Journeys in Japan

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. Manga City-Ishinomaki was developed in homage to local manga legend, Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998), through the joint efforts of fans and fellow artists. Ishinomori had long dreamed of creating a town where people were exposed to manga on a daily basis. On weekends and holidays, the colorful "Mangattan Liner," which is decorated with famous characters from Ishinomori's work, runs between Sendai and Ishinomaki. Employees, dressed as famous hero characters, greet passengers getting off at Ishinomaki station. Life-size manga figures are also displayed in the station-the gateway to Mangaland-and other characters appear on the façade, as well as stained glass windows. "Manga Road" is lined with 20 full-scale manga characters. Manhole covers, benches and even letterboxes feature manga motifs. The nearly one-kilometer-long "Manga Road" ends at a large river. Its sandbar has been nicknamed "Mangattan" by local residents. The Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum is located here. It houses Ishinomori manga, anime and original artwork. There are game and library areas. The museum promotes the understanding of manga culture and history. Not far from Ishinomaki port is Tashiro-jima Island. Ishinomori adored this island for its low-key atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. At one point, he had planned to relocate his family and entire studio and staff to the island. Now, "Manga Lodges" have been built on the island. Each of the cat-shaped cottages has been painted by leading manga artists, featuring their famous characters. The people of Ishinomaki and Tashiro-jima, in conjunction with leading manga artists, have collaborated to fulfill Shintaro Ishinomori's dreams.

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. Minpaku On Fukuejima, a home-stay accommodation system was set up in 2009. Known as the minpaku system, visitors can stay at the homes of local families for a fee of about 6,000 yen per night. It's a chance for visitors to spend time with the host families, eating dinner with them and experiencing the way they live. For an extra charge (2,000 yen), guests can also get hands-on experience of the local people's work, such as fishing and farming. Churches Along the coast of Fukuejima, there are 14 Catholic churches. Such a concentration is unusual anywhere in Japan, and dates from the time when Christians found refuge from persecution on the island during the feudal period. Various churches are introduced, including the white Mizunoura Church; the stately brick Douai Church; and Kaizu Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors are free to look around the churches during regular opening hours. Camellia oil head spa Camellia trees can be found growing all over the island and their oil is one of the specialties of Fukuejima. A salon called Monte Cange offers a head and facial massages using the camellia seed oil. It is located inside the Shirayuri beauty salon, in the main shopping area of Fukue. Bebencobicci Orchestra Young musicians on Fukuejima have formed a band, singing songs about their local area, using their own distinct dialect. Videos of their performances have been posted on YouTube: just run a search for "bebencobicci".

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. The first workshop, in Tokyo's Ota Ward, specializes in metalwork, producing a range of products from wine cups and pans to components for Japan's aerospace industry. Thanks to their long experience and remarkable precision, the highly skilled craftsmen can produce these items by hand, to specifications accurate to the nearest 1/100th of a millimeter. Adeyto's second stop is at a foundry in Saitama, just to the north of Tokyo, where craftsmen handle molten steel at temperatures up to 1,510 degrees. Visitors can try their hand at casting small metal objects, such as personalized bottle openers. Next she visits a factory that makes shots used by Olympic champions and shot-putters all around the world. 77-year-old Masahisa Tsujitani's shots are in demand because he can produce them with a center of gravity precisely in the very center. His craftsmanship is so precise he can make them without even looking at his lathe. The fourth and last workshop that Adeyto visits makes high-precision components for aircraft seats. As a sideline, the company also makes a range of exclusive products that are prized by top international celebrities. The company president began making these items for his own amusement, but now they are known worldwide.

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.

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit Toba-city in Mie-Pref., the town famous for cultured pearls. It was Japan that the first pearls were successfully produced from farmed oysters. The coast around Toba is heavily indented. This kind of topography, known as a ria coastline, is perfect for oyster cultivation. Kokichi Mikimoto is the person who first successfully cultured pearl. In 1888 when he was 40, he first started his research. He experimented with nearly 10 types of oysters, to determine which would form the highest quality pearls. In 1893, after 5 years of experimenting, he finally managed to produce his first cultured pearl. The place we visited was a small island called Pearl Island, there is a museum where visitors can find out about the history of cultured pearls. There are many women divers in Toba who catch shellfish and lobsters. There is the hat where visitors can come to feast on freshly caught seafood by women divers. Everyone can enjoy great seafood and view from this hut. In Toba, pearls are even incorporated in food. Pearl powder is rich in calcium and has been used as a traditional medicine in China since ancient times. We visited the ice cream shop serving the ice cream with pearl powder in. At the end, we visited the place where we can see the artworks using pearls. Toshimi Konishi has been using pearls to make distinctive artworks for 40 years. Konishi says he came up with the idea of making these artworks when he was thinking up ways to use the pearls that have irregular shapes and can't be sold. Also a 20 minutes ferry journey from Toba port brings you to Dolphin Island. There you can watch dolphin and sea lion shows. Another popular site is a pair of rocks known as Meoto-Iwa. Many visitors like to watch the magnificent sunrise from this spot.

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 He starts out in the port town of Himi. The port is bustling with fishing boats bringing in their catch early every morning. The prized fish here is the yellowtail. In midwinter, yellowtail is in season, and is a popular delicacy. Vincent observes the fish market's auction. Takaoka Then, Vincent moves south to Takaoka, which has a history of more than 400 years. The city has preserved much of its traditional architecture, and is Japan's biggest copperware production center. One workshop welcomes visitors to observe copper casting. He learns about ingenious engineering-on the street and in the home-to help cope with the area's heavy snow. Gokayama Vincent will spend time in Gokayama, a World Heritage site isolated deep in the mountains. Many visit even in the extreme cold of winter for the snow-blanketed scenery. In Ainokura village in Gokayama, the 20 Gassho-style houses there date back 250 years. Gassho-style houses are characterized by their steeply pitched thatch roofs. Gokayama residents make use of the extreme weather of winter to produce top quality washi paper. A few of Gokayama's gassho-zukuri houses provides lodging for visitors.

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 is so close to Tokyo - but it's full of places to relax, and people who know how to do that. Paddle surfing at Kuruwa Beach Joshua tried "Paddle Surfing." It is starting to get very popular in Japan, where it's also known as "paddle boarding." As you can guess from the name, the aim is to stand on the board and paddle along, riding the waves. It's a fun activity, combining the thrill of surfing with the leisurely enjoyment of canoeing. Even beginners can quickly learn how to paddle along slowly - it's almost like walking on the water. Restaruant at Miyagawa Port Joshua loves Japanese food, because it's so healthy and there's such a great variety. In Miyagawa port, there's a great little place for lunch. "Habanori set lunch" is so good at this restaurant. Sabori-Shop at Akiya In Miura they have a great natural environment with the sea, the hills and rivers. It's a great place for a little break from everyday life. Mr Sangawa calls it "sabori." He organize various kinds of "sabori" tours. It could involve napping on one of these hammocks, a kayak trip to a deserted island for a meal; or going out for a walk on a full moon night. Hot Spa at Miura You can enjoy the open-air bath with its wonderful views, even if you're not staying at Kancho-sou. Mitsumugi's bread Mitsuhiro Kageyama produces a range of different bread and cakes at his bakery. Naturally, they're made using the wheat he harvests from his fields. Misaki Morning market The Sunday morning market at Misaki is one of the best-known local attractions. The stalls here sell fresh produce and other foods from all over the peninsula. The Misaki morning market takes place every Sunday from 5 to 9 AM in front of Misaki Sakana Center. Slackline at Hayama Park Slacklining originated as a technique fo

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.

Kunisaki lies in the northeast of Oita Prefecture. It was an important stopping point on ancient shipping routes. After Buddhism was imported from the Asian mainland, it was fused with indigenous animistic beliefs, giving rise to a distinctive culture that can still be found here in this mountainous peninsula. Since ancient times, the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu has been a center of religious worship. For centuries, the local people here have carved statues out of the rock and stone as an expression of their Buddhist faith. This area is not so well known, but it's starting to become popular among trekkers as a peaceful destination with a special mystical flavor. For over 1,300 years, a colorful festival has been held in Kunisaki to celebrate the arrival of spring. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka sets out to explore the ancient Buddhist heritage found in these mountains. Traveler: Haruka Orth

Kumamoto-located in central Kyushu-is a regional economic and political hub. The city's symbol is the 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.

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. Since ancient times, there have been numerous legends about gods and strange beings that have been passed down in this region. Lake Shinji is one of the symbols of Matsue and a source of pride for the local people. It was also an inspiration for a writer from Europe who lived in this tranquil city many decades ago. Lafcadio Hearn came to Matsue 120 years ago to work as an English teacher. He met his wife here and adopted the Japanese name, Koizumi Yagumo. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores this traditional city. She gets dressed up in a gorgeous kimono. Then she takes a ride on a sightseeing boat on the moat by the ancient castle. And she visits a shrine that's believed to help people find love and marriage. Haruka also meets two people who have been deeply influenced by Lafcadio Hearn. Traveler: Haruka Orth

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. Jutting out significantly into the Pacific Ocean, Cape Muroto enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, thanks to the warm Kuroshio Current flowing near the shore. Hawaiian-born Michael Rivas visited Cape Muroto in early March to get the feel of early spring. At first, Michael stops at the rocky area covering the very end of the cape. This area is part the Muroto Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park which was registered in 1964. Varied configurations of the earth's surfaces and unusually-shaped rocks sticking out from the ground were raised from the seabed over a period of 100 billion years by the dynamic tectonic activity. Michael asks landscape photographer Hakushi Maeda to introduce him the charms of Cape Muroto's local nature. The most active industry on and around Cape Muroto is fishery. The Kuroshio Current flowing off the cape brings a lot of blessings of the sea. Muroto has a wide variety of fish dishes. Among them, Michael finds dried moray eel especially interesting. In fact, the local people have a dietary tradition to eat the grotesque-looking fish also called "the gang of the sea," The area along the coast is a habitat of one of Japan's wild plants called "hamaazami." Michael goes out to the beach to collect hamaazami together with Ms. Nakagawa whom he meets in the Takaoka District. Later, he has a chance to try home-made cuisines using wild hamaazami to enjoy one of the best tastes of spring at Cape Muroto. Finally, Michael reaches Kiragawa Town, which is characterized by beautiful ancient storages finished with plasters. Kiragawa Town was once thrived with a trade of bincho-tan charcoal. The ancient section of the town was designated as one of the country's traditional architectures preservation district in 1997. It holds a grand doll festival on the 3rd of March every year, in which visitors are fre

On this edition of "journeys in japan," our reporter JJ visits Kawazu and Shimoda, in Shizuoka Prefecture, in pursuit of typical Japanese spring delicacies. The popular tourist destination is about three hours from Tokyo. First, JJ tries his hand at fly-fishing on the Kawazu River. He's after amago, which is in season. His next stop is a wasabi farm. Grated wasabi is typically served with sashimi and other dishes. But JJ gets to experience new ways of eating grated wasabi, as well as its leaves. He then moves on to a bamboo forest, where he looks for takenoko bamboo shoots just poking out of the ground. Bamboo shoots, with their distinctive texture and slightly sweet flavor, are considered a seasonal delicacy and make their way into a variety of dishes. Nature and food lovers will enjoy this show! Kawazu River access: From Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko line, it's a short walk to the river. Purchase a day-permit for 1,000 yen-proceeds go to conserving fish habitats. For more information on prime fishing points and places where permits can be purchased-indicated by fish-shaped icons-visit the website below. Amago season: from March 1 to October 31. Ayu (sweet fish) season: from first week of June to December 31. A word on amago dining: While there are over 50 places to stay near the Kawazu River, none serves amago on a regular basis. JJ stayed at an inn that serves amago seasonally-and only when the owner is able to catch the fish! Wasabi farm access: From Kawazu Station, head toward the mountains on National Route 414 where you will find several shops selling hon-wasabi (fresh wasabi), as well as wasabi leaves chopped and mixed with sake lees. Fresh wasabi is nothing like what is sold in tubes or powder form (which may contain no hon-wasabi at all!). Hon-wasabi is both pungent and sweet. Bamboo shoot digging: The season for takenoko bamboo shoots is generally from April to mid-May. In the fall, shihochiku bamboo, a slender shoot can be harvest

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit the Seki city in Gifu Prefecture. Seki city beats 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. At first, he visited a shop where you can have buy all different kind of cutlery. And also you can sharp kitchen knife which you bring in. In Seki city, Japanese sword making has a long history, dating back to about 780 years ago. The technique and skills of sword making have been passed down across the centuries in Seki. The amount of production declined greatly in line with modernization but its mastery skill is still alive in today's modern cutlery industry. He visits a kitchen knife crafts man who has been making kitchen knife in traditional method for more than 60 years. He also went to the knife Museum where 1500 knives from around the world are displayed. This museum also offers hand-on knife making experience where you can put together knife parts and hone blade to complete your own knife. Along with kitchen knives, Seki City is a major production site of scissors. He visited the factory manufactures nine types of scissors. This factory making the special scissors used in fashion industry called "pinking shears". There are only two factories in Japan which can produce this kind of scissors. At the end he visited a master sword smith Kanefusa Fujiwara. Now on their 25th generation, the family's name and sword-making skills have been passed on to generations for almost 600 years. Traveler: John Gathright (University professor)

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. The one in the east is "Sannomiya Kokashita Shopping Street", which is lined by a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including those dealing with trendy fashion, used clothes, and accessories. The other is "Motomachi Kokashita Shopping Street" that stretches to the west and is usually dubbed as "Motokoh." Originated in a black market from the postwar era, the shopping street thrived dynamically in the 1960s with many dock workers and sailors of foreign ships. In the present days, the shopping district grows increasingly distinctive as it goes toward the west. The west half attracts middle-aged and old shoppers as well, thanks to a number of shops that sell antiquities, vintage electric appliances, and used clothes. Unfortunately, the number of vacant shops is on an increase here because of the trend of time. But people from the kokashita shopping street are willing to organize new events to help cheer up the whole of Kobe with the power of art. The shopping street is free of any formalities. You can feel easy to go out in your everyday clothes and associate with local shop owners and customers. Among many unusual places is a restaurant which is always crowded with regular customers who repeat coming back almost every day. There are also shops where you can expect to find one of the rarest items. One of other shops may give you a chance to recall part of the memory from your prime time, with its merchandise. NHK World reporter George Bourdaniotis walks through the shopping street under Kobe's elevated railway track to bring you a lot of information.

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. According to ancient records, the shrine was established a thousand years ago. Originally, the deity here was worshipped for safety at sea. But from the 17th century, it started to attract many pilgrims from across Japan. Even today, 3 million people a year visit Kompira-san. The shrine itself lies halfway up an outcropping known as Mount Zozu, at an altitude of 521 meters. There are many smaller religious sites on the route before reaching the main shrine. Pilgrims believe their prayers will be answered just by climbing to the top. This pilgrimage became very popular about 300 years ago. In those days it took about a month to get there from Edo - as Tokyo used to be called. Traveling by foot and boat, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most visitors. Haruka sets off by train again to visit a nearby town that has its own traditional specialty. This area is Japan's top producer of bonsai pine trees. They have been grown here for almost two centuries. The bonsai trees are planted in shallow trays. Over the centuries, intricate techniques were developed in Japan to produce these beautiful examples of nature in miniature. Gardeners carefully prune and train the branches, to create exactly the shape of tree they want. Quietly spending time tending bonsai trees - this has been a traditional pastime in Japan since the days of old. Traveler: Haruka Orth

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.

Murakami, in Niigata Prefecture, northwestern Japan, has a long history of catching and processing salmon from the Miomote River that runs through the city. Over the centuries, the area has developed many customs and traditions, as well as numerous recipes for preparing the fish. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, George Bourdaniotis watches salmon being caught by the local fishermen. He visits a workshop where the fish are preserved by wind-drying in the traditional way, and he samples a wide range of local delicacies prepared using salmon. George also visits a sake brewery and observes the way it is prepared, using rice grown locally and water from the source of the Miomote River. These local products, which are still produced in the traditional way, give an introduction to "washoku", Japan's traditional cuisine, which was recently registered by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This episode of Journeys in Japan travels to Hiroshima, a city attracting attention as a treasure trove of quality architecture. Now nearly 70 years since the devastation of the atomic bomb, the program visits the city sights from the 3 viewpoints of architecture, war and tourism, exploring the city's history of urban development and architecture as it was rebuilt after the world's first nuclear attack. Our traveler on his first trip to Hiroshima is Charles Glover, an actor from the United States.

On this episode, an architect James Lambiasi travels to Inuyama City and Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture, on a trip to discover the origin of the spirit of "making things" in Japan. In Aichi Prefecture, there are many companies known around the world, such as Toyota. For more than 30 years, the prefecture has been number-one in Japan for the total value of shipped products. And the foundation for that is found in the wooden robot "Karakuri Ningyo" or mechanized dolls of 400 years ago. The technology of Karakuri Ningyo has been enhanced from year to year, with a purpose of how to surprise viewers, and that process has brought about technology innovations in various fields, resulting in the manufacturing sector of Aichi today. On this trip, we learn about the spirit and values of "making things" passed on from old times to the current age in Japan.

On January 17, 1995, the Kansai region of Western Japan was hit by a massive earthquake. The city of Kobe suffered massive damage, and many neighborhoods were completely flattened. 19 years later, the city has been rebuilt and there is a whole generation of young people who have no memory of the disaster. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, copperplate print artist Peter Miller visits Kobe to see how the city has changed, to meet with the local people and to attend a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

The hot spring resort of Yunishigawa is associated with an historic episode from the 12th century. Defeated in the Dan-no-Ura Battle, a group of fleeing Heike samurai settled deep in the mountains of present-day Tochigi Prefecture, where they found a source of hot springs. The warriors' descendants still dwell in the town. Yunishigawa Onsen has long been beloved by hot spring fans, but it experienced a drastic drop in visitors due to rumors following the nuclear accident of 2011, in neighboring Fukushima Prefecture. But the local community rallied, turning misfortune into an opportunity to encourage and inspire people. On Journeys in Japan, model and reporter Akane Nakajima visits the village. Interested in martial arts and the way of the samurai, she tries to identify with the samurai spirit through exchanges with Heike descendants.

The Sanriku Coastal Region experienced severe damage due to the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake's resulting tsunami. On Journeys in Japan, Jessica Claros visits recovering areas along the Sanriku coastline in northeastern Japan. Her first stop is Ishinomaki, the Miyagi Prefecture's 2nd largest city. She visits a fish market to learn a little about the local fisheries and enjoy fresh seafood. She hires a taxi to go around the affected area in Ishinomaki and sees firsthand how the post-disaster reconstruction is progressing 3 years after that unforgettable day. Next, Jessica heads by train and bus to the hard hit town of Minamisanriku. There she finds accommodation at a family-run inn. She gets close to the Sanriku lifestyle through her encounters with local people living in harmony with the sea.

The town of Nagatoro lies in the hills of Chichibu, in Saitama Prefecture, about 2 hours northwest of Tokyo, surrounded by forested mountainsides close to the peak of Hodosan. Because of its rich natural environment, the whole town has been designated as a natural park. Although winters can be chilly in Nagatoro, the town has many scenic attractions, including boat rides on the Arakawa River. It also has a special product that draws visitors from all over the country, even in the coldest season.

The Kohoku region, north of Lake Biwa, is home to many culturally important Buddhist sculptures. The area around Nagahama City is known for its worship of the bodhisattva Kannon. Buddhist statuary - some over 1,000 years old - have been preserved by villagers, instead of being enshrined in temples. Our traveler Peter MacMillan meets some of these guardians and discovers their warm faith.

Eric Chevallier works as an apprentice blacksmith in Sakai, Osaka. He first came to Japan from France 3 years ago to learn the metalworking skills and craftsmanship of local blacksmiths. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, he observes an artisan creating traditional nails with pride and expertise. At another workshop, he observes close-up the processes for forging blades, where the owner and his son are keeping alive the time-honored techniques. Niigata gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in all of Japan. Eric also enjoys some of the customs observed by people in this area during the coldest season.

Every year on March 3, families throughout Japan celebrate the Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival, to pray for the healthy growth of their daughters. They put up displays of special Hina dolls, which are modeled after the Emperor and Empress during the Heian Period, more than 1,000 years ago. There are also dolls representing the nobility, court musicians and others. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Tania Zachidniak discovers the customs and tastes of the Doll Festival in Kyoto, and meets craftsmen who are keeping the traditions alive.

In the 2nd part of our Kyoto series, Sara Ariafar visits the ancient capital to explore the culture of incense. Japanese have enjoyed scents in unique ways for more than 1,000 years. She learns about how the aristocracy used incense in aesthetic and entertainment pursuits. She is also invited to experience Kodo, an incense ceremony.

Kurashiki flourished a couple of centuries ago in the Edo Period. An historic district with old merchant residences and storehouses has been beautifully preserved. Kurashiki is still a vibrant city and is also the center of Japan's famed denim industry, which adopts traditional textile and dyeing techniques. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, singer-songwriter and painter Rie Fu learns about appeal of the city through encounters with its people and historical anecdotes.

David Wells is a chef who lives and works in Japan, preparing Japanese cuisine. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, David visits the Kamakura Farmers' Market, meets the farmers and talks with the chefs who like to use the superb local ingredients. He learns that Kamakura is more than just a tourist attraction - it is a place where the local people enjoy a rich quality of life.

Our traveler on this episode of Journeys in Japan is Armenian writer and model Mari Khunoian, who studied Japanese at Moscow State University. The self-described railway enthusiast sometimes contributes articles to a Russian railway journal. She visits a morning market held at the Isumi Shrine since the Edo period (1603-1867) and enjoys the Edo atmosphere at the former castle town. Mari also meets a former electronics salesperson whose passion for the Isumi Railway led to a second career as a train driver, and stays in a traditional home converted into an inn. To top the trip, she enjoys the rape blossoms she sees along the way, which are served in a vegan sushi dish.

Takamatsu, facing the Seto Inland Sea, prospered as a castle town. We tour places of scenic beauty, as well as historic sites associated with the Takamatsu clan who ruled the area. These include the ruins of Takamatsu Castle, which was called a floating sea fort, and the expansive Ritsurin Garden with its 1,400 pine trees, ponds and hills. Our traveler Mailys visits what is said to be the longest shopping arcade in Japan, and tastes a popular Kagawa dish at a restaurant there. She explores many traditional crafts handed down from one generation to the next in Takamatsu.

In this episode of Journeys in Japan, poet and artist Peter McMillan visits Yoshino Town in Nara Prefecture, which many consider to be the best site for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. On his walk up Mt. Yoshino, he passes by some 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom. These trees are not indigenous. Starting about 1,300 years ago people began planting them for religious reasons. They are still regarded as sacred. Peter comes across an annual festival related to the cherry trees, which dates back more than 1,000 years. He gains insights into why the Japanese have so much affection for cherry blossoms. Peter also stays overnight in temple lodgings to experience the beauty of nocturnal cherry blossom viewing.

On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan is shown around the precincts of Izumo Taisha. He witnesses the rituals of the annual Daisairei Festival, held each year in May. He relaxes at one of the most highly regarded hot springs in the area, where the ancient deities are believed to have bathed. And he tries his hand at making magatama, a form of power stone associated with this sacred region since ancient times.

Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature and people can enjoy various outdoor activities. As Minakami is in a convenient location that can be accessed by Shinkansen bullet train in an hour from Tokyo, it is also drawing foreign tourists recently. This time, the traveler JJ enjoyed rafting and canyoning, as well as fishing on a lake and picking wild vegetables in mountains.

Wajima, in Ishikawa Prefecture, is located on the northwestern coast of the Noto Peninsula, which juts out into the Sea of Japan. It is known globally for its exquisite Wajima lacquerware. The atmospheric city is blessed with the abundant gifts of nature and rich traditions. Among them, the Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields stand out. Wajima has also passed down an ancient performing art form called "Gojinjo Daiko", which involves drumming and dancing. Our traveler on Journeys in Japan is American poet and photographer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura. She visits venerable Wajima lacquerware workshops and stays at a traditional inn that serves meals on heirloom lacquer tableware. She also experiences how to cultivate young rice plants at the Shiroyone Senmaida terrace and enjoys a spectacular performance of Gojinjo Daiko. Kit gains insight into how the people of Wajima have nurtured, and preserved, deep traditions, including their stunning lacquerware.

Azumino, in Nagano Prefecture, is known for its beautiful tranquil landscapes, which were praised by the writer Yasunari Kawabata, who won the Nobel Prize for literature. The Hotaka area, at the foot of the Northern Alps range of mountains, has peaceful paddy fields that stretch to the horizon. Alongside the roads, you can find statues of folk deities known as Dosojin. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Chef David Wells visits Azumino at the height of spring. He explores the area by bicycle. He meets people who are living there and farming in harmony with nature. And he discovers ancient beliefs that still connect the local people with this rich landscape.

From Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing and Kutani porcelain to teahouses, traditional culture dating back more than 400 years is alive in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Every June, the Hyakumangoku Matsuri Festival takes place in honor of Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga domain, who laid the foundation of Kanazawa's rich culture. The festival features various traditional performances passed down for generations, including taiko drumming, a ritual lion dance and Kagatobi, an acrobatic spectacle of firemen atop ladders. Traveler Daniela Shiga meets many people who are upholding Kanazawa's rich traditions while also introducing innovation. She visits a family that has been making a rare local delicacy known as Fugunoko, which is blowfish ovaries preserved in rice bran. She tries her hand at the preserving work, using methods that go back nearly 200 years. As a food researcher, Daniela has fun developing new recipes that incorporate this traditional food. Kanazawa is a popular tourist destination. Next spring, it will become even more accessible with the launch of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train.

The Shiretoko Peninsula lies at the far northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture. It is an area of remarkable natural beauty, with a vibrant diversity of wildlife both on land and in the sea. Since 2005, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Japan's most unexplored regions, and one of the few places in the world where bears have an undisturbed natural habitat. For the Hokkaido brown bears living there, the mountains, rivers and virgin forests are an unspoiled paradise. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Dean Newcombe travels to Shiretoko to discover its pristine environment. Dean has lived in Japan 4 years, working as a model. But this is the first time he has traveled to such a remote location. Shown around by a nature guide, he gets to see many kinds of animals in their unspoiled natural habitat. He goes out on a whale-watching boat to view the ocean wild life. He also learns the importance of living in harmony with nature and preserving the environment.

Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan's largest wetland, is a rich habitat for rare flora and fauna. Our traveler Dean Newcombe will explore the vast marshland by canoe with a veteran guide, observing the wildlife at close range and camping out at night. Later Dean continues on to Lake Kussharo, where he enjoys hot springs and a stay at a youth hostel. On his last day, he explores the Sakura Falls and observes more magnificent nature. On Journeys in Japan, we'll experience the heartbeat of Kushiro!

Tohoku's Sanriku Coast facing the Pacific Ocean is a ruggedly, dynamic landscape as well as home to world-renown offshore fishing grounds. With bitter cold winters and periodic tsunamis, life in Tohoku can be harsh and is said to have contributed to the culture and survival skills of Iwate's inhabitants. After the March 11 earthquake/tsunami disaster, establishing community become a priority and was prime in inaugurating the road to recovery. The powerful northern Fujiwara samurai clan ruled the Tohoku region from 1087 until 1189. During the 12th century they created the capital city of Hiraizumi, which served as an important political, military, commercial and cultural center. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, radio personality and diving blogger, Bonnie Waycott rides the newly reopened Minami Riasu Line to join the Sanriku Volunteer Diving Club for a marine conservation holiday. And then she heads off to Hiraizumi where she experiences a bygone era and talks with community volunteers who are traveling Iwate's Road to Recovery

Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, was formerly an independent kingdom, known as Ryukyu. Even today, the distinctive local traditions and culture from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom are kept alive in the islands of Okinawa. An important part of this heritage is karate. Now practiced as a sport around the world, karate originated as a martial art that was practiced in secret, with esoteric teachings passed down from one generation to the next by the Ryukyu nobility and warriors. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, aikido master William Reed travels to Okinawa to discover the essence of karate in its homeland. He visits practice halls (dojos) and meets with the top masters of various karate styles. He observes their training methods and is taught some of the fundamentals karate moves. In addition, he witnesses a dance that conceals within its movements the essence of the traditional Ryukyu martial art. William also travels to an area where the ancient ecosystem has remained untouched for thousands of years. And he discovers the deep power of this environment that has given rise to karate.

On this episode of Journeys in Japan, the Tomioka Silk Mill is introduced by Damien Robuchon who works for the Tomioka City Government. Like Paul Brunat, Damien comes from France. He was hired last year to help promote the mill's cultural significance, and to study documents relating to the time when Brunat was in Japan. Damien visits various sites and meets with people related to the local silk industry. He also explores the role that Paul Brunat played in building the mill and contributing to Japan's modernization.

The Niyodo River in Shikoku is one of Japan's most beautiful rivers. It is known for the clarity of its water, which has such a distinctive aquamarine color that it's become known in Japan as "Niyodo Blue". Sara Ariafar explores the river and the surrounding forests. She meets with people living in the area. And she joins them as they relax with midsummer pastimes.

Ine is a beautiful fishing village located in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is famous for its distinctive architecture called Funaya. These wooden structures, which are nestled together on Ine's bay, consist of a boat garage on the 1st floor and living quarters on the 2nd. Ine is also deeply associated with the popular folktale "Urashima Taro". Our traveler, Peter MacMillan meets people living with the sea and discovers their legends.

Gujo-hachiman, a city defined by water, is located upstream on the Nagara River and at a junction where 3 rivers converge. This rural city is at its busiest in summer - the season of the Gujo Odori, which is a Bon Odori dance festival that has been registered as an important intangible folk-cultural property and lasts for roughly 30 days. The climax of the Gujo Odori is the Tetsuya Odori when people dance through the night until dawn for over 4 days. Gujo-hachiman is also known for its beautiful townscape that retains old waterways. Our traveler, reporter Akane Nakajima, learns Gujo Odori dances and explores a traditional life blessed with water

Sanjo City in Niigata Prefecture has been known for its blacksmiths since the 17th century. At that time, the area was susceptible to flooding, often resulting in famine. Farmers were encouraged to forge nails as a sideline to their agriculture, to help them survive in lean years. Sanjo became an important production center for wakugi, the Japanese nails used in building shrines, temples and other wooden structures. That tradition continues to this day, with one local artisan producing nails for the periodic rebuilding of the Grand Shrine of Ise, in Mie Prefecture.

In the center of Yamagata Prefecture, far to the north of Tokyo, 3 sacred mountains rise above the fertile Shonai Plain. Called Dewa Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Dewa), they comprise: Mt. Haguro; Mt. Yudono; and Mt. Gassan, the highest of the 3, at about 2,000 meters. These 3 mountains have been a major center for esoteric religious practices known as mountain worship for over 1,400 years. In a 2-part series of Journeys in Japan, aikido master William Reed visits Dewa Sanzan to explore the practices of traditional mountain worship and to discover the ways in which the local people pay their respects to the mountains. Although he is well versed in many aspects of Japanese culture, such as calligraphy, this is the first time that William has ever entered the world of Japanese mountain worship.

In the center of Yamagata Prefecture, far to the north of Tokyo, 3 sacred mountains rise above the fertile Shonai Plain. Called Dewa Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Dewa), they comprise: Mt. Haguro; Mt. Yudono; and Mt. Gassan, the highest of the 3, at about 2,000 meters. These 3 mountains have been a major center for esoteric religious practices known as mountain worship for over 1,400 years. In a 2-part series of Journeys in Japan, aikido master William Reed visits Dewa Sanzan to explore the practices of traditional mountain worship and to discover the ways in which the local people pay their respects to the mountains. Although he is well versed in many aspects of Japanese culture, such as calligraphy, this is the first time that William has ever entered the world of Japanese mountain worship.

On this episode of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura travels to 2 towns in northern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kyushu. In Yamato, she observes an autumn festival, which has been held for more than 250 years. The local townspeople make giant floats, using natural materials, and parade them through the streets. The festival originally began as a way for the traders in the town to thank the farmers in the surrounding countryside for their hard work in the fields, producing rice and other crops. In Yamaga, Kit visits an old theater that was built just over a century ago. The local merchants commissioned an architect to build the finest theater in Japan, to make their town livelier and better known. This was their way of showing their appreciation for the abundance of rice grown by the farmers, which helped bring prosperity to their community.

Japan's ancient capital Kyoto has a history of more than 1,000 years. Philippine TV host and athlete Andrew "Drew" Arellano visits for the first time to learn about its traditional culture. He undergoes a bit of spiritual training and also gets a rare invitation to observe the life of apprentice Geisha, called maiko. This episode of Journeys in Japan is a collaboration with a popular Philippine travel program. Film crews from both Japan and the Philippines worked together.

Wakasa Bay in Fukui Prefecture is one of the best fishing grounds in all of Japan. It lies about 70 kilometers north of Kyoto and, for over 1,200 years, fish merchants in this area have supplied seafood from here to the old capital. One of the most important fish has long been mackerel, which is served as sushi in high-class restaurants. The network of routes used by the traders to carry this fish from the coast of Fukui to Kyoto came to be known as the Mackerel Road. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, John Moore visits the city of Obama, on Wakasa Bay, which was the starting point of the Mackerel Road. He savors many wonderful mackerel dishes. And he visits a workshop of that produces high-quality traditional lacquer chopsticks.

Shodoshima is the 2nd largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. Blessed with warm, mild weather, the island has nurtured a distinctive culture. Traveler Daniela Shiga enjoys local food, a kabuki performance and a magical hike at the peak of autumn. From olden times, the olive has been a symbol of peace and prosperity, as well as food with life enhancing benefits. Shodoshima is famous for its high-quality olives, which are on par with those of the Mediterranean. Olive farming was introduced to the island during the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) as part of a government program. Since then, islanders have nurtured their groves with great care. Daniela visits a 3rd-generation olive farmer and later speaks to an artist who produces handicrafts using threads dyed naturally with olive leaves. She also learns about the island's tradition of soy sauce making and joins pilgrims on part of their trek to mountain temples. Her final destination is a shrine where the locals, including school children, perform kabuki.

Tomonoura in Hiroshima Prefecture is known for its picturesque location and historic neighborhoods. It lies halfway along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, in western Japan. In the Edo Period, up to the mid-19th century, it was a busy, bustling port. And even today, it looks little changed. For that reason, it has been used as a location for many movies, both Japanese and foreign. It is also the setting for one of the best loved animated films by director Hayao Miyazaki. Local fishermen set up their own market stalls here and there in the town, selling their freshly landed seafood. At a small ship yard, the 82-year-old owner keeps alive the skills of traditional shipbuilding. And local people gather at a small okonomiyaki restaurant run by 90-year-old woman owner. It is a town where senior citizens continue to play a full part in the daily life of the community. A growing number of younger people have also moved to the town. One of the newcomers runs a café and also takes people visitors out kayaking. One destination is an island famous for its landscapes and for its unspoiled environment, which is the habitat for tiny sea insects known as umihotaru, or sea fireflies. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Charles Glover discovers the history, the vibrant life and the beautiful environment of Tomonoura.

The Izumo area of Shimane Prefecture, in western Japan, is an ancient land of myths and legends. It is famous throughout Japan for its handicrafts (mingei in Japanese). In Yasugi, weavers prepare the complex indigo-dyed Hirose-gasuri fabric. And in Oku-Izumo, there is a long history of swordsmiths forging traditional tama-hagane steel to produce samurai swords. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, French designer Maïa Maniglier explores the beauty of the arts and crafts created in this area, where people still feel connection with nature.

Yokohama is home to one of the oldest ports in Japan. It opened its doors to the world in the mid-19th century, becoming the birthplace of all things modern and attracting a foreign population. Our traveler, French photographer, Chloe explores the many faces of this multicultural city.

Japan has been the land of paper since ancient times. The country developed a unique culture of using washi (lit. Japanese paper) for diverse purposes. Echizen washi, traditionally produced in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, has especially been chosen for imperial ceremonies and for securities, diplomas, certificates and other important documents. The Goka district of Echizen is home to papermakers renowned for its high-quality handmade washi. The area is the only place in Japan where a deity of paper is worshipped. David Wells, a chef of Japanese cuisine, visits the district where washi is very much a part of people's lives, and discovers a deep world.