Journeys in Japan: Season 7
Season 7 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 6.
- 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 7 Progress Shield
Takachiho: Dancing for the Deities
Feb 2, 2016 · 28 min
Takachiho lies deep in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, in Kyushu. It is believed to be the setting for Japan's creation myth. In winter, villagers perform sacred dances, know
Miyako: The Island of Song
Feb 9, 2016 · 28 min
Miyako Island, one of the southernmost islands of Japan, is a tropical paradise. Since olden times, the islanders have used song and dance in sacred rituals and as a way to unwind
Koyasan: New Year at a Traditional Power Spot
Feb 16, 2016 · 28 min
The sacred area of Koyasan was founded in the year 816 by Kukai, a Japanese monk who went to China to learn the practices of esoteric Buddhism. Kukai is also known by his posthumou
Kushiro: The Crystalline Sounds of Winter
Mar 1, 2016 · 28 min
JJ travels through the Kushiro Wetland in Hokkaido. He sees Red-crowned Cranes-a designated Natural Monument of Japan-and takes a dreamy canoe ride on a river flowing through the f
Okinoerabu Island: Home Away from Home
Mar 15, 2016 · 28 min
The tropical island of Okinoerabu is known for its pristine, wild nature. It is also known for its agricultural products, such as sugar cane and flowers, thanks to the abundant spr
Kakunodate: Pride in the Samurai Tradition
Mar 22, 2016 · 28 min
The ancient town of Kakunodate, in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, is steeped in history. For visitors, it is like a time slip — back to the period when the streets were filled w
Yatsugatake: Outdoor Winter Play
Apr 5, 2016 · 28 min
The Yatsugatake mountain range-just 150 kilometers west of Tokyo-is a convenient destination for outdoor winters sports. Ice climbing is one of its popular attractions. Beginners c
Kinosaki Onsen: Bathing in Tradition
Apr 12, 2016 · 28 min
Kinosaki Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in western Japan. It has about 80 ryokan inns along a picturesque street that follows the course of a river lined with w
Iwate Winter Rite
Apr 19, 2016 · 28 min
Deep in the north of Japan at a mountain temple, a festival called the Somin-sai and nicknamed the Naked Festival, has been held for around one thousand years. British actor, Dean
Okayama: Into the Deep Red
Apr 26, 2016 · 28 min
It's spring in Okayama, which facing the Inland Sea of Japan in the south and the Chugoku Mountains in the north, is blessed with abundant nature. In this edition of Journeys in Ja
Chichibu: A Springtime Pilgrimage
May 3, 2016 · 28 min
For centuries, the faithful have made their way to Chichibu, in Saitama Prefecture, to visit Buddhist temples devoted to the Bodhisattva Kannon. This pilgrimage route, comprising 3
Akiu: In the Footsteps of a Legendary Warlord
May 17, 2016 · 28 min
The warlord Date Masamune rose to power during Japan's Warring States period in the 16th century, and went on to control a large area of Tohoku (northeastern Japan). Thanks to his
Mihonoseki: Land of the Gods
May 24, 2016 · 28 min
Mihonoseki is on the eastern cape of the Shimane Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water: the Sea of Japan to the north and Miho Bay and Nakaumi to the south. It prospered du
Ise-Shima: Experiencing a Lifestyle Close to Nature
May 31, 2016 · 28 min
The Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture is best known for its beautiful, indented coastline. But recently it's been in the news for another reason: it is the venue for the 42nd Group
Tendo: An Enduring, Evolving Passion for Wood
Jun 7, 2016 · 28 min
Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a major producer of pieces for shogi-Japanese chess. They are only three centimeters long, but appreciated as miniature works of art due to thei
Nara: Tranquil Temples and Bountiful Blooms
Jun 14, 2016 · 28 min
Japan is famous for its spectacular displays of cherry blossom, which draw visitors from far and near. But the peak season for most other flowers in Japan arrives after the cherry
Komatsu Kabuki Kids
Jun 21, 2016 · 28 min
The tradition of children's kabuki on festival floats has 250 years of history in Komatsu. American actor, Charles Glover travels to Komatsu, Ishikawa prefecture, to experience thi
A Taste of Nagasaki
Jun 28, 2016 · 28 min
During several hundred years of national self-isolation, Nagasaki served as Japan's only window to the world. Many foreign cultures flowed into this port town, nurturing the develo
Iejima: Resilient Land, Resilient People
Jul 12, 2016 · 28 min
Iejima is a small island off of mainland Okinawa. It was the scene of fierce battles in World War II. Its people suffered deep wounds. But they never gave up. After the war, they d
Okayama: The Profound Spirit of the Rocks
Jul 19, 2016 · 28 min
Takahashi City in Okayama Prefecture is a popular destination for sports climbers. Rock climbing courses were first set up here in the late 1980s, and the area is now known by the
Sabae: Eye on Design
Jul 26, 2016 · 28 min
Sabae City, located on the Sea of Japan in central Fukui Prefecture, has a population of about 70,000. Sabae is renowned as a center for craftsmanship since olden times. It produce
Bounty of the Wild North: Cape Soya, Hokkaido
Aug 2, 2016 · 28 min
Cape Soya lies at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido Island. Located at a latitude of 45° North, the landscape in this area is very different from the rest of Japan - and it is somet
Hokkaido: Summer Gardens Under the Northern Sky
Aug 16, 2016 · 28 min
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, turns into a paradise of flowers in spring and summer. After the harsh winter, plant life erupts in all its brilliant glory. It's a wond
Hidden Village Kuma
Aug 23, 2016 · 28 min
Deep in the steep mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, lies the remote village of Kuma. Located on the raging Kuma River, this area was cut off from the rest of Japan in the o
Aomori: Out of This World
Sep 13, 2016 · 28 min
Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan's Honshu main island, has a number of enigmatic places that feel a world apart. On Journeys in Japan poet Arthur Binard explores the ar
Akita: Swaying Lanterns Brighten Summer Nights
Sep 20, 2016 · 28 min
The Akita Kanto Festival attracts more than a million tourists every year. One kanto pole is lit with 46 lanterns and more than 250 poles are raised up together, creating a dreamli
Deep Into Kurobe: Toyama Climbing
Sep 27, 2016 · 28 min
The source of the Kurobe River-deep in the Northern Alps in Toyama Prefecture-is a rarely explored place. No matter which trailhead hikers choose, they must all pass over ridges of
Uchikawa: A Retro River Townscape
Oct 11, 2016 · 28 min
This neighborhood lying alongside the Uchikawa River in Imizu CIty, Toyama Prefecture, has been a thriving fishing port for over 1,000 years. Because of its proximity to the water
Tanegashima: Guns, Rockets and Surf
Oct 18, 2016 · 28 min
Tanegashima is an island that has embraced new cultures and people since olden times. Starting with Japan's first firearms-brought in by the Portuguese-the island has accepted all
Yubari: Mining the Nostalgia
Oct 25, 2016 · 28 min
Yubari, in the center of Hokkaido, is famous for its international film festival, which is held each winter, and for its picturesque scenery. But half a century at it was best know
Walking the Nakasendo: A Road to the Past
Nov 8, 2016 · 28 min
Nakasendo is one of the five highways constructed in Japan during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). Connecting Edo (old Tokyo) and Kyoto, it has 69 post towns along its way. The post t
Chichibu: An Autumn Pilgrimage
Nov 15, 2016 · 28 min
For hundreds of years, pilgrims have made their way to the hills of Chichibu, northwest of Tokyo, to follow an ancient pilgrimage route. Wearing special pure white tunics, they vis
Munakata: The Sea and Goddesses
Nov 22, 2016 · 28 min
Munakata City is located in northwestern Kyushu, facing the Sea of Genkai. As an ancient maritime trade route, Munakata opened its doors to international commerce and cultures, pla
Sacred Mt. Ishizuchi: Autumn Trekking
Nov 29, 2016 · 28 min
At a height of 1,982 meters, Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest peak in western Japan. It takes about three and a half hours to the summit if you board the ropeway for part of the journe
Hagi: The Cradle of Modern Japan
Dec 13, 2016 · 28 min
Hagi, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, is one of Japan's best known castle towns. The traditional townscape with its stores and old houses has remained unchanged since the t
Isumi-Ichinomiya: Fresh Air and Laid-Back Living
Dec 20, 2016 · 28 min
The Isumi-Ichinomiya area lies on the east coast of Chiba Prefecture, facing out toward the Pacific Ocean. It's just an hour from Tokyo by train, but it feels much further away. Th