Journeys in Japan

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Kyle Card, a Canadian actor who previously completed the Tohoku Trail, now journeys around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking transition from autumn to winter.

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Canadian actor Kyle Card continues his journey around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking late autumn season, following the first part.

The Nagasaki Kaido was an important trade road from the 1630s that connected Nagasaki's port—the only one open to overseas trade in those days—to Kokura in Fukuoka Prefecture. Nicknamed the Sugar Road, the 220-kilometer path carried covetous sugar and their sweet recipes. Aliza Ahmed Khan from Pakistan discovers the distinctive confectionery culture that developed along the route.

Isumi in Chiba Prefecture was voted most desirable place to live in the Tokyo area for its accessibility and great outdoors with both the ocean and mountains. This time, Alex and Binderiya, a Tokyo-based couple, explore Isumi to see if this could be their next home sweet home.

In 1859, when Japan reopened its doors after more than two centuries of isolation, goods flowed in and out of newly expanded ports. At the time, raw silk became the country's largest export, as the silk industries in France and Italy had been hit by an epidemic of silkworm disease. At one point, Japan was the world's biggest exporter. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Sheila Cliffe from the UK follows the Silk Road from northern Kanto, once a major production area, to Yokohama, where the silk took off to the world.

Geto Kogen lies in an area of Japan known as a gosetsu chitai—a region with extremely heavy snowfall. In an average year it gets as much as five meters of snow, and that means it can offer runs found in few other parts of the country. These days people come from around the world to find out what makes this resort special. They start their day with some fresh tracks, taking the gondola to the top ahead of the official opening time when the slopes are covered with pristine snow. They enjoy tree runs with deep powder snow through wooded areas that are usually off-limits at other ski resorts. And they head out for some backcountry skiing along with accredited guides. On this episode, Michael Keida and his wife Kumiko take full advantage of the JAPOW conditions at this gosetsu paradise.

The city of Senboku in Akita Prefecture is made up of three towns: Tazawako, which has the deepest lake in Japan; Nishiki, home to farming scenery: and Kakunodate, called the little Kyoto of Tohoku. In addition to the stunning nature and samurai culture, visitors can enjoy spectacles related to the Lunar New Year. Catrina Sugita experiences the area's winter lifestyle and its fiery festivals.

Ozu lies in the heart of Ehime Prefecture surrounded by unspoiled forested mountains. Ozu Castle stands in the center of the old town, overlooking the Hijikawa River in a district of traditional residences and other historical buildings. This time on Journeys in Japan, American actor Charles Glover visits Ozu and discovers that it is possible to stay the night inside the castle donjon (main keep)—the only place in Japan where this is possible.

Shoyu, or soy sauce, is a condiment at the heart of Japanese cuisine. In Kyushu it evolved into an array of flavors and aromas with locals pairing different types according to the dish. As you move south, shoyu tends to become sweeter. In this journey, we travel 350 kilometers, from north to south, to discover the depth of shoyu.

Tomonoura is a port town on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, in Hiroshima Prefecture. It occupies an important location because this is the point where the tides from each end of the Inland Sea meet. In the old days, ships had to wait here until the ebb tide, before continuing their journeys. For that reason it became known as "the port for awaiting the tide" and was even mentioned in the Manyoshu, a collection of Japanese poems collated some 1,200 years ago. Tom Miyagawa Coulton is a photographer who lives on an island in the Seto Inland Sea. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Tom explores the historic town of Tomonoura and discovers the town's centuries-old tradition of forging steel. He also meets the local people who have protected this town and kept their community ties with love and care.

Across Okinawa's islands, you will find the stone walls of castle ruins. The Ryukyu Kingdom was a country for 350 years before it was absorbed into Japan. From the 12th to 15th centuries, it erected many gusuku or castles to protect the land and also to provide a place of worship. Alfie Goodrich sets out to discover the beauty and mystery of Okinawa's old kingdom through its gusuku.

People in Japan love bathing in hot springs, or onsen. And since the old days, it has been common for people to check into residential hot-spring inns for extended stays to boost their health, heal their aches and regain their well-being. This style of onsen therapeutics is known as Tōji. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card travels to Taketa City in Oita Prefecture to discover a contemporary style of Tōji therapy where visitors can recover their energy while enjoying the majestic natural environment along with some of the world's finest carbonated hot springs.

British explorer and writer Isabella Bird arrived in Japan in 1878, just 10 years after the country opened its doors to the West. Accompanied by a young man who served as both interpreter and attendant, she traveled deep into the hinterland. Unbeaten Tracks in Japan is her highly praised travelogue of that journey. In this episode, Maria Brandmann follows Bird's route along the Ushu Kaido highway from Kaneyama-machi (Yamagata Prefecture) to Gojome-machi (Akita Prefecture).

Okayama Prefecture is a magical place where ancient myths live on. Shinto shrines venerate unique gods and Buddhist temples feature rare rituals. Kanoa, from Hawaii, explores the eastern side of the prefecture to discover how gods, demons and Buddha are rooted in daily life.