DE
2000 × 3000
Series SeasonSeason 1 episodes2018
Japan from Above
Season 1
No season overview available.
Episodes
Each episode has its own detail page.
Episode 143 min2018-09-03
The Great Wild North
From the limpid waters of Lake Mashu to the steaming hot springs of "Hell Valley" in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido presents some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Japan. On our journey, we meet a photographer, cheesemakers, a hot spring "doctor" and a horse lover, as well as a group of women upholding fascinating folk traditions. Each life unfolds in harmony with the seasons.
Episode 243 min2018-09-04
Gifts from the Mountains
We begin our journey in Aomori Prefecture in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan's largest main island. From there, we fly over the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture and visit the east coast of Tohoku, an area still battling to recover following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. We meet people who harness the power of nature to grow crops, breed fish and make unique cuisine, and then finally go behind the scenes at a fish market and a public bath in Tokyo.
Episode 343 min2018-09-05
Cradle of Traditions
We explore central and western parts of Japan, starting in the Kansai region. Kansai, which includes the ancient cities of Nara and Kyoto, is the cradle of Japanese culture and religion. As well as enjoying stunning scenes from the air in the heartland of Japan, we meet a sword maker, a plant hunter, a traditional entertainer and a pair of paper makers. Whatever their chosen path in life, they seek to uphold knowledge and wisdom passed down through the years.
Episode 443 min2018-09-06
Land of Prayers
We begin our journey in Hiroshima Prefecture and explore sacred locations in Chugoku and Shikoku regions in western Japan. In Shikoku, we join a couple on a famous pilgrimage. We fly to Izumo to visit an ancient Shinto shrine, and then on to Tottori Prefecture with its other-worldly sand dunes. The people we meet tackle diverse and demanding challenges: a woman who shares a message of peace in Hiroshima; a man who grows olives on an island; and a teacher of kagura, an ancient form of dance and drama.
Episode 543 min2018-09-07
Treasure Islands
We explore Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture in southwest Japan. Kyushu is a hotbed of volcanic activity, from the onsen resort of Beppu to the towering majesty of Mt. Aso. While the forces of nature may wreak havoc, they also bring benefits and stimulate the imagination. In Okinawa, we visit graves that nurture happy families. We also touch on Okinawa's tragic wartime history before moving on to a scenic island that one man finds perfect for free diving.