Journeys in Japan: Season 8
Season 8 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 7.
- 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 8 Progress Shield
Koza: A Rhythm All Its Own
Jan 31, 2017 · 28 min
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 Wo
Ogawayama: A Rock Climber's Paradise
Feb 7, 2017 · 28 min
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 moun
Niseko: Snowy Adventures
Feb 14, 2017 · 28 min
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
Suruga Bay: The Bounty of the Deep
Feb 21, 2017 · 28 min
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
Tokoname: City of Ceramics Past and Present
Feb 28, 2017 · 28 min
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
Ibaraki: Savoring Winter Flavors
Mar 7, 2017 · 28 min
Ibaraki Prefecture's coastline extends about 200 kilometers along the Pacific. Warm and cold currents meet off the shoreline, creating fertile fishing grounds. Many fish types are
Hokkaido: Sculpting Winter's Ice and Snow
Apr 4, 2017 · 28 min
In winter, Hokkaido is covered by a deep blanket of snow and the land lies dormant. But for the people who live in Japan's northernmost main island, this season offers an opportuni
Mt. Norikuradake: A Peak Winter Experience
Apr 11, 2017 · 28 min
Mt. Norikuradake lies 200 kilometers west of Tokyo, straddling the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures. Of all Japan's 3,000-meter-plus mountains, it is one of the easiest to rea
Odate: The Land of the Akita Inu
Apr 18, 2017 · 28 min
The statue of Hachi the Dog sits near Shibuya's famous scramble crossing. Hachi was an Akita Inu, a breed designated as a national natural monument. The breed originated in Odate C
Oya, Utsunomiya: Stone Town & Quarry Ruins Tour
Apr 25, 2017 · 28 min
On this edition of Journeys in Japan, we travel to Oya, an old stone town in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. Australian radio DJ Chris Glenn visits an ancient temple carved in
Nagoya: Samurai Warlord Chronicles
May 2, 2017 · 28 min
Nagoya, in Aichi prefecture, was the main battlefield during the prolonged Sengoku, Warring States period 500 years ago. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, American actor Charle
Hakuba: Off Piste to a Hidden Hot Spring
May 9, 2017 · 28 min
One popular starting point for backcountry skiing in Japan is the Hakuba area of Nagano Prefecture. There is a well established route connecting the Tsugaike Valley to Mt. Norikura
Nara: Ancient Sanctuary for all Living Creatures
May 30, 2017 · 28 min
The ancient city of Nara lies close to Kyoto and Osaka. Around 1,300 years ago it was the capital of Japan, and numerous sacred sites are preserved there dating back to that period
Monobe, Kochi: Tales from the Magical Mountain Hamlet
Jun 20, 2017 · 28 min
In the mountain village of Monobe-located in eastern Kochi Prefecture-a folk belief called Izanagi-ryu has been passed down for generations. Izanagi-ryu harmoniously blends element
Manazuru: Good Living by Design
Jun 27, 2017 · 28 min
Manazuru has thrived on quarrying and fishing since olden times. On Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card discovers this small coastal town near Tokyo and its simple attractions, which rema
Nanyo, Ehime: Water for Life and Fun
Jul 4, 2017 · 28 min
The Nanyo area of Ehime Prefecture is blessed with abundant water. It lies on the west coast of Shikoku Island, looking out on the Uwa Sea and bathed by the warm Kuroshio Current.
Meiwa-cho, Mie: An Ancient Legend Comes to Life
Jul 11, 2017 · 28 min
Until about 700 years ago, princesses from Japan's imperial family were sent to act as high priestesses at Ise Jingu, the ancient shrine that is considered the most sacred site in
Mount Daisen: Mystical Rites, Local Life
Jul 18, 2017 · 28 min
Mount Daisen, in Tottori Prefecture in western Japan, stands 1,729 meters high. Often noted for its resemblance to Mount Fuji, it is ranked 3rd on a list of celebrated mountains in
Murayama, Yamagata: Local Delicacies, Local Pride
Jul 25, 2017 · 28 min
Each season in Japan brings its own special delicacies. When early summer arrives, that means it's cherry season. Seventy percent of all the cherries grown in Japan come from the M
Tottori: Sculpted by Nature
Aug 1, 2017 · 28 min
On this episode of Journeys in Japan, actor Dean Newcombe from Britain explores the natural wonders of Tottori, including the majestic Tottori Sand Dunes. He meets farmers growing
Deep into the Unspoiled Forest: Shirakami Sanchi
Aug 8, 2017 · 28 min
Shirakami Sanchi is a vast region of forested mountains in northern Japan, straddling the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures. It is home to one of the largest virgin beech fore
Yonaguni: Wild West Escapades
Aug 15, 2017 · 28 min
Our show's regular narrator Bill Sullivan escapes the studio to travel around the tiny island of Yonaguni in Okinawa Prefecture. He comes into contact with the original culture and
Obuse, Nagano: Walking and Running for Fun
Aug 22, 2017 · 28 min
Marathons are hugely popular in Japan. Every year, hundreds of them take place around the country. But the race held in the town of Obuse, in Nagano Prefecture, is very different.
Taisetsuzan: Summer Alpine Discoveries
Sep 12, 2017 · 28 min
Taisetsuzan, also called Daisetsuzan, is a mountain range home to Hokkaido's highest peak. In addition to its excellent hiking trails, Taisetsuzan is popular for its clusters of al
Kochi's Summertime Fever: The Yosakoi!
Sep 19, 2017 · 28 min
Kyle Card catches Kochi's summertime festival fever by observing, and even joining in, the dynamic Yosakoi where hundreds of colorfully attired people dance throughout the city. He
Awa Odori Festival: Spirited Away in Tokushima
Sep 26, 2017 · 28 min
The Awa Odori is a huge dance festival that takes over Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, for four days in early August. It features some 100,000 fired-up dancers and attracts a
Yanai: Old Town of Goldfish Lanterns
Oct 3, 2017 · 28 min
Yanai prospered as a port town in the Seto Inland Sea. It was one of the largest merchant cities in the region during the late 18th century. The city has a tenderly preserved distr
Nagara River: Pristine Beauty, Waterborne Bounty
Oct 10, 2017 · 28 min
The Nagara River runs for 166 kilometers through the heart of Gifu Prefecture, in central Japan. Although some 830,000 people live along the river banks, the water is renowned thro
Minami-Izu: Unspoiled Seaside Getaway
Oct 17, 2017 · 28 min
The Minami-Izu area lies on the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a popular destination for those who love marine sports, such as surfing, snorkeling
A River Runs Through Hokkaido
Oct 24, 2017 · 28 min
Cutting through deep forests, the clear Mukawa River in Hokkaido has brought continuous blessings to the people along its way. In this episode, British actor Dean Newcombe follows
Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of "Kuro" Culture
Nov 7, 2017 · 28 min
Kagoshima is the southernmost prefecture of Kyushu. The Japanese word kuro (or "black") plays a very important role in the local culture - starting from the ash emitted by the volc
Kikuma, Ehime: Pride and Pageantry
Nov 21, 2017 · 28 min
Kikuma is located in northern Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. The old town is known for its production of kawara roof tiles-an important industry with a history of more than 700 ye
Togakushi: Autumn Hues at a Sacred Mountain
Nov 28, 2017 · 28 min
Mt. Togakushi, in northern Nagano Prefecture, has been a focus for religious faith for over 1,000 years. From around the 13th century, it was a sacred center for Shugendo, a mounta
Passage of Time: Lake Towada in Autumn
Dec 5, 2017 · 28 min
Lake Towada-on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures-is one of Japan's most scenic spots. The large, double caldera lake is part of a national park. It is surrounded by decidu
Karatsu: Festival Floats, Deep Community Spirit
Dec 12, 2017 · 28 min
Karatsu Kunchi is a three-day festival held in November each year in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The highlight is the gigantic floats known as hikiyama that are hauled through t