Journeys in Japan 10

Kamioka: Pedaling Ahead to the Past (2019)

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.

Chugei, Kochi: Exploring the Yuzu Road (2019)

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.

Nichinan: A Port City Reviving (2019)

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.

Tottori: Crab Lover's Paradise (2019)

Tottori Prefecture ranks number one in Japan when it comes to crab hauls. It's also the largest consumer of the seafood. The prized snow crab, called Matsuba locally, is especially popular as is the less expensive snow crab. Many tourists visit the prefecture to savor them during winter-the best season. On this episode, our reporter Daniel Woolpert enjoys the winter delicacy in various ways ranging from an all-you-can-eat lunch to a refined multi-course dinner. He also enjoys a relaxing dip in a snowy open-air hot spring and strolls around a shopping street that draws customers with manga characters.

Nagahama: Heading North Along Lake Biwa (2019)

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.