Seasons & Episodes
Cherry Blossom Scenery & Cycling Ehime's Islands on a Rental
The sakura cherry blossoms herald spring. We discuss sakura photos sent in by viewers, and look at the blooming forecast
Your Stunning Scenes of Japan & An Industrial Nightscape outside Osaka
We look at amazing Japanese scenes sent by viewers, including vistas in Yamagata and Kagoshima Prefecture. Our reporter
May Festivals & Experiencing Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima Style
We look at May festivals and share comments and photos received from viewers, especially of the koinobori at Children's
Cheap, Popular, Local Dishes & Nearby Narita Airport, The Gateway to Japan
We introduce cheap, handy and delicious local foods, and we get advice from a viewer in Nagoya on the offerings at his l
Mystical Spots around Japan & Delicacies of Ise-Shima
Japanese call a place believed to have a special energy that refreshes a "power spot". We look at viewer photos of place
Japan in the Summer Rain & Cute Tohoku Kokeshi Dolls
We look at rainy season in Japan and talk with our correspondent about the hydrangeas at Kamakura's Hase-dera. Our repor
Summer Festivals & The Goldfish of Nara
We feature festivals from across Japan and spotlight Kyoto's Gion Matsuri with insider tips on how to best enjoy the fes
Summer Waterfront Retreats & The Gardens of Hokkaido
Summer is here and we look at how to keep cool while you are in Japan, introducing waterfront retreats, and traditional
Takaoka, the City of Kawaii in Toyama Prefecture & Summer Fireworks
Watching fireworks displays is a good way to stay cool on summer nights, so we introduce some brilliant shows. Our corre
The Ninja of Iga, Mie Prefecture & Good Luck Charms
We look at some of Japan's many good luck charms and talismans. Our correspondent introduces her favorite charm from Oki
The Tastes of Fall & A Soy-Sauce Tour in Wakayama Prefecture
Fall is the season of delicious foods. We look at fruit picking spots. Our correspondent discusses a flavorful dish made
Japan's Great Outdoors & Discovering Ehime's "Machu Picchu"
We reveal beautiful outdoor locations around Japan and discover historic ruins hidden deep in Ehime Prefecture. Our corr
The Hot Springs of Kyushu & Country Life in Tottori Prefecture
Hot springs are sure to warm your body and soul, especially during the colder months. Our correspondent recommends hot s
The Seas and Culture of Okinawa & The Search for Miyamoto Musashi
We answer a viewer's question about visiting places connected with the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. We put together
New Chitose Airport to Charming Otaru & A Trip to Izu, Shizuoka Pref., in Fall
Our reporter James Pritty, who lives in Sapporo, recommends interesting places to visit along the way from New Chitose A
Local Morning Markets & Traditional Paper Making in Fukuoka Pref.
Morning markets are a great way to learn about different regions. Our Hokkaido correspondent fishes a live squid for her
Enjoying Hearty Ramen
We delve into the delicious world of ramen, now known worldwide. Yokohama's ramen museum offers diverse varieties from a
Facing the Namahage in Oga, Akita Pref. & New Year's in Japan
Our reporter Ali visits Oga to learn about the Namahage. These ogre-like beings believed to ward off evil call on homes
New Year Fare & Shizuoka, The City of The Great Shogun Ieyasu
Reporter Chris takes us to Shizuoka Prefecture in response to a viewer request about Ieyasu, who established the Tokugaw
Winter Wonderland & The Handicrafts of Echizen, Fukui Pref.
Our reporter Rachel tours workshops specializing in various traditional handicrafts in Echizen, Fukui Pref. Cabinetmaker
Niseko, a Winter Leisure Hotspot & Kumamoto Pref.'s Rice Capital, Yamaga
We feature Hokkaido's Niseko which attracts visitors from abroad for its powder snow. Our correspondent, a Niseko reside
A 3-Day Trip around Tokyo's Neighboring Prefectures
Our reporter escapes the bustle of Tokyo to discover Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba Prefectures. His 3-day train trip start
Traveling the Pacific Coast of Kochi Pref. & Cultural Museums
Our reporter encounters the wonders of Kochi Prefecture's Pacific coast: the beautiful scenery and the plentiful seafood
The Ceramic Tanuki Statues of Shigaraki, Shiga Pref. & Ekiben Train Bento
Our reporter visits Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture, where he is greeted by hundreds of ceramic tanuki statues when he get
Visit the Home of Luxurious Silk Kimono Fabrics & Hike an Old Road to Kyoto
Our reporter goes to Yuki where luxurious Yuki Tsumugi fabrics are woven. This silk kimono textile is handmade, and the
Exploring near Kansai Airport & Treasure Hunting at 100-yen Shops
Our reporter introduces novel activities near Kansai International Airport. He goes fishing with jumbos flying low overh
Island Hopping in Japan's Mediterranean
The Seto Inland Sea, which is referred to as Japan's "Mediterranean", is a large body of water in western Japan studded
Ghost Stories of Old & A Pilgrimage through Sacred Forests
Matsue in Shimane Pref., west Japan, is a famous for Matsue Castle built in 1611 and its old townscape. Greek-Irish writ
The Must-See Sights surrounding Himeji Castle & Scenes from the Shinkansen Window
Himeji Castle in Hyogo Pref. was voted Japan's best castle on a major traveler review site. Our reporter checks out spot
An Ancient Capital of Gold & Fun Scenes in Downtown Osaka
Hiraizumi, in Iwate Pref., once prospered on the vast reservoirs of gold nearby. It was listed with UNESCO for its 800-y
A Ceramic Town near Chubu International Airport & Supermarket Shopping
Chubu International Airport, the gateway to central Japan, is located in Tokoname, Aichi Pref. The city is famous for it
Master Carpentry and Adventure in Hida & Customized Bento
Hida, in Gifu Pref., is nestled deep in the mountains near the Japan Alps. This remote yet refined city is renowned for
A Village of Boathouses in Kyoto Pref. & Panorama Hunting by Bike
The township of Ine lies on the Sea of Japan coast in northern Kyoto Pref. One 300-year-old fishing village here is well
Old Mountain Highways and Post Towns & Kyoto Horror Fun
Our reporter travels along the old Kisoji highway that connects the post towns of Magome and Tsumago where the 400-year-
Exquisite Kishu Lacquerware & The Energetic Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Kainan, in Wakayama Pref., has been the center of Kishu lacquerware production for over 400 years, and still preserves u
Hokkaido: Ride the Expansive Marshes & Fly High in a Balloon
Sandwiched between expansive wetlands and the Pacific Ocean, Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido frequently slides into a dream-
Adventures on the Island of Gold & A Parade of Tradition and History
Our reporter goes in search of adventure on the largest island in the Sea of Japan, Sado Island. She cruises along the s
Lucky, Zen Daruma Dolls & The Fun of Stand Bars
Our reporter visits Takasaki, Gunma Pref., to learn about daruma, which were modeled on the proponent of Zen, Bodhidharm
In Touch with Nature in Okinawa's South
Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Pref. presents a different face to Japan. Surrounded by coral seas, it abounds in tropical na
A Tale of Two Cities across a Strait & The Shikoku Pilgrimage
The ports of Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi Pref.) and Moji (Fukuoka Pref.) across the Kanmon Strait are deeply linked. In Shimo
The Wonderful World of Sushi
Explore the cuisine that is a global hit. Japan has a surprising array of seafood, but sushi is not just fish. It is eve
The Prestige of Roof Tiles & A Bizarre Festival of Prosperity
Tsui on Awaji Island, Hyogo Pref., has been producing the captivating, silver roof tiles seen on temples, residences and
Then and Now by Nostalgic Train & An Early Bird Guide to Kyoto
Slip back in time on a streetcar modeled on a steam engine and travel the tiny city of Matsuyama in Ehime Pref. Our repo
A Mystical Land of Myths & Getting around Japan
Our reporter explores the mystique of Takachiho, Miyazaki Pref., where deities descended to earth. He rows to a divine w
The Hidden History of a Port Town & Thrilling Rock Climbing
Our reporter visits the port city of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, which played a pivotal role connecting Japan with Eurasi
From Mt. Fuji to the Deep Sea & The Joys of Miso
Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture is home to Japan's tallest mountain and deepest seas. Our reporter rides the Shinkansen ab
Winter Delicacies of the Northeastern Seas & Hiking a Steep Mountain between Osaka and Nara
Our reporter goes on a winter gourmet trip to Sendai and surrounds in Miyagi Pref. He feasts on oysters and delicacies t
A Mountainous Pilgrimage of Stone Buddhist Statues & A Town Draped in Curtains
Our reporter walks the ancient Rokugo Manzan, a Buddhist pilgrimage trail on the Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Pref., which w
The Castle Town of Osaka & Treasure Hunting for Antiques
Our reporter goes on an excursion off the beaten track to learn about the little-known history and culture of Osaka betw
The Intricacy and Allure of Woodcraft & A Jazz Festival in Osaka
Our reporter makes a day trip out of Tokyo to the woodworking city of Kanuma in Tochigi Pref. The pride of each neighbor
A True Rural Experience in Tottori & The World of Yokai in Anime
Repeat visitors to Japan are becoming more interested in getting out of the city, so our reporter journeys into the coun
A Denim-Colored Town & Fruit Galore All-Year Round
Our reporter visits the century-old townscape of Kurashiki, Okayama Pref. The shops sell many charming goods, but the lo
Outdoor Adventures on a Pristine River & A Museum Dedicated to a Kimono Master
Our reporter travels along the Shimanto River, which flows through Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku island, one of Japan's fe
World-class Tools, Knives and Metal Ware & A Stunning Coastline of Chalk
Our reporter travels to the world-renowned metalworking region of Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Pref. He tours factories to w
The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage from Ise & A Delicious Array of Seaweed
The Kii Mountain Range was added to UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2004 for its sacred sites and pilgrimage routes.
The Age-Old Beauty of a Castle Town & The Deep World of Origami
Our reporter visits the port city of Toyama on the Japan Sea coast. He strolls through the atmospheric streets of this c
Viewer Special: Just around the Corner in Kyoto
Octopuses, a huge Buddha, and a shrine torii gate protruding through buildings. We take you to the backstreets of Kyoto
The Search for the Sound of the Soul & Boisterous Pro-Wrestling Entertainment
Aomori Pref.'s folk music is defined by the hard-hitting style of the guitar-like Tsugaru shamisen. Our reporter observe
Mountain Asceticism in Nara and Yamagata & Tokyo Bay's Only Uninhabited Island
Our correspondent makes a spiritual, 1-day pilgrimage to Mt. Yudono, Yamagata Pref., led by a yamabushi monk of the Shug
A Stunning Volcano Close Up & Akita Dogs
Located on the Ring of Fire, Japan is perfect for volcano sightseeing. Our reporter goes to Sakurajima, Kagoshima Pref.,
Museum Hopping around Japan
Foreign residents introduce their favorites among Japan's over 5,500 museums. Somewhere, there is a museum that will ent
Caving Adventures in Western Japan
Our reporter visits 3 peculiar caves. In Yamaguchi Pref., he goes into Japan's largest limestone cave network at Akiyosh
Huge Ruins North of Himeji & Horsing Around in the Iwate Countryside
We received a photo of a possible UFO base in the mountains outside Osaka Pref., so we sent out our correspondent. She d
Deep in the Forested Mountains of Nagano
The masons of old based in Takato, Nagano Pref., left many superb works of stone around the country. Our reporter wonder
A 360 View of the Seas in Shikoku & Reflections on Mt. Fuji
Japan's longest peninsula, Sadamisaki Peninsula in Ehime Prefecture, is 50km long and not even 1km wide at its narrowest
Fukushima Then & Now, the Samurai Spirit
Aizu-Wakamatsu was the setting of the last civil war 150 years ago. Our reporter visits this city steeped in the samurai
The Crinkly World of Tie-Dyeing & Women's Fascination with Swords
Our reporter visits Arimatsu in Nagoya, a leading producer of tie-dyed fabrics once coveted as souvenirs around Japan. S
A Stay in a Thatch-Roofed Mountain Village & Roadside Rest Stops
Our reporter visits the UNESCO World Heritage, thatch-roofed villages of Gokayama in Toyama Pref. He experiences traditi
Earthquake Rehabilitation and Preparedness & Bag Making for the World
Our reporter visits Miyagi Pref. 8 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She visits KIBOTCHA, a hostel facility i
A Remote Mountain Village in Kyushu & The Dolls Festival in a Canal Town
Our reporter wanders through the hamlets of Shiiba - tucked away in the mountains of Miyazaki Pref. - which exude an atm
Cool and Novel Things to Do in Japan
We answer your questions and offer ideas for things to do on your trip. Want a thrill? Try drifting in a car in the Hokk
Winter Wonderland Tourism
We travel through northern Japan, which enjoys some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. Fly in a hot-air balloon over
The Wonder of Carved & Natural Rocky Formations
About 70% of Japan is mountainous, so megaliths, cliffs, and rock formations are a common sight. Some are works of natur
Exploration for Black Gold & The World Heritage "Church of the Sea"
Our reporter cum photographer creates a visual narrative of Ikeshima, Nagasaki Pref, the site of a coal mine until 2001.
Museums for All Tastes
Japan's museums offer fun and rich experiences, and cover multifarious subjects. We have foreign residents introduce us
Dancing for the Deities & A Buddhist Retreat
Our studio guest takes us to the Sanin region in west Japan, a well-kept secret of travelers, to experience the local pe
Deep in Osaka - A Quirky Town
Osaka Prefecture stands centerstage at the 2019 G20 Summit and the 2025 Expo, and we have 3 locals show us their town. T
1-Day Apprentice in a Wood Carving Village & Brushes that Delight the World
Our reporter discovers that Inami, Toyama Pref., is one huge woodcarving museum, no matter where she looks. She visits t
Open Fields of Artworks & Thrilling Suspended Bridges
Our reporter visits Tokamachi, Niigata Pref., known worldwide for its art festival. She views works inspired by the loca
An Island Connection in Okinawa & Stunning Beach Scenery
Our reporter cycles 5km along the Mid-Sea Road that links 4 isles in Uruma, Okinawa Pref. He finds the azure seas so irr
A Fun Day at a Long Sandy Beach & The Leading Town of Plastic Model Culture
In the Kujukuri Beach-Choshi area in eastern Chiba Prefecture, our reporter tries surfing, horseback riding, porpoise wa
The Michinoku Coastal Trail & A Big Balloon Festival
Our reporter travels along the Pacific coast in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. He wakes up before the birds to check out
Aqua Tourism in Shimane & A Cliffhanging, Spiritual Temple
Our reporter travels western Honshu, which has a high annual rainfall. She wonders at how the printing on Sekishu washi
Museums with a Difference
Your trip would be lacking without visits to museums with Japan-only experiences and insights into little-known historic
A Quaint, Stylish Pottery Town & Edo-Period Pop Art
Our reporter shows us around the town of Hasami, Nagasaki Pref., with a 400-year history in pottery. She browses shops s
An Architecture & Infrastructure Tour through Japan
Bridges, dams, roads -- we explore Japan's public facilities and infrastructure. Take in a breathtaking panorama of Kobe
The Expert Way to Travel Japan
Expert traveler guests answer your questions and give advice on making your Japan trip even more fun. Stroll and bike th
The Samurai Town of 10,000 Cranes & The Secrets within Japanese Gardens
Our reporter heads to Izumi in Kagoshima Pref.'s northwest to a neighborhood with about 150 samurai residences, one of J
Dive Deep into Yamanaka Onsen & Goshuin Temple and Shrine Seals
Our reporter visits Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa Pref. He explores not only the baths, but other attractions, entertainmen
Industrial Tourism & The Northern Alps
The Chukyo Industrial Area that covers Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefectures is the heart of the Japanese manufacturing indust
Okinawa's Adventure Island & A Town Painted Red
90% of Iriomote Island in Okinawa Pref. is covered in subtropical forest. Our host experiences nature here with all his
Kyoto Away from the Crowds
Kyoto Prefecture's major attractions can get crowded, so we suggest ways to tweak your plans to enjoy it in a more relax
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