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The Best Episodes of Journeys in Japan Season 1

Every episode of Journeys in Japan Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Journeys in Japan Season 1!

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

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 1 - Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka
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    #1 - Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka

    S1:E1

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  2. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 2 - Toyama City, Toyama
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    #2 - Toyama City, Toyama

    S1:E2

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  3. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 3 - Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled
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    #3 - Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled

    S1:E3

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  4. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 4 - Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art
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    #4 - Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art

    S1:E4

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  5. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 5 - Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit
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    #5 - Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit

    S1:E5

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  6. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 6 - Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology
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    #6 - Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology

    S1:E6

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  7. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 7 - Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji
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    #7 - Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji

    S1:E7

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  8. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 8 - Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes
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    #8 - Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes

    S1:E8

    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)

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  9. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 9 - Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature
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    #9 - Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature

    S1:E9

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  10. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 10 - Toyokawa, Aichi
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    #10 - Toyokawa, Aichi

    S1:E10

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  11. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 11 - Himeji, Hyogo
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    #11 - Himeji, Hyogo

    S1:E11

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  12. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 12 - Naruto, Tokushima
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    #12 - Naruto, Tokushima

    S1:E12

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  13. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 13 - Miyazu City, Kyoto - Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure
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    #13 - Miyazu City, Kyoto - Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure

    S1:E13

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  14. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 14 - Yonezawa City, Yamagata: The City with a Warrior's Legacy
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    #14 - Yonezawa City, Yamagata: The City with a Warrior's Legacy

    S1:E14

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  15. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 15 - Geo-Touring in Kyushu
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    #15 - Geo-Touring in Kyushu

    S1:E15

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  16. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 16 - Mino City, Gifu
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    #16 - Mino City, Gifu

    S1:E16

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  17. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 17 - Minabe, Wakayama: Town of Forests and Orchards
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    #17 - Minabe, Wakayama: Town of Forests and Orchards

    S1:E17

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  18. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 18 - Sendai & Matsushima, Miyagi: In the Footsteps of a Renowned Warlord
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    #18 - Sendai & Matsushima, Miyagi: In the Footsteps of a Renowned Warlord

    S1:E18

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  19. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 19 - Nara, Nara: Nara Heijokyo, Celebrating 1300 Years of Culture
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    #19 - Nara, Nara: Nara Heijokyo, Celebrating 1300 Years of Culture

    S1:E19

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  20. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 20 - Spring & Summer 2010 Highlights
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    #20 - Spring & Summer 2010 Highlights

    S1:E20

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  21. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 21 - Sekita Mountain Range, Nagano/Niigata: Into the Wild Long Trail in Satoyama
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    #21 - Sekita Mountain Range, Nagano/Niigata: Into the Wild Long Trail in Satoyama

    S1:E21

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  22. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 22 - Uchiko, Ehime: A Town Built Upon the Thoughts of Its People
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    #22 - Uchiko, Ehime: A Town Built Upon the Thoughts of Its People

    S1:E22

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  23. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 23 - Ashikaga City, Tochigi
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    #23 - Ashikaga City, Tochigi

    S1:E23

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  24. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 24 - Karatsu, Saga: Karatsu with an Homage to Jacques Mayo
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    #24 - Karatsu, Saga: Karatsu with an Homage to Jacques Mayo

    S1:E24

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  25. Journeys in Japan Season 1 Episode 25 - Izu-Oshima, Tokyo: Island of Marathon Dreams
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    #25 - Izu-Oshima, Tokyo: Island of Marathon Dreams

    S1:E25

    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)

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka" is the best rated episode of "Journeys in Japan" season 1. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 2/2/2010. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Toyama City, Toyama".