A Pilgrimage Back in Time - Kompira-san
Since ancient times people have made been making pilgrimages here to worship at Kotohira Shrine. Commonly known as Kompira-san, this shrine was thought to bring good luck, offer protection for sailors and assure abundant harvests. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores the area around Kotohira Shrine, which seems to have changed very little since the days of old. According to ancient records, the shrine was established a thousand years ago. Originally, the deity here was worshipped for safety at sea. But from the 17th century, it started to attract many pilgrims from across Japan. Even today, 3 million people a year visit Kompira-san. The shrine itself lies halfway up an outcropping known as Mount Zozu, at an altitude of 521 meters. There are many smaller religious sites on the route before reaching the main shrine. Pilgrims believe their prayers will be answered just by climbing to the top. This pilgrimage became very popular about 300 years ago. In those days it took about a month to get there from Edo - as Tokyo used to be called. Traveling by foot and boat, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most visitors. Haruka sets off by train again to visit a nearby town that has its own traditional specialty. This area is Japan's top producer of bonsai pine trees. They have been grown here for almost two centuries. The bonsai trees are planted in shallow trays. Over the centuries, intricate techniques were developed in Japan to produce these beautiful examples of nature in miniature. Gardeners carefully prune and train the branches, to create exactly the shape of tree they want. Quietly spending time tending bonsai trees - this has been a traditional pastime in Japan since the days of old. Traveler: Haruka Orth
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
The Creep Tapes
Based on a collection of videotapes in the secret vault of the world's deadliest and most socially uncomfortable serial killer, who hires his victims to film him for the day under false pretenses, each episode exposes a new victim from one of the fabled 'Creep Tapes'.
America's Funniest Home Videos
ABC's longest-running primetime entertainment show, America's Funniest Home Videos, returns for season 36 this fall with the same mission -- giving families something genuinely funny to enjoy together on Sunday nights.
"AFV," the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, returns for season 36 with the same mission - to provide viewers with hysterical moments that fly by at a dizzying pace.
The Real Housewives of Potomac
Just up the river from our nation's capital lies a hidden gem—Potomac, Maryland. Its rolling hills, gated mansions, sophisticated prep schools, and exclusive country clubs all serve to keep the area invitation-only. Sprinkled throughout this community are a handful of old-line, wealthy African-American families who have historically broken racial barriers to provide a life of privilege for their children. The Real Housewives of Potomac follows the upscale lives of six intriguing, well-to-do women: Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby, all of whom have fought for their places in this society by way of legacy or marriage. In a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree, and lineage, how far will these ladies go to secure their spot at the top of this prestigious circle?
The Traitors Canada
Follow a group of contestants – including some familiar faces – who live together as they complete a series of challenges with the goal of earning a cash prize. The catch? Some of the contestants are traitors who will attempt to deceive and manipulate their way to the prize instead of sharing it amongst the group. In this psychological adventure will the traitors be unmasked in time?
