Japan from Above

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we explore Hokkaido, located in the northern part of Japan. 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.

In this episode, 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.

In this episode, 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.