Journeys in Japan: Season 11
Season 11 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Journeys in Japan Season 10.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 11 Progress Shield
Asago: Hidden Gem of Heritage and History
Jan 14, 2020 · 28 min
Asago lies deep in the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan. In recent years it has been drawing crowds of visitors, who come to view its famous "Castle in the Sky," whic
Suo-Oshima: Finding Hawaii in the Inland Sea
Jan 28, 2020 · 28 min
The island of Suo-Oshima lies off the coast of southeast Yamaguchi Prefecture, in western Japan. It's one of the prefecture's main areas for growing mandarin oranges. Since the 19t
Unlocking the Mysteries of Ancient Asuka
Feb 4, 2020 · 28 min
Asuka in Nara Prefecture was the center of Japan's politics and culture for more than 100 years from the end of the 6th century. The advanced civilization that developed there left
Yokohama: A Port Town with It All
Feb 25, 2020 · 28 min
Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, is a vibrant port city steeped in history. When Japan first opened its first doors to the West in the mid-19th century, they opened in Yokohama. Soon
Mishima, Fukushima: Keeping Alive the Folk Craft Tradition
Mar 9, 2020 · 28 min
Mishima Town, in western Fukushima Prefecture, receives some of the heaviest snowfall in all of Japan. During the winter, when the local people are unable to work in their fields,
Tsugaru: Deep Snow, Warm Hearts
Mar 16, 2020 · 28 min
The Tsugaru region lies in the west of Aomori Prefecture, far in the north of Japan's main island. It is famous for having some of the heaviest snowfalls in the whole country. The
The Magic of Winter in Akita
Mar 23, 2020 · 28 min
Akita Prefecture, in northern Japan, celebrates its snowy season with many unique festivals. American illustrator Kailene experiences 3 of Akita's winter festivals and discovers th
Hateruma: Life on a Distant Island
Mar 30, 2020 · 28 min
Located 2,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Hateruma is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan. With a population of about 500, it's known for its beautiful beaches and the lo
Hakkoda's Backcountry Magic
Apr 13, 2020 · 28 min
The Hakkoda mountain range soars in central Aomori Prefecture. It's famous for its heavy snowfall, massive "snow monster" or frost-covered trees and its backcountry skiing. These d
Asahikawa: Adventures on Sleds and Wheels
Apr 21, 2020 · 28 min
Located in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture, Asahikawa City is Hokkaido's second largest city. It is also one of the coldest places in all of Japan, with winter temperatures often
Rivers of Life: Kaizu and Kuwana
Apr 28, 2020 · 28 min
Located in central Japan, Kaizu City in Gifu Prefecture and Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture are just downstream of the Kiso Three Rivers -- the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi. They caused majo
Ishigaki: A Look to the Future
Aug 18, 2020 · 28 min
Ishigaki, in Okinawa Prefecture, is a stunning, sub-tropical island that lies some 2,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. This past spring, the mayor introduced a policy to drastical
KAGAWA: Treasure House of Modernist Architecture
Sep 29, 2020 · 28 min
Kagawa Prefecture is the smallest of the 47 prefectures of Japan in area. It puts emphasis on the promotion of architecture and art as a main pillar of its regional development. Th
Atami is Back
Oct 6, 2020 · 28 min
Atami is a resort popular for its dramatic coastline, hot springs and proximity to Tokyo. After a period of decline, it had been making a miraculous recovery until the pandemic. Bu
Otoyo: Bringing Fresh Life to a Traditional Community
Oct 13, 2020 · 28 min
Otoyo Town in Kochi Prefecture is located in the center of the Shikoku Mountain Range. More than 80% of its land is covered with forest. This mountain community is the only place t
Rural Reboot: Kamiyama's Renaissance
Oct 20, 2020 · 28 min
Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture, is a mountain village with a population of 5,000. But despite its tranquil setting, it's home to satellite offices of firms headquartered in Tokyo o
Nanmoku: Afterglow of the Silk Road
Oct 27, 2020 · 28 min
Nanmoku is a village that lies deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, which blossomed during the period of Japan's modernization over a century ago. It grew
Work-Life Bliss in Itoshima
Nov 3, 2020 · 28 min
Itoshima, in western Fukuoka Prefecture, has been drawing attention in recent years as a popular place to relocate to from major cities. The reasons? Easy access to the prefecture'
Ogawa Village: Laidback Living with Mountain Vistas
Nov 10, 2020 · 28 min
Ogawa Village in Nagano Prefecture is famous throughout Japan for its beautiful scenery. Even though it lies between 2 popular tourist spots, Nagano City and Hakuba, Ogawa is not o
Omi-hachiman: Historic Merchant Town on Sacred Lake
Nov 17, 2020 · 28 min
Omi-hachiman is an old castle town that flourished as a transportation hub on Lake Biwa. It retains the remnants of the olden days, including grand merchant homes and the Hachiman-
South Iwate: On the Trail to Recovery
Nov 24, 2020 · 28 min
The Michinoku Coastal Trail runs along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan, covering a distance of about 1,000 kilometers through 4 prefectures, from Aomori down to Fukushima.
Passion on the Vine: Yamanashi and Its Winemakers
Dec 1, 2020 · 28 min
Yamanashi Prefecture has been a pioneer in winemaking in Japan since the mid-19th century when farmers began converting rice and mulberry fields into vineyards for the native Koshu
Ashio: Memory of the Forest
Dec 8, 2020 · 28 min
Deep in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, Ashio has long been known as a mining town. Copper deposits were first discovered there 400 years ago an
Miyagi: On the Trail to Recovery
Dec 15, 2020 · 28 min
The Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches more than 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast, crossing 4 prefectures from Aomori in the north, to Fukushima in the south. Canadian actor
Ojiya: Deep Roots in Snow Country
Dec 22, 2020 · 28 min
The city of Ojiya is hidden in the mountains of central Niigata Prefecture, some 200 kilometers north of Tokyo. Because this region gets some of the heaviest snowfall in all Japan,
Revisiting Ibaraki's Autumn-Winter Flavors
Dec 29, 2020 · 28 min
Ibaraki Prefecture, which stretches along the Pacific Ocean, is known for its diverse nature. Along with the sea, expansive plains, forests and lakes have made Ibaraki a leading ag