Journeys in Japan: Season 3
Season 3 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 2.
- 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 3 Progress Shield
Walking the Historic Nakasendo
Jan 10, 2012
Nakasendo was the old mountain road connecting Edo, today's Tokyo, to Kyoto. The 530-kilometer stretch of road was dotted with 69 post towns. Our reporter, JJ, walks along a preser
Samurai Days in Satsuma
Jan 17, 2012
The era of the samurai in Japan ended in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration, marking the start of the country's modernization. One of the powerful forces in this movement was the Sats
Mikuni, Fukui Prefecture: The Supreme Winter Delicacy
Jan 24, 2012
In this Journeys in Japan, Gow takes a trip to Mikuni-cho of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, in search of snow crabs, the king of winter delicacies.
Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture: City of Sumi
Jan 31, 2012
Since ancient times, people in Japan have produced a form of ink known as sumi, which is used for calligraphy and traditional ink wash painting. Prepared in the form of ink sticks,
Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1: Tokushima Prefecture
Feb 14, 2012
1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the isl
Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 2: Kochi Prefecture
Feb 21, 2012
1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the isl
Kingdom of Udon: Kagawa Prefecture
Mar 6, 2012
For centuries, wheat noodles known as udon have been popular in Japan, especially in Kagawa, Shikoku Island. There are around 900 udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture, not just in
Dancing Among the Gods: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture
Mar 7, 2012
Takachiho is located in a mountainous area in central Kyushu. According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is said to be the place where the gods descended from heaven. There, you ca
Treasures of the Ancient Capital: Nara Prefecture
Mar 13, 2012
This edition of Journeys in Japan features Japan's ancient capital, Nara. We will take a close look at architecture and Buddhist statues dating back more than 1000 years. Our repor
Beppu City, Oita Prefecture: Nature's Gift: Hot Springs
Mar 20, 2012
Beppu City of Oita Prefecture is located in the eastern part of the island of Kyushu, and it is the second largest city in the prefecture with a population of approximately 120,000
Gourmet Adventure: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Apr 10, 2012
This week, we visit Osaka, the capital city of Osaka prefecture, also known as the town of "Kuidaore" means there are too many delicious foods and you can't stop eating until you p
Getting Lost in Pink Petals
May 1, 2012
On this edition of Journeys in Japan we celebrate sakura or cherry blossoms, which are a symbol of spring in Japan. The delicate pink petals have been worshipped here since ancient
Life in the Slow Lane: Taketomi, Okinawa
Jun 19, 2012
On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Lana Bergmann, who is studying design in Japan, visits Taketomi-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. On th
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route
Aug 7, 2012
Since prehistoric times, a religion of nature worship has been practiced in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, in Western Japan. The sites and pilgrimage routes associated with th
Vibrant Colors, Ancient Tradition: Kanazawa
Aug 28, 2012
For over 350 years, the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, has been renowned as a center for traditional culture. It has a number of scenic districts where the classic architec
Forest Sanctuary: Shirakami
Sep 11, 2012
Our reporter David Bull travels to Shirakami-sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Japan. Nature guide and botanist Hajime Makita takes him around. Shirakami is recogniz
Japan's Traditional Blue: Tokushima's Indigo
Oct 2, 2012
On this edition of Journeys in Japan we visit Tokushima, the home of aizome indigo dye. Aizome is made from the indigo plant. The majority of domestic indigo plant production is ba
Rivers Run Through It: Beautiful Morioka
Oct 30, 2012
This edition of Journeys in Japan takes us to Morioka, a city blessed with mountains, rivers, trees, and architecture steeped in history.
Japan's Wine Country: Katsunuma
Nov 20, 2012
Today we explore Katsunuma in Yamanashi Prefecture, which is a leading wine production center not far from Tokyo. Our reporter Stephane visits wineries winning international award