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The Best Episodes of Journeys in Japan Season 3

Every episode of Journeys in Japan Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Journeys in Japan Season 3!

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 3 Episode 1 - Walking the Historic Nakasendo
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    #1 - Walking the Historic Nakasendo

    S3:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 2 - Samurai Days in Satsuma
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    #2 - Samurai Days in Satsuma

    S3:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  3. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 3 - Mikuni, Fukui Prefecture: The Supreme Winter Delicacy
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    #3 - Mikuni, Fukui Prefecture: The Supreme Winter Delicacy

    S3:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  4. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 4 - Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture: City of Sumi
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    #4 - Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture: City of Sumi

    S3:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  5. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 5 - Furano, Hokkaido: White Wintry World
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    #5 - Furano, Hokkaido: White Wintry World

    S3:E5

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 6 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1: Tokushima Prefecture
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    #6 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1: Tokushima Prefecture

    S3:E6

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  7. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 7 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 2: Kochi Prefecture
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    #7 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 2: Kochi Prefecture

    S3:E7

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  8. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 8 - Life in the Deep Snow
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    #8 - Life in the Deep Snow

    S3:E8

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    Director:Unknown
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  9. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 9 - Kingdom of Udon: Kagawa Prefecture
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    #9 - Kingdom of Udon: Kagawa Prefecture

    S3:E9

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  10. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 10 - Dancing Among the Gods: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture
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    #10 - Dancing Among the Gods: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture

    S3:E10

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 11 - Treasures of the Ancient Capital: Nara Prefecture
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    #11 - Treasures of the Ancient Capital: Nara Prefecture

    S3:E11

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  12. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 12 - Beppu City, Oita Prefecture: Nature's Gift: Hot Springs
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    #12 - Beppu City, Oita Prefecture: Nature's Gift: Hot Springs

    S3:E12

    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)

    Director:Unknown
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  13. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 13 - Okinawa: Inspired by the Sea and Land, Crafted by Hand
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    #13 - Okinawa: Inspired by the Sea and Land, Crafted by Hand

    S3:E13

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    Director:Unknown
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  14. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 14 - Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture: Spring on the Waterways
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    #14 - Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture: Spring on the Waterways

    S3:E14

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    Director:Unknown
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  15. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 15 - Gourmet Adventure: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
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    #15 - Gourmet Adventure: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

    S3:E15

    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.

    Director:Unknown
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  16. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 16 - Time Travelling in Shiga
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    #16 - Time Travelling in Shiga

    S3:E16

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    Director:Unknown
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  17. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 17 - On Two Wheels to Aso
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    #17 - On Two Wheels to Aso

    S3:E17

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    Director:Unknown
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  18. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 18 - Getting Lost in Pink Petals
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    #18 - Getting Lost in Pink Petals

    S3:E18

    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

    Director:Unknown
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  19. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 19 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 3: Ehime
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    #19 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 3: Ehime

    S3:E19

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    Director:Unknown
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  20. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 20 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 4: Kagawa
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    #20 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 4: Kagawa

    S3:E20

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    Director:Unknown
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  21. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 21 - A Classic Steam Train Trip: The Oigawa Railway
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    #21 - A Classic Steam Train Trip: The Oigawa Railway

    S3:E21

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    Director:Unknown
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  22. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 22 - Pristine Paradise: Iriomote, Okinawa
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    #22 - Pristine Paradise: Iriomote, Okinawa

    S3:E22

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    Director:Unknown
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  23. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 23 - Life in the Slow Lane: Taketomi, Okinawa
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    #23 - Life in the Slow Lane: Taketomi, Okinawa

    S3:E23

    On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Lana Bergmann, who is studying design in Japan, visits Taketomi-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. On the island characterized by old, traditional houses and flowers blooming all year round, it is popular to take it easy and stroll around with no particular destination. Lana goes to see the sights on the island on foot and finds a 4-meter tower. She climbs to the top and sees that the communities on the island are surrounded by windbreaks as a protection against typhoons. Each house is surrounded by high stone walls to protect them from winds. They reflect wisdom for living in the island's harsh natural environment. For the night Lana stays in a room in a traditional house. She eats dinner with other tourists, sings a song together, and enjoys herself. She also tries her hand at harvesting seafood and is impressed by islanders' traditional way of thinking.

    Director:Unknown
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  24. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 24 - Pure Alpine Waterscapes: Azumino and Kamikochi
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    #24 - Pure Alpine Waterscapes: Azumino and Kamikochi

    S3:E24

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    Director:Unknown
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  25. Journeys in Japan Season 3 Episode 25 - The Cinematic Cityscape of Kitakyushu
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    #25 - The Cinematic Cityscape of Kitakyushu

    S3:E25

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    Director:Unknown
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Season 3 Ratings Summary

"Walking the Historic Nakasendo" is the best rated episode of "Journeys in Japan" season 3. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/10/2012. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Samurai Days in Satsuma".