impressed the Japanese over the millennia. C
Awa Dance: Obon Festival with 100,000 Dancers
The Awa Odori dance is the highlight of the 4-day Obon Festival of the Dead in Tokushima, Shikoku, in August each year.
Kamakura: Samurai and Zen
Kamakura, like the two old capital cities of Nara and Kyoto, also served at one stage as the nation's political center.
Itsukushima: Island of the Gods
Miyajima, an island 30 km around in the Seto Inland Sea, is known as one of the 3 most beautiful spots in Japan. It has
Hand-Made in Japan
Our theme this time is traditional crafts. The Japanese have a long history of making good handicraft use of natural mat
Dolls: Bearers of Dreams
The Japanese fascination with dolls extends through Neolithic clay figures to Girls' Day festival dolls, puppets and now
Tracing Rice in Japan
Rice is special to the Japanese. Since rice cultivation arrived here millennia ago, it has molded Japanese society, the
Blowfish: A Secret Taste from the Deep
The blowfish is an expensive delicacy in Japan that has been eaten here for thousands of years, judging from the presenc
Millennium Guardians: The Buddhist Statues of Kyoto
Kyoto is a treasure house of Buddhist statuary. The many statues there include 37 designated national treasures and 416
Nights of Snow
Areas of Japan experience the heaviest snowfall in the world. The people there have come up with various ways to spend t
Ice Monsters: The Mountains of Zao
The stark, beautiful, volcanic mountains of Zao are a natural wonder of the Tohoku region. They have brought great bless
Koreatown: Ikuno, Osaka
Osaka's Ikuno district has one of Japan's largest Koreatowns - one in every five Ikuno residents is an ethnic Korean and
Tokyo by Night
Tales of the Tokyo Night. Some 15 million people are said to come and go daily in the great Tokyo metropolis. Evening is
Following the Sakura: A Journey of Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Cherry Blossoms... People wait eagerly for their blossoms, love the famous scenes of cherry trees in bloom, sense the tr
Tokyo in Springtime: The Taste of Tradition
Tokyo's old downtown district, where the TOKYO SKYTREE tower was opened last year, has always been a welcoming place for
Spring in Kyoto: A Trip on a Little Local Train
The Randen is the Kyotoites' pet name for a little, well-loved streetcar service. The Keifuku Electric Railroad's Arashi
Asakusa: Celebration and Devotion
The Asakusa district has a long history. It grew up around Senso-ji Temple, and still retains much of the flavor of Toky
Japan in Full Bloom: The Flower Gardens
Japan has many sorts of flower garden. They are a place of relaxation, solace and encouragement through the changing sea
The Shrine of Konpira-san: Answering Everyone's Prayer
Konpira-san, the Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, is a place to pray for anything from good health to s
The Forest of Myths
The Chugoku mountains of western Japan were the setting for various stories about the Japanese gods in Japan's ancient c
Iya: Living in the Mountains
The mountain hinterlands of Shikoku are dotted with tiny, almost hidden communities. One such place is the Iya Oboke dis
Wild Shiretoko: World Heritage Site
Listed as a Natural Heritage site, Shiretoko is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. A remote land, closed by snow and i
Kusatsu: A Town that Warms the Body and Soul
Kusatsu has the largest natural spring water flow of any spa in Japan. It is popular among tourists, attracting 2.7 mill
Shonan: Good Vibrations on the Beach
Only an hour away from Tokyo, Shonan is a popular place where people like to visit and live. For over a century, Shonan
The Miracle Mile: Kokusai Street, Okinawa
At the center of Naha City lies Kokusai Street, a symbol of modern Okinawa Prefecture as it was one of the first areas t
Gujo Hachiman: 400 Years of All-night Dancing
On summer nights, the residents of Gujo Hachiman throw themselves into the o-bon dance. Dances are held on 33 nights fro
Sakurajima: Volcanic Island
Sakurajima, an active volcano. Each year, around 900 eruptions occurs. Yet despite the risks and the ash falling each da
Kiso: The Forest of the Japanese Cypress
Located in the center of Honshu, Japan's main island, the Kiso region is known for its countless towering Hinoki, or Jap
Nikko: World Heritage and Mountain of Prayer
With awe-inspiring shrines and temples ranked as a World Heritage Site, Nikko is a sacred place. Its history dates back
Autumn in Tohoku
Tohoku is at the northern end of Honshu. Autumn is the region's richest season. Forested hillsides are a blaze of red an
Yokohama: A Harbor Town Full of Spirit
Since it opened up its harbor in 1859, Yokohama has been the gateway to Japan. Along with beautiful scenes of Yokohama,
Fireworks
In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we go on a journey of fireworks all over Japan, contemplating their beauty and
Kumano Pilgrimage Routes
The Yoshino and Kumano regions lie in the 200km-long ranges of the Kii Mountains in the southern Kii Peninsula. Here, ra
Nara: An Ancient Capital Filled with the Sound of Prayer
Nara, with a history of 1,200 years, is Japan's first capital city. The city is home to many temples, even older than th
Karatsu: A Harvest Festival from a Turbulent Sea
Close to the Asian continent, Karatsu has long been early to adopt mainland culture. Its bright, open atmosphere is stil
Life with Japanese Dogs
In Japan, there are 6 breeds of dogs that are protected species. These are the Hokkaido Dog, the Akita Dog, the Kai Dog,
Izumo: Abode of the Gods
Izumo is an abode of gods, home to many of the deities that appear in Japan's ancient legends. Japan's oldest history bo
Udon Noodles: A Wheat Delicacy
Udon noodles are loved in Japan as an easy, tasty, everyday dish. In Japan, farming centers on rice, but throughout Japa
Ekiben: A Box of Flavor and Feeling
When going on a trip, packing a lunch box to take was the standard. In 1885, the first lunch box was sold at a train sta
Echizen: Taste of Winter
Located 100km north of Kyoto, the region of Echizen faces the Sea of Japan. Long and cold winters come to Echizen, but w
Chichibu: Home of the Mountain Gods and Festivals
In the west of Saitama Prefecture, nestled among 2,000 meter tall mountains, lies Chichibu. Whether entering or leaving,
Modern Architecture: Giving Form to Dreams
When the Meiji era started, Japan advanced forward to build itself into a modern state. It was architecture that gave fo
Winter in Tohoku
In Tohoku, the winter is long and harsh. People cannot avoid the cold weather, they simply learn to survive it. Our prog
Spring in Tohoku
Cherry Blossoms... People wait eagerly for their blossoms, love the famous scenes of cherry trees in bloom, sense the tr
Kyoto: The Enigmatic Entertainers of Gion
In Higashiyama, Kyoto, Gion evolved as the district in front of the Yasaka Shrine gates, and now has more than 300 years
Hozenji: The Sentimental Alley of Osaka
Hozenji lies just behind Dotonbori, Osaka's bustling downtown area with its dazzling neon lights. This is where you can
Hakodate: The Storied History of a Port Town
Travelers to Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido often first arrive in Hakodate, a port town that attracts 4 million
Kirishima: A Town Thriving on Volcanic Mountains
Kirishima, a group of 20 mountains in the south of Kyushu. It is a volcanic area that was a central location in Japan's
Sado Island: Into the Mystic Dreams
The stage for this episode of Seasons of Seasons is the largest remote island in the Sea of Japan, Sado, which lies beyo
Oze: A Mountain Marshland
Ozegahara, at an altitude of 1400m, is the largest and highest wetland on Japan's main island of Honshu. Located in a Na
Ayu: Treasures of the River
When summer arrives, there is a fish that causes the hearts of fishermen to race with anticipation. It is the "Ayu", or
The Islands of Nagasaki
The nation of Japan is made up of many islands, numbering some 6800 in total. Of these, 971 islands are located near Nag
Karuizawa: A Fleeting Summer
Karuizawa, which sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters, was developed as a summer resort after a foreign missionary built
Strolling the Paths of Onomichi
Onomichi is a town of hills and pathways, situated along a 200meter wide strait where waterways of the Inland Sea pass t
Shinsekai, Osaka: A Town Guarded by a Tower
This is the story of "Tsutenkaku", the symbolic tower of Osaka, and the town of "Shinsekai" that lies at its foot. Devel
Kujukuri: The Endless Beach
Just over an hour away from Tokyo the beautiful beach of Kujukuri stretches some 60km along Japan's Pacific coast. Villa
Nagasaki: Hills and Exotic Atmosphere
Nagasaki, on Japan's southern island of Kyushu. Interactions with foreign nations have been a feature of this place sinc
Japanese Yokai: Ghosts, Goblins or Ghouls?
The Japanese have been living in a world inhabited by "Yokai", paranormal beings or phenomena that cannot be explained w
Kawagoe: Keeping Urbane Traditions Alive
The town of Kawagoe, which lies just 30km northwest of central Tokyo, is still heavily influenced by the merchant cultur
Travelogue of Mackerel Road
Mackerel Road connects Wakasa, which overlooks the Sea of Japan, and Kyoto. Wakasa, located in Fukui Prefecture, has a s
On a Moonlit Night...
The Japanese have admired the moon, which waxes and wanes over 30 days, and by giving it nostalgic names. Until 1872 the
Japan's Historic Tramways
Trams still run in numerous Japanese cities and are very popular with the public. Japan's first trams began operating in
Aso: Life in the Caldera
Aso is a vast caldera - the largest in Japan. There, people live together with an active volcano. They revere and pray t
Crossing the Amagi Pass
Izu Peninsula is located approximately 100km to the southwest of Tokyo. Dividing the peninsula, which juts into the Paci
Kamo River: The Waterway that Created Kyoto
The Kamo River runs through one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations, Kyoto, which has a population of 1.5 millio
Beppu: Exploring the Exciting Hot Springs
Beppu is Japan's leading hot spring town, both in terms of volume of water flow and the number of different spas. Due to
The Tottori Sand Dunes, Unity with Nature
This is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a landscape of sand 16km long, built up over thousands of years by the winds of the Sea
A Journey to Holy Places
For all sorts of occasions, Japanese people bow their heads and pray to nature. Whether it's the fulfillment of one's pe
Tsugaru: Enduring Winter for the Hot Festival
During the region's short summer, local people are caught up in the festival fever. The Tsugaru Plain, at the base of Mt
Tosa: Land of Passionate People
The average temperature is over 17℃. And, here in Shikoku's Kochi Prefecture, there's also glaring sunlight and over 3
The Gods of Japan: An Infinite World of Spirits
In various different situations, Japanese people often pray to the gods. Their prayers may range from requests for help
Aizu: Land of the Last Samurai
Aizu is roughly 300 kilometers north of Tokyo. It is a region west of Fukushima Prefecture. Around 150 years ago, Aizu w
Yakushima: Island of Primeval Forests
The ancient natural environment on Yakushima Island, in Kagoshima Prefecture, is registered as a World Heritage Site. It
Sanriku Railway: Back from the Brink
The Sanriku Railway in Iwate Prefecture is a lifeline, playing an important role in the local community. The train goes
Nihonbashi: The Bridge at the Center of Japanese Commerce
Tokyo's Chuo District, facing the ocean. Roughly 4 kilometers from the harbor, spanning a tributary river flowing into T
The Shikoku Pilgrimage
1,200 years ago, Kukai, a well-known Japanese monk, made a pilgrimage through 88 sacred sites In the Japanese island of
Dewa Sanzan: Mystic Mountains of Prayers
Dewa Sanzan is located in the center of Yamagata Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan and M
Hakata Yamakasa: A Festival to Live For
Located in Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, the city is a harbor town facing Hakata Bay. If you cross the sea
A Sushi Tour Around Japan
Sushi is one of Japan's most renowned foods. Today, it is known the world over. The chef creates a bite-sized mouthful o
Osaka: City of Waterways
Osaka is located in an estuary, where several rivers flow into the Osaka Bay. The waterways that stem from these rivers
Owara Kaze no Bon: A Festival to Calm the Wind Gods
On the north side of Japan's main island, in the foothills of the Hida Mountains, lies Yatsuo Town, Toyama Prefecture. E
The Kunisaki Peninsula: Mystical Festivals in a Spiritual Land
The Kunisaki Peninsula is located in the northeast corner of Kyushu, one of Japan's 4 main islands. The round peninsula
Tsukemono: Japan's Pickled Soul Food
Tsukemono is a simple food made by pickling vegetables and other ingredients in seasonings such as salt and vinegar. It
Kanazawa: An Eternal Love of Beauty and Culture
Kanazawa is in Ishikawa Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan in the north. Here, far from Kyoto and Tokyo, a great city w
Notsuke Peninsula: Harsh Winters and Rich Seas
Japan's northernmost major island - Hokkaido. Stretching out into the sea on the island's east coast is the Notsuke Peni
Kinosaki Onsen: A Town of Hot Springs
Kinosaki Onsen is a small town faces the Sea of Japan to its north, and is spread out between mountains. It is a hot spr
Shirakawa-go: Thatched-Roofed World Heritage Site
Located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a village full of old-fashioned houses with thatched roofs
Otaru: Classic Canal City
Otaru is a city in Hokkaido with a canal flowing by the harbor. It was once a center of commerce where goods from all ov
Mount Tsukuba: The Mysterious Twin Peaks
Mount Tsukuba is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 70 km northeast from Tokyo. The Japanese have revered the mountain
Cherry Blossoms will Bloom: Miharu, Fukushima
The town of Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, Eastern Japan, is renowned for its cherry blossoms. Once the long winter has
The Iseji Route: Journey of the Soul over Passes
The Kii Peninsula is in the south of Honshu, Japan's main island. On this peninsula is Kumano Kodo, a series of pilgrima
Hiroshima: A City of Seven Rivers
Hiroshima Prefecture, in western Japan, is on the coast of the Inland Sea. It is known as the City of Seven Rivers and w
Ise-Shima: Women Divers Favored by the Gods
The Shima Peninsula is located in the south of Japan's main island Honshu. It is a great habitat for living things and a
Hagi and Tsuwano: Two Castle Towns
Hagi and Tsuwano became famous as destinations to visit together when traveling to rediscover traditional Japan became p
Furano: Summer in the Purple City
Hokkaido is a locale full of vast lands in the north of Japan. In its center, lies the city of Furano. The 3 months of s
Haunted Houses: The Lure of the Dark
Haunted houses are a summer tradition in Japan. One step inside the haunted house, darkness envelops you. It's frighteni
Tokyo Summer Story: Season of Remembrance
The temperature rises over 30℃ almost every day in the summer of Tokyo. But there are many fond memories unique to Tok
Kamikochi: A Sacred Mountain Paradise
The Japan Alps run down the middle of Japan's main island of Honshu, reaching heights of 3,000 meters. Kamikochi is in t
Kobe: A City of Cultural Mosaic
Kobe was founded about 150 years ago as an international trading port. Various cultures from around the world have gathe
Mikan: Japan's Favorite Citrus Fruit
The district of Maana in Ehime Prefecture is a leading center for mikan cultivation. Mikan is the Japanese name for the
The Churches of Nagasaki: Prayers through the Ages
Nagasaki Prefecture is often referred to as the 'home of Christianity' in Japan. The Christian faith first came to Japan
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Embracing All Prayers
Kyoto is a city of countless temples and historical buildings. Kiyomizu-dera Temple sits halfway up a 240-meter hill on
Boso Peninsula: A Carpet of Flowers
One of the leading flower producing areas in Japan is on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, located next to Tokyo.
Tsugaru Strait: Life Stories of Crossing the Rough Seas
The Tsugaru Strait is a rough sea between the Japanese island of Honshu and Hokkaido to the north. At its narrowest poin
Yufuin: A Relaxing Spa Town
The spa town of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu is one of Japan's most well-known hot spring resorts.
Summer on Japan's Southern Alps
The Southern Alps are located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Mountain ranges peaking at an altitude of 3,000
Tokachi: Bounty of the Northern Lands
Tokachi in Hokkaido is home to Japan's largest field and the fields in the district account for more than 10% of Japan's
Shinjuku: A City Close to Deities
A city where the lights never go out. Shinjuku in Tokyo is a big city, full of everything from business to entertainment
The Secrets of Tofu Across Japan
Japanese people have a long history of eating tofu, a filling food that always goes well with a drink. It is made simply
River Ferries: Bringing People Together
Japan is a land covered with rugged mountains. For centuries, there were many places that could only be reached by river
Mt. Hiei: The "Mother Mountain" of Japanese Buddhism
Mt. Hiei straddles the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture. The entire mountain represents Enryakuji Temple. The t
Hamamatsu: Sunny City with Positive Spirit
Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture is a land blessed with a temperate climate all year round. It is one of the sunniest ci
Japanese-Americans in Hawaii, Part 1: The Women Pioneers
Japanese-Americans account for around 10% of the population of Hawaii, numbering more than 180,000 people. Hawaii used t
Japanese-Americans in Hawaii, Part 2: The Proud Families
The first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii arrived at Honolulu in 1868. Relying on their own ingenuity, these immigrants cl
Soba: Japan's Beloved Noodle
Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour have been a part of the Japanese diet even longer than rice. Today, we will take
Chita Peninsula: A Land That Prospered by Shipping
The Chita Peninsula extends from Nagoya into the Pacific stretching 40km. In the 17th century, the peninsula prospered a
Sendai: A City Founded by a Legendary Samurai
Sendai, on the Japanese island of Honshu, is the largest city in the Tohoku region, northeastern Japan. It was founded i
Kamaishi: The Resilient City of Steel
Kamaishi, in Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan is home to a steelworks with a history of 130 years, and is known as
Awaji Island: Mythical Birthplace of Japan
Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. From ancient times, Awaji has been known as "Japan's Foodstor
A Walk around the Imperial Palace: A Journey Down the Ages
In central Tokyo, surrounded by skyscrapers and inside a moat, is the Imperial Palace, the home of Japan's Emperor. The
Songs of Okinawa: The Bonds of Community
Songs are part of the fabric of life in Okinawa Prefecture. When a song rings out, everyone naturally starts to dance. O
Tsukuda and Tsukishima: A Summer of Fishermen's Festival
Tsukuda and Tsukishima, in central Tokyo, are areas that were all sea about 400 years ago. Fishermen from Osaka Prefectu
Hachijo-Jima: A Place to Rest on the Road of Life
The island of Hachijo-jima is 290km south of Tokyo but officially part of the city. It is formed from 2 volcanoes. The i
Totsukawa: Autumn in a Hidden Village
Totsukawa Village is located on the southern tip of Nara Prefecture in the center of the Kii Peninsula. Most of the vill
Shinbashi: Life in Buildings
Shinbashi is one of Tokyo's leading business districts. 7 train lines converge at Shinbashi Station. When you veer away
A Journey Along the Nagasaki Kaido
Nagasaki Kaido is a road leading north-east out of Nagasaki City, through the neighboring Saga Prefecture, ending 223km
Local Train Lines: The Ride of Our Lives
In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we present a story of local train lines across Japan. Deep in the mountains, t
Stories from The University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo in Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, one of Japan's national universities, was founded in 1877. Its central ca
Ishigaki Island: Dreams of Compassion
Ishigaki Island is located about 400km southwest of Okinawa Prefecture's main island, surrounded by a sea of coral reefs
Sharing Happiness: Hot Pots in Japan
A classic winter cuisine in Japan that is popular in the colder months is "nabe," or hot pot. The pot is usually placed
Mount Iwate: Guardian of the Homeland
Mount Iwate is a mountain that the people of Iwate always look up to. Standing at 2,038 meters above sea level, the loca
Tokyo 2021: A Year of Prayers
The annual prayers at Shinto shrines in Japan at New Year's in 2021 were different than usual. It was a new year that st
Hakone: Centuries of Hospitality
Hakone is on a major route between Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture. For centuries, the town was known for its high mountain p
Yokai: Scary and Friendly Apparitions
Yokai, also known as Mononoke, and other spiritual beings: They are frightening when they suddenly appear, but can also
Beer and Japan's Drinking Culture
When drinkers raise their glasses for a toast, it's often full of beer. Whether we are exhausted or delighted, this ambe
The Hidden Side of Nikko
The city of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, lying around 120 kilometers north of Tokyo, is one of Japan's leading tourist
Choshi: A Railway Trip to a Seaside Town
Choshi in Chiba Prefecture is a town on a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, known as "Toppazure," meaning
The Tateyama Mountains: An Alpine Pilgrimage
The Tateyama Mountain Range in eastern Toyama Prefecture is comprised of many mountains rising more than 2,500 meters hi
A Track of Dreams: Tokyo's Arakawa Line
The Arakawa Line operates in the northeastern part of Tokyo. Starting from Minowabashi in the east to Waseda in the west
The Stories Behind Japan's Bridges
Traveling across Japan, we can find many bridges of all shapes and sizes. In Tokyo, building modern bridges was one way
Kisoji: Highroad Among Mountains
Kisoji is an old road that runs through Kiso in Nagano Prefecture, which is located along the Nakasendo, one of the main
Nara: Where Demons Roam
Nara, one of Japan's ancient capitals, is home to spirits and demons. Due to its long history, the city has seen its fai
Catching Early Spring in Kamakura
Kamakura is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, an hour from Tokyo by train. The city was founded 800 years ago as the first
Noboribetsu Onsen: Hot Springs, Spirited People
Located in Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan is Noboribetsu, a prominent resort of hot springs, or "onsen" in Japane
The Koumi Line: A Highland Railway
The Koumi Line runs 78.9km between Kobuchizawa, Yamanashi Prefecture and Komoro, Nagano Prefecture. The line, which reac
Tidings of Autumn Fruits
In Japan, fruits that line storefronts remind us of the seasons. As the season changes from summer to autumn, every frui
The Mikuni Road: Stories from the Old Route North
The Mikuni Road stretches from Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture to Teradomari, 200 kilometers to the north in Niigata Prefec
Jomon: 10,000 Years of Nostalgia
Today in Japan, the Jomon period is experiencing a quiet boom. Jomon is a unique Japanese culture that lasted approximat
The Ikegami Line: Through the Heart of Tokyo
The Ikegami line runs through southeast Tokyo linking Kamata with Gotanda. Trains take 22 minutes to cover the line's 10
Seto Inland Sea: Life with Stones
The calmness of Seto Inland Sea, located in western Japan, will send your worries away. One thing that has been firmly s
Fuji Five Lakes: The Water of Life
Japanese people have, since time immemorial, loved Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Around the mountain's base, there are
Colors of Yamagata: Spring & Summer
Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, where cherry blossoms have finally begun to bloom in late
Karuizawa: Japan's Summer Resort
At the foot of Mt. Asama, lies Karuizawa, one of Japan's most well-known resort areas. In the late 1880s, foreign missio
Matsue: Time Carved by Water
Matsue, in Shimane Prefecture, is located in western Japan. The city borders Lake Shinji to the west, and the Sea of Jap
Faith in Tenjin - Prayers from across Japan
A group of well-loved shrines, with branches all across Japan, are affectionately known by the nickname of Tenjin-sama.
Sea of Okhotsk: Blessings of the Drift Ice
The Sea of Okhotsk lines the coast of Hokkaido Prefecture, the northernmost main island of Japan. Once again, the season
Suppai: The Secrets of Japan's Sour Treats
In Japan, the word for sourness is suppai. Since ancient times, people in Japan have preserved foods through fermentatio
Okuaizu: Hamlet in Snow
The Aizu region is at the west of Fukushima Prefecture. Located in the southwest of this region is an area called Okuaiz
The Flower Pilgrimages of Shikoku
A famous pilgrimage in Shikoku requires a journey through 88 sacred sites. The route is linked to Kukai, a monk who trav
Kyoto: Blessings of Water
Kyoto is known for its temples and shrines, but in this episode we feature the story of water that saturates everyday li
A Taste of Tokyo's Islands: A Special Glass of Liquor
The Izu Islands, off Japan's Pacific coast, are officially part of Tokyo. The islands are famous for producing a liquor
Tributes and Purveyors
Since ancient times, those in power have tried to fill their lives with beautiful objects and delicious foods. Many mast
Hida through the Winter
The region of Hida is in Northern Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by high mountains, it is snowbound in winter. A local cast
Hakodate: Lights Illuminating Winter
Hakodate, a port city located in southern Hokkaido, is known for having one of the best night views in Japan. As the sur
Happy Snack Time
Eating together and making conversation, snack time connects people. For those living away from home, hometown tastes br
The Steep Paths of Naha: Nostalgia and Community
Naha, in Okinawa, is a hilly city. At the top of one prominent hill is Shuri Castle, which hosted the royal court of the
Minamiaso: Railway Through a Volcano
The Minamiaso Railway runs inside one of the world's largest calderas of Mount Aso, an active volcano in Kumamoto Prefec
The Castle Towns of the Tokaido Route
The Tokaido was built around 400 years ago to link Tokyo, then known as Edo, to Kyoto. The route, which is closely tied
Cod: Loved in Every Way
During the harsh northern winters in Japan, cod fishing reaches its high season, as the cod come to the coast to spawn.
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