Seasons & Episodes
Kuramae - Secrets of the Old Storage District
This time, we visit the Kuramae area, located along the Sumida River. Pictures by the riverside reveal the history of th
Yanaka - Building on the Past
This time, we visit Yanaka, an area representative of old town Tokyo. The highland of the area is filled with around 70
Kandagawa - A River Watching Over Tokyo
This time, we investigate Kandagawa, or the Kanda River. James Farrer (Professor, Sophia University) tracks the river ac
Toyosu - The Ever-Evolving City
This time, we dive into Toyosu, an exciting part of Tokyo's bay area. We go to the famous fish market that moved here fr
Omori - A Taste of the Sea
This time we explore the Omori area, located in the south of the city along Tokyo Bay. As a former aquaculture hub speci
Kanda - A Historic Town with Heart
Today the Kanda area in central Tokyo is a business district, but it has roots in the early days of the Edo period as a
Oji - Charmed by Foxes and Cherry Blossoms
This time we visit Oji in the north of Tokyo to take in the cherry blossoms at Asukayama Park, a famous flower-viewing s
Shimbashi - A Junction of Old & New
This time we visit Shimbashi, a modern business district in the heart of Tokyo. We shine a light on its history as the t
Takanawa - The Gateway to Tokyo
Takanawa in central Tokyo is predominantly known as a residential area, but it made headlines in 2020 with the opening o
Chofu - The City of Cinema and Water
This time we visit Chofu, a suburban area rich in nature located about 15 minutes west of Shinjuku. Known as a movie tow
Ikebukuro - A Town with an Artistic Soul
This time we explore Ikebukuro, a bustling commercial area. Today it's known as a destination for fans of manga, anime a
Shin-Okubo - A Rich Tapestry of Cultures
Shin-Okubo is a neighborhood north of downtown Shinjuku that's known as Tokyo's Koreatown. Recently, it's evolved into a
Asakusa - A Tour of Summer Traditions
Asakusa is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It's home to many historic temples and shrines which people
Fukagawa - Criss-crossed by Canals
This time we visit Fukagawa, a district on the eastern bank of the Sumida River. Originally a wetland area by the sea, t
Tokyo Skytree and the Waterways of Edo
Since opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become one of the city's most popular tourist spots. But what's less known is t
Denenchofu - An Upscale Garden Suburb
This time we visit Denenchofu, an upscale residential area in suburban Tokyo. Join us as we take a stroll around this ve
Kabutocho - An Evolving Financial Hub
The Kabutocho district in central Tokyo has a long history as a financial hub. In the late 19th century, it became home
Azabu - A Tale of Slopes and Embassies
This time we visit Azabu, an area to the west of Tokyo Tower that is famous for being home to many embassies. Its intern
Nishi-Shinjuku - The Skyscraper Story
We visit Nishi-Shinjuku, home to one of Tokyo's biggest clusters of skyscrapers. We learn how the buildings came to be b
Hachioji - The City of Mulberry and Silk
This time we explore Hachioji, a suburban city with abundant nature located about an hour away from central Tokyo. With
Akihabara - A Tech and Pop Culture Wonderland
This time we explore Akihabara, Japan's cutting-edge pop culture hub. It's an international shopping district packed to
Hibiya - A Bustling Center of Social Activity
We explore Hibiya, a district home to hotels, theaters and a major public park. Along the way, we discover its past as a
Ginza - A Treasure Trove of Architecture
Join us as we go on an architectural tour of Ginza, a famous shopping district lined with designer boutiques and high-en
Nerima - The City of Agriculture and Animation
Nerima is an area of central Tokyo with a history of agriculture. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Japanese
Kyojima - A Window into Tokyo's Good Old Days
We explore Kyojima, a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that retains a remarkable amount of old Tokyo character. Along the w
Machiya - Cultivating the Spirit of Craftsmanship
We explore Machiya, a town in northeastern Tokyo known for its artisanal spirit. Along the way we visit traditional work
Yotsuya - Echoes of Old Edo
Yotsuya is a central neighborhood that sits between the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku. Join us as we venture down side st
Tsukiji - A Town Reclaimed from the Sea
Tsukiji is famous for its fish and seafood market. As we explore, we learn about how it was created 370 years ago throug
Yaesu - The Other Gateway to Tokyo Station
We visit the Yaesu district, which borders Tokyo Station to the east. We'll explore drinking alleys, an extensive networ
Senju - A Sojourn in a Former Post Town
Senju in northeastern Tokyo developed 400 years ago as a post town providing lodging for travelers. We explore this hist
Takashimadaira - A Community Centered on "Danchi" Housing
Takashimadaira, north of central Tokyo, is home to one of the city's largest "danchi" housing complexes. We explore the
Ochanomizu - A Lively Hub of Learning
Ochanomizu is a college town with roots going back 200 years to an academy started by the Edo shogunate. Come along and
Mt. Mitake - The Sanctuary in the Sky
We visit Mt. Mitake in western Tokyo, known for the Shinto shrine on its summit and sacred areas of virtually unspoiled
Kamata - A Town with Working-Class Spirit
We visit Kamata, a commercial district in southern Tokyo bustling with factories, cozy bars, public baths and more. Alon
Shinjuku East Exit - A Colorful Hub of Excitement
We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welc
Sawara - An Old Merchant Town with Festive Spirit
This time we venture out to Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. It's a 300-year-old town where merchant families prospered thank
Shibaura - The Tides of Transformation
We visit Shibaura on the edge of Tokyo Bay and unravel its transformation from a maritime hub to a town of high-rise con
Harajuku - A Wellspring of Creative Energy
We explore Harajuku, a neighborhood on the cutting edge of youth culture and fashion trends. Along the way we learn abou
Nishi-Ogikubo - Fertile Ground for Small Businesses
Nishi-Ogikubo is an eclectic town on the western edge of central Tokyo. Join us as we learn about its roots as a farming
Akasaka - A Town of Heartfelt Hospitality
We visit Akasaka, a commercial district in the heart of Tokyo. As we explore, we learn how the hilly terrain shaped its
Okutama - An Oasis in Tokyo's Backyard
We visit Okutama, a town nestled in a mountain range on Tokyo's western edge, and learn about the complex history behind
Landmarks of the Tokyo Tower Area
The iconic Tokyo Tower was built in the center of the city over 60 years ago. Join us as we learn how the landmark came
Fussa - American Vibes and Multicultural Charm
We visit Fussa, a suburban area in western Tokyo known for the presence of a U.S. military base. Join us as we discover
Machida - A Suburban City with Satoyama Spirit
Machida is a suburban city about 30 minutes west of central Tokyo by train. Join us as we trace the local history and di
Ueno Park - At the Crossroads of Edo and Meiji
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's oldest public parks. Join us as we take a stroll around the grounds and unravel the story of
Zoshigaya - A Town Protected by a Repentant Demoness
Despite being next to the busy Ikebukuro district, the residential neighborhood of Zoshigaya has managed to avoid the tr
Hakone - From Barrier Station to Relaxing Retreat
We visit Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. Once the site of a security checkpoint for traffic in and out of old Tokyo, it e
Nihonbashi - The Mercantile Center of Old Tokyo
Nihonbashi is a district in downtown Tokyo centered on a historic bridge of the same name. We trace its development into
Nakano - From Dog Sanctuary to Anime Wonderland
Home to manga, anime and toy stores, the Nakano neighborhood is famous for its subculture spirit. As we explore, we disc
Along the Setagaya Line - A Taste of the Slow Life
The Setagaya Line is a small but central streetcar line in Setagaya Ward. Join us as we explore a 450-year-old flea mark
Marunouchi - A Marvel of Urban Planning
The Marunouchi district has repeatedly reinvented itself through large-scale development projects. We trace its evolutio
Haneda - Memories of Sky and Sea
Join us as we explore the Haneda district, best known for its airport. As we trace its history, we learn about its past
Hamura - The Story of a Tranquil Waterworks Town
We visit Hamura in the upper reaches of the Tama River. In this tranquil town far west of the city center we trace the o
Hino - The Granary That Gave Rise to Warriors
Hino in western Tokyo is known for irrigation canals and its past as a rice cultivating center during the Edo period. Th
Komagome - A Community United Under Cherry Blossoms
Komagome is the birthplace of Somei-yoshino, the most popular cherry blossom variety in Japan. We visit a scenic garden,
Tateishi - A Riverside Town of Creative Manufacturing
Tateishi is a riverside neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that developed as a center of manufacturing. We learn about the lo
Yoyogi - A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City
The Yoyogi area is sandwiched between bustling Shinjuku and Shibuya. We explore a sacred forest, a friendly shopping str
Hachijojima - An Island Nurtured by Distance
The island of Hachijojima is a tourist destination that once served as a penal colony. We learn how the elements and the
Ebisu – A Toast to the Brew That Binds
The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolut
Gotanda – An Eclectic Town of Hills and Valleys
Gotanda is a hilly district shaped by the Meguro River. It's home to high-end residential areas as well as low-lying are
Kasai - The Power of Moving Water
Kasai is a bayside town in eastern Tokyo bounded by two large rivers. Join us as we trace its history as a hub of water
Daiba – From Defensive Forts to Innovation Hub
We trace the ongoing evolution of the Daiba waterfront district, which began as defensive fortifications and transformed
Otsuka - A Hidden Gem Regains its Sparkle
Otsuka was a busy terminal of Tokyo's historic streetcar network before being overshadowed by its neighbor Ikebukuro. Bu
Ryogoku – A Resilient Neighborhood with Sumo Spirit
Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17
Karuizawa – The Story of a Beloved Mountain Retreat
Karuizawa in Nagano Pref. is a mountain town with deep ties to Tokyo. Originally a bustling lodging town, a Western miss
Hinohara – Ridge Trails as a Way of Life
Hinohara is a mountain village located along the border between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture. We explore its ridge tra
Kagurazaka – Alleys That Gave Rise to a Cultural Legacy
Kagurazaka is a neighborhood in central Tokyo that retains an old-school charm. We explore cobblestone side streets, mee
Shibuya – The Labyrinth Nestled Within a Valley
Shibuya is nestled at the bottom of a valley shaped by rivers. Join us as we trace how its unique topography gave rise t
Mt. Takao - A Sanctuary for Faith and Nature
Join us for a hike up Mt. Takao in western Tokyo, said to be the most visited peak in the world. Along the way we'll lea
Nippori – Steeped in Scenic Charm and Fabrics
Nippori is known as one of Japan's top districts for textiles. The hillsides are home to many Buddhist temples that hist
Nishiarai - The Beating Heart of a Temple Town
We visit northern Tokyo's Nishiarai, which evolved from a farming village into an industrial district and is now mainly
Koishikawa – Historic Charm and Industry Nurtured by Water
Koishikawa is a residential area in the city center that is home to a botanical garden and a temple associated with the
Shinagawa – The Evolution of a Transportation Hub
Shinagawa is home to a major train terminal used by 500,000 people a day. We explore a historic lodging area, an old gar
Dive in SAPPORO - The Evolving Legacy of the Riverside
We take a trip to Sapporo, the city that served as a base for the development of Hokkaido. Learn the history behind its
Okachimachi – A Treasure Trove of Craftsmanship
Okachimachi is an area just north of Akihabara renowned for its jewelry district. Its story involves Buddhist craftspeop
Shibuya Pt.2 – A Stroll Through the Backstreets
We head past the Scramble Crossing into historic backstreets, where we find an upscale residential area, a former geisha
Kinshicho & Kameido - Waterways of Culture and Industry
The Kinshicho and Kameido area is an urban subcenter in eastern Tokyo. We go in search of celebrated scenic views, savor
Sendagaya – Center Stage for Sports and Culture
Join us as we explore Sendagaya, an area nestled between Shinjuku and Harajuku. It's home to sports facilities, venues f
Jimbocho – The World's Leading Town for Old Books
Jimbocho's famous secondhand book district is home to stores carrying everything from old academic texts to manga. Join
Koenji - Backstreets Buzzing with Subculture Spirit
Home to musicians, comedians, writers, and more, Koenji is known as a subculture hub. Join us as we explore its shopping
Shirokane - A Microcosm Shaped by the Terrain
Join us for a stroll around Shirokane, a town nestled on the edge of a plateau. We visit a luxury residential area, then
Akabane - Thriving Between the River and the Plateau
Akabane is a hub in northern Tokyo known for its drinking scene. We discover its roots as a riverside lodging town and e
Tachikawa - The Curious Story of an Aviation Hub
We visit Tachikawa, a major hub in western Tokyo. Once home to a historic airfield that later became a U.S. military bas
Dive in SHIMONOSEKI - The Strait That Shaped Modern Japan
Shimonoseki is situated along the Kanmon Straits, which have long served as a key shipping lane. Join us as we learn how
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