Journeys in Japan 8

Koza: A Rhythm All Its Own (2017)

The area called Koza in Okinawa city-in the center of Okinawa prefecture-is famous for its international atmosphere with immigrants from more than 40 countries. Since the end of World War II, Kadena, the largest American air force base in the Pacific, has largely occupied the city. Services for soldiers in Kadena flourished after the war, ushering in an age of unprecedented prosperity. People from all over the world descended on the city for business opportunities, which led to the melting pot you find today. British actor Dean Newcombe explores exotic Koza.

Ogawayama: A Rock Climber's Paradise (2017)

Ogawayama (Mount Ogawa) is known as a "rock climber's paradise." Located near Kawakami Village in Nagano Prefecture, it takes about three hours to reach from Tokyo by car. The mountain is popular for having climbing spots located near its main base. The closest is only minutes away, while the farthest is only about an hour's walk. On this edition of Journeys in Japan we introduce the appeal of Ogawayama rock climbing, including bouldering. Our reporter Cveto Podlogar takes on the longest climbing route of Ogawayama, called "Eboshi Iwa Sa Ryosen." The route affords the thrill of heights and magnificent views along the way. After much climbing, Cveto enjoys creature comforts-he's glamping, Japanese-style.

Niseko: Snowy Adventures (2017)

This edition of Journeys in Japan explores the international winter resort of Niseko in Hokkaido. John Moore and family friends enjoy a snowmobile tour, experience traditional snow country life, watch a powerful performance of taiko drumming, and sample winter delicacies. They discover a terrific winter playground-enhanced by the world's best powder snow.

Suruga Bay: The Bounty of the Deep (2017)

Suruga Bay, off Shizuoka Prefecture, is the deepest bay in Japan, plunging to a depth of around 2,500 meters. Around the port, there are many places to eat delicious, fresh-caught seafood. There are also a number of famous viewing spots that provide wonderful vistas of Mt. Fuji. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura explores this area along the coast, sampling the local delicacies and meeting some of the people who live on this land between Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.

Tokoname: City of Ceramics Past and Present (2017)

Chubu Centrair International Airport is built on an artificial island off the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, to the south of Nagoya. The architecture is contemporary but the interior has been laid out with many traditional Japanese design elements. From the airport, it takes just five minutes by train to reach Tokoname, one of Japan's longtime centers for traditional pottery. Just about everything in the city is connected with ceramics production. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Estella Mak first looks around Centrair Airport, before moving on to explore Tokoname.