Journeys in Japan

Overview
Journeys in Japan showcases the diverse and captivating destinations across the country, inviting English-speaking travelers on an enlightening adventure. Each episode features captivating cultural insights, personal encounters with locals, and visits to iconic historical landmarks. Viewers gain practical travel tips that go beyond typical guidebook recommendations, making it an invaluable resource for anyone eager to explore Japan's rich heritage and vibrant landscapes.
Episodes
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8
Life in the Deep Snow
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10
Dancing Among the Gods: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture
Nestled in the mountains of central Kyushu, Takachiho holds a significant place in Japanese mythology, believed to be where the gods first descended t...
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8

Ice Monsters and Warm Hospitality: Zao
On the night of the full moon, a unique event called the Moonlight Walk takes place, inviting guests to stroll among the ice creatures.
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5
Tochigi: Secret World of Samurai and Hot Spring
Yunishigawa, a hot spring resort, has ties to a significant event from the 12th century. After their defeat in the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, a band of Hei...
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13
A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 1: Kamakura - City of Nature, History and Tradition
Kamakura, a historic city in Japan, attracts visitors with its stunning temples and shrines. Nestled between hills on three sides and bordered by the ...
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14
A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 2: Slow Train in Springtime Chiba
In the second part of our series highlighting fantastic spring getaways near Tokyo, we explore the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, featuring a loc...
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23
Obuse, Nagano: Walking and Running for Fun
Marathons enjoy immense popularity in Japan, with hundreds held annually across the nation. However, the Obuse Mini Marathon in Nagano Prefecture stan...
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31
Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of "Kuro" Culture
Kagoshima, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, is deeply influenced by the concept of "kuro," meaning "black." This theme is prominent in the ash p...
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11
Following a Samurai Tea Master
Oribe ware, a unique style of pottery, emerged in Japan in the late 16th century. Characterized by its irregular shapes, vibrant colors, and quirky de...
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17
Tsugaru: Amateur Sumo, Indomitable Tradition
The Tsugaru region in Aomori Prefecture has a long-standing reputation as a premier hub for cultivating sumo wrestlers. Since the establishment of Jap...
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19
Remote Ojika Island: Portal to the Past
Tiny Ojika, part of the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, is located about 1,000 kilometers west of Tokyo and has a population of around 2,500 resi...
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23
Mt. Fuji: Climbing to the Sacred Realm
Mt. Fuji stands as Japan's most iconic mountain and has long been a site of spiritual significance, with pilgrims journeying to its summit for centuri...
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24
Kita-Akita: Deep Connections with Nature
Kita-Akita City is nestled in the northern part of Akita Prefecture, characterized by its mountains and dense forests. The Akita Nairiku Line traverse...
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24
Sawara: Festival Floats Keeping Ties Alive
Sawara is situated in the northeast of Chiba Prefecture, approximately 70 kilometers east of Tokyo. Its advantageous position along a tributary of the...
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26
Izumo: The Heart of the Japanese Spirit
In the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, a place renowned for its annual gathering of deities from all over Japan, our reporter delves into the hear...
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7

The Magic of Winter in Akita
In the northern region of Japan, Akita Prefecture embraces its winter months with a variety of distinctive festivals. American artist Kailene immerses...
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15

Otoyo: Bringing Fresh Life to a Traditional Community
Nestled in the heart of the Shikoku Mountain Range, Otoyo Town in Kochi Prefecture boasts over 80% forest coverage. This unique mountain community is ...
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16

Rural Reboot: Kamiyama's Renaissance
Nestled in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture, Kamiyama is a serene village with around 5,000 residents. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, it hosts ...
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9

Yamatokoriyama: Water Brimming with Goldfish
Goldfish, with their elegance and charm, have enchanted people in Japan for centuries. Yamatokoriyama, a historic city in Nara Prefecture, is a key ar...
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10

Minami Shinshu: A Solo Alps Journey
Outdoor guide Daniel Moore immerses himself in the rugged beauty of Minami Shinshu in southern Nagano Prefecture. During his journey, he spends a nigh...
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11

Rainy Nights, Summer Mysteries
As Japan transitions from spring to summer, a month-long stretch of cloudy, rainy weather known as Tsuyu unfolds. In this episode of Journeys in Japan...
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12

Go Deep! Underwater Paradise
Stretching over 3,500 kilometers from north to south, the islands in the Pacific are so slender that the ocean is never out of reach. Their coastlines...
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13

Toba Islands: Life and Love in a Traditional Community
Ise-Shima National Park is a well-known tourist destination in Japan, yet the nearby islands off Toba City see fewer visitors. In this episode of Jour...
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14

Cultivating a Taste for Summer Vegetables
Japan's diverse geography allows farmers to grow an impressive range of produce, influenced by varying climates. In this episode of Journeys in Japan,...
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21

Creative Solutions Spark Rural Revival
Throughout Japan, various communities showcase their unique attractions to draw in tourists. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, we take a look back...
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22

Legacies of Samurai Culture
While many envision samurai as brave fighters adept in combat, there's more to their legacy. This episode explores how these esteemed warriors champio...
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9

Akita, Yamagata, Niigata: The Textiles and Traditions of Winter
The prefectures of Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata are famous for their frigid winters and substantial snowfall. Historically, the residents of these reg...
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20

Discovering the Wonders of Iya Valley
Nestled in the mountains of Shikoku, the remote area of Iya features a handful of small villages surrounded by steep, narrow valleys shrouded in mist,...
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21

Tsuruga Castle, Where the Past Meets the Present
In Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Tsuruga Castle was pivotal in Japan's shift from the feudal samurai period to a modern era. On this episode of...
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22

Gujo-Hachiman: Dancing the Night Away
The Gujo Odori is one of Japan's most significant Bon dances, featuring throngs of participants, lively festival music, and the rhythmic sound of wood...
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5

Isumi Shines as Liveable City
Isumi, located in Chiba Prefecture, has been recognized as the top choice for living in the Tokyo region due to its convenient access and stunning nat...