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Fukuoka facing the Genkai Sea has been geographically and historically a city open to East Asia. It still maintains links with many Asian countries-- from Port of Fukuoka, there is a ferry which runs between Fukuoka and Busan in the Republic of Korea. Walking through the city, our reporter Vincent encounters a wide variety of things which ties to East Asia. (Excerpt)

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka

Toyama is a city surrounded by tall mountains and has a population of 400,000. It's a place where unique businesses have sprung up since the days of old. Toyama's medicine became famous, in particular, for this gastric medicine, first made here three centuries ago - it's a blend of over 20 ingredients extracted from medicinal herbs found in the mountains of Toyama. The recipe may have changed slightly over the years but the medicine is still used today. Traveling salesmen used to peddle this medicine all over the country. In an age when there was little medicine available, the cures these salesmen offered were very much appreciated. This was how Toyama's medicine spread to households nationwide. (Excerpt)

Toyama City, Toyama

Furano, located just about in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture is becoming a popular destination for foreign skiers. The winter season in Furano presents various options to enjoy the great outdoors. The most exciting of all is an adventure trip on a dog sled. Our reporter Sotaro Nagasawa visits Hidetaka Matsubara in Minami Furano. Matsubara owns 29 sled dogs which are hybrids of Siberian husky and wolf. This edition introduces you to an adventure which can be experienced only in deep snow of Hokkaido during winter. (Excerpt)

Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled

The navigator for this episode of "journeys in japan" is opera director Dario Ponissi. His destination is Naoshima of Kagawa Prefecture, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, with a population of some 3300. Naoshima has gathered global attention as a center of contemporary art. (Excerpt)

Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art

Kamakura lies on the coast to the south of Tokyo, surrounded on three sides by hills, and looking out to the sea. Eight centuries ago, a samurai warrior seized power and set up his capital here. Today on "journeys in japan", our reporters search out the samurai spirit that's been passed down since ancient times. (Excerpt)

Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit

This week, "journeys in japan" visits a city of science—Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba. In 1963, under a national policy, the city was opened up as a place for research on advanced technology. It's now home to 300 research institutes. Our reporter Judit Kawaguchi discovers the charms of the city and its state-of-the-art technology. (Excerpt)

Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology

In this episode of "journeys in japan", our reporter, Adeyto, visits Oshino Village in Yamanashi Prefecture, in the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji., Japan's highest mountain. Her guide is the well-known actor Hatsunori Hasegawa. He lives in Tokyo but he loves the natural environment around Oshino Village so much that he built a villa there seven years ago. He shows Adeyto some of the beautiful spots in the area, and introduces her to the local people. (Excerpt)

Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji

In this week's Journeys in Japan, we visit the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest in Japan, in Tottori Prefecture. The Tottori Sand Dunes skirt the Sea of Japan in the southwestern part of Japan. The dunes were created naturally over 100,000 years by sediments carried from the mountains down the river and eventually blown up onto the shore. Our reporter, Vincent Giry, wonders into the land of majestic dunes and meets people who live together with sand. (Excerpt)

Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes

In this edition, JJ goes to a secluded part of northern Izu Peninsula, facing Suruga Bay. Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan, extends 2,500 meters below sea level. It's famous for its rich variety of seafood. Heda, a small fisherman's town, is especially famous for its catch of deep-sea fish and the Japanese spider crabs-the largest crab in the world, which lives at the depth between 150 to 800 meters. (Excerpt)

Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit the Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture, one of the largest Inari temples in Japan. Many of temples and shrines are protected by special guardian deities which is foxes. The animals are also believed to be messengers of the gods. Such temples and shrines are called Inari. (Excerpt)

Toyokawa, Aichi

On this edition of 'journeys in japan', we visit Himeji Castle, one of the few castles in Japan that have managed to survive in their original form, the way they were built about four centuries ago. Renowned for its beauty, this fortress is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and draws numerous tourists every year, both from Japan and around the world. However, in April work began on a major restoration program. This magnificent landmark will gradually be covered in scaffolding from the bottom upwards; by the autumn of 2010, the main keep will be completely hidden from view. The people of Himeji are concerned that this will mean that fewer tourists come to visit their city. So they have been coming up with ideas to ensure that Himeji remains a major draw for visitors. Our reporter, George Burdaniotis, visited the city to find out what is going on. (Excerpt)

Himeji, Hyogo

This week, we will focus on Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and introduce people who have made use of the bounties of nature in unusual ways to create products with added value.This week, we will focus on Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and introduce people who have made use of the bounties of nature in unusual ways to create products with added value. The sea off Naruto City has a strong current that flows at about 20 kilometers per hour and forms natural whirlpools that can reach a diameter of 30 meters. For this reason, fish that are tossed about in the currents are known in Japan to be tasty. Sea breams are said to be especially exquisite, and the best culinary delights will be shown. We will also visit a popular museum with a collection of artworks made with tiles that have been locally produced using the sea sand of Naruto. Furthermore, we will introduce a festival held in Tokushima, a place that is progressing as the city of LED.

Naruto, Tokushima

The pine-studded sandbar spans Miyazu Bay, facing the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto. The accumulation of white river sand over thousands of years sculpted this impressive strip of land, which has been the subject of significant poems and paintings for more than 1000 years. In this edition of "journeys in japan," our reporter, Judit Kawaguchi, meets the warm residents of this gorgeous area where history is very much alive. (Excerpt)

Miyazu City, Kyoto - Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure

On this edition of "journeys in japan" we head to northern Japan to visit a historic city with a warrior legacy -- Yonezawa in Yamagata prefecture. For long years, it flourished as a castle town and was a home to many samurai. Our reporter JJ explores its samurai legacy. (Excerpt)

Yonezawa City, Yamagata: The City with a Warrior's Legacy

Geoparks, created by UNESCO's initiative in 2004, are aimed for people to learn more about the Earth and for invigorating local economies by using the parks for tourism. This time, we travel by car, starting from one of the geoparks - Mount Unzen in Shimabara, to Sakurajima in Kagoshima. It is a trip to feel the Earth's great energy and to learn about volcanoes and their connections to people's livelihood. (Excerpt)

Geo-Touring in Kyushu

In this week's Journeys in Japan, we visit Mino City in Aichi Prefecture, a town famous for Japanese traditional paper "Washi". Washi is made from the fibers of tree bark and all handmade by traditional artisans has a beautiful appearance and texture. There are about 30 artisans who still produce washi in the traditional way. Tatsuo Ichikawa is one of oldest washi artisans in Mino city. He took over from his father in the family business. He explained to us how washi is made. (Excerpt)

Mino City, Gifu

On this edition of journeys in japan, JJ visits Minabe, Wakayama Pref., whose products are an essential part of Japanese food culture. Minabe produces more ume fruit than anywhere else in Japan - 30,000 tons every year. The type of ume grown in the area is called Nanko-ume. They are particularly large and flavorful, and are considered the highest quality in Japan. Most of the fruit harvested is pickled to make umeboshi, one of Japan's most distinctive foods. (Excerpt)

Minabe, Wakayama: Town of Forests and Orchards

Sendai is the biggest city in northeastern Japan. It's also the hometown of Kumiko Mori, a popular singer and entertainer who appearis frequently on stage and TV. She meets up with NHK WORLD reporter Vincent Giry, and they visit many spots connected with the samurai warlord Date Masamune, who founded Sendai some 400 years ago as his castle town and military base. (Excerpt)

Sendai & Matsushima, Miyagi: In the Footsteps of a Renowned Warlord

Nara was established as the capital more than 1000 years ago. It was the country's first major administrative center and was called Heijo-kyo. This year marks the 1300th anniversary of Heijo-kyo and the city is hosting many commemorative events, including the unveiling of re-created palace buildings. Our reporter Ayana Fuentes Uno visits the ancient capital, which became the foundation of a nation. (Excerpt)

Nara, Nara: Nara Heijokyo, Celebrating 1300 Years of Culture

On this edition, we present the highlights from our past broadcasts. Our Reporters travel across Japan, where they discover fascinating local culture and people. (Excerpt)

Spring & Summer 2010 Highlights

The Sekita mountain range, soaring 1000 meters above sea level, straddles Nagano and Niigata Prefectures. Hikers can now walk along it on the "Shin-etsu Trail." It extends along the ridge for distance of 80 kilometers, from Mount Madarao in Nagano Prefecture to Mount Amamizu in Niigata Prefecture. Our travelers will spend five days walking the full distance of the "Shin-etsu Trail". Our guide is a nature writer, Noriyoshi Kato. Kato has walked several long trails in Japan and abroad. (Excerpt)

Sekita Mountain Range, Nagano/Niigata: Into the Wild Long Trail in Satoyama

This time, "journeys in japan" will travel to Uchiko on the island of Shikoku. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with abundant nature it is situated almost at the center of Ehime Prefecture. The town flourished along with the production of vegetable wax in the latter part of the 19th century. Visiting the town is street performer and mathematician, Peter Frankl.  (Excerpt)

Uchiko, Ehime: A Town Built Upon the Thoughts of Its People

Tochigi Prefecture is situated in the most northern part of the Kantō region, and is a prefecture that is inland, not facing the coast. Though only 70 kilometers away from Tokyo, it is an area that still retains a lush mountain landscape. This program goes on a journey to visit the people who live in the natural environment of such a mountainous area, taking a look at their work and everyday lives. (Excerpt)

Ashikaga City, Tochigi

On this week's "journeys in japan," we visit Karatsu city in Saga prefecture. The area, which looks out to the sea, is blessed with a warm climate. People here have long enjoyed marine sports. A legendary French diver had strong ties with the sea of Karatsu. Jacques Mayol was the first man in the world to free dive to 100 meters. And it was a childhood encounter with a dolphin off the coast of Karatsu that inspired him to dive. Our reporter Ian Thomas Ash investigates the diver's deep connection to Karatsu. (Excerpt)

Karatsu, Saga: Karatsu with an Homage to Jacques Mayo

Izu-Oshima, the largest of the seven islands in the Izu chain, lies 120 kilometers south of Tokyo. It was formed by volcanic action, and the volcano in the center of the island is still active. Because of its size, hilly terrain and tranquil environment, Oshima is a popular training base for long-distance runners.  Double Olympic medalist Yuko Arimori used the island as her training base ahead of her successful marathons. In this episode of "journeys in japan", Arimori visits Oshima with our reporter, JJ, and takes him to some of her favorite places on the island. (Excerpt)

Izu-Oshima, Tokyo: Island of Marathon Dreams

Hita City in Oita Prefecture is a quiet town with a population of about 70-thousand, located in northern part of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. It is surrounded by many mountains, including the Aso-Kuju and the Hiko mountain systems. Abundant water resources flowing out from these mountains merge in the Hita basin. Thus many rivers flow through Hita City and are serving the local people in their daily lives. (Excerpt)

Hita City, Oita

Nelson Babin-Coy is off to explore the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture by train. Nelson's first stop is at Yunokami-Onsen. The area is a hot-spring village with many traditional inns and guesthouses. One of the things Nelson wants to do on this journey is to bathe in an open-air bath looking out over the river. Three and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the hot spring facing the valley feels like paradise! Ōuchi-juku near Yunokami-Onsen was a post town on the old road. Its main street is flanked by more than 40 old wooden houses, which were built as lodgings for travelers over 300 years ago.  Nelson stays in one of the traditional buildings and tastes local cuisine prepared by the guesthouse owner. Traveling slowly by train through this scenic countryside, Nelson finally approaches his destination, Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu-Wakamatsu developed as a major castle town in feudal times and has remained the main city of Aizu until this day. (Excerpt)

Aizu, Fukushima: A Taste of Tradition and Scenic Charm

The Seto Inland Sea located in western Japan is the country's largest inland sea. There is a road which runs across the inland sea and connects a chain of small islands. It is known as Shimanami Kaido. A 60 km long road which connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture in Honshu island and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku island has become a popular cycling route and gathers cyclists from all over Japan. In today's "journeys in japan", our reporter travels this road on his bicycle and introduces the Shimanami Kaido which allows you to take in the beautiful scenery while crossing the sea and islands in the inland sea. (Excerpt)

Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima/Ehime: A Cycling Tour: Refreshing Breezes at the Seto Inland Sea

Adeyto visits three sites, starting in Kawasaki for a night factory tour. Most participants, including Adeyto, are into photographing the urban industrial landscape. What's the attraction of large-scale public works' sites for so many Japanese today? Next Adeyto travels north of Tokyo to rural Gunma Prefecture to take in a vast chamber located deep inside a mountain. The Kannagawa Hydropower Plant attracts more than 10 thousand visitors a year. The final destination of Adeyto's tour of man-made structures is a deserted island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Traveling 17 kilometers off of Nagasaki's Port, you'll come to Hashima. Hashima was once a coal mining facility, home to 5000 people. When resources were exhausted, the island was abandoned in 1974. Since it opened to the public last year, 70 thousand people have visited despite the fact that only concrete ruins remain. For many tourists, they find a silent message here. (Excerpt)

A Passion for Industrial Structures: Exploring People's Passion for Industrial Structure Tours: This Time in Kanagawa, Gunma, Nagasaki Prefectures

Kure is a 30-minute train ride from Hiroshima. The port town has a population of 250-thousand. The historic shipbuilding town still turns out large tankers and other vessels. It's a major marine transportation hub in the Seto Inland Sea with hundreds of ships going in and out of the port daily. It developed in the Meiji Period around the establishment of a naval base. The sea, ships and navy are woven into Kure's history. Today, we'll explore the culinary culture nurtured in this port town. (Excerpt)

Kure, Hiroshima: Gourmet Life in A Port City

Because of Japan's volcanic terrain, natural hot springs are found throughout country. Known as onsen, they are one of the highlights of any visit to Japan. There are more than 3,000 onsen in Japan. And many of them are rather different to typical hot spring spa resorts. There are lots of different ways to enjoying these onsen. Some have become popular among visiting tourists. Others are peaceful places out in the wild where you can sit and soak in seclusion. On this edition of "journeys in japan," Judit is visiting Hachimantai, in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island. (Excerpt)

Hachimantai, Akita: Akita's Hidden Hot Springs: Traditional Onsen Therapy

On this edition of Journeys in Japan , we visit the Iya Valley, in the center of Shikoku.On this edition of journey in japan , we visit the Iya Valley, in the center of Shikoku. Until about 40 years ago, it was cut off from the rest of the island, and people living there had little interaction with other communities. This allowed the traditional customs and lifestyle to remain unchanged for centuries. Our reporter, Adeyto, takes a local train into the mountains of Shikoku, following the course of the Yoshino River, the longest river on the island. Then she has to take a bus along a mountain road that's so only wide enough for one vehicles at a time. (Excerpt)

Iya Valley, Tokushima: Exploring the Remote Iya Valley

Yakushima is located 60 kilometers off Kagoshima Prefecture, in Japan's southern main island of Kyushu. It's blanketed in lush forest, and has mountains that soar nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. With its more than 1,000-year-old ancient cedars and unique ecosystem created by abundant rainfall and warm climate, Yakushima has been registered as a World Heritage site. Our reporter, Bene, has long wanted to visit this magical place. She is also looking forward to experiencing the island's famous hospitality. (Excerpt)

Yakushima, Kagoshima: Enchanting Yakushima

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit Kanazawa city in Ishikawa Pre. 99% of the gold leaf in Japan is made in this city. Gold has been adding color to Japan's traditional culture. At this time travelers are going to find out how gold is processed into a thin foil to make gold leaf. And in addition, they will introduce the amazing new gold leaf products developed recently in Kanazawa city. (Excerpt)

Kanazawa City, Ishikawa: City of Gold Leaf

This week on "journeys in japan" we visit Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture. It's an ancient Buddhist sanctuary, far removed from the secular world. More than 1000 priests, engaged in daily ascetic practices, reside in the mountain hamlet. There are 117 temples in Koyasan, but the whole complex is regarded as one big temple for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Koyasan was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2004. It draws more than 1 million tourists every year. Our reporter JJ has been in Japan for 10 years, but this will be his first time to stay at a temple. JJ, like others, is on a spiritual journey to experience the Koyasan way of life, and perhaps even encounter a few things to incorporate in life at home. (Excerpt)

Koyasan, Wakayama: A Temple Stay to Recharge

On Journeys in Japan, our reporter, Julian, ventures to Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, about 400 kilometers north of Tokyo. Ishinomaki prospered as a fishery town, but recently has become known for promoting Japanese comics.

Ishinomaki City, Miyagi: Manga Land

In this edition of Journeys in Japan, we visit the Goto Islands, in the East China Sea off the west coast of Kyushu, southwest of Japan. Our reporter, American actress, Haruka Orth, travels to Fukuejima, the largest of the Goto islands, to meet the people there and find out about the way they live.

Goto Islands, Nagasaki

This week's "Journeys in Japan" focuses on the small factories that helped to lay the foundation for Japan's postwar manufacturing prowess. Our reporter, Adeyto, visits four factories in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Tokyo, to meet craftsmen whose products are in demand all around the world, and to discover their skills and artisan spirit.

Industrial Artisan Craftsmanship

In this edition of Journeys in Japan, our reporter Ian Thomas Ash visits a number of rare temples known for their vivid colors. Setting off from the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, he heads for a Buddhist temple in Hachioji City in the western part of the capital. Later he continues on north to Saitama, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures. All of the five temples that he visits share the uncommon in common! Ian covers about 300 kilometers on his colorful temple tour.

Colorful Temple Tour!

In this week's Journeys in Japan, we visit Toba City in Mie Prefecture, the town famous for cultured pearls.

Toba City, Mie: The Heartland of the Pearl

In this edition of "Journeys in Japan", our reporter, Vincent Giry, visits Toyama Prefecture, known for its abundant snowfall. He learns how people have adapted to living in the long snowy winters-wisdom accumulated over hundreds of years.

Himi, Takaoka and Gokayama, Toyama

On this edition of "Journeys in Japan," Joshua will be trying his hand at ocean activities, soothing away his stress in spa water, exploring the countryside and simply sitting on the beach.

Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa: A Great Get-Away on Tokyo's Doorstep

This week's Journeys in Japan, heads 1000 kilometers north of Tokyo to the sea of Okhotsk off the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. From January to March, the area becomes a vast blanket of ice floes. The ice amassing and drifting from Siberia on the currents to Hokkaido are called "drift ice." Our traveler, JJ, enjoys the wintry splendor of ice floes and other icy pleasures in the area.

Abashiri City, Hokkaido: To the Land of Drift Ice

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth sets out to explore the ancient Buddhist heritage found in Kunisaki in the northeast of Oita Prefecture.

Mystical Kunisaki: A Journey Back in Time

Kumamoto—located in central Kyushu—is a regional economic and political hub. The city's symbol is Kumamoto Castle, rebuilt faithfully to its original state 400 years ago. Our reporter, Nelson, visits an old shopping district. He enjoys local delicacies and meets warm creative people in an emerging arts district.

Old Meets New in Kumamoto

The city of Matsue lies close to the Sea of Japan coast, in Shimane Prefecture. It's a place filled with history, and has a castle built 400 years ago.  On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores this traditional city.

Matsue, Shimane: Glimpses of Lafcadio Hearn

The destination of this time's journey is Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture, that is based at the southeastern corner of the Shikoku Main Island.  Hawaiian-born Michael Rivas visited Cape Muroto in early March to get the feel of early spring.

Cape Muroto in Early Spring

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, our reporter, JJ, visits Kawazu and Shimoda, in Shizuoka Prefecture, in pursuit of typical Japanese spring delicacies.

Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka

In this week's Journeys in Japan, we visit Seki City in Gifu Prefecture. Seki City boasts the number one production of cutlery in Japan. At this time traveler Johan Gathright visits a city known for its cutlery industry and discovers its technical mastery and beauty.

Seki City, Gifu: City of Cutlery

Kobe has an attractive shopping street that streches out long underneath an elevated railway track in the central part of the city. Measuring two kilometers in length and two meters in width, the shopping street is comprised of two narrow stretches each going to the opposite directions. NHK World reporter George Bourdaniotis walks through the shopping street under Kobe's elevated railway track to bring you a lot of information.

Kobe, Hyogo: Kobe Kokashita - An Arcade - A Wonderland Under the Tracks

Since ancient times people have made been making pilgrimages here to worship at Kotohira Shrine. Commonly known as Kompira-san, this shrine was thought to bring good luck, offer protection for sailors and assure abundant harvests. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores the area around Kotohira Shrine, which seems to have changed very little since the days of old.

A Pilgrimage Back in Time: Kompira-san

This week on "Journeys in Japan" we visit the Shimanto River, which is considered to be one of the country's most beautiful. It meanders nearly 200 kilometers before it finally feeds into the Pacific Ocean. Our reporter, Vincent Giry, takes in its rare beauty and enjoys outdoor pleasures along it.

The Great Nature Along the Shimanto River

Yamaguchi: Water's Power and Beauty

Jewels in the Ocean: Ogasawara Islands

A Precious Ecology: Ogasawara Islands

Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture: Cormorant Fishing - An Ancient Tradition

Breathtaking Landscapes

Summertime, Easy Living: Niseko, Hokkaido

Kazuno, Akita Prefecture: Mining a Vibrant Culture

This week, we visit the picturesque hills of Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Located about an hour's drive away from Hiroshima, Onomichi is a little known gem, riddled with maze-like alleys. Our reporter, Gow, explores its warrens and meets its easy-going residents.

Getting Lost in Onomichi's Secret Alleys

Nature Sanctuary: Oze's Marshland

Miyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Yokohama, just to the south of Tokyo, is home to one of the largest, most vibrant Chinatowns in the world. It's quite compact, covering an area just half a kilometer across, but its streets are lined with more than 600 restaurants and shops. Over 21 million visitors come here every year. In the center of Yokohama Chinatown stands a temple called Kanteibyo, which was erected in honor of the deity Guan Yu. To mark the 150th anniversary of Kanteibyo this year, there have been major celebrations. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, our reporter, Gow, explores this fascinating district, samples the delectable cuisine in some restaurants, and reports on the colorful festivities.

A Vibrant Community: Yokohama Chinatown

The Soul of Okinawan Music (1)

The Soul of Okinawan Music (2)

Mount Fuji is Japan's highest peak and is surrounded by verdant forests and five pristine lakes. Many people are unaware that the popular hiking destination is an active volcano. We will experience majestic Mount Fuji and its volcanic power. But instead of hiking to the summit, our reporter, Michael Rivas, explores a side of the mountain not found in guidebooks. He walks a circuit course around Mount Fuji, ventures into lava tree molds and experiences other natural phenomena occurring as a result of Fuji's eruptions.

Mount Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture: The Power of the Majestic Volcano

Subtropical Island Gem: Amami Oshima

Noren, Japanese paper and woodblock print are the Japanese traditional art. We can see and enjoy all of them in Maniwa city in Okayama Prefecture.

Stephen Hemsley, an English teacher from New Zealand, explores Maniwa and discovers the taste of these artworks. He meets a textile designer who makes noren for the stores and individual homes in town and she shows him the design of her latest noren, made for Japanese-style confectionary store. Also, he meets people who make Japanese paper, and a priest at a Buddhist temple who makes woodblock prints. Meanwhile, he finds a modern, 104-year-old elementary school and joins an interesting event, which is eating Japanese school lunch called kyushoku. He also eats local cuisine, which is especially made in autumn.

Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture: A City Steeped in Traditional Craft Rate

Tono City, Iwate Prefecture: Discovering a Land of Legends

Izakaya Pub Culture: The Heart of Japan

In this journey, musician, Michael Rivas, will be taking a two-day trip to Yamagata Prefecture in autumn.

He will be enjoying magnificent views from Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple, one of the major tourist spots of the Tohoku region, and exquisite seasonal dishes in an onsen hot spring inn, an authentic wooden architecture in Ginzan-onsen. He will also take a stroll through the onsen streets in the evening, illuminated by gaslights, and spend a heartwarming time meeting the local people on a Mogami River boat tour.

The Flavor of Autumn

Sado: A Stage for Tradition

The World Heritage site of Nikko is about 140 kilometers north of Tokyo. With historic temples and shrines set in beautiful natural surroundings, it is one of Japan's most popular scenic destinations.

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, we venture beyond Nikko to a small hamlet. The residents here have worshipped the mountains since ancient times, creating an original culture in harmony with nature. Our reporter, JJ, discovers generations of wisdom based on the blessings of nature. This is a story of the people who live in sacred mountains.

Blessings from the Mountains

Seto City, Aichi Prefecture: Home of Setomono Pottery

Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture: Paradise of Peace

Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture: Exotic Nagasaki

Nature's Great Amusement Park: Hakone

Kujukurihama is a long, sandy beach that runs for over 66 kilometers along the Boso Peninsula, to the east of Tokyo. After the summer swimming season is over, the beach returns to its natural state, quiet and unspoiled. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Gow meets some of the people who love living here, close to the ocean.

Kujukurihama, Chiba Prefecture: Living the Beach Life

The Rokko Mountain Range, Kobe: Mountain Climbing in Kobe's Backyard

Nakasendo was the old mountain road connecting Edo, today's Tokyo, to Kyoto. The 530-kilometer stretch of road was dotted with 69 post towns. Our reporter, JJ, walks along a preserved section of the Nakasendo and stops at Tsumago, a beautifully restored post town. He spends the night at a venerable inn and meets people who treasure a traditional way of life. This edition of Journeys in Japan features a walk back in time along an Edo era road.

Walking the Historic Nakasendo

The era of the samurai in Japan ended in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration, marking the start of the country's modernization. One of the powerful forces in this movement was the Satsuma domain - the area now known as Kagoshima. The warriors of Satsuma were renowned for their fierceness as fighters. That samurai spirit still lives on in modern-day Kagoshima. Kagoshima lies at the southern tip of Kyushu. It has a mild climate year-round, with warmer average temperatures than most other parts of Japan. It's a volcanic area, with many active volcanoes and abundant hot springs. The city of Kagoshima has been nicknamed the "Naples of the East" because both cities have bayside locations and have active volcanoes close-by. In fact, Kagoshima City and Naples actually have a sister-city tie-up.

Samurai Days in Satsuma

In this Journeys in Japan, Gow takes a trip to Mikuni-cho of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, in search of snow crabs, the king of winter delicacies.

Mikuni, Fukui Prefecture: The Supreme Winter Delicacy

Since ancient times, people in Japan have produced a form of ink known as sumi, which is used for calligraphy and traditional ink wash painting. Prepared in the form of ink sticks, sumi has to be diluted in water to create a black liquid. Until about 100 years ago, sumi was one of the most popular items sold at stationery stores. Today, ink sticks are rarely used in everyday life, but they are an essential aspect of traditional calligraphy. Shodo, the art of writing kanji characters with sumi ink, remains very popular. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, John Gathright travels to Suzuka, in Mie Prefecture, where sumi has been produced for centuries. He meets a traditional ink-stick master craftsman and discovers the vibrant art of calligraphy.

Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture: City of Sumi

Furano, Hokkaido: White Wintry World

1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the island, visiting all of the temples. This pilgrimage is known as ohenro, and the pilgrims are called ohenro-san. This week on Journeys in Japan, Bene sets out on the first stage of her pilgrimage in Tokushima Prefecture. She has a guide with her for part of the journey: David Moreton is a college lecturer who has been studying the pilgrimage for 20 years. Together they make their way along a mountain trail that is considered one of the toughest: overcoming difficulties lie this is an essential part of the pilgrims' spiritual training. Bene finds that confronting her own self as she walks, her awareness becomes clearer. She takes in deeply the beautiful scenery she sees, and the warmth of the people she meets.

Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1: Tokushima Prefecture

1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the island, visiting all of the temples. This pilgrimage is known as ohenro, and the pilgrims are called ohenro-san. This week on Journeys in Japan, Bene continues on the second stage of her pilgrimage, through Kochi Prefecture. The trail is hard, covering a distance of about 350 km. Bene visits a cave on Cape Muroto where the young priest Kukai meditated and achieved enlightenment. Bene continues to Kochi City, visiting a temple where she experiences the spiritual discipline of copying sutras by hand. She encounters many people along the route, including other pilgrims. In Kuroshio Town, she stays the night at a homestay-style inn, and establishes a deep connection with the couple who run the inn.

Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 2: Kochi Prefecture

Life in the Deep Snow

For centuries, wheat noodles known as udon have been popular in Japan, especially in Kagawa, Shikoku Island. There are around 900 udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture, not just in residential areas but also hidden away in the hills. People come to Kagawa from all over Japan to enjoy these noodles, which are known as Sanuki udon, after the region's historical name. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Michael Rivas explores Kagawa, finding out all about Sanuki udon and other local food products, and meeting the local people. In the old days, making udon was considered one of the most important skills for women in Kagawa to acquire before getting married. In Kotohira Town, reputed to be the birthplace of Sanuki udon, Michael is invited to an udon party in a private home. He tries his hand at making the noodles, and sees first-hand how important udon is in the life of the local community. (Excerpt)

Kingdom of Udon: Kagawa Prefecture

Takachiho is located in a mountainous area in central Kyushu. According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is said to be the place where the gods descended from heaven. There, you can still find many things and places that are related to these ancient stories. One of the mythical ruins is Amano-Yasukawara. The cave is said to be a place where the gods gathered to discuss what to do when a sun goddess hid herself, plunging the world into darkness. However, the highlight of this trip is a traditional dance called "Kagura" which is passed down From one generation to another for almost a thousand years. The dances which include stories from the old myths are performed all through the night to thank the gods for a good harvest. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan travels to Takachiho and discovers how Japanese people have lived with gods from the ancient time.

Dancing Among the Gods: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture

This edition of Journeys in Japan features Japan's ancient capital, Nara. We will take a close look at architecture and Buddhist statues dating back more than 1000 years. Our reporter William Reed, an American columnist who's been in Japan for 40 years, is our guide to the city that is home to eight world heritage sites and important ancient treasures.

Treasures of the Ancient Capital: Nara Prefecture

Beppu City of Oita Prefecture is located in the eastern part of the island of Kyushu, and it is the second largest city in the prefecture with a population of approximately 120,000. With the live volcano Mount Tsurumi sitting on the west side of the city, Beppu is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. It boasts the largest amount of water discharged per day in Japan. Since there are also many types of spring water, it is a location that attracts not only the local people but also visitors from all over the country. Whether it is seeing the sights or tasting the food, Beppu is a place where you can truly enjoy the hot springs, the blessings of nature, through all your five senses. (Excerpt)

Beppu City, Oita Prefecture: Nature's Gift: Hot Springs

Okinawa: Inspired by the Sea and Land, Crafted by Hand

Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture: Spring on the Waterways

This week, we visit Osaka, the capital city of Osaka prefecture, also known as the town of "Kuidaore" means there are too many delicious foods and you can't stop eating until you pass out. Our reporter, John Gatewood, explores the best places to eat and the unique food culture of Osaka.

Gourmet Adventure: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Time Travelling in Shiga

On Two Wheels to Aso

On this edition of Journeys in Japan we celebrate sakura or cherry blossoms, which are a symbol of spring in Japan. The delicate pink petals have been worshipped here since ancient times. Our reporter from Germany, Lana Bergmann, is a huge fan of sakura. Since cherry trees in areas along the Seto Inland Sea bloom earlier than in many other parts of Japan due to the mild climate, she heads there in pursuit of famous cherry blossom sites. She wants to explore the Japanese passion for the pink petals

Getting Lost in Pink Petals

Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 3: Ehime

Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 4: Kagawa

A Classic Steam Train Trip: The Oigawa Railway

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.

The Best Seasons of Journeys in Japan

The Best Seasons of Journeys in Japan

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