S2019 E1 • Miyako Islands - Riding the Ocean Breeze

Take in the tropical breeze and blue ocean while cycling around Miyako, a group of 8 islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Our cyclist explores the biggest one and samples local specialties including Shima-dofu, a kind of tofu made with seawater. San-shin, a traditional instrument made from the ebony tree is a key tool for playing folk songs loved by locals. This adventure features island-hopping by crossing numerous bridges and walking through a mangrove forest in low tide. Join us on this beautiful journey!

Première diffusion : 12 janvier 2019

S2019 E2 • Kagoshima: Legacy of Determination

Kagoshima Prefecture, known as the land of brave samurai, was called Satsuma in ancient days. Our cyclist takes in scenic views on his ride along the sea and an active volcano. He discovers jars filled with a local specialty, fermented black vinegar, which make a tart and powerful beverage. In the mountains, he meets a craftswoman who revives old, beautiful buttons. He then finds a secret martial art inherited from samurai. Discover the spirit of this historic land on our 290km ride through Satsuma.

Première diffusion : 9 mars 2019

S2019 E3 • Fuji and the Highlands - A Winter Ride

Take in the crisp air as we make our way around Mt. Fuji and surrounding lakes for a perfect winter bike ride. Our cyclist Michael picks the best trails on this challenging journey, which includes crossing a steep mountain to get scenic views of Japan's tallest peak. He also takes a fat bike tour through snowy mountains. Finally, he is rewarded with local lessons on the importance of preserving old ways and the environment. Join us on this 230-kilometer winter ride.

Première diffusion : 30 mars 2019

S2019 E4 • Gifu - The Joys of Mountain Life

This three-day, 360km trip takes us from lowland Gifu Prefecture and its blossoming cherry trees north into the snow-covered central mountains. We'll visit a traditional swordsmith to watch him forge katana blades from living flame, a hillside town built on water, and forests with wood of such quality it inspired some of Japan's finest artisans. A final adventure involves our cyclist in a 200-year old tradition of amateur village kabuki, one of the many ways people have found to enjoy life in the remote mountains.

Première diffusion : 11 mai 2019

S2019 E2 • Shizuoka - A Ride through History

In this episode, we feature Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its lush nature and Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, a major attraction for tourists from Japan and abroad. Our traveler takes the old Tokaido road which connects Edo and Kyoto, a route used for over 400 years since the Edo era. Today, locals welcome him with hospitality and local favorites. He enjoys a hot stew called "oden" and delicious green tea, and discovers traditional dyed handicrafts. Join us on this 3-day journey in Shizuoka!

Première diffusion : 31 janvier 2019

S2019 E5 • Yamagata - Call of The Wild

A 360km ride through the high mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, with a cyclist on his first long road trip. An interest in Eastern philosophy has drawn our traveler to the Three Mountains of Dewa, legendary abode of the gods. From a landscape of flowering cherry trees, we ride into the snow-capped mountains to meet a veteran artisan of Japanese chess pieces. On Mt. Haguro, we're guided up the sacred peak by a Yamabushi mountain ascetic. Finally, we help a free-spirited falconer train his raptor in the snowy wilderness.

Première diffusion : 14 juin 2019

S2019 E4 • A Journey through Boso Peninsula

In this episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling as soon as you arrived in Japan. Our destination of this episode is Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Chiba is located directly east of Tokyo. A large part of the prefecture is made up of the Boso Peninsula which shields Tokyo Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Actually, Narita International Airport is located northern part of this peninsula, so we will start our trip from this airport. Chiba is known as the bed-town-area for Tokyo, but once you get past the cities and watch the sharp descent into rural countryside of sprawling rice fields, rolling hills, and striking coastlines, you will realize why Boso Peninsula has been variously called "Tokyo's Breadbasket" for a long time. Then, we will ride along the Pacific coast line where is dotted with many traditional fishing villages, and young surfers from Tokyo are attracted by the waves. We'll meet the people who live on this land, fishing its seas and farming its hills.

Première diffusion : 13 avril 2019

S2019 E6 • Oita - Land of Plenty

Oita Prefecture was known since ancient times as the "Land of Plenty." But why? English cyclist James Hobbs looks for answers on a 3-day, 350-km ride through this southern region. His interest captured by a mysterious sight in a mountain forest, he learns the skill and effort required to cultivate quality mushrooms. Down by the coast, by a fertile sea filled with islands, he experiences Oita ingenuity first hand. And on one of the tiny islands, he meets a young couple who are its hope for the future.

Première diffusion : 12 juillet 2019

S2019 E7 • Mie - A Summer Dream

The area around "Jingu", the Grand Shrine of Ise was lively even during the Edo period, bustling with activity and entertainment while the shrine itself served as a sacred place for worshippers. This created a distinct culture. The complex terrain led to unique customs which are still cherished today. A traditional shellfish female diver "Ama" who enters the water without any breathing gear is born from necessity. Discover the local culture and other traditions on our 300km journey.

Première diffusion : 10 août 2019

S2019 E7 • Oki Islands - A Legacy of Pride

In a 150-km summer cycle ride, Michael Rice explores the remote Oki Islands, deeply forested and surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Japan. Riding in his triathlon gear, he's ready for a dip whenever Nishinoshima's beaches offer the chance. On Nakanoshima, he meets the 48th descendant of a proud family that looked after an exiled former emperor 8 centuries ago, and still cares for his tomb. And on Dogo, the largest island, he tries his hand at traditional Oki sumo wrestling.

Première diffusion : 14 septembre 2019

S2019 E8 • Kochi - Beneath Blue Skies

Blue skies, tranquil sea and warm people, these are what our rider experiences as he travels through Kochi Prefecture on the Pacific coast. First, he heads for a scenic coastline that is popular among cyclists. There, he enjoys a lightly roasted bonito, a local specialty. In the mountains, he meets friendly people playing field games in mud! And a washi paper art craftsman demonstrates the beauty of mountain living. After riding along the Shimanto River, he gets a feel for an old pilgrimage known as Shikoku Henro. Join us on our 370km journey.

Première diffusion : 17 août 2019