Dive in Tokyo Season 3, Episode 12: Sawara - An Old Merchant Town with Festive Spirit

1

Kyojima - A Window into Tokyo's Good Old Days

We explore Kyojima, a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that retains a remarkable amount of old Tokyo character. Along the way we meet local residents and see how they cherish the bonds of community.

28 min

2

Machiya - Cultivating the Spirit of Craftsmanship

We explore Machiya, a town in northeastern Tokyo known for its artisanal spirit. Along the way we visit traditional workshops, meet local craftspeople and learn about the area's history.

28 min

3

Yotsuya - Echoes of Old Edo

Yotsuya is a central neighborhood that sits between the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku. Join us as we venture down side streets and encounter pockets of Edo—the former name of Tokyo.

28 min

4

Tsukiji - A Town Reclaimed from the Sea

Tsukiji is famous for its fish and seafood market. As we explore, we learn about how it was created 370 years ago through land reclamation and follow its evolution up to the present.

28 min

5

Yaesu - The Other Gateway to Tokyo Station

We visit the Yaesu district, which borders Tokyo Station to the east. We'll explore drinking alleys, an extensive network of underground passageways and experience some old town culture.

28 min

6

Senju - A Sojourn in a Former Post Town

Senju in northeastern Tokyo developed 400 years ago as a post town providing lodging for travelers. We explore this historic area and meet the people and places at the heart of the community.

28 min

7

Takashimadaira - A Community Centered on "Danchi" Housing

Takashimadaira, north of central Tokyo, is home to one of the city's largest "danchi" housing complexes. We explore the grounds and meet members of the community who are making an impact.

28 min

8

Ochanomizu - A Lively Hub of Learning

Ochanomizu is a college town with roots going back 200 years to an academy started by the Edo shogunate. Come along and see why the area is known for used books, musical instruments and curry.

28 min

9

Mt. Mitake - The Sanctuary in the Sky

We visit Mt. Mitake in western Tokyo, known for the Shinto shrine on its summit and sacred areas of virtually unspoiled nature. We learn about samurai devotees and the tradition of mountain worship.

28 min

10

Kamata - A Town with Working-Class Spirit

We visit Kamata, a commercial district in southern Tokyo bustling with factories, cozy bars, public baths and more. Along the way, we learn its history and meet the people who call it home.

28 min

11

Shinjuku East Exit - A Colorful Hub of Excitement

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

28 min

12

Sawara - An Old Merchant Town with Festive Spirit

This time we venture out to Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. It's a 300-year-old town where merchant families prospered thanks to the Tone River. We see how the community is upholding its traditions.

28 min

13

Shibaura - The Tides of Transformation

We visit Shibaura on the edge of Tokyo Bay and unravel its transformation from a maritime hub to a town of high-rise condos. Throughout its history, it has played a key role in Tokyo's development.

28 min

14

Harajuku - A Wellspring of Creative Energy

We explore Harajuku, a neighborhood on the cutting edge of youth culture and fashion trends. Along the way we learn about its evolution from humble beginnings into a bustling shopping destination.

28 min

15

Nishi-Ogikubo - Fertile Ground for Small Businesses

Nishi-Ogikubo is an eclectic town on the western edge of central Tokyo. Join us as we learn about its roots as a farming area and trace its evolution into a cozy neighborhood of small businesses.

28 min

16

Akasaka - A Town of Heartfelt Hospitality

We visit Akasaka, a commercial district in the heart of Tokyo. As we explore, we learn how the hilly terrain shaped its development as a hub for politicians, business leaders and foreign dignitaries.

28 min

17

Okutama - An Oasis in Tokyo's Backyard

We visit Okutama, a town nestled in a mountain range on Tokyo's western edge, and learn about the complex history behind a large reservoir that serves as a vital water source for the metropolis.

28 min

18

Landmarks of the Tokyo Tower Area

The iconic Tokyo Tower was built in the center of the city over 60 years ago. Join us as we learn how the landmark came to be and take in the sights of the historic Shiba neighborhood around it.

28 min

19

Fussa - American Vibes and Multicultural Charm

We visit Fussa, a suburban area in western Tokyo known for the presence of a U.S. military base. Join us as we discover its rural roots and trace its evolution into a vibrant multicultural town.

28 min

20

Machida - A Suburban City with Satoyama Spirit

Machida is a suburban city about 30 minutes west of central Tokyo by train. Join us as we trace the local history and discover the charms of this hilly area that has been inhabited for millennia.

28 min

21

Ueno Park - At the Crossroads of Edo and Meiji

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's oldest public parks. Join us as we take a stroll around the grounds and unravel the story of the city's transition from the samurai era to a modern society.

28 min

22

Zoshigaya - A Town Protected by a Repentant Demoness

Despite being next to the busy Ikebukuro district, the residential neighborhood of Zoshigaya has managed to avoid the trend of redevelopment. We explore the area and witness the bonds of community.

28 min

23

Hakone - From Barrier Station to Relaxing Retreat

We visit Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. Once the site of a security checkpoint for traffic in and out of old Tokyo, it evolved into a hot spring resort, now with an increasingly diverse community.

28 min