8.4/1014 votesLoading...#1 - Land of the Prayers
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 9/6/2018
We begin our journey in Hiroshima Prefecture and explore sacred locations in Chugoku and Shikoku regions in western Japan. In Shikoku, we join a couple on a famous pilgrimage. We fly to Izumo to visit an ancient Shinto shrine, and then on to Tottori Prefecture with its other-worldly sand dunes. The people we meet tackle diverse and demanding challenges: a woman who shares a message of peace in Hiroshima; a man who grows olives on an island; and a teacher of kagura, an ancient form of dance and drama.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/1014 votesLoading...#2 - Cradle of Traditions
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/5/2018
We explore central and western parts of Japan, starting in the Kansai region. Kansai, which includes the ancient cities of Nara and Kyoto, is the cradle of Japanese culture and religion. As well as enjoying stunning scenes from the air in the heartland of Japan, we meet a sword maker, a plant hunter, a traditional entertainer and a pair of paper makers. Whatever their chosen path in life, they seek to uphold knowledge and wisdom passed down through the years.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/1014 votesLoading...#3 - Treasure Islands
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 9/7/2018
We explore Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture in southwest Japan. Kyushu is a hotbed of volcanic activity, from the onsen resort of Beppu to the towering majesty of Mt. Aso. While the forces of nature may wreak havoc, they also bring benefits and stimulate the imagination. In Okinawa, we visit graves that nurture happy families. We also touch on Okinawa's tragic wartime history before moving on to a scenic island that one man finds perfect for free diving.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/1015 votesLoading...#4 - Gifts from the Mountains
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/4/2018
We begin our journey in Aomori Prefecture in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan's largest main island. From there, we fly over the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture and visit the east coast of Tohoku, an area still battling to recover following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. We meet people who harness the power of nature to grow crops, breed fish and make unique cuisine, and then finally go behind the scenes at a fish market and a public bath in Tokyo.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.9/1016 votesLoading...#5 - The Great Wild North
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/3/2018
From the limpid waters of Lake Mashu to the steaming hot springs of "Hell Valley" in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido presents some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Japan. On our journey, we meet a photographer, cheesemakers, a hot spring "doctor" and a horse lover, as well as a group of women upholding fascinating folk traditions. Each life unfolds in harmony with the seasons.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Japan from Above
Every episode of Japan from Above ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Japan from Above!
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Japan's amazingly diverse landscapes, as well as intimate portraits of people leading contrasting lives.
Genre:Documentary
Network:ARTE
Best Episodes Summary
"Land of the Prayers" is the best rated episode of "Japan from Above". It scored 8.4/10 based on 14 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 9/6/2018. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Cradle of Traditions".