Seasoning the Seasons

The Sea of Okhotsk lines the coast of Hokkaido Prefecture, the northernmost main island of Japan. Once again, the season of drift ice has arrived. The ice has traveled 1,000 kilometers from the northern seas to get here. Local temperatures in winter drop to 20 degrees Celsius below zero. Phytoplankton thrive within the drift ice, attracting a variety of creatures in search of sources of life. In this episode, we take a look at stories of people living with drift ice on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.

In Japan, the word for sourness is suppai. Since ancient times, people in Japan have preserved foods through fermentation. Sour Japanese tastes include vinegar, pickled plums and yuzu, a citrus fruit. Sour Japanese foods are often tied to culture and tradition. In one example, we see how, in Okinawa Prefecture, the juice of the shikwasa, another citrus fruit, is used to wash traditional bashofu cloth.

The Aizu region is at the west of Fukushima Prefecture. Located in the southwest of this region is an area called Okuaizu. In some winters the snowfall has reached 4 meters in this remote area north of Tokyo. The warmth of people touches hearts, especially in winter. Seasoning the Seasons welcomes you to Okuaizu.

A famous pilgrimage in Shikoku requires a journey through 88 sacred sites. The route is linked to Kukai, a monk who traveled through the region in the first half of the 9th century. Pilgrims walking the route in spring are greeted by an incredible show of flowers. This is the story of Shikoku's spring pilgrimages.

Kyoto is known for its temples and shrines, but in this episode we feature the story of water that saturates everyday life in Japan's ancient capital. Water has had a deep relationship with Kyoto's traditions cultivated over its long history, as well as its development in modern times. We take a tour of Kyoto where water from a canal and from underground quenches the lives of locals.

The Izu Islands, off Japan's Pacific coast, are officially part of Tokyo. The islands are famous for producing a liquor called "shochu," a distilled drink made from ingredients such as barley or sweet potatoes. We travel to the Izu Islands, meeting local people and savoring the local spirits.

Since ancient times, those in power have tried to fill their lives with beautiful objects and delicious foods. Many masterpieces were created in response to these demands, with the utmost luxury, and without regard to profitability. This episode of Seasoning the Seasons welcomes you to a treasure trove of tributes loved by persons of power throughout Japanese history.

The region of Hida is in Northern Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by high mountains, it is snowbound in winter. A local castle town still carries the feel of days gone by. In this episode, we introduce the stories of local people in Hida and their rich cold weather culture.

Today in Japan, the Jomon period is experiencing a quiet boom. Jomon is a unique Japanese culture that lasted approximately 13,000 years in the pre-Christian age, within the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods in world history. It was a time when pit-buildings, pottery, and bows and arrows started to be used. Jomon ruins found throughout Japan number up to 90,000 locations. We go on a journey all over Japan to discover Jomon culture that is still alive.

The Ikegami line runs through southeast Tokyo linking Kamata with Gotanda. Trains take 22 minutes to cover the line's 10.9 kilometers. The line winds through local neighborhoods, also cutting through Tokyo's longest shopping arcade. Each of the line's stations is rooted in the community. While the time may pass and the scenery change, the line is integral to local people's lives. We take a springtime trip along this local Tokyo railway.

The calmness of Seto Inland Sea, located in western Japan, will send your worries away. One thing that has been firmly supporting lives in this area is stone. The stone walls of the famous Osaka Castle are made of one million pieces of stone, most of which were granite quarried from the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and shipped to parts of Japan. In this episode, we travel to the coastal area of the Seto Inland Sea, where life involves around reliable yet warm stones.

Japanese people have, since time immemorial, loved Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Around the mountain's base, there are five lakes of various sizes. These are the Fuji Five Lakes, which are found in Yamanashi Prefecture, on the north side of Mt. Fuji. The five lakes were formed by Mt. Fuji's repeated volcanic eruptions, when lava flows blocked rivers or split existing lakes. In times past, and still today, the lakes are an essential part of life for residents along their shores.

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, where cherry blossoms have finally begun to bloom in late April. Our story starts in a basin located in the eastern part of Yamagata, surrounded by the Dewa Mountains to the west and the Ou Mountains to the east. As the snow melts, bright colors of nature begin to stand out. In this episode, we experience the vivid colors of Yamagata from spring to early summer which brings together its people and nature.

At the foot of Mt. Asama, lies Karuizawa, one of Japan's most well-known resort areas. In the late 1880s, foreign missionaries began building holiday cottages in the town to escape Japan's fierce summer heat. Eventually, wealthy Japanese people began to join them, turning Karuizawa into the place to spend the summer. We take a deeper look at the lifestyles of those who enjoy summer in Karuizawa. The true appeal of the resort only reveals itself when you experience an extended stay.

Matsue, in Shimane Prefecture, is located in western Japan. The city borders Lake Shinji to the west, and the Sea of Japan to the north and east. Matsue Castle, a national treasure, stands tall in the middle of the city. The castle's moat, filled with abundant water, marks the gentle passage of time. In this episode, we welcome you to Matsue, a place surrounded by abundant water, and where prayers and lives are connected.

A group of well-loved shrines, with branches all across Japan, are affectionately known by the nickname of Tenjin-sama. These shrines are dedicated to the remarkable ninth century politician and scholar Sugawara Michizane, who was posthumously deified under the name of Tenjin. We visit a number of these shrines where Tenjin is venerated and loved as a symbol of learning.

Nara, one of Japan's ancient capitals, is home to spirits and demons. Due to its long history, the city has seen its fair share of wars and plagues. For local people the essence of difficulty and disaster is captured in demon form. But demons, with their huge flaming torches, can also help see in the blessings of spring. Demons and fire visit the people of Nara as they pray for a bountiful spring season.

Kamakura is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, an hour from Tokyo by train. The city was founded 800 years ago as the first capital in Japan built by the samurai class. Since then, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine has been worshipped as a guardian deity. Visiting shrines and temples in Kamakura remains highly popular, with the city with a population of 170,000 attracting 20 million tourists annually. In this episode, we take an early spring trip to catch its vibrant people and scenery.

Located in Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan is Noboribetsu, a prominent resort of hot springs, or "onsen" in Japanese. Seven spring sources produce 3,000 liters of hot water every minute at a huge explosion crater called "Jigokudani," Japanese for "Hell Valley." In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we invite you to Noboribetsu, a spa resort where the passion of the locals is as hot as the springs.

The Koumi Line runs 78.9km between Kobuchizawa, Yamanashi Prefecture and Komoro, Nagano Prefecture. The line, which reaches a maximum altitude of 1,375 meters, skirts the foot of Yatsugatake mountains. Trains first ran along the whole Koumi Line in November 1935. Construction of the line was extremely difficult and local people were delighted when it was finished. The local railway has continually played a vital role in people's lives. We visit Japan's highlands in summer, where unexpected encounters are waiting.

In Japan, fruits that line storefronts remind us of the seasons. As the season changes from summer to autumn, every fruit bears a story. On a remote southern island, merchants gather at a fruit store enjoying a chat. They bring seasonal flavors from their own fields. In the north, fields of akebia are plenty. A local unique custom involves sending the souls of the deceased on an akebia boat. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, join us on a journey of fruits from all corners of Japan.

The Mikuni Road stretches from Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture to Teradomari, 200 kilometers to the north in Niigata Prefecture. Mt. Mikuni, 1,636 meters high, lies on the border between the two prefectures. In samurai days, the route was used to take tributes to the Shogun in Tokyo, then called Edo. The Mikuni Road also played a key role in the silk industry, carrying cocoons and raw silk. This fall, we follow this storied road, which brought people together and carried the fruits of their labor.

Choshi in Chiba Prefecture is a town on a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, known as "Toppazure," meaning "the end of the road." The Choshi Fishing Port boasts the largest catch in Japan for 10 consecutive years. The Choshi Electric Railway is a 6.4-kilometer-long local line traveling along the tip of the peninsula at a leisurely pace. Is this the end of the road? Or a land where something begins? All aboard! We are off on a train ride to see the seaside town of Choshi.

The Tateyama Mountain Range in eastern Toyama Prefecture is comprised of many mountains rising more than 2,500 meters high. The treacherous peaks are home to Tateyama Shinko, a unique system of local religious beliefs. It is said that climbing the mountains is like a journey around heaven and hell. Welcome to the Tateyama Mountains, home to a close-knit community and alpine scenery dotted with sacred places.

The Arakawa Line operates in the northeastern part of Tokyo. Starting from Minowabashi in the east to Waseda in the west, the line runs 12.2km long tracks in 56 minutes. The line's official nickname is the Tokyo Sakura Tram. Sakura means "cherry blossoms," a flower loved by the Japanese. Blending into the landscape, the line runs through the daily lives of locals. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we ride the Arakawa Line, which connects the stories of the people living near this railroad.

Traveling across Japan, we can find many bridges of all shapes and sizes. In Tokyo, building modern bridges was one way to join the club of advanced industrial nations in the late 19th century, when Japan was vying to catch up with Western technology. A small bridge in Iwate Prefecture is hand-made. Even if relatively few people use it, it is an important crossing for the local community. Today, we hear the story of bridges linking communities throughout Japan.

Kisoji is an old road that runs through Kiso in Nagano Prefecture, which is located along the Nakasendo, one of the main highroads connecting Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture. Stretching 80 kilometers from north to south, the Kisoji is home to 11 "post towns" along its trail. The road has been used for about 400 years, with feudal lords from all over Japan using it to get to Tokyo to serve the shogun during the Samurai period. In this episode, we tour the post towns and see the deep facets of the Kisoji route.

A classic winter cuisine in Japan that is popular in the colder months is "nabe," or hot pot. The pot is usually placed in the middle of the dining table, and everyone takes from it. Every region in Japan has hot pots and broths that locals are proud of. There're always smiles around the hot pot. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we go up and down the Japanese islands in search of stories of happiness surrounding the hot pot.

Mount Iwate is a mountain that the people of Iwate always look up to. Standing at 2,038 meters above sea level, the locals are proud of this beautiful sight. Mount Iwate is an active volcano that has been erupting repeatedly for 700,000 years, and has undergone 7 major sector collapses to reach its current form. The large amount of volcanic ash and rocks that fell created vast foothills of the mountain. In this episode, we take a look at people living in the embrace of Mount Iwate.

The annual prayers at Shinto shrines in Japan at New Year's in 2021 were different than usual. It was a new year that started with anxiety and wishes. In the tourist town of Asakusa, which is centered around Sensoji Temple, foreign tourists have disappeared. To revive the town, people join hands. Kanda Shrine has accepted worshippers by keeping social distance. Prayers are offered to Jesus Christ too. In this episode, we look at people who started the year 2021 with prayers.

Hakone is on a major route between Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture. For centuries, the town was known for its high mountain pass. Hakone has long been popular for its hot springs. Today it is also famous as a tourist resort, attracting around 20 million people a year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the area. Even in difficult times, locals do all they can to keep on welcoming guests. This is the story of how Hakone is keeping up its long-standing traditions of hospitality.

Yokai, also known as Mononoke, and other spiritual beings: They are frightening when they suddenly appear, but can also be charming and rather cute. Why do they appear? What do they want? The Yokai send messages from the depths of forests, the darkness and the far corners of the ocean. Deities are not the only help the Japanese rely upon in times of distress and hardship. In this episode, we journey through the islands of Japan, listening to the mysterious messages of Yokai.

When drinkers raise their glasses for a toast, it's often full of beer. Whether we are exhausted or delighted, this amber-colored liquid helps us wind down and lighten the mood. Beer was first imported into Japan towards the end of Japan's samurai era. Recently, microbreweries in Japan are enjoying increasing popularity, doubling over the past 5 years to number more than 500. The history and culture of each region is poured into each new local craft beer. Tonight, why not raise your glass!

The city of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, lying around 120 kilometers north of Tokyo, is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations. Nikko includes many popular sites including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its remarkable sculptures. However, there is more to Nikko than these tourist highlights. Beyond its sacred spaces, Nikko extends deep into the mountains. Far from the crowds, you can find out-of-the-way villages where local people brave the winter.

Totsukawa Village is located on the southern tip of Nara Prefecture in the center of the Kii Peninsula. Most of the village is covered with steep mountains, and the residents live in more than 50 settlements. It is the villagers themselves who are responsible for keeping the traditions and opening up the future of the village. The running of the settlements is thoroughly discussed by everyone involved. This is an autumn story about a village different from any other in Japan.

Shinbashi is one of Tokyo's leading business districts. 7 train lines converge at Shinbashi Station. When you veer away a little from the transfer passage at Shinbashi Station, you will find yourself at an entrance to a labyrinth. It is a bar area with a complexity of alleyways that you wouldn't know was inside a building. It's a paradise where Japanese businessmen forget about their work for a while. Let's begin a journey of stories that happen deep inside countless buildings.

Nagasaki Kaido is a road leading north-east out of Nagasaki City, through the neighboring Saga Prefecture, ending 223km later in Kokura, in the north of Fukuoka Prefecture. For more than 200 years, beginning in the early 17th century, Japan closed its doors to the outside world. Nagasaki was the only Japanese port open to foreign ships during that time. Unusual goods from overseas traveled down the Nagasaki Kaido to other parts of Japan.

In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we present a story of local train lines across Japan. Deep in the mountains, there is a tranquil station with only 5 trains stopping a day. Some stations are run by unusual station-masters. Running modestly, but still going strong: Local train lines help run the lives of folks all over Japan. Let's go on a journey along local train lines close to the hearts of people. All aboard!

The University of Tokyo in Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, one of Japan's national universities, was founded in 1877. Its central campus is in one of the highest parts of the neighborhood. Down the years, the university has attracted many young people with a passion for shaping the future of Japan, some of the country's brightest minds. This is the story of people involved with the University of Tokyo.

Ishigaki Island is located about 400km southwest of Okinawa Prefecture's main island, surrounded by a sea of coral reefs. 50,000 people live on the island. Once, many came to the island in search of a new frontier across the ocean. Life on the island is built by a mix of people of various histories and cultures. Facing one rough wave after another, life on Ishigaki Island is inherited from one generation to the next.

Sendai, on the Japanese island of Honshu, is the largest city in the Tohoku region, northeastern Japan. It was founded in 1601 by Date Masamune, a samurai whose name is known to all Japanese. The city was created in a sparsely populated area through the visionary town planning of Masamune. Local crafts from Sendai are also influenced by the culture of the Date clan. The legacy of Date Masamune still lives on in the modern city of Sendai. We look back over this 400-year story.

Kamaishi, in Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan is home to a steelworks with a history of 130 years, and is known as a "city of steel." Before the end of World War II, Kamaishi suffered a direct attack by the Allied Forces because of its steelworks. Then came the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. This is the story of Kamaishi, a city that has experienced many adversities, but has managed to rise above them.

Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea. From ancient times, Awaji has been known as "Japan's Foodstore," and local fish have, down the years, been presented to the Imperial Court. The island is also proud of its connection to the legend of the 2 gods, Izanagi and Izanami, who gave birth to Japan. The story of Japan's origins describes how the gods passed the country on to the people. Awaji Island is where it all began.

In central Tokyo, surrounded by skyscrapers and inside a moat, is the Imperial Palace, the home of Japan's Emperor. The Imperial Palace was formerly Edo Castle. The Emperor moved to the Palace from Kyoto Prefecture around 150 years ago at the end of Japan's samurai era. Today, we visit the area surrounding the Palace, a walk that takes us back through the centuries. This is the story of the Palace and those who live, work, and exercise nearby.

Songs are part of the fabric of life in Okinawa Prefecture. When a song rings out, everyone naturally starts to dance. Okinawa is a prefecture in the south of Japan composed of a main island and more than 100 smaller islands. In times of happiness and sadness too, the rhythms of Okinawa fill the air. Singing songs always reminds Okinawan people of home. We lend our ears to the sound of Okinawa to hear these islands' stories.

Tsukuda and Tsukishima, in central Tokyo, are areas that were all sea about 400 years ago. Fishermen from Osaka Prefecture landfilled and created this piece of land. The prayers of those fishermen still live on. The main festival of the Sumiyoshi Shrine is held once every 3 years. The excitement of the boisterous fishermen comes to a peak during the festival. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we look at stories of the pathos surrounding a festival in a downtown Tokyo area.

The island of Hachijo-jima is 290km south of Tokyo but officially part of the city. It is formed from 2 volcanoes. The island's topology is the result of repeated eruptions. People first lived on the island several thousand years ago. Since then, people have come to the island from across Japan. Locals welcome arriving visitors. This is the story of Japan's island of compassion.

Japanese people have a long history of eating tofu, a filling food that always goes well with a drink. It is made simply by grinding and cooking soybeans, before extracting and solidifying the soymilk. In the mountains, unique varieties of tofu emerged as a result of efforts to avoid wasting the precious beans. In an area of heavy winter snowfall, tofu plays an important part in an annual religious ceremony. We explore the secrets of tofu from across the islands of Japan.

Japan is a land covered with rugged mountains. For centuries there were many places that could only be reached by river routes. Often, the other side of the river can be seen but cannot be crossed without a boat. These rivers may be everyday routes for commuting, or a pathway to deities for pilgrims. Eventually, bridges were built, and the ferries disappeared at many places. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we travel Japan, a country of rivers, in search of ferry boats.

Mt. Hiei straddles the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture. The entire mountain represents Enryakuji Temple. The temple, with a history of more than 1,200 years, is renowned for its rigorous spiritual training. It was founded by the monk Saicho in 788. He taught the importance of strictly disciplining oneself while serving others. Many monks who trained on Mt. Hiei went on to found other schools of Buddhism, earning Mt. Hiei the nickname of the "mother mountain" of Japanese Buddhism.

Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture is a land blessed with a temperate climate all year round. It is one of the sunniest cities in Japan, boasting the most number of days with sunshine. The area is blessed with nature's bounty thanks to the local climate and Lake Hamana, a brackish lake connected to the Pacific Ocean. There is a word in the Hamamatsu dialect: "Yaramaika", which means "Let's give it a try without fearing failure". This spirit is what keeps people of Hamamatsu going forward.

Japanese-Americans account for around 10% of the population of Hawaii, numbering more than 180,000 people. Hawaii used to be one of the world's biggest producers of sugarcane. Japanese immigrants were brought to work in the fields from the second half of the 19th century onwards to make up for the shortage of labor. In the first of this two-part series, we look at the stories of women who built new lives for themselves as wives and mothers in an unknown far-off land.

The first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii arrived at Honolulu in 1868. Relying on their own ingenuity, these immigrants cleared fields and worked to survive. Their lives were turned upside down on December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into the war with Japan. In our second episode on Japanese-Americans in Hawaii, we look at the story of people who survived tempestuous times, continuing to love 2 different nations.

Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour have been a part of the Japanese diet even longer than rice. Today, we will take a journey across Japan to sample soba. In the past, soba repeatedly saved people from starvation as buckwheat grows in poor soil and can be harvested in just 75 days. Soba has long remained a familiar part of Japanese cuisine and culture. Even if you're low on cash, or having trouble getting along with others, a simple bowl of soba can help you feel better.

The Chita Peninsula extends from Nagoya into the Pacific stretching 40km. In the 17th century, the peninsula prospered as a hub for shipping, delivering local products all over Japan. Transporting these products on the rough seas were Bishu Cargo Ships. A local festival kept alive by seafarers tells the past glory of the Bishu Cargo Ships. Locals pay homage to their forerunners who sailed out to sea staking their lives. In this episode we bring you the 300-year-old story of the Chita Peninsula.

Kyoto is a city of countless temples and historical buildings. Kiyomizu-dera Temple sits halfway up a 240-meter hill on the eastern side of the city. The temple has been dedicated to a statue of an eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. The thousand arms are said to be able to save all the people in the world. This is the story of how Kiyomizu-dera Temple has helped people, regardless of their status and affiliations, overcome their suffering and sadness since 1,200 years ago, and how people still find solace in the temple today.

One of the leading flower producing areas in Japan is on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, located next to Tokyo. Thanks to the warm Black Current from the south, the climate here is warm, and is suitable for growing flowers. In the old days, women cultivated the mountains and began growing flowers, while praying for the safety of men fishing at sea. In this episode, we visit the Boso Peninsula in its most beautiful season, where we will see flowers and meet the locals.

The Tsugaru Strait is a rough sea between the Japanese island of Honshu and Hokkaido to the north. At its narrowest point, it is just 18.7km across. The other side is far yet near, near yet far. For many years, people have travelled across the waters. This is the story of people who live life to the full either side of the Tsugaru Strait.

The spa town of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu is one of Japan's most well-known hot spring resorts. However, long ago, the town had no tourist industry. The quietness of the town is still its biggest asset. Locals have planted trees along the Yufuin's avenues to provide more greenery and have worked continuously to preserve the town's scenic beauty. The town attracts around 4 million visitors per year. Today, an increasing number of foreign tourists, mainly from Southeast Asian countries, visit the town. With its relaxing spa waters and welcoming locals, this is the story of the spa town of Yufuin.

The Southern Alps are located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Mountain ranges peaking at an altitude of 3,000 meters continue for over 120 kilometers, which encompass the 3 prefectures; Yamanashi, Nagano and Shizuoka. The Southern Alps originated 40 million years ago and 100,000 climbers visit the mountains every year. Climbing the Southern Alps is best enjoyed over the course of a few days, while staying at mountain huts.

Tokachi in Hokkaido is home to Japan's largest field and the fields in the district account for more than 10% of Japan's field area. Farmers here have to deal with a harsh winter, with farming only possible for around half of the year. During the short farming season, farmers produce crops including wheat, soybeans and potatoes. 130 years ago, a pioneer with a hoe in his hand arrived here and opened up this northern land. The spirit of the early pioneers continues to harness the riches of the land.

A city where the lights never go out. Shinjuku in Tokyo is a big city, full of everything from business to entertainment. More than 3.5 million people use Shinjuku Station every day. Standing close to the city is the Hanazono Shrine, which has watched over the lust and greed of the people for 350 years. This neighborhood has embraced countless ways of life. Welcome to a district with great depth

Located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a village full of old-fashioned houses with thatched roofs - and a registered World Heritage Site. The roofs are steeply slanted, products of a building technique called "Gassho-zukuri", which was born of the knowledge built up by surviving in an extraordinarily snowy region. The scenery in the 300 year-old town hasn't changed. Even now, time moves slowly. This is the story of the villagers of Shirakawa-go living hand-in-hand.

Otaru is a city in Hokkaido with a canal flowing by the harbor. It was once a center of commerce where goods from all over Hokkaido were traded. People flocked to the city in search of prosperity and success, and the canal has kept the city flourishing. Here in Otaru, there are many old buildings with over 100 years of history. Though located in Asia, the city scenery is reminiscent of Europe. Over 100,000 foreign tourists arrive each year. This is the story of Otaru, a city that's grown together with its canal.

Mount Tsukuba is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 70 km northeast from Tokyo. The Japanese have revered the mountain since ancient times, as a sacred mountain akin to Mount Fuji. The mountain has a height of 877 meters. Mount Tsukuba, called Tsukuba-san in Japanese, is popular with visitors as anyone can easily climb it. More than 2 million people visit a year. From the old days, it has been believed that a mysterious force dwells in this mountain. In this episode, we present the story of Mount Tsukuba, a sacred mountain rich in mysterious charm.

The town of Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, Eastern Japan, is renowned for its cherry blossoms. Once the long winter has passed and the cherry blossoms bloom, many tourists come to visit the usually quiet countryside. The main tourist attraction is a tree designated as a national natural monument, the Takizakura, meaning Waterfall Cherry Tree. There are more than 10,000 cherry trees all around the town.

The Kii Peninsula is in the south of Honshu, Japan's main island. On this peninsula is Kumano Kodo, a series of pilgrimage routes that connect a number of sacred spots. The "Iseji Route" is approximately 170 kilometers long and passes through the eastern side of Kii peninsula. The Route has been a place where many people with troubles and suffering visit. Each pass you traverse, there are encounters with the people who live in that land and a warmth that sincerely welcome travelling strangers. The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route; a place to meet a landscape carved over a thousand years, and the kindness of humanity.

Hiroshima Prefecture, in western Japan, is on the coast of the Inland Sea. It is known as the City of Seven Rivers and wherever you go, you always reach the riverside. The city sits on a delta formed by sediment carried down by the rivers towards the sea. The rivers pass through the city on their journey down from the fertile Chugoku Mountains, and enrich not just the lives, but the hearts of the local people.

The Shima Peninsula is located in the south of Japan's main island Honshu. It is a great habitat for living things and a treasure trove of high-class seafood. In this region, fishing has carried out by skin divers for many centuries. These divers are all female, and are called ‘Ama' in Japanese. Legends tell that long time ago, the local Ise-Shima sea was chosen by a goddess of the sun. This is the story of the powerful women of the sea who live in Ise-Shima, and the people who keep traditions alive.

Hagi and Tsuwano became famous as destinations to visit together when traveling to rediscover traditional Japan became popular. The town of Hagi lies in a delta at the extreme western end of Japan's largest island of Honshu. The town of Tsuwano, just over the mountains from Hagi, lies in a basin surrounded by the Chugoku Mountains. Long ago, both towns were in the same feudal domain. Hagi and Tsuwano are 2 castle towns charming travelers with their history and beauty.

Hokkaido is a locale full of vast lands in the north of Japan. In its center, lies the city of Furano. The 3 months of summer, July to September, is Furano's tourist season, and a total of 2 million people come to visit Furano from all over the world. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we bring you a short summer tale of northern Japan.

Haunted houses are a summer tradition in Japan. One step inside the haunted house, darkness envelops you. It's frightening, but it draws you in. Japanese haunted houses have their roots in Buddhist temples. Even today, in a world full of light, darkness continues to scare people. Some want to cling on to their loved ones, while some want to forget everything and simply scream… We travel around the country, experiencing the nation's haunted houses.

The temperature rises over 30℃ almost every day in the summer of Tokyo. But there are many fond memories unique to Tokyo summers. Kids rushing to summer festivals clutching pocket money. Hand-held fireworks have their own charm, as you can enjoy them even in small areas. A Bon dance with a 300-year history in downtown Tokyo. An unchanged landscape of old times inherited in Tokyo, an ever-changing metropolis. We go on a journey to find stories of summer in the big city.

The Japan Alps run down the middle of Japan's main island of Honshu, reaching heights of 3,000 meters. Kamikochi is in the north part of the Alps, in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, the valley lies at a height of around 1,500 meters. The name Kamikochi originally meant 'The Place where the Gods Descends to Earth'. Kamikochi is the gateway to the Northern Alps, which is very popular with climbers in Japan. Every year, more than 1 million tourists visit Kamikochi.

Kobe was founded about 150 years ago as an international trading port. Various cultures from around the world have gathered here over the decades. Japan's first tailor-made men's clothing store was opened in Kobe. The custom of eating foreign cuisine in Japan also started here more than 100 years ago. Kobe is a city where various cultures co-exist like a mosaic painting. This is a story of people who live a hardy life in a beautiful harbor city.

The district of Maana in Ehime Prefecture is a leading center for mikan cultivation. Mikan is the Japanese name for the fruit Citrus unshiu, a type of mandarin, which is popular among Japanese people for its health benefits and sweet, fruity taste. The Maana mikan are known for a delicate balance between sweetness and tanginess. In Maana, around 180 farming families grow mikan. All of the farmers produce the same high-quality mikan which is known under the Maana Brand.

Nagasaki Prefecture is often referred to as the 'home of Christianity' in Japan. The Christian faith first came to Japan in the mid-16th century. As Nagasaki was one of the ports for overseas trade at the time, many became believers. But what followed was a long and painful era for Japanese Christians. The Shogunate banned their faith and oppressed the believers for over 250 years. However, in many parts of Nagasaki, people secretly kept their faith, which has been passed down to their descendants to this day.

During the region's short summer, local people are caught up in the festival fever. The Tsugaru Plain, at the base of Mt. Iwaki, is famous for incredible snowfalls. The harsh winter lasts nearly half the year, and when the short summer comes around, the passion of local people floods out. After withstanding the trials of nature, they live life to the full during the season of the sun. In a few dozen days, summer is over. We take a look at the festival season in Tsugaru when the land shimmers in the summer heat and local people make the most of the mild weather.

The average temperature is over 17℃. And, here in Shikoku's Kochi Prefecture, there's also glaring sunlight and over 3m/year of rain - a lot even for Japan. Long ago, this area was known as 'Tosa'. Tosa's special climate gave its people a unique temperament.Even today, the men of Tosa are 'igosso' (stubborn), and the women are 'hachikin' (strong-willed). These strongly individualistic, goal-oriented people are Tosa's life force. They still have their unique traditions from long ago.

In various different situations, Japanese people often pray to the gods. Their prayers may range from requests for help with major, life-changing events or they may be simple prayers for peace and security in daily life. Religious rituals also vary widely depending on the region. We travel across Japan, visiting shrines and other sacred sites to introduce the sometimes mysterious world of traditional religious observance in Japan.

Aizu is roughly 300 kilometers north of Tokyo. It is a region west of Fukushima Prefecture. Around 150 years ago, Aizu was defeated in a civil war, beginning a road of hardship. The skills to survive a tough environment and to care for others thrive in Aizu. From parents to children, from predecessors to successors, the pride of Aizu is passed down. Fondness for lords long-gone still remains in people's hearts. This is a story of Aizu, where the spirit of samurai from ages ago still lives on.

The ancient natural environment on Yakushima Island, in Kagoshima Prefecture, is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is said that rain falls 35 days in a month on this island. Yakushima is located about 65 kilometers south of Cape Sata, the southernmost part of Kyushu. The island is about 30 kilometers in diameter, and is almost entirely mountainous, with 2000-meter high mountains towering above the shoreline. The island's forests are home to trees more than a thousand years old. The mountains and the rain. The people and their prayers. This is the story of life in Yakushima.

The Sanriku Railway in Iwate Prefecture is a lifeline, playing an important role in the local community. The train goes up and down the line, and the arrival of the train is part of the rhythm of life. In March 2011, the railway was completely destroyed by the tsunami that followed the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. The road to recovery was a difficult one, and at one point, there was even talk of abolishing the line. The railway is now back on track, having finally resumed full service. We look back on the slow but steady restoration of the Sanriku Railway, over a period of 3 years.

Tokyo's Chuo District, facing the ocean. Roughly 4 kilometers from the harbor, spanning a tributary river flowing into Tokyo Bay, is the bridge of Nihonbashi. In the center of the bridge is the road origin marker. All the roads connecting Tokyo to cities across Japan begin here. The area around the bridge has long flourished as a center of Japanese commerce. Wonderful old culture and traditions remain in this town. This is a story of Tokyo's Nihonbashi area.

1,200 years ago, Kukai, a well-known Japanese monk, made a pilgrimage through 88 sacred sites In the Japanese island of Shikoku. The route through all 88 sites is 1,400 kilometers long and loops around the island. Pilgrim's still come, with both anxiety and hope, to follow in Kukai's footsteps. Kukai told his followers that enlightenment knows one's own heart. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a journey to find oneself, shedding one's spiritual baggage simply by walking. The pilgrim's journey around Shikoku brings unexpected encounters and lifelong memories.

Dewa Sanzan is located in the center of Yamagata Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono. Collectively, these 3 mountains are called Dewa Sanzan. The pilgrimage of Dewa Sanzan symbolizes the death and rebirth of a person. It is believed that something important can be obtained by climbing the mountains.

Located in Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, the city is a harbor town facing Hakata Bay. If you cross the sea to the northwest, you'll find the Korean Peninsula and China. The area has flourished as a gateway to the continent for many years. In the summer, there is a festival that the men of this town practically live for. Hakata Gion Yamakasa is the summer festival for Hakata's local deity, Kushida Shrine

Sushi is one of Japan's most renowned foods. Today, it is known the world over. The chef creates a bite-sized mouthful of sushi from fresh fish and vinegared rice. However, this is more properly called edo-mae-zushi, and it is just one of many sushi types. The Japanese diet has long been rich in fish. Sushi was originally made by naturally fermenting raw fish so it would keep for the long-term. Sushi then developed into various different regional styles as vegetables and other local produce were added to the dish. Japanese people often find eating sushi lifts their spirits. We're going to take a closer look at this delicious, versatile food.

Osaka is located in an estuary, where several rivers flow into the Osaka Bay. The waterways that stem from these rivers have supported the city's development. Intertwining within the landscape of the city are its many bridges. Because of that, Osaka is sometimes called a "city of 8 hundred and 8 bridges". Join us as we take a voyage down the always-lively Osaka, a city of waterways.

On the north side of Japan's main island, in the foothills of the Hida Mountains, lies Yatsuo Town, Toyama Prefecture. Every year, the 'Owara Kaze no Bon' Festival begins on September 1 and lasts for 3 days. During Owara Kaze no Bon, the people dance day and night, and the whole town livens up. The festival has a 300-year history here. It is thought to have begun with people seeking to appease the wind gods. The festival dances are sensual, graceful, yet proud and the dancers are boys, girls and young people under 30. Adults play traditional musical instruments such as the 'kokyu' and 'shamisen'. Owara Kaze no Bon, signifies summer's end. This is the story of the people behind Japan's most tranquil festival.

The Kunisaki Peninsula is located in the northeast corner of Kyushu, one of Japan's 4 main islands. The round peninsula sticking out into the sea is volcanic. There is very little rain and the mountains are rocky, meaning rainwater soon runs off. Strong faith supports the local people who live in this dry, difficult environment. We visit the Kunisaki Peninsula where unique local rites of prayer have survived down the ages.

Tsukemono is a simple food made by pickling vegetables and other ingredients in seasonings such as salt and vinegar. It started as a preserved food, and some are made by fermentation. It is never the main dish, but is an essential part of the Japanese diet. Every region has its own special tsukemono. Tsukemono can be enjoyed not only for its taste, but also for its flavor, color and the sound it makes when chewed. We take a journey of tsukemono around Japan.

Kanazawa is in Ishikawa Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan in the north. Here, far from Kyoto and Tokyo, a great city was built in the age of the samurai, boasting 300 years of history. The first lord of this vast land, Maeda Toshiie, spared no effort in promoting culture such as crafts and the performing arts. This policy was carried on by his successors, and a small farming town transformed into a flourishing city of culture. An obsession with beauty has always thrived here. Hospitality that gratifies all the senses awaits you.

Japan's northernmost major island - Hokkaido. Stretching out into the sea on the island's east coast is the Notsuke Peninsula. It is 26 kilometers long, but just 20 meters wide at its narrowest point. Made from sand carried on the ocean currents, its shape is gradually changing. Here lies a paradise for both birds and wild animals. When the wind is just right, fishermen can take countless riches from the sea. During the winter, the temperature remains below zero for months on end. Everything is frozen by the snow and icy winds. Over the years, people have continued to live here, despite the harsh conditions. This is the story of a peninsula surrounded by snow and ice.

Kinosaki Onsen is a small town faces the Sea of Japan to its north, and is spread out between mountains. It is a hot springs, or an "Onsen" resort in Hyogo Prefecture. About 100 "Ryokan" or traditional Japanese inns line a 1-kilometer street, which are visited by 1 million tourists a year. The way to enjoy the hot springs here is to visit all of the 7 public baths in the town. A sparkling otherworldly thermal utopia built in the mountains. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we visit a small hot springs resort that relaxes the body and mind.

Izumo is an abode of gods, home to many of the deities that appear in Japan's ancient legends. Japan's oldest history books, which mix legends and history, state that Izumo is the location of Japan's birth. Izumo is also home to various aspects of Japanese culture. With footage from this sacred place of mystery and romance, we show you the beauty of Izumo.

Udon noodles are loved in Japan as an easy, tasty, everyday dish. In Japan, farming centers on rice, but throughout Japan's history, various other cereals have also been harvested. During the winter, when there was no rice farming to do, farmers allowed themselves a little luxury by pounding wheat to make udon. Today, udon has become a delicious, satisfying everyday dish. We look back through Japanese history, tracing the story of the unique know-how and preparatory techniques behind this delicious dish.

When going on a trip, packing a lunch box to take was the standard. In 1885, the first lunch box was sold at a train station. Called an "ekiben", there are now all kinds of them sold in stations all over Japan. The contents of the small ekiben lunch box reflect a place and a time, and are filled with the flavors of that region, the emotions of the person who made it, and the memories of a journey. We look at both the ekiben, much loved by Japanese people, and at a wonderful ekiben culture.

Located 100km north of Kyoto, the region of Echizen faces the Sea of Japan. Long and cold winters come to Echizen, but winter is also the season for much delicious cuisine. The quintessential taste of winter in Echizen is the "Echizen Crab". People get passionate about this particular crab. Only male snow crabs landed in this region are given the title of Echizen Crab. We take a look at a number of delicious foods only available in Echizen during winter. Much enthusiasm surrounds these unique local gastronomical delights.

In the west of Saitama Prefecture, nestled among 2,000 meter tall mountains, lies Chichibu. Whether entering or leaving, you must cross mountains and passes. Within the looming mountains, in a small basin, lies a place with unique culture and customs, said to hold festivals more than 300 times a year. 10 million people visit Chichibu each year. Though it's just 80 kilometers from Tokyo, you wouldn't know it from entering its surreal environment. We pass the beauty of this world along to you through dazzling footage.

When the Meiji era started, Japan advanced forward to build itself into a modern state. It was architecture that gave form to that enthusiasm. Schools, government offices and houses modeled after the West. In each one nested the dreams and ideals of the architects and the people who lived in them. Soon many architectural masterpieces with a style unique to Japan were produced. In this episode we take a look at the architectural masterpieces and the stories of those who built them throughout the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras, and shed light on the traces of the dreams of the Japanese.

In Tohoku, the winter is long and harsh. People cannot avoid the cold weather, they simply learn to survive it. Our program shows how the region's people cope with the deep snow, keep alive traditional methods of preserving food, and spend the colder months working with their hands. The heavy snow blocks people in during winter, but when the spring comes it becomes a plentiful source of meltwater, supporting local agriculture. Since time long past, the people of Tohoku have lived quietly through the winter, in harmony with the natural environment.

Cherry Blossoms... People wait eagerly for their blossoms, love the famous scenes of cherry trees in bloom, sense the transience of things as the petals flutter down and then look forward to them just as eagerly again the following spring. Why are the Japanese so attached to these flowers which announce the coming of spring? A man is so enthusiastic that he gives up his job to follow the blossoms on their half-year, south-north path up the archipelago. A thousand-year-old cherry tree, worshipped as a tutelary god, has been treasured over many generations in a humble mountain village. And so it goes on... Every Japanese person has a special, personal recollection of the blossoms. From when the first trees bloom in Okinawa until the last flower in Hokkaido, we follow the cherry blossom front as it moves north across Japan, visiting famous viewing sites in each prefecture. We hear, too, the stories of Japanese and their cherry blossoms along the way.

In Higashiyama, Kyoto, Gion evolved as the district in front of the Yasaka Shrine gates, and now has more than 300 years of history. Its narrow streets are lined with over 50 old-style teahouses. At twilight, beautifully dressed geiko and maiko walk towards their parlors. It is a sought-after destination for countless tourists foreign and domestic, but the teahouses where the geiko and maiko entertain customers only admit people with introductions. There is almost never an opportunity to see the ladies at their finest. For this program, we spent many hours capturing this little-known world. The graceful and captivating dances for customers, and the daily lives of the geiko and maiko, who constantly refine their art in a world of rigid formality. How do they feel as they live in this town? This is the story of the women who live in the geisha quarter, Gion.

Hozenji lies just behind Dotonbori, Osaka's bustling downtown area with its dazzling neon lights. This is where you can find a "deeper side" of Osaka. A confined temple known for Mizukake Fudoson, a local deity. About 60 one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars line a cobbled alleyway. It is said that this town started in the Edo period, with stalls and teahouses catering to pilgrims going to the Hozenji Temple. Regular barflies come out nightly to their favorite watering holes. Young cooks who do their training in a sanctuary for chefs. We take a look at traditional Osaka cuisine. Welcome to Hozenji, a town where people live a life of esprit.

Travelers to Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido often first arrive in Hakodate, a port town that attracts 4 million visitors a year. The city is best known for its Million-Dollar Night View. The bright lights look beautiful surrounded by the jet black ocean. The view, very popular with couples, is a symbol of the city. Hakodate prospered as the first port in Japan fully open to the outside world and we explore the city's romance together with the people who call it home.

Kirishima, a group of 20 mountains in the south of Kyushu. It is a volcanic area that was a central location in Japan's creation myth. Its name, meaning 'fog island', refers to the way that the peaks look like an island rising above the clouds. Its high rate of rainfall creates springs and hot springs for the towns around it, and the volcanic ash it releases helps grow sweet potatoes that have fostered a shochu alcohol culture. As they receive the bounty of the mountains, the people there have created their own unique customs, and carved out their own way of living in harmony with an unforgiving environment. An old mountain guide struggles with volcanic ash as he seeks to reopen the area for tourism and mountain climbing. The people here's love for the region has no limits. Even though there are few jobs for the younger generation, they don't want to leave, and even those who do tend to come back. We will show you the strong, dynamic lifestyle of the people who live together with the Kirishima peaks.

The stage for this episode of Seasons of Seasons is the largest remote island in the Sea of Japan, Sado, which lies beyond the rough seas. This island was feared as "the end of this world where ogres live" for more than a thousand years. Sado started to become an "attractive island" in the Edo period, when a gold mine began to draw people. Various cultures brought into the island by shipping in the Sea of Japan, coupled with the harsh climate of Sado, evolved into a form of its own, and are alive in the islanders' lives today. The surging waves often washed in and trap the times, and as such the island still embodies cultures of "old Japan" no longer seen in other parts of the country.

Ozegahara, at an altitude of 1400m, is the largest and highest wetland on Japan's main island of Honshu. Located in a National Park, the rare ecosystem of Oze is also a Special Protection Area. Every year, around 300,000 hikers flock to Oze. The unique marshlands are home to around 300 species of grasses and flowering plants, including the white skunk cabbage. In Oze, spring, summer and autumn are compressed into the 5 months between mid-May and mid-October. During that brief period, plants bud, flower and bear fruit. We explore the beauty of Oze's 4 seasons.

When summer arrives, there is a fish that causes the hearts of fishermen to race with anticipation. It is the "ayu," or "sweetfish" - little known outside Asia, but a key part of summer in Japan. Its scent has led people to call it "the fragrant fish," and the soft flavor of its meat holds a delicate sweetness. Japanese people have been captivated by ayu. In the spring, the fish swims upstream from the ocean, and in the summer it stays near rocks, eating algae and growing larger. In the fall, it goes downstream to lay eggs, and its short life then comes to a close. Its birth and death both happen in the space of just four seasons. Ayu is in the hearts of the Japanese together with river memories. We travel Japan to learn more about it.

The nation of Japan is made up of many islands, numbering some 6800 in total. Of these, 971 islands are located near Nagasaki on the western edge of Japan. Since ancient times, these interspersed islands have prospered as a key point of trade with China, Korea, Portugal and the Netherlands. Customs and cultures unknown to Japan have been brought about through these islands. While being ahead of the times through the exchanges with the Asian continent, the islands of Nagasaki have at times also been a time capsule of the times, with its own unique culture taking root. As we examine these islands, we begin to see the history and the origin of Japan.

Karuizawa, which sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters, was developed as a summer resort after a foreign missionary built his summer cottage there more than a century ago. Other missionaries and moneyed Japanese soon followed, turning Karuizawa into the place to be in summer. Karuizawa continues to enjoy its status is one of the world's leading summer resorts and a destination of choice for millions of Japanese travelers.

Onomichi is a town of hills and pathways, situated along a 200meter wide strait where waterways of the Inland Sea pass through. With the water so close, few flat areas are available, and the town grew on steep hillsides, spreading narrow paths in the process. Hilly byways where cars can't pass became places where people spend time and enjoy one another's company. Sounds of activity come from the houses, and fragrances waft through the air. Though life on a hillside can be inconvenient, people enjoy strong ties with their neighbors, and it's said that many young people move there to enjoy the lifestyle. This is the story of Onomichi, seen from its hillsides and byways.

This is the story of "Tsutenkaku", the symbolic tower of Osaka, and the town of "Shinsekai" that lies at its foot. Development of this region began about 100 years ago. The town of Shinsekai was established when the Tsutenkaku tower, modeled after the Eiffel Tower, was built, and has been attracting crowds as a "paradise of the masses". While the tourists flock here with the boom in Kushikatsu in recent years, old-fashioned standing-room-only bars continue to cater to their regulars with good old service with a human touch. Down to earth and warm-hearted service. This is a "paradise of the masses" where everyone can have fun inexpensively. Scenes of Shinsekai, filled with people who love this town, invites the viewer into the deeper side of Osaka.

Just over an hour away from Tokyo the beautiful beach of Kujukuri stretches some 60km along Japan's Pacific coast. Villages along the beach grew prosperous through fishing from the shore for Japanese sardines. These days, fishermen go out into the bay in small boats, using nets up to 1,000m long to chase the anchovy shoals. A single one of these nets can collect up to 40 tons of fish, making the sardine fisheries of Kujukuri-hama Japan's largest catch.

Nagasaki, on Japan's southern island of Kyushu. Interactions with foreign nations have been a feature of this place since long ago, absorbing aspects of the cultures of Portugal, the Netherlands and China. This is the story of the people of Nagasaki, who have integrated the cultures of faraway lands but have also overcome a very difficult history.

The Japanese have been living in a world inhabited by "Yokai", paranormal beings or phenomena that cannot be explained with common knowledge. Even today, there are legends and eyewitnesses that tell of Yokai. Yokai are said to be manifestations of the view on nature, life and death, and the world of the Japanese throughout history. Although life for the modern Japanese has changed, the image of the collective "spirit" of Japanese nostalgia lives on in tales of the Yokai. In this episode, we go on a journey looking for Yokai, mythical beings that dwell in the dark corners of the Japanese psyche.

The town of Kawagoe, which lies just 30km northwest of central Tokyo, is still heavily influenced by the merchant culture of Japan's feudal period when Tokyo was known as Edo. In modern times, Kawagoe serves as a dormitory town for commuters to Tokyo, but the town still holds on to its traditional roots. We visit Kawagoe, exploring its culture, history and the lives of local people.

Mackerel Road connects Wakasa, which overlooks the Sea of Japan, and Kyoto. Wakasa, located in Fukui Prefecture, has a sawtooth-shaped coastline, and is a treasure trove of excellent seafood. The region, known as a land of food, has been offering up its cuisine to the emperor since the 7th century. In the 17th century, the mackerel transported to the capital from Wakasa supported the capital's food culture through dishes like mackerel sushi, an essential part of summer festivals. It's said that by the time the mackerel arrived in Kyoto, it was at just the right level of saltiness. We visit Mackerel Road, which winds through beautiful mountain villages, connects people, and has passed along both culture and customs.

The Japanese have admired the moon, which waxes and wanes over 30 days, and by giving it nostalgic names. Until 1872 the Japan based their lives on the lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. At the time, it is said that people could tell what day it was by looking at the shape of the moon. Even today, traditional customs based on the lunar calendar remain in the ancient capital of Kyoto, as well as in Okinawa where people live with the sea. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we take a close look at people who still use the moon as their calendar.

Trams still run in numerous Japanese cities and are very popular with the public. Japan's first trams began operating in Kyoto, in 1895. At their peak, Japan's tramways reached a total length of 1500km, but increased private car ownership and the replacement of tramways with bus routes has left lines in just 17 cities covering around 200km. These tramways remain an important part of the neighborhoods they serve, evolving as the cities grow and change. The trams carry people's hopes and dreams, and act as a stage for scenes of meeting and parting.

Aso is a vast caldera - the largest in Japan. There, people live together with an active volcano. They revere and pray to the volcano, which has created such awe-inspiring scenery. Spring, flames engulf the grassy fields of Aso. From the blackened earth, new shoots of green emerge, and are grazed on by cows. The people have passed down the blessings of nature and the wisdom to live with a volcano from generation to generation without interruption. This is the story of a land of fire and water, and of the people who live there.

Izu Peninsula is located approximately 100km to the southwest of Tokyo. Dividing the peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean into the north and south, is the "Amagi Goe", a single mountain pass. It used to take people one whole day to walk over this pass. Passing over the Amagi still stirs up emotions of the traveler in the hearts of the Japanese. Examples of this can be seen in "The Izu Dancer", an early short story by Nobel Prize-winning writer Yasunari Kawabata, and a popular karaoke song titled "Amagi Goe". This pass was once a harsh place that could only be crossed on foot. Sometimes, with a sense of longing... There are people who once passed over the Amagi, and people who are about to. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we look into the emotions of those travelers, together with the beautiful scenery of the pass. Land of Fire and Water

The Kamo River runs through one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations, Kyoto, which has a population of 1.5 million people. Even now, each season, the lives of the people of Kyoto are intertwined with the river. The river's water nurtures Kyoto's unique vegetables, and restaurants serve fish caught within it. Its water is still being used for purification at a shrine with 1,500 years of history. We take a look at the many faces of the Kamo River as well as the people who love it and live with it.

Beppu is Japan's leading hot spring town, both in terms of volume of water flow and the number of different spas. Due to the rising vapors and bubbling water, the area was once referred to as "hell", but over the generations local people used their imagination and initiative to create a spa heaven. 8 of the town's spas are particularly famous, and each is steeped in its own culture. We experienced the wealth of Beppu's healing waters.

This is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a landscape of sand 16km long, built up over thousands of years by the winds of the Sea of Japan. Designated as a national natural treasure, every year 1.2 million visitors come to admire the spectacular rolling sand landscape. The changing lights and seasons lend various appearances to the sand dunes. The wind that brings beauty to the dunes blow mercilessly, wanting to cover everything with the sand. Locals have lived here trying to live off the dry land, while protecting their fields and homes from sandstorms. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we look at the story of people who have loved the sand, despite the difficulty and threat it brings.

For all sorts of occasions, Japanese people bow their heads and pray to nature. Whether it's the fulfillment of one's personal prayers, the calming of souls, someone else's happiness, or a peaceful distant future for a stranger, in each region, there are forms and subjects of prayer that have been passed down for many years. When one goes to these places, they visit 'sacred sites' of prayer where they can gain vigor for living. On our journey across the Japanese islands, from Okinawa to Hokkaido, we'll encounter all sorts of places of prayer.

The stark, beautiful, volcanic mountains of Zao are a natural wonder of the Tohoku region. They have brought great blessings to the local population and also fostered fierce endurance. The striking Okama crater, frozen trees of winter, hot springs and other natural glories draw 1.2 million people annually to their famed resorts. The cool air of late autumn is meanwhile perfect for drying persimmons. We also introduce the fabulous ski slopes leading through those frozen trees, depicting the distinctive attractions of the people and their customs and the stunning scenery.

Osaka's Ikuno district has one of Japan's largest Koreatowns - one in every five Ikuno residents is an ethnic Korean and the town is full of Korean delicacies, too. We visit an old barbeque restaurant renowned for its cooking smoke. We also have a look at extraordinary pork dishes handed down over the years, review the history which gave birth to this community, and follow a day in the life of an old woman who crossed the sea to Japan and has been making kimchi pickles for family and friends ever since. The people of this town exude a warmth which reaches across all ethnic barriers.

Tales of the Tokyo Night. Some 15 million people are said to come and go daily in the great Tokyo metropolis. Evening is a particularly brilliant time and the Japanese people have loved the unique space created by those bright lights, so different from the daytime, ever since modernization began in the city back in the 19th century. We converse with a taxi driver who watches over fond lovers, feel the bonds that grow between inebriated customers as they drink beneath naked lights, and meet a lighting designer who produces those big city effects, touching the hopes, dreams and tensions of the Tokyo night.

Cherry Blossoms... People wait eagerly for their blossoms, love the famous scenes of cherry trees in bloom, sense the transience of things as the petals flutter down and then look forward to them just as eagerly again the following spring. Why are the Japanese people so attached to these flowers which announce the coming of spring? A man is so enthusiastic that he gives up his job to follow the blossoms on their half-year, south-north path up the archipelago. A thousand-year old cherry tree, worshipped as a tutelary god, has been treasured over many generations in a humble mountain village. And so it goes on... Every Japanese person has a special, personal recollection of the blossoms. From when the first trees bloom in Okinawa until the last flower in Hokkaido, we follow the cherry blossom front as it moves north across Japan, visiting famous viewing sites in each Prefecture. We hear, too, the stories of Japanese people and their cherry blossoms along the way.

Tokyo's old downtown district, where the TOKYO SKYTREE tower was opened last year, has always been a welcoming place for strangers and novelties. It also retains an old human warmth and vitality, not to mention great food at cheap prices. Those downtown flavors, too, produce chance encounters and bond people across the generations. Join us for a trip to old Tokyo in the springtime to enjoy the treats of the season and the particular downtown friendliness.

The Randen is the Kyotoites' pet name for a little, well-loved streetcar service. The Keifuku Electric Railroad's Arashiyama and Kitano Lines are more than a 100 years old and have a combined length of only 11km. The Randen was originally built to carry Kyoto residents to the western capital's famed beauty spot of Arashiyama. Besides the scenic delights of Arashiyama and Sagano, it also passes many famous Buddhist and Shinto treasures now listed as World Heritage sites, including the Ninnaji Temple in Omuro and much-acclaimed stone garden of Ryuanji. Above all, the Randen is loved for its popular flavor. We take a trip through western Kyoto on the little Randen at the most dazzling and invigorating time of the year, from the time of cherry blossoms into the season of new leaves.

The Asakusa district has a long history. It grew up around Senso-ji Temple, and still retains much of the flavor of Tokyo back in the days when it was still known as Edo.

Japan has many sorts of flower garden. They are a place of relaxation, solace and encouragement through the changing seasons. One lone gardener spent half a century planting flowers across a broad wasteland. Another has sown a floral oasis in a gap in a concrete jungle. Garden visits are also a time to reflect on precious moments in their creators' lives and those of their families. With glorious images, the program addresses the Japanese people's feelings and sense of beauty through how they view flowers.

Konpira-san, the Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, is a place to pray for anything from good health to success in exams or love and draws 3 million visitors a year. It stands on Mt. Zozu, a peak once revered by seafarers of the Seto Inland Sea, and became a holy place for everyone during the Edo Period. It is also a place of culture and entertainment with a collection of artworks by Maruyama Okyo, Itoh Jakuchu and other famous painters and Japan's oldest extant kabuki theater, Kanamaru-za. We discover the varied history of the Kotohira Shrine, a place of both faith and desire, through its rituals and customs.

The Chugoku mountains of western Japan were the setting for various stories about the Japanese gods in Japan's ancient chronicle, the Kojiki, which was compiled 1,300 years ago. The people there also preserve the ancient kagura dances for the gods. We visit the villages to discover some examples, including a secret kagura that is presented only once every few years just for the villagers' own eyes, a mysterious kagura staged only once in 33 years in order to send the spirits of their dead to the afterlife, and a colorful new kagura which makes the young go wild. This is a glimpse into the world of the people of the Chugoku mountains, who still live close to their gods.

The mountain hinterlands of Shikoku are dotted with tiny, almost hidden communities. One such place is the Iya Oboke district of Tokushima Prefecture, where the houses cling to the mountainside on a steep slope with an altitude difference of 400m from top to bottom. The people there cultivate fields where the potatoes they dig up could almost roll down the hillside. They feed spring water to their homes and provide for most of their own needs from the blessings of the fields and mountains. Time passes quietly. We discover the people who have built their life on this steep mountainside over the years and the beauties of their four seasons.

Listed as a Natural Heritage site, Shiretoko is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. A remote land, closed by snow and ice in winter, it was embraced by pioneers who came to find new lives on land wrestled from nature. This program showcases the beauty of Shiretoko's transition through the seasons, and offers a glimpse of the lives of those who have reached a hard-won yet delicate accord with nature.

Kusatsu has the largest natural spring water flow of any spa in Japan. It is popular among tourists, attracting 2.7 million visitors annually. Waters are extremely hot and strongly acidic. For centuries, people have traveled to Kusatsu to benefit from the water's medicinal properties. The town which developed around the spa, includes numerous inns for long-term recuperation. Even today, people still follow the rules of Jikan-yu, a unique bathing method introduced in the Edo period. Our story focuses on the spa water, natural surroundings and people of Kusatsu.

Only an hour away from Tokyo, Shonan is a popular place where people like to visit and live. For over a century, Shonan has been the best seaside resort and birthplace of public beaches in Japan. From the first generation of Shonan Boys (American culture fans), the "Taiyo-Zoku" generation inspired by a 1956 novel and film, to the surfing generation, Shonan has remained a subject of admiration. Meanwhile, this episode will also show Shonan's cultural side with vacation homes and the Imperial Villa, rich blessings from the sea, and its religious facet in Enoshima.

At the center of Naha City lies Kokusai Street, a symbol of modern Okinawa Prefecture as it was one of the first areas to reemerge after the grueling battles of the war. Stretching for 1.6km, the street was in fact once called "The Miracle Mile." Originally a black market bordering the American-occupied zone, it became Okinawa's busiest shopping street, with 500 souvenir shops and restaurants. This episode focuses on the street's history and source of its prosperity: the diversity and dynamism of Okinawa.

On summer nights, the residents of Gujo Hachiman throw themselves into the o-bon dance. Dances are held on 33 nights from July to September, but for 4 nights during o-bon, everyone dances until dawn. In the evening, dancers gather in the narrow streets of the old castle town, forming a circle around festival floats carrying drummers, singers and shamisen players. The Gujo Hachiman O-bon dance is for dancers not spectators, and no one comes along just to watch. Locals and visitors, young and old, all dance through the night. We travel to Gujo Hachiman to enjoy this 400 year old tradition.

Sakurajima, an active volcano. Each year, around 900 eruptions occurs. Yet despite the risks and the ash falling each day, Sakurajima is a special place in the hearts of the 600,000 people living nearby in Kagoshima City. Sweet potatoes were brought in to use volcanic soil. Fishermen hunt shrimps 200 meters below the sea surface. Through hardship, the residents have built a special existence there. Our program covers the people who live next to Sakurajima, with its violence and its blessings.

Located in the center of Honshu, Japan's main island, the Kiso region is known for its countless towering Hinoki, or Japanese cypress trees, some of them more than 300-years-old. The Japanese cypress trades at high prices for building timber, with its condensed high-quality wood grain. Since time immemorial, the people of Kiso have enjoyed the blessings of the mountain, and have offered thanksgiving to the mountain gods. This is an untold story that follows the relationship between the Japanese and the mountains.

With awe-inspiring shrines and temples ranked as a World Heritage Site, Nikko is a sacred place. Its history dates back 1,200 years, but it was not until the creation of Tosho-gu, a shrine dedicated to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, that it began to flourish. By the early 19th century, Nikko grew popular with foreign visitors, and even Albert Einstein and Helen Keller stayed here at Japan's oldest resort hotel. This episode introduces the people who still maintain the glory of Nikko's traditions.

Tohoku is at the northern end of Honshu. Autumn is the region's richest season. Forested hillsides are a blaze of red and yellow and trees bear bountiful fruit. Salmon swim upstream to return to their spawning grounds. Fields are full of golden rice with their stalks bent over, laden with grains. Local people are thankful for the bounty of the sea and the forest as they celebrate the fruits of their year's labor. We see how the autumn unfolds in Tohoku, where, following the Great East Japan Earthquake, people are awed by and yet grateful for the power of nature.

Since it opened up its harbor in 1859, Yokohama has been the gateway to Japan. Along with beautiful scenes of Yokohama, we tell the story of Japanese people living in a city with strong foreign influences. There is a ship pilot who knows Yokohama Harbor like the back of his hand. The first to greet vessels from far-flung nations, he is sometimes called "a diplomat without a title". And this story of Yokohama even includes things such as the storied, grand cruise vessel "Hikawamaru", sailing international lines and symbolizing the Showa Era, eventually pressed into service during World War II.

In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we go on a journey of fireworks all over Japan, contemplating their beauty and the story behind their creation. A collection of the latest fireworks that take place in Omagari, Akita Prefecture. Young fireworks artists selected from all over Japan come to outdo each other with elaborate ingenuity. The grandson of the pyrotechnician who made the famous firework "Magic Botan" in Shizuoka Prefecture takes on the challenge to further enhance the technique inherited from his grandfather.

The Yoshino and Kumano regions lie in the 200km-long ranges of the Kii Mountains in the southern Kii Peninsula. Here, raw nature - deep forests, gigantic trees, awe-inspiring waterfalls and rocks - forms a truly extraordinary landscape. Crisscrossing them are the ancient Kumano pilgrimage routes, and Shugendo, an ascetic faith that follows rigorous mountain training, was born here. This episode depicts this primordial land and the mystic culture that continues to enchant people.

Nara, with a history of 1,200 years, is Japan's first capital city. The city is home to many temples, even older than the city itself, where people pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation. In addition to shrines protecting the whole country, there are also smaller deities that guard individual villages. In Nara, the ancient capital, Shinto and Buddhism are interwoven into daily life, and someone, somewhere is always putting their hands together in a quiet prayer. We see how various aspects of religion are infused into the fabric of the city.

Close to the Asian continent, Karatsu has long been early to adopt mainland culture. Its bright, open atmosphere is still going strong, supported by the many blessings of the Genkai Sea. At the "Karatsu Kunchi" festival, 14 yama parade floats walk majestically through the town. On this program, we introduce viewers to the people and ocean of Karatsu.

In Japan, there are 6 breeds of dogs that are protected species. These are the Hokkaido Dog, the Akita Dog, the Kai Dog, the Kishu Dog, the Shikoku Dog and the Shiba Dog. Bones of dogs unearthed from 3,000-year-old ruins have been found with proof of a proper burial. It seems even back then, dogs were already part of the lives of humans, like today. Many belief systems towards dog unique to the locality remain in various parts of Japan. In this episode, we visit the origins and locales associated with these dogs, and look at the bond between the Japanese and dogs.

Kariyasu, kuchinashi, and moegi -all are Japanese words for colors. The Japanese language has a lot of words for expressing subtle tints. Many have their origin in Kyoto and are still very much alive in the speech of the former capital. Historians suggest the Japanese did not make such rigid color distinctions in ancient times but the change began when imports arrived from China and Korea, and the Japanese sensitivity to color then blossomed as a variety of new tints were produced here as well. We meet the people of Kyoto, with their never ending commitment to new hues, on this journey into the world of Japanese aesthetics

Kakunodate is the "Little Kyoto" of Tohoku, a castle town and popular tourist destination where the streets are lined with traditional-style buildings dating from the Edo Period (17th to mid-19th century). We meet people who adhere to the old ways of life, such as descendents of an old samurai family who still dwell in the Ishiguro Manor, a centuries old samurai house now open to public, and a lady descended from the Satake Kita clan that once ruled Kakunodate. The town is liveliest during the autumn festival when great floats are made to clash against each other in the parade. The bearers need power, courage and skill to triumph. We recorded the lives and traditions of samurai, merchant, farmer and lordly families on a 6 month sojourn in a place where distinctive old customs are still very much alive.

The folklorist, Kunio Yanagita, wrote his "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono) about a century ago. The book related how mysterious beings such as the kappa river goblins, the zashikiwarashi child spirits, mountain gods and ghosts had their willful way, reporting the events as eye-witness accounts and present-day happenings. It led its readers - mostly dwellers of the plains facing the first waves of modernization - to the psychological heart of the humble Japanese people, hemmed in as they were by mountains and rivers. Today, though, 100 years later, what has become of those old beliefs in the amazing creatures and gods described in the book? We follow the lives of people in Tono for a year, from their faith in the tutelary Oshirasama gods made from staves of mulberry wood to the rites of the Bon Festival of the Dead, rediscovering the old Japanese ways of thinking and reverence for the things that surpass human powers.

Towers that reach to the skies. Towering tourist attractions around the country have precursors in the stupas of Buddhism. Since the late nineteenth century, they have been built as windows on the new age and symbols of local pride. The Japanese still love towers that pierce the heavens. We report on the people and local stories of Japan's towers, including the Tokyo Sky Tree that opens on May 22nd, 2012, discovering insights to the Japanese people's religious belief, love of their birthplace and also construction skills.

The beautiful islands of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture are known as one of the three great scenic spots of Japan. The view of the more than 260 islands dotting the placid waters was left amazingly unspoiled even by the Great East Japan Earthquake last year.

Suwa was a center of culture in Japan in the Jomon period before rice cultivation arrived. It is said that in those ancient times, too, people transported many great tree trunks for erection at their sacred places in much the same way as we see at the Suwa shrines today. The environment was harsh and life and death so close for the people of Jomon times. Their spirit lives on in Suwa today. We introduce people who preserve a faith at the roots of Japanese prayer.

With its glass-like translucency, the River Niyodo on Shikoku is renowned for possessing the clearest water in Japan. 124km long, it has its source in the highest mountains of Western Japan and, swelled by many tributaries, flows out eventually into the Pacific Ocean. The river supports rich plant- and wildlife and has also nurtured a distinctive river-based culture for the people who live among the sounds of the flowing water. On the upper reaches, there are cherry blossoms in spring and then the fishermen arrive when the sweetfish season opens in early summer. The children love to leap into the water from the highest possible boulders. Nearer the mouth, there is a town that flourished making tengujoshi, the very thinnest Japanese paper (washi) of all. We meet a young craftsman who has inherited the techniques from his forebears and still proudly makes paper beside the Niyodo today. Crystal-clear waters and riverine scenery... we depict the people and places of this great river.

Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest peak at 3776m. Its magnificence and beauty have impressed the Japanese over the millennia. Climbers flock there each night once it has been formally opened for climbing in July each year and walk up to witness the dawn at the summit. Mt. Fuji is more than a symbol of beauty to the Japanese - it represents the greatness of nature and is also an object of mystical faith. In stunning pictures, we introduce the various faces of Mt. Fuji through the four seasons, the sacred, ethereal scenery and the words of people whose lives have revolved around the mountain over the years. Discover the allure of the mountain that has gripped the minds of Japanese people for thousands of years.

The Awa Odori dance is the highlight of the 4-day Obon Festival of the Dead in Tokushima, Shikoku, in August each year. About 100,000 people join in the dancing and 1.3 million come to watch this most popular of all Bon dances in Japan. The dance's original purpose, of course, is to honor the souls of the dead, but it has also developed as a thrilling affirmation of the joys of life, and both the costumes and music are highly distinctive. We remember back to the people who started dancing again in the post-war ruins in the cotton kimonos of summer that had somehow survived the flames, meet a woman who has elevated the dance into the realm of art, and also youngsters dancing for the first time this year. The video images capture the full festive passion.

Kamakura, like the two old capital cities of Nara and Kyoto, also served at one stage as the nation's political center. Minamoto no Yoritomo chose Kamakura as the seat of Japan's first shogunate or military government in the 12th Century. It very much retains the flavor and ideological legacy of the warrior class. We go on a tour of the place that laid the spiritual foundations and led to the flowering of Japanese culture, showing why it continues to attract so many visitors. The itinerary includes the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a spiritual pillar for the warrior class; the Great Buddha, which is Kamakura's most famous landmark; and Kenchoji Temple, an important center of Zen Buddhism.

Miyajima, an island 30 km around in the Seto Inland Sea, is known as one of the 3 most beautiful spots in Japan. It has been thronging with more than 3.4 million tourists a year ever since the Itsukushima Shrine was registered as a World Heritage Site. Worshiped as a sacred isle since ancient times, this is a place of rich nature, food culture and other diverse customs and traditions.

Our theme this time is traditional crafts. The Japanese have a long history of making good handicraft use of natural materials. From pottery and woodwork to textiles and metalwork, the Japanese have employed fire, water and sometimes also the wind to create everyday utensils that are beautiful and easy to use. Muneyoshi Yanagi, the father of the Japanese folkcraft movement, called Japan "a land of the hand" and described handicrafts as one of the forces which "provide enormous power for the preservation of Japan". The program follows the handicraft theme in paper, knives, lacquer, ship's chests, abaca cloth and other fields to depict the power of Japan's traditional crafts as well as the climate that nurtured them.

The Japanese fascination with dolls extends through Neolithic clay figures to Girls' Day festival dolls, puppets and now cartoon character figurines as well. The dolls embody diverse local traditions and beliefs, serving as prayers for good health and rich harvests, or for the repose of the dead, as expressions of awe and respect for the deities, and as toys or ideal figures. The Girls' Day festival dolls represent the Emperor's court gathered for a wedding in Kyoto. This nationwide custom is a prayer for the healthy growth of girl children. In puppet theater, Bunraku and Ningyou-joruri flourished in Osaka during the Edo Period, which lasted from the 17th to the mid-19th century. The puppets express all the subtlety and feelings of real human beings and it takes years of practice to master the puppetry techniques. What do dolls mean to the Japanese people? We look back over this fond, beautiful and extraordinary history.

Rice is special to the Japanese. Since rice cultivation arrived here millennia ago, it has molded Japanese society, the landscape and religious beliefs. That history is reflected in archaeological sites and other remains across the country and in everyday lifestyles today. This is a journey to aspects of the Japanese mind that have been nurtured by rice farming. We also meet people who still dedicate their efforts to this beloved crop today.

The blowfish is an expensive delicacy in Japan that has been eaten here for thousands of years, judging from the presence of blowfish bones in prehistoric remains. The flesh is firm with almost no fat and mostly ignored in other countries. The fish is also highly toxic and even a slight error in preparation can kill. The Japanese, though, have come to love the quintessential flavor of its white meat and also the aesthetic of dining so close to death. Fugusashi - blowfish slices served raw - is a representative way to serve the fish. The chef slices the firm flesh extremely thin to obtain the perfect texture. The chefs of Shimoneseki City have developed special techniques for this through friendly rivalry with each other. Another is the fugunabe hotpot. The collagen which makes the flesh so firm becomes tender with boiling in this highly savory repast. We examine the development of Japan's food culture through the lens of the quest for the most delicious preparation of this white fish.

Kyoto is a treasure house of Buddhist statuary. The many statues there include 37 designated national treasures and 416 important cultural properties, second only in number to those of Nara. Jizo, the bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, is especially closely entwined with the people's lives in Kyoto and small roadside shrines housing Jizo statues can be seen all over the city. Local residents sweep in front of the shrines each morning and it is only normal here for people to pause and hold their hands together in prayer as they pass by on their way to school or work. The city has grown with the images and those images provide the people with precious moments of tranquility. This is the story of how much the statues to which they pray mean in the daily lives of Kyoto people.

Areas of Japan experience the heaviest snowfall in the world. The people there have come up with various ways to spend those cold, silent, fearful winter nights when human companionship becomes so important, not to mention dishes born in the freezing weather that now rank among the representative Japanese flavors. What did they think, feel and create on those long, snow-bound nights? Join us for a wide-ranging look at the snowy nights of Japan.