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Journeys in Japan
Season 10 • Episode 21 • Hachimantai: Timeless Landscape, Healing Water
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Journeys in Japan Season 10, Episode 21: Hachimantai: Timeless Landscape, Healing Water
The Hachimantai Plateau straddles the border of Iwate and Akita Prefectures. A large area around its summit is covered by wetlands and during the warmer months, from June onward, these marshes turn into a garden of alpine flowers, attracting visitors from near and far. The Hachimantai region also boasts a wealth of hot springs. There are various ways to enjoy this gift of nature, such as by relaxing in a Rotenburo (open-air bath), while enjoying the view. Or you can enjoy Ganban-yoku, lying down on the warm rocks, soaking in the heat that emanates from the earth. In this area, people like to book into hot spring facilities for long-term stays of a week or more. This system, known as "toji," has long been popular among farmers who come to rest and ease their fatigue in the off-season. Watch Journeys in Japan Season 10, Episode 21 Hachimantai: Timeless Landscape, Healing Water in HD free online. Enjoy high-quality streaming of Journeys in Japan Season 10, Episode 21 and share your thoughts in the comments below!
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37 episodesKamioka: Pedaling Ahead to the Past
The town of Kamioka lies in the mountains of central Japan. It was once famous as a major center for mining. Now the mine is closed, but these days the area has become a center for a new and unusual style of tourism - on mountain bikes that run along the tracks of a disused railroad. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Dean peddles through beautiful mountain scenery to explore a town that still retains its old-school atmosphere. Finally he arrives in a mountain village where people still follow their traditional, age-old way of life.
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Chugei, Kochi: Exploring the Yuzu Road
Yuzu is a variety of citrus fruit that has long been prized for its superb aroma. A winter specialty, it is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The Chugei district, in the east of Kochi Prefecture, produces more yuzu than anywhere else in Japan. This area used to depend on timber - it was the most important source of lumber in western Japan. But the forestry industry declined after World War II, so people in Chugei turned to cultivating yuzu trees instead. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, David Wells visits the area to discover the magic of yuzu. He meets the local people who grow the fruit, and explores the villages where this special citrus is an essential part of people's daily lives.
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Nichinan: A Port City Reviving
Nichinan city, situated in Miyazaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan, once prospered from fisheries and forestry. Aburatsu, which is a major district along the sea, flourished as a port town. But the area declined when the fishing industry collapsed. The Aburatsu shopping arcade also suffered through competition from a large shopping complex and depopulation in the 1980s. Many of the arcade's shops closed their shutters. But in 2014, a team was formed to revitalize the retail area and many vibrant spaces opened up. On Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card from Canada meets locals who have been creating appealing new businesses as well as community spirit.
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Tottori: Crab Lover's Paradise
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Nagahama: Heading North Along Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in all of Japan. In winter, its remote northern coast is a place of unspoiled peace and silence. Since the old days, the local people have carefully preserved their places of worship, and their traditional handicrafts. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Charles Glover follows an ancient highway, to discover an area of almost timeless calm.
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Iheya: Peaceful Winter Getaway
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Kikuchi: Slow Food, Slow Travel
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Okinawa: Architecture of History and Tradition
Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, has developed a distinct architecture all its own, reflecting its subtropical setting and often harsh climate, as well as historical influences from mainland Japan and other countries, such as China and the United States. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, American architect James Lambiasi visits some of Okinawa's most notable buildings. He meets the local people and discovers the complex history that underlies its enduring culture.
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Iojima: A Volcanic Island with a Passion for Rhythm
Iojima Island lies around 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, off the south coast of Kyushu. Its main peak is Mt. Iodake, a volcano that remains very much active. The island has a population of slightly over 100 people, most of whom live close to the port, just three kilometers from the volcano. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Shizuka Anderson from Canada explores the beautiful yet harsh natural environment, discovers the island's distinct culture, and meets many of the people who are living life to the full on this island of mystery and imagination.
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Gliding Hokkaido's Powder
Japow refers to Japan's world-famous powder where skiers delight in making tracks in heavenly virgin snow. An ideal place for this in central Hokkaido Prefecture ... on Mount Asahidake and Mount Sandanyama in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Slovenian Cveto Podlogar, an international mountain guide, rides the powder along with local, professional skier Ken Fujikawa. They glide through Japow knee-deep, sending powder flying in the air.
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Minami-Uonuma: Weaving New Snow Country Tales
Minami-Uonuma, in southern Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan's snowiest regions. Suzuki Bokushi's Hokuetsu-seppu, which describes people's lives there, was published 180 years ago. The book serves as a guide for Australian Jonathan Senior as he explores traditional weaving of a hemp textile and a wild festival passed down since ancient times, as well as the area's distinctive snow culture.
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Oku-Echizen: Abundance and Tranquility
The Oku-Echizen district lies deep in the mountains of Fukui Prefecture, inland from the Sea of Japan coast. The central city of this region is Ono, which first developed as a castle town from the second half of the 16th century. The streets around the castle were laid out in the form of a grid, and even today the town retains the same street plan, with many traditional buildings still to be seen. Ono is also blessed with abundant underground water from the nearby Hakusan mountain range. Neighboring Katsuyama City is the site of a former religious complex that used to be one of the largest in Japan. Excavations are still continuing there to reveal its history. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Mai Rapsch from Germany meets the people of Oku-Echizen and discovers the way they live, co-existing with the world of nature and deeply immersed in their religious faith.
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Road Tripping Around Miyazaki
John Moore, from Ireland, is a social entrepreneur. Euan Craig, from Australia, is a potter. The men take off on a road trip around western Miyazaki Prefecture, in Kyushu. They get a glimpse into the local life in the mountainous village of Shiiba. And in the city of Ebino, they learn about the simple, ancient worship of a rice deity called Tanokansa.
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The Hachimantai Plateau straddles the border of Iwate and Akita Prefectures. A large area around its summit is covered by wetlands and during the warmer months, from June onward, these marshes turn into a garden of alpine flowers, attracting visitors from near and far. The Hachimantai region also boasts a wealth of hot springs. There are various ways to enjoy this gift of nature, such as by relaxing in a Rotenburo (open-air bath), while enjoying the view. Or you can enjoy Ganban-yoku, lying down on the warm rocks, soaking in the heat that emanates from the earth. In this area, people like to book into hot spring facilities for long-term stays of a week or more. This system, known as "toji," has long been popular among farmers who come to rest and ease their fatigue in the off-season.
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28 min
Sawara: Festival Floats Keeping Ties Alive
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Steel City Muroran and Its Hidden Charms
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28 min
Izumo: The Heart of the Japanese Spirit
The Izumo region in Shimane Prefecture, where deities from across the country are said to gather annually for a meeting, is closely linked to the gods. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, our reporter explores the home of Japanese mythology, visiting a workshop that makes one of the largest Shimenawa sacred ropes for the Izumo Grand Shrine and meeting local residents producing unique works of folk art as offerings to the gods. Jaime Lopez, a wire artist from Chile, takes a close look at the connection between the people of Japan and their gods.
28 min
Iwate: Blazing a Trail to the Future
The Michinoku Coastal Trail, which was launched by the Environment Ministry, is a long trail along the Pacific coast that crosses 4 prefectures from Aomori Prefecture, in the north, to Fukushima Prefecture, in the south. Canadian actor, Kyle Card walks a stretch connecting 3 villages in Iwate Prefecture to get a feel of Tohoku's landscape and see how the local people are stepping forward and recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
28 min
Rausu: Coexistence with Nature's Bounty
Rausu lies on the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture. Most of the peninsula is designated as a national park, to preserve its rich natural environment. Tours by boat offer visitors the opportunity to see orcas and whales, as well as brown bears on the seashore. The fertile waters off Rausu also provide abundant catches of many kinds of fish. One of the main specialties of this area is kombu (kelp seaweed), an essential ingredient that adds flavor and umami to the dashi stocks that underpin Japanese cuisine. Rausu kombu is considered some of the finest in Japan and is in strong demand from high-end Japanese restaurants around the country. The harvest takes place from late July through the end of August. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, British photographer Alfie Goodrich visits Rausu and meets the kombu harvesters. He also goes to observe the wildlife that proliferates on the peninsula.
28 min
Kagawa: Stepping into the Past
Kotohira, in western Kagawa Prefecture developed around the famous shrine complex known as Kotohira-gu. Some 2-million tourists visit annually from all over the world. In the olden days, pilgrims who came from around the country, bought Uchiwa paper fans as souvenirs, and enjoyed eating the local specialty Sanuki noodles. Shizuka Anderson from Canada, experiences the culture of hospitality that developed around these pilgrimages.
28 min
Nakanojo: The Force of Art and Nature
The Nakanojo Biennale is an art festival held in beautiful Nakanojo in Gunma Prefecture. It boasts one of the largest artist-in-residence programs in Japan, with creators from all over the world gathering in this small town to work on their site-specific pieces. With world-class contemporary art installations, the festival draws large crowds during its one-month run. Historically known as a hot spring town, Nakanojo has many cultural events passed on to today. Belgian art and fashion PhD candidate Saskia Thoelen discovers how contemporary art has transformed a rural town that also reveres tradition.
28 min
Yamanashi: Escaping the Heat by the Katsura River
The Katsura River runs through a beautiful valley in Yamanashi Prefecture, not far from Tokyo. Fed by springs from Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area, the river is known for the clarity and volume of its water. This episode of Journeys in Japan introduces fun ways to enjoy the Katsura River, such as rafting, tubing, traditional angling, and Sawanobori (river climbing), making it the perfect getaway from the muggy midsummer heat of downtown Tokyo.
28 min
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival: Thrills and Local Pride
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is one of the most vibrant and spectacular festivals in all of Japan. Over 2 consecutive days, ornately decorated floats known as Danjiri are pulled through the streets at high speed by teams of over 200 men. The wheels on the Danjiri floats are fixed straight ahead, so they cannot be steered like a car, but the teams pulling them skillfully maneuver the floats around corners. Drawing on their expertise, experience, and bravery, they even put their lives at risk. These thrilling turns are the highlight of the festival. David Pavlina is from the United States. He visits Kishiwada to watch the Danjiri Festival and meet the people taking part. He also visits a local furniture store to discover the traditional craftsmanship, and samples some of the street foods that are popular in this region of Osaka Prefecture.
28 min
New Wind Blowing in Iwamizawa
Iwamizawa is located about 40 minutes by train from Sapporo in Hokkaido Prefecture. It flourished as a transportation hub for coal, but spiraled into decline following the closure of the mines in the 60's and 70's. However, blessed with vast farmland, Iwamizawa was able to transform itself into a leading agricultural district in Japan. These days, people from across the country are migrating to the area where the miners once lived, sparking a new movement. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card from Canada meets people bringing a new vitality to Iwamizawa.
28 min
Ise: Pilgrimage to the Heart of Japan
Ise City is in southeastern Mie Prefecture in Central Japan. It is home to one of Japan's most sacred sites, Ise Jingu Shrine. For hundreds of years it has welcomed pilgrims from all over the country. This has nurtured many traditions, such as the tasty confectioneries it offers to travelers and crafts that serve as souvenirs. Jennifer Julien from France takes in the most important rituals of the year, and experiences the culture that was cultivated over time through Ise worship.
28 min
Nanyo: From Wheels to Wings
Nanyo City lies in Yamagata Prefecture, in the Tohoku region north of Tokyo. The city is focusing on boosting tourism for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair influencer Ryoko Nakajima visits Nanyo together with US-born TV talent Michelle Fujisaki, to enjoy the barrier-free facilities. They harvest fruit, visit a hot-spring hotel and listen to local folk tales. Then, using special equipment, Ryoko tries paragliding assisted by an experienced instructor.
28 min
Osaka: The Architecture of a Vibrant Metropolis
Osaka is the largest city in western Japan. The 16th-century warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan after a long period of civil war, chose it as his power base and built a castle there to serve as the power base for his clan. In the years that followed, Osaka became a major logistical and economic hub. From the mid-19th century, Osaka rode the wave of Japan's modernization and the city expanded rapidly. The development of its spinning industry brought prosperity. During this period it was known as "Great Osaka" and saw the construction of many handsome commercial buildings, several of which survive to this day. From the late 1940's, the city was a driving force for Japan's postwar reconstruction and rapid economic growth. In 1970 it became the first city in Asia to host a world's fair, known as Expo '70. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, American architect James Lambiasi visits Osaka and explores its history and culture, as reflected in its impressive architecture.
28 min
Climbing Fun on Sacred Mt. Myogi
Mt. Myogi, located in western Gunma Prefecture, is famous for its unusual rock formations and beautiful autumn foliage. At a little over 1,000 meters, it's not high, but has fun courses, some which require advanced skills, making it a popular with climbers. Since the mountain has been worshipped from ancient times visitors can also enjoy the area's historic atmosphere, including an ancient highway. Our reporter explores Mt. Myogi, with the highlight coming at the end when she climbs a towering T-shaped rock.
28 min