The Michinoku Coastal Trail & A Big Balloon Festival

Our reporter travels along the Pacific coast in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. He wakes up before the birds to check out an enormous morning market and eat his way through the food stalls. He then ventures to an island overrun with black tailed gulls, then into nature to play at the singing beach and hike along the coastline with spectacular views. Also, our correspondent in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, invites us to witness over 100 hot air balloons take flight at once in one of Asia's largest balloon festivals. With over 30 years' experience emceeing the event, he gives us insider tips on how best to enjoy it.