Journeys in Japan

Izu-Oshima, Tokyo: Island of marathon dreams (1x25)

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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. The loop road around the island is about 40 kilometers long, and there are many long, hard slopes along the route, which helps to build up stamina and mental endurance. 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. They visit the inn that was her home away from home while she was training, and meet the innkeepers, who were her "parents in Oshima." Arimori and JJ are welcomed with a wonderful meal of fresh seafood. They also try their hand at making a gyotaku fish print. The next day they explore Motomachi, the island's main town. There is an interesting small museum that keeps alive the old traditions of Oshima, includes hand-carved wooden dolls known as anko. Walking through a forest of camellia trees, they meet Shojiro Watanabe, a charcoal burner. He has just caught a mamushi viper and he takes them to his house to show them what he does with the snakes he catches.