This time, we visit the Kuramae area, located along the Sumida River. Pictures by the riverside reveal the history of the area. We discover why there are so many toy businesses in Kuramae. Old river cruise boats tell the tale of how this was a geisha area. Finally, we investigate the remains of Tokyo's old canal system. We learn how Kuramae became a town of artisans, and a home for a vibrant Indian community. We delve into the secrets of Kuramae: the old storage district.
This time, we visit Yanaka, an area representative of old town Tokyo. The highland of the area is filled with around 70 temples, while the lowlands are home to an old community connected by countless winding passages. We uncover the history of the town by exploring 3 topics: Temples, the River and Love. The past is alive in Yanaka with its old temples, the businesses that support them and many classic residences that are finding new uses. Join us as we dive into this historic area.
This time, we investigate Kandagawa, or the Kanda River. James Farrer (Professor, Sophia University) tracks the river across the city to find out how it became the way it is now. Along the way, he encounters old dye workshops, a giant underground reservoir, and a shogun's construction project from 400 years ago. The river has been involved in everything from providing drinking water, to flood protection, to providing security for a castle. Join us as we unravel the secret story of Kandagawa.
This time, we dive into Toyosu, an exciting part of Tokyo's bay area. We go to the famous fish market that moved here from Tsukiji. A drawing from 90 years ago shows former plans to turn the area into a futuristic city. Mysterious objects reveal Toyosu's industrial past, which supported Japan's economic development. We learn about initiatives like urban beekeeping and community gardens supporting the rapidly growing population. Join us as we discover what the future of Tokyo might look like.
This time we explore the Omori area, located in the south of the city along Tokyo Bay. As a former aquaculture hub specializing in nori (edible seaweed), it retains a deep connection to the ocean. James Farrer (Professor, Sophia University) visits one of many local nori wholesalers, then encounters a group cultivating the crop using traditional methods. Later, he climbs to higher ground and learns about Omori's history as a tourist destination. Join us as we dive into this bayside neighborhood.
This time we visit Oji in the north of Tokyo to take in the cherry blossoms at Asukayama Park, a famous flower-viewing spot. We learn how the shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune had over 1,200 cherry trees planted there to create a place of leisure for the townspeople. We also learn about a paper mill founded by famed industrialist Shibusawa Eiichi, and a fox-themed event to welcome the New Year that's become popular among international visitors. Join us as we dive into this magical neighborhood.
This time we visit Shimbashi, a modern business district in the heart of Tokyo. We shine a light on its history as the terminal of Japan's first railway, take a stroll beneath sections of elevated track, and learn about Azuma-odori, an annual performance showcase for the neighborhood's traditional geisha entertainers. As day turns to night, we explore the local bar scene and discover why Shimbashi is considered an oasis for Japanese office workers.
Takanawa in central Tokyo is predominantly known as a residential area, but it made headlines in 2020 with the opening of Takanawa Gateway Station along the Yamanote loop line. Join us as we learn about its history as a gateway to the city during the Edo period and how it came to house foreign diplomatic missions in the second half of the 19th century. We also visit a storied hotel serving an international clientele. Along the way we discover traces of the past and a grand vision for the future.
This time we visit Chofu, a suburban area rich in nature located about 15 minutes west of Shinjuku. Known as a movie town, it's home to film studios and many other related businesses. As we explore, we learn from industry veterans about the Golden Age of Japanese cinema. We also discover how Chofu's geography and abundant natural water supply shaped the city's history. Later, we visit a major temple and get a taste of a local specialty: soba (buckwheat) noodles.
Today the Kanda area in central Tokyo is a business district, but it has roots in the early days of the Edo period as a town of craftspeople and artisans. With a Kanda native as our guide, we explore its neighborhoods and search for traces of the past. Along the way we try traditional food and drink and meet locals who carry on the spirit of old Tokyo. We also pay our respects at Kanda Myojin Shrine and speak to a group that is busy preparing for the upcoming Kanda Festival.
This time we explore Ikebukuro, a bustling commercial area. Today it's known as a destination for fans of manga, anime and cosplay, but its artistic roots stretch back to the first half of the 20th century. We visit an anime superstore, hop over to an apartment building that housed manga legends in postwar Japan, and then learn about how artists in the 1930s and 40s established a community that was nicknamed Ikebukuro Montparnasse. Along the way we discover the area's creative energy and charm.
Asakusa is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It's home to many historic temples and shrines which people gather in and around for a variety of events held throughout the year. A summer prayer service that harnesses the power of heat. A street fair where plant vendors showcase their pride and joy. A special ceremony to mark the opening of a miniature Mt. Fuji. These are just some of the traditions local residents have kept alive for generations. Join us as we dive into Asakusa!
This time we visit Fukagawa, a district on the eastern bank of the Sumida River. Originally a wetland area by the sea, the land was gradually reclaimed in the Edo period, with a network of canals dug to support shipping traffic. It flourished for many years as a distribution center for various goods, especially timber. We visit a shrine at the heart of the community, meet a group of people carrying on a local tradition of logrolling, and savor a bowl of miso-simmered clams poured over rice.
Since opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become one of the city's most popular tourist spots. But what's less known is that the area was also a leisure destination centuries ago in the Edo period, thanks to its many temples and shrines. Then, as Japan modernized, it became an industrial center and logistics hub that helped build the foundations of modern-day Tokyo, including Tokyo Skytree itself. Join us as we learn how the city's waterways set the stage for this iconic broadcasting tower.
This time we visit Denenchofu, an upscale residential area in suburban Tokyo. Join us as we take a stroll around this verdant neighborhood and learn about how it came to be. Along the way we meet a long-time resident and a shop owner who share their thoughts on the town's unique charm. Later on, we head down to nearby Tama River, where a cluster of ancient burial mounds give us insight into the area's past.
The Kabutocho district in central Tokyo has a long history as a financial hub. In the late 19th century, it became home to Japan's first bank and stock exchange, paving the way for an influx of securities firms and traders. At its peak in the 1980s, over 100 financial companies lined the streets, and it developed a reputation as the Wall Street of Japan. Recently it's been reinventing itself as a trendy neighborhood with new restaurants, bars and a boutique hotel. Join us as we dive into Kabutocho.
This time we visit Azabu, an area to the west of Tokyo Tower that is famous for being home to many embassies. Its international character has roots in the mid-1800s, when the first US legation in Japan was opened at a 1,200-year-old local temple. We visit the Embassy of Finland and explore a nearby shopping district known for its handmade foods and crafts. As we stroll up and down the hills and through the valleys in between, we get a feel for the terrain and discover the neighborhood's charm.
We visit Nishi-Shinjuku, home to one of Tokyo's biggest clusters of skyscrapers. We learn how the buildings came to be built and uncover a centuries-long relationship with water, including the construction of a large treatment plant. Echoes of it still remain among today's towers. Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane, evolved from a post-war black market, and witnessed Japan's economic boom. Dive into the urban neighborhood of Nishi-Shinjuku.
This time we explore Hachioji, a suburban city with abundant nature located about an hour away from central Tokyo. With a history of mulberry cultivation and sericulture, it prospered for many decades as a textile town. We meet artisans who practice traditional silk weaving and visit Tokyo's only remaining silkworm farm. Later, we make our way to the local geisha entertainment district, which flourished alongside the city's textile industry and is now looking to adapt to the changing times.
This time we explore Akihabara, Japan's cutting-edge pop culture hub. It's an international shopping district packed to the brim with video games, anime-related merchandise and electronics. As we walk around, we learn about the town's history as a freight terminal. We also discover how local electronics retailers shaped and evolved with consumer trends in the latter 20th century, including the home appliance boom, the ham radio craze and the rise of PCs. Lastly, we get a taste of maid cafe culture.
We explore Hibiya, a district home to hotels, theaters and a major public park. Along the way we discover its past as a gateway of modernization.
Join us as we go on an architectural tour of Ginza, a famous shopping district lined with designer boutiques and high-end department stores.
Nerima is an area of central Tokyo with a history of agriculture. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Japanese animation. We uncover its past and learn how locals are looking to the future.
We explore Kyojima, a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that retains a remarkable amount of old Tokyo character. Along the way we meet local residents and see how they cherish the bonds of community.
We explore Machiya, a town in northeastern Tokyo known for its artisanal spirit. Along the way we visit traditional workshops, meet local craftspeople and learn about the area's history.
Yotsuya is a central neighborhood that sits between the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku. Join us as we venture down side streets and encounter pockets of Edo—the former name of Tokyo.
Tsukiji is famous for its fish and seafood market. As we explore, we learn about how it was created 370 years ago through land reclamation and follow its evolution up to the present.
We visit the Yaesu district, which borders Tokyo Station to the east. We'll explore drinking alleys, an extensive network of underground passageways and experience some old town culture.
Senju in northeastern Tokyo developed 400 years ago as a post town providing lodging for travelers. We explore this historic area and meet the people and places at the heart of the community.
Takashimadaira, north of central Tokyo, is home to one of the city's largest "danchi" housing complexes. We explore the grounds and meet members of the community who are making an impact.
Ochanomizu is a college town with roots going back 200 years to an academy started by the Edo shogunate. Come along and see why the area is known for used books, musical instruments and curry.
We visit Mt. Mitake in western Tokyo, known for the Shinto shrine on its summit and sacred areas of virtually unspoiled nature. We learn about samurai devotees and the tradition of mountain worship.
We visit Kamata, a commercial district in southern Tokyo bustling with factories, cozy bars, public baths and more. Along the way, we learn its history and meet the people who call it home.
We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.
This time we venture out to Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. It's a 300-year-old town where merchant families prospered thanks to the Tone River. We see how the community is upholding its traditions.
We visit Shibaura on the edge of Tokyo Bay and unravel its transformation from a maritime hub to a town of high-rise condos. Throughout its history, it has played a key role in Tokyo's development.
We explore Harajuku, a neighborhood on the cutting edge of youth culture and fashion trends. Along the way we learn about its evolution from humble beginnings into a bustling shopping destination.
Nishi-Ogikubo is an eclectic town on the western edge of central Tokyo. Join us as we learn about its roots as a farming area and trace its evolution into a cozy neighborhood of small businesses.
We visit Akasaka, a commercial district in the heart of Tokyo. As we explore, we learn how the hilly terrain shaped its development as a hub for politicians, business leaders and foreign dignitaries.
We visit Okutama, a town nestled in a mountain range on Tokyo's western edge, and learn about the complex history behind a large reservoir that serves as a vital water source for the metropolis.