Japan from Above

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.

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.

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.