Cycle Around Japan - Season 10 / Year 2023

Previous Season Next Season

Episodes

The Nagasaki Kaido - Japan's Sugar Road

Year 2023Episode 150 min

The Nagasaki Kaido - Japan's Sugar Road

In our second episode on Japan's pre-modern highway system, we follow the Nagasaki Kaido. During the Edo period (1603–1868) when the Shogunate prohibited external trade, they allowed one exception – the port of Nagasaki Prefecture. Ideas, technology, culture and goods flowed from this port along the Nagasaki Kaido to the rest of Japan. Named the "Sugar Road" after one of the most important trade goods, the old highway and those who traveled it had a lasting influence on the communities along its route.

Akita - The Wisdom of Nature

Year 2023Episode 250 min

Akita - The Wisdom of Nature

From sea to mountains, nature in Akita Prefecture is spectacular. As we ride through the gales of late fall, we see people preparing for the long snows of winter with pickles and preserves. We visit a village where an 800-year-old lacquerware tradition uses timber made fine-grained and strong by the harsh winters. Among the rice paddies we find farmers crafting a huge straw guardian deity, and in a mountain village we meet a man living the ancient way, where everything in life is a gift from the nature gods.

Tokyo's Islands Niijima and Hachijojima

Year 2023Episode 350 min

Tokyo's Islands Niijima and Hachijojima

A cycle tour of two remote islands that lie within Tokyo's city limits. On Niijima, we see homes built with a hard volcanic rock called Koga stone, which is also used to make glass art. Locals still carefully tend the graves of exiles banished here during samurai times, who brought education to the island. On Hachijojima, an ancient textile tradition creates complex, subtle patterns using only three colors of plant-dyed yarn. We also sample island food and learn about a much loved local newspaper.

Okinawa - A Unique Island Culture

Year 2023Episode 450 min

Okinawa - A Unique Island Culture

The subtropical island of Okinawa Prefecture has an environment, climate and culture very different to mainland Japan. An independent kingdom and trading hub until the 17th century, the influence of other Asian cultures is still seen in things like traditional textile designs. We hear folk songs recalling the sufferings and troubled history of Okinawa, from the samurai conquest incorporating it into Japan to the US invasion of WWII. We also discover the secret of the Okinawans' famous longevity – the island food.

Tochigi - The Cycle of Life

Year 2023Episode 550 min

Tochigi - The Cycle of Life

Southern Nagano - Exploring Its Hidden Valleys

Year 2023Episode 650 min

Southern Nagano - Exploring Its Hidden Valleys

Sado - Island of Hidden Treasures

Year 2023Episode 750 min

Sado - Island of Hidden Treasures

Fukuoka - Always Thinking Ahead

Year 2023Episode 850 min

Fukuoka - Always Thinking Ahead

Kochi: Land of Rivers

Year 2023Episode 950 min

Kochi: Land of Rivers

Nagasaki - Freedom to Enjoy Life

Year 2023Episode 1050 min

Nagasaki - Freedom to Enjoy Life

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.

48 Hours

Running

48 Hours

48 Hours is a CBS news magazine that investigates intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all aspects of the human experience. Over its long run, the show has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, driven the reopening -- and resolution -- of cold cases, and changed numerous lives. CBS News correspondents offer an in-depth look into each story, with the emphasis on solving the mystery at its heart. The program and its team have earned critical acclaim, including 20 Emmys and three Peabody Awards.

GenreDrama, Crime, Mystery

🍪 We use cookies to provide necessary website functionality and improve your experience. You can review our Cookies Policy to learn more. By using our website, you agree to these policies.