Uwajima is a traditional castle town in Ehime Prefecture. The people there have a long tradition of bullfighting. Huge bulls weighing about a ton battle each other for supremacy in the ring. Close bonds develop between the people and their bulls. Kyle Card meets the local people and discovers their passion for bullfighting.

Takachiho lies deep in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, in Kyushu. It is believed to be the setting for Japan's creation myth. In winter, villagers perform sacred dances, known Yokagura, which have been passed down among the local community for more than 1,000 years. Both the performers and the audience immerse themselves in the world of myth and reaffirm the bonds that connect them.

This neighborhood lying alongside the Uchikawa River in Imizu CIty, Toyama Prefecture, has been a thriving fishing port for over 1,000 years. Because of its proximity to the water and its unified townscape, it has been nicknamed the "Venice of Japan." Through the centuries, people in this district have lived alongside the river, protecting and handing down their traditional lifestyle from to the next generation.

Manazuru has thrived on quarrying and fishing since olden times. On Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card discovers this small coastal town near Tokyo and its simple attractions, which remain intact not by chance, but by design. The vibrant, civic-minded residents are behind Manazuru's nostalgic landscape.

Kyle Card catches Kochi's summertime festival fever by observing, and even joining in, the dynamic Yosakoi where hundreds of colorfully attired people dance throughout the city. He meets people who have long been involved in this freestyle festival, which got its start in the lean postwar years as a way to revitalize the community. And as the city gears up for the major event, which attracts people from all around Japan, Kyle comes across teams passionately rehearsing in the streets. Then, finally, the streets explode in color, music, and dance. Don't miss the singular Yosakoi Festival.

Karatsu Kunchi is a three-day festival held in November each year in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The highlight is the gigantic floats known as hikiyama that are hauled through the streets of the old town. This tradition has a history dating back more than 300 years. In 2016, the festival was included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card visits Karatsu to discover the spirit of Kunchi. He observes the 14 floats, which each belong to a different neighborhood. And he meets some of the men who make this event happen.

Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture is famous for its harsh winters and heavy snowfalls. Since the Edo Period (1603-1868), people here have built covered arcades known as gangi along their streets. One place that's famous for these gangi is Takada. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card explores the Takada area and meets the people living there, to find out how they feel about their distinctive traditional townscape.

Iriomote is 2,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in an ocean of corals. The subtropical island enjoys year-round temperature of over twenty degrees Celsius. With ninety percent of the land blanketed in rain forest, it's a popular destination for outdoor pursuits. On Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card visits Iriomote to take in not only the natural splendors but also to witness a unique, 500-year-old festival called Shichi. He discovers a way of life, on this remote island, where locals live close to the land and benefit from its blessings.

Nichinan city, situated in Miyazaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan, once prospered from fisheries and forestry. Aburatsu, which is a major district along the sea, flourished as a port town. But the area declined when the fishing industry collapsed. The Aburatsu shopping arcade also suffered through competition from a large shopping complex and depopulation in the 1980s. Many of the arcade's shops closed their shutters. But in 2014, a team was formed to revitalize the retail area and many vibrant spaces opened up. On Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card from Canada meets locals who have been creating appealing new businesses as well as community spirit.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail, which was launched by the Environment Ministry, is a long trail along the Pacific coast that crosses 4 prefectures from Aomori Prefecture, in the north, to Fukushima Prefecture, in the south. Canadian actor, Kyle Card walks a stretch connecting 3 villages in Iwate Prefecture to get a feel of Tohoku's landscape and see how the local people are stepping forward and recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Iwamizawa is located about 40 minutes by train from Sapporo in Hokkaido Prefecture. It flourished as a transportation hub for coal, but spiraled into decline following the closure of the mines in the 60's and 70's. However, blessed with vast farmland, Iwamizawa was able to transform itself into a leading agricultural district in Japan. These days, people from across the country are migrating to the area where the miners once lived, sparking a new movement. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card from Canada meets people bringing a new vitality to Iwamizawa.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail runs along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan, covering a distance of about 1,000 kilometers through 4 prefectures, from Aomori down to Fukushima. It was launched by Ministry of the Environment following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Canadian actor Kyle Card hikes from Ofunato to Rikuzen-takata in southern Iwate Prefecture. He enjoys the bracing landscape, meets the local people, and sees how communities along the way are rebounding from the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches more than 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast, crossing 4 prefectures from Aomori in the north, to Fukushima in the south. Canadian actor, Kyle Card hikes a length of untamed nature in Miyagi Prefecture, starting from the northern border with Iwate Prefecture to Kesennuma and Onagawa. He savors the rugged landscape and sees how locals are moving forward and recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Around the turn of the 20th century, mining towns sprang up around Japan to meet the nation's growing demand for mineral resources. Communities flourished and grew rapidly, developing a culture of their own. But as the seams became depleted and prices fluctuated, their decline came even faster. Now, a century later, those towns are looking for ways to build a new future. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, we look back at 3 visits to mining towns, charting their changes and finding out what makes them special today.

Since the old days, many festivals have been held across Japan to mark the changing seasons and reflect the agricultural cycle. Most autumn festivals are an expression of gratitude for the harvest, and celebrate the return to the mountains of the god of the fields. Winter festivals take place in the off season. And spring festivals are held before the start of farming work, to pray for their crops. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, we revisit 3 festivals held from fall to early spring — festivals that usher in the beginning of spring.

In January 2023, the New York Times newspaper introduced Morioka as one of its "52 Places to Go" - second only to London. The capital of Iwate Prefecture was highly praised for its historic architecture; its compactness, making it easy for people to get around on foot; and the abundance of nature, from the nearby mountains to the river that runs through the city center. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Canadian actor Kyle Card visits this city which is little known abroad and often overlooked at home. He explores its independent stores and numerous coffee shops, and chats with the people who call it home.

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Kyle Card, a Canadian actor who previously completed the Tohoku Trail, now journeys around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking transition from autumn to winter.

In 2021, a long trail course was established that encircles Mt. Fuji. By following this trail, one can explore not only the natural beauty but also the profound allure of Mt. Fuji, which has been a source of local history, culture, ancient beliefs and artistic inspiration for centuries. Canadian actor Kyle Card continues his journey around Mt. Fuji during the breathtaking late autumn season, following the first part.

People in Japan love bathing in hot springs, or onsen. And since the old days, it has been common for people to check into residential hot-spring inns for extended stays to boost their health, heal their aches and regain their well-being. This style of onsen therapeutics is known as Tōji. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card travels to Taketa City in Oita Prefecture to discover a contemporary style of Tōji therapy where visitors can recover their energy while enjoying the majestic natural environment along with some of the world's finest carbonated hot springs.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train connects Tokyo with Toyama, Ishikawa and (since March 2024) Fukui Prefecture. This region along the Sea of Japan has its own distinctive history and culture. Until the late 19th century, Hokuriku was the hub for a vital trading route plied by sailing ships known as kitamaebune. Besides carrying cargo from Hokkaido all the way to Osaka, these vessels also stopped at ports along the way, introducing a range of foods and culture from afar. In the first of two episodes on the Hokuriku region, Kyle Card visits Takaoka (Toyama Prefecture) and Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture), to explore the traditional food culture that blossomed in the region thanks to the kitamaebune traders.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train connects Tokyo with Toyama, Ishikawa and (since March 2024) Fukui Prefecture. This region along the Sea of Japan has its own distinctive history and culture. Until the late 19th century, Hokuriku was the hub for a vital trading route plied by sailing ships known as kitamaebune. While carrying cargo from Hokkaido all the way to Osaka, these vessels also called at ports along the way in Hokuriku. In the second of two episodes, Kyle Card visits Kaga City (Ishikawa), where he discovers the wealth amassed by the owners of the trading ships. And he explores the development of Tsuruga Port (Fukui) from the days of kitamaebune to a modern international shipping hub.

We visit Furukawa, an old district of Hida City in Gifu Prefecture, which is surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Furukawa flourished as a castle town 400 years ago, and traces of that time remain. Step out of its streets and an undeveloped woodland, called satoyama, spreads out. An old way of life and unique food culture have been passed down to today. Canadian Kyle Card discovers the gems of this area.