Series synopsis
Great Japanese Railway Journeys is a British documentary television series that premiered on BBC Two on April 13, 2026. It stars Michael Portillo.
Michael Portillo is in Japan for a breathtaking railway journey through the country that launched the magnificent Shinkansen bullet train.
Premise
Michael Portillo is in Japan for a breathtaking railway journey through the country that launched the magnificent Shinkansen bullet train.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Michael Portillo as Self - Presenter
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 15 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 15 | April 13, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Osaka to Nagoya Beginning his journey in Osaka, Michael explores the artistic phenomenon of manga, takes a trip on the Shinkansen and, in Nagoya, visits the factory making the smart loo. |
April 13, 2026 |
| 2 |
Kyoto Michael travels to the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto, the city that for a thousand years was the capital. He visits a Shinto shrine, learns about a classic of Japanese literature and meets a geisha. |
April 14, 2026 |
| 3 |
Shima Peninsula to Nara Michael takes a luxury, panoramic Shimikaze train to the beautiful Shima peninsula. He visits Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, and encounters one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. |
April 15, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Two |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 13, 2026 |
| Last aired | May 1, 2026 |
| Runtime | 29 minutes |
| Status | continue |