Journeys in Japan - Season 3 / Year 2012

Nakasendo was the old mountain road connecting Edo, today's Tokyo, to Kyoto. The 530-kilometer stretch of road was dotted with 69 post towns. Our reporter, JJ, walks along a preserved section of the Nakasendo and stops at Tsumago, a beautifully restored post town. He spends the night at a venerable inn and meets people who treasure a traditional way of life. This edition of journeys in japan features a walk back in time along an Edo era road.

The era of the samurai in Japan ended in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration, marking the start of the country's modernization. One of the powerful forces in this movement was the Satsuma domain - the area now known as Kagoshima. The warriors of Satsuma were renowned for their fierceness as fighters. That samurai spirit still lives on in modern-day Kagoshima. Kagoshima lies at the southern tip of Kyushu. It has a mild climate year-round, with warmer average temperatures than most other parts of Japan. It's a volcanic area, with many active volcanoes and abundant hot springs. The city of Kagoshima has been nicknamed the "Naples of the East" because both cities have bayside locations and have active volcanoes close-by. In fact, Kagoshima City and Naples actually have a sister-city tie-up.

In this journeys in japan, Gow takes a trip to Mikuni-cho of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, in search of snow crabs, the king of winter delicacies. Mikuni is famous for its delicious fresh crabs, being close to good fishing grounds. When the snow crab fishing season starts on November 6, many people travel great distances to Mikuni specifically for the crabs. Gow first has a taste of boiled crab at one of the restaurants on the busy shopping street, and is amazed at how delicious it is, like something she's never tasted before. Then, at an old ryokan inn, acclaimed for serving top-class crab dishes, she is treated with crab sashimi and grilled crab. She also wanders through the old Mikuni townscape and gets to meet the local people to enjoy a delightful, heart-warming time.

Since ancient times, people in Japan have produced a form of ink known as sumi, which is used for calligraphy and traditional ink wash painting. Prepared in the form of ink sticks, sumi has to be diluted in water to create a black liquid. Until about 100 years ago, sumi was one of the most popular items sold at stationery stores. Today, ink sticks are rarely used in everyday life, but they are an essential aspect of traditional calligraphy. Shodo, the art of writing kanji characters with sumi ink, remains very popular. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, John Gathright travels to Suzuka, in Mie Prefecture, where sumi has been produced for centuries. He meets a traditional ink-stick master craftsman and discovers the vibrant art of calligraphy.

Furano area in Hokkaido in northern Japan, covered in white snow in winter. Furano is situated right in the center of Hokkaido. As the area is located away from the coast, the air is dry. The dry and very cold weather result in the world's top-grade powder snow that falls in the area. In recent years, that snow quality is drawing attention of ski-lovers around the globe. Deborah Ten visits a snow-covered place actually for the first time in her life, and discovers various charms of snow not limited to skiing.

Bene sets out on the first stage of her pilgrimage in Tokushima Prefecture. She has a guide with her for part of the journey; David Moreton is a college lecturer who has been studying the pilgrimage for 20 years. Together they make their way along a mountain trail that is considered one of the toughest overcoming difficulties lie this is an essential part of the pilgrims' spiritual training. Bene finds that confronting her own self as she walks, her awareness becomes clearer. She takes in deeply the beautiful scenery she sees, and the warmth of the people she meets.

Bene continues on the second stage of her pilgrimage, through Kochi Prefecture. The trail is hard, and covers a distance of about 350 km. Bene visits a cave on Cape Muroto where the young priest Kukai meditated and achieved enlightenment. Bene continues to Kochi City, visiting a temple where she experiences the spiritual discipline of copying sutras by hand. She encounters many people along the route, including other pilgrims. In Kuroshio Town, she stays the night at a homestay-style inn, and establishes a deep connection with the couple who run the inn.

JJ observes snow monkeys in the Monkey Park, visits a traditional inn and enjoys the Dosojin fire festival.

For centuries, wheat noodles known as udon have been popular in Japan, especially in Kagawa, Shikoku Island. Michael Rivas explores Kagawa, finding out all about Sanuki udon and other local food products, and meeting the local people. He visits a restaurant in the mountains that still prepares noodles in the traditional way, with a uniquely firm, chewy texture. He visits a traditional warehouse that has been in business for over 200 years. He is shown how soy sauce is fermented in the traditional way in massive wooden barrels. Michael is invited to an udon party in a private home. He tries his hand at making the noodles, and sees first-hand how important udon is in the life of the local community.

Takachiho is located in a mountainous area in central Kyushu. According to the Japanese mythology, Takachiho is said to be the place where the gods descended from the heaven. Peter MacMillan travels to Takachiho and discovers how Japanese people have lived with gods from the ancient time.

Japan's ancient capital, Nara. We will take a close look at architecture and Buddhist statues dating back more than 1000 years. William Reed is our guide to the city that is home to eight world heritage sites and important ancient treasures.

Max Maconachy sees the sights and tastes the food in Beppu, a place where you can truly enjoy the hot springs, the blessings of nature, through all your five senses.

Okinawa is renowned for its arts and crafts, including pottery. Called Yachimun in the local dialect, the wares feature simple shapes and bold designs, which match the rhythm of island life. Kenny Ehman runs a guesthouse on Okinawa's main island. He is also the author of a comprehensive guide on the islands' culture and recommended travel destinations. Kenny introduces us to his favorite local craft, pottery.

Alisa Freedman visits Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, known as the "city of water". Centuries ago, a network of moats was created to protect the ancient castle. These days, visitors can ride down these waterways by boat.

Osaka, the capital city of Osaka prefecture, also known as the town of "Kuidaore" meaning there are too many delicious foods and you can't stop eating until you pass out. John Gatewood explores the best places to eat and the unique food culture of Osaka.

Shiga Prefecture, near Kyoto. Chris Glenn explores the eastern shores of Lake Biwa.

Max Maconachy sets off on a mountain bike for a journey around Mount Aso, a volcanic area in the center of Kyushu, southwestern Japan. Traveling by mountain bike is the perfect way to explore this dynamic landscape, because you can feel the power of the volcanoes. He also meets people who live in this area.

Lana Bergmann is a huge fan of sakura or cherry blossoms, which are a symbol of spring in Japan. Since cherry trees in areas along the Seto Inland Sea bloom earlier than in many other parts of Japan due to the mild climate, she heads there in pursuit of famous cherry blossom sites. She wants to explore the Japanese passion for the pink petals.

Bene continues on the third stage of her pilgrimage, through Ehime Prefecture. At a temple in the north of Uwajima City, she finds a small prayer house dedicated especially to animals. Bene discovers that all living, even plants, beings can become Buddha. Walking the pilgrimage route alone, Bene discovers the natural beauty of the area and has many encounters with the local people. She also talks with other pilgrims, to shed light on the question she has been asking herself: "What drives people to set out on such an arduous journey?"

Bene continues on the fourth stage of her pilgrimage, through Kagawa Prefecture, the area where Kobo Daishi was born. To learn more about Kobo Daishi, Bene meets up with a college lecturer who has been studying the ohenro pilgrimage for 20 years. He takes her to see the Mannoike Reservoir, an irrigation pond associated with Kobo Daishi. They also visit Zentsu-ji, a temple that stands on the spot where Kobo Daishi was born. Bene begins to understand Kobo Daishi not just as a saint but as a real person, someone who helped the people of Kagawa and whose influence remains alive in them to this day.

JJ takes a ride on an old-fashioned railroad. The Oigawa Railway in central Shizuoka turns the clock back to the classic era of steam trains. This region is also famous for its tea plantations. There's plenty to look at, both inside and outside the train.

Lana Bergmann visits the island of Iriomote-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. With subtropical virgin forests that cover about 90 percent of the island and several rare species of animals found there, Iriomote-jima is viewed as a highly important place from an academic viewpoint in addition to being popular for eco-tours. Lana first participates in a kayaking tour through Japan's largest mangrove forest and learns about plants and animals in the tidal flats living together in a clever manner. Then she treks to the top of the largest waterfall in Okinawa to savor a spectacular view. She also takes part in a yacht tour to observe the diversity of marine life in a coral reef that has nearly 400 different types of corals.

Lana Bergmann visits Taketomi-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. It is popular to take it easy and stroll around with no particular destination. Lana goes to see the sights on the island on foot and finds a 4-meter tower. She climbs to the top and sees that the communities on the island are surrounded by windbreaks as a protection against typhoons. For the night Lana stays in a room in a traditional house. She eats dinner with other tourists, sings a song together, and enjoys herself. She also tries her hand at harvesting seafood and is impressed by islanders' traditional way of thinking.

Edward Levinson visits Azumino and Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture. He captures the exquisite waterscapes of Azumino and Kamikochi with a pinhole camera.

Kitakyushu city, where Benjamin Daeuwel explores its cinematic cityscape like a wonderful film set and vibrant attractions.

Isis Tyminski Perez is a Canadian DJ living in Sapporo. She loves the city's rich culture, food and nature. She shows us her big city and its laid back life!

Michael visits two rivers in the south of Ehime Prefecture - the Hiromi River and the Hiji River - and discovers the colorful culture and traditional customs in these areas.

Since prehistoric times, a religion of nature worship has been practiced in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, in Western Japan. The network of pilgrim routes is known as the Kumano Kodo. One of the most important is the Iseji Route, which runs from Mie Prefecture to the three grand shrines of Kumano, in Wakayama Prefecture, in the south of the Kii Peninsula. John Gathright explores.

Rishiri Island, off Hokkaido. The island was formed by volcanic eruptions. The symmetrical conic shape of the island, which looks like a mountain in the middle of the sea, fascinates visitors. During his journey to climb to the summit of Mt. Rishiri and to glimpse the life of islanders, John Matthews savors the blessings of the island that is watched over and nurtured by the mountain.

Rebun Island, in the northern end of the Sea of Japan. John Matthews, first crosses to Rebun from neighboring Rishiri Island on Japan's northernmost ferry line. Rebun Island is known for its colorful summertime flowers, earning it the nickname "the floating island of flowers." During the summer months, the island becomes crowded with tourists who enjoy strolling amidst the flowers.

For over 350 years, the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, has been renowned as a center for traditional culture. Rosa Yum visits the city and attends an annual event, Kanazawa Touryoue, that showcases the local craftsmanship and cuisine. One of the representative crafts of this region is Kutani-yaki, a style of pottery known for its vibrant colors.

Allan West discovers the depth of flavors in the Shonai region - from Italian cooking incorporating heirloom local vegetables to traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) featuring wild greens foraged from the nearby mountainsides.

David Bull travels to Shirakami-sanchi, in northern Japan. Nature guide and botanist Hajime Makita takes him around. Shirakami is recognized for its primeval broadleaf forest of mostly beech trees. David experiences the heartbeat of this vast, undisturbed forest. He later enjoys swimming in a beautiful river, just outside the preserve. David alights at Fukaura-machi in Aomori Prefecture where the water from Shirakami-sanchi flows into the sea. He observes the deep ties of Shirakami-sanchi with the sea.

Aizu in western Fukushima Prefecture. The beautiful area around Mount Bandai - known locally as treasure mountain - is a prominent resort area. Aizu also flourished in the samurai age as one of the biggest economic and political hubs in eastern Japan. The samurai spirit is evident in various traditions passed down from the days of old. Julian Carl Crocker explores Aizu's breathtaking scenery and its samurai spirit, which is still alive in the hearts of the people.

Tokushima, the home of aizome indigo dye. Deborah Ten explores the traditional arts and crafts of Tokushima.

Asahikawa is a city at the foot of Mount Daisetsu, located in the heart of Hokkaido Prefecture and blessed by an abundance of nature. James Lambiasi visits a workshop and discovers the Japanese aesthetic values in furniture. Later he visits a mountain lodge in Asahidake Onsen at an altitude of 1,100 meters to enjoy magnificent views of nature.

Mashiko, surrounded by gentle hills and fields, is north of Tokyo. It is well known both at home and abroad as the production center of Mashiko-yaki ceramic ware. Deirdre Ikeda visits the studios of three ceramic artists and also meets an innkeeper and farmer.

William Reed travels us to Morioka, a city blessed with mountains, rivers, trees,and architecture steeped in history.

Miso is an essential seasoning in Japanese food culture. It's made from soybeans and has been part of people's daily diet in Japan for over 600 years, especially in Nagoya and the surrounding region. John Gathright discovers the deep taste and tradition of miso. In Nagoya region, he samples dishes such as miso-nikomi udon and kushi-katsu. In the city of Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, John visits a factory that has been making miso in the traditional way for around 600 years. He also tastes a dish called jinchu-yaki, which is thought to be the way samurai warriors used to eat in the old days.

Max Maconachy first visits the central wholesale market of Fukuoka, which is known nationwide for delicious fish. Max savors a local dish called gomasaba, or mackerel sashimi dressed with sesame seeds, wasabi, and soy sauce. Max also finds a place where you can sample tasty food while looking at a lavishly decorated float for Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a traditional local festival, and enjoys interactions with friendly local people.

Stephane Danton visits wineries winning international awards for wines made with the domestic Koshu grape. He'll also try Japanese kaiseki cuisine paired with some of these wines, as well as meet a grape farmer to taste her home cooking.

The Sanriku Coast of Tohoku is famous for its beauty and its abundance of premium seafood. Kesennuma is one of the most important fishing ports on the Sanriku Coast. Three years ago, JJ visited the Kesennuma area. He goes back to see some of the people he met on his previous visit. He also heads further north, traveling by local bus. He sees how life has changed for people along the Sanriku Coast - and he samples some of the wonderful shellfish and other delectable seafood.

The chanoyu is a ritual celebration of tea. Isis Tyminski Perez, who studied the art for two years, visits a Japanese teashop, wagashi sweet store, and a local resident's home to get in touch with the deep tea ceremony culture in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

Haiku is the world's shortest form of poetry. It originated in Japan. One of the most famous haiku poets was Matsuo Basho, who lived in the 17th century. Kit Pancoast Nagamura travels to Otsu (Shiga Prefecture) and Ogaki (Gifu Prefecture), two places that Basho visited several times.