Journeys in Japan (2010)

In January 2023, the New York Times newspaper introduced Morioka as one of its "52 Places to Go" - second only to London. The capital of Iwate Prefecture was highly praised for its historic architecture; its compactness, making it easy for people to get around on foot; and the abundance of nature, from the nearby mountains to the river that runs through the city center. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Canadian actor Kyle Card visits this city which is little known abroad and often overlooked at home. He explores its independent stores and numerous coffee shops, and chats with the people who call it home.

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Kyle Card, a Canadian actor who previously completed the Tohoku Trail, now journeys around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking transition from autumn to winter.

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Canadian actor Kyle Card continues his journey around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking late autumn season, following the first part.

The Nagasaki Kaido was an important trade road from the 1630s that connected Nagasaki's port—the only one open to overseas trade in those days—to Kokura in Fukuoka Prefecture. Nicknamed the Sugar Road, the 220-kilometer path carried covetous sugar and their sweet recipes. Aliza Ahmed Khan from Pakistan discovers the distinctive confectionery culture that developed along the route.

Isumi in Chiba Prefecture was voted most desirable place to live in the Tokyo area for its accessibility and great outdoors with both the ocean and mountains. This time, Alex and Binderiya, a Tokyo-based couple, explore Isumi to see if this could be their next home sweet home.

In 1859, when Japan reopened its doors after more than two centuries of isolation, goods flowed in and out of newly expanded ports. At the time, raw silk became the country's largest export, as the silk industries in France and Italy had been hit by an epidemic of silkworm disease. At one point, Japan was the world's biggest exporter. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Sheila Cliffe from the UK follows the Silk Road from northern Kanto, once a major production area, to Yokohama, where the silk took off to the world.

Geto Kogen lies in an area of Japan known as a gosetsu chitai—a region with extremely heavy snowfall. In an average year it gets as much as five meters of snow, and that means it can offer runs found in few other parts of the country. These days people come from around the world to find out what makes this resort special. They start their day with some fresh tracks, taking the gondola to the top ahead of the official opening time when the slopes are covered with pristine snow. They enjoy tree runs with deep powder snow through wooded areas that are usually off-limits at other ski resorts. And they head out for some backcountry skiing along with accredited guides. On this episode, Michael Keida and his wife Kumiko take full advantage of the JAPOW conditions at this gosetsu paradise.

The city of Senboku in Akita Prefecture is made up of three towns: Tazawako, which has the deepest lake in Japan; Nishiki, home to farming scenery: and Kakunodate, called the little Kyoto of Tohoku. In addition to the stunning nature and samurai culture, visitors can enjoy spectacles related to the Lunar New Year. Catrina Sugita experiences the area's winter lifestyle and its fiery festivals.

Tomonoura is a port town on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, in Hiroshima Prefecture. It occupies an important location because this is the point where the tides from each end of the Inland Sea meet. In the old days, ships had to wait here until the ebb tide, before continuing their journeys. For that reason it became known as "the port for awaiting the tide" and was even mentioned in the Manyoshu, a collection of Japanese poems collated some 1,200 years ago. Tom Miyagawa Coulton is a photographer who lives on an island in the Seto Inland Sea. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Tom explores the historic town of Tomonoura and discovers the town's centuries-old tradition of forging steel. He also meets the local people who have protected this town and kept their community ties with love and care.