Journeys in Japan

This week on "journeys in japan" we visit Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture. It's an ancient Buddhist sanctuary, far removed from the secular world. More than 1000 priests, engaged in daily ascetic practices, reside in the mountain hamlet. There are 117 temples in Koyasan, but the whole complex is regarded as one big temple for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Koyasan was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2004. It draws more than 1 million tourists every year. Our reporter JJ has been in Japan for 10 years, but this will be his first time to stay at a temple. JJ, like others, is on a spiritual journey to experience the Koyasan way of life, and perhaps even encounter a few things to incorporate in life at home. (Excerpt)

All Episodes - Season 1

Episode 1

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka

Episode 2

Toyama City, Toyama

Episode 3

Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled

Episode 4

Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art

Episode 5

Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit

Episode 6

Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology

Episode 7

Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji

Episode 8

Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes

Episode 9

Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature

Episode 10

Toyokawa, Aichi

Episode 11

Himeji, Hyogo

Episode 12

Naruto, Tokushima

Episode 13

Miyazu City, Kyoto - Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure

Episode 14

Yonezawa City, Yamagata: The City with a Warrior's Legacy

Episode 15

Geo-Touring in Kyushu

Episode 16

Mino City, Gifu

Episode 17

Minabe, Wakayama: Town of Forests and Orchards

Episode 18

Sendai & Matsushima, Miyagi: In the Footsteps of a Renowned Warlord

Episode 19

Nara, Nara: Nara Heijokyo, Celebrating 1300 Years of Culture

Episode 20

Spring & Summer 2010 Highlights

Episode 21

Sekita Mountain Range, Nagano/Niigata: Into the Wild Long Trail in Satoyama

Episode 22

Uchiko, Ehime: A Town Built Upon the Thoughts of Its People

Episode 23

Ashikaga City, Tochigi

Episode 24

Karatsu, Saga: Karatsu with an Homage to Jacques Mayo

Episode 25

Izu-Oshima, Tokyo: Island of Marathon Dreams

Episode 26

Hita City, Oita

Episode 27

Aizu, Fukushima: A Taste of Tradition and Scenic Charm

Episode 28

Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima/Ehime: A Cycling Tour: Refreshing Breezes at the Seto Inland Sea

Episode 29

A Passion for Industrial Structures: Exploring People's Passion for Industrial Structure Tours: This Time in Kanagawa, Gunma, Nagasaki Prefectures

Episode 30

Kure, Hiroshima: Gourmet Life in A Port City

Episode 31

Hachimantai, Akita: Akita's Hidden Hot Springs: Traditional Onsen Therapy

Episode 32

Iya Valley, Tokushima: Exploring the Remote Iya Valley

Episode 33

Yakushima, Kagoshima: Enchanting Yakushima

Episode 34

Kanazawa City, Ishikawa: City of Gold Leaf

Episode 35

Koyasan, Wakayama: A Temple Stay to Recharge