Journeys in Japan 6

Winter Wonderland: Hakodate (2015)

The city of Hakodate, on the southern tip of Hokkaido, attracts as many as 4 million visitors each year, drawn by its historic charm, the beautiful night views and the superb seafood. It is especially magical in winter, when it is lit by extra illuminations. Photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura discovers the beauty and flavors that can only be found in Hakodate in mid-winter.

Naruko Onsen: The Home of Kokeshi Dolls (2015)

Naruko Onsen, in Miyagi Prefecture, is located in the foothills of the Ou Mountains. With a history of more than a thousand years, the Naruko Onsen hot springs have long offered a respite to weary visitors, some who take advantage of its toji "long-stay" resorts. The hamlet is also famous for its traditional kokeshi dolls. These dolls were originally created during the Edo era (1603-1868) by wood craftsmen, as souvenirs for the spa visitors who stayed during the winter off-season. Initially serving as children's toys, today they are prized by people of all ages and nationalities. On her journey, Akane Nakajima experiences making her own kokeshi doll using traditional methods. She learns about Japan's hot spring culture and meets warm local people, listening to their thoughts and enjoying their Tohoku hospitality.

Iwate: Savoring Winter (2015)

Tohoku's Sanriku Coast faces the Pacific Ocean and runs parallel to the Kitakami Mountains. With bitter cold winters and periodic tsunamis, life in Tohoku is harsh. After the March 11 earthquake / tsunami disaster, establishing community was a priority and the people of Tohoku raced to meet the challenge of rebuilding. There is little time for ruminating about the past as they met the challenge of their future. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, radio personality and diving blogger, Bonnie Waycott visits the Kuji Ama divers before trying some hands on with Kuji Clay. Then she heads off to enjoy the cold weather and warm hearty Iwate cuisine with new friends...

Blues City Osaka (2015)

Blues music is known and loved around the world, including Japan. But there is one place above all that has earned the title "the City of the Blues": Osaka. Since the 1970's, the blues has been part of the soundtrack for this gritty, eclectic metropolis, and there are still many clubs and bars that specialize in this music.

Sanriku: Returning the Emotion (2015)

The Sanriku coast of northeastern Japan was one of the areas worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. Among the volunteers who rushed to help the people in the disaster zone, there were many from other countries. Dean Newcombe, from the U.K., lives in Tokyo. Just 1 month after the earthquake, he made his way to Ishinomaki (Miyagi Pref.), together with some friends. He spent 9 months there, taking part in volunteer activities. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Dean returns to the Ishinomaki area to see what daily life is like, 4 years after the disaster. He goes out with local fishermen in their boat, to find out first-hand about their work and lives. And he visits some of the people with whom he formed deep friendships while he was volunteering.