In Saitama, the prefecture just beyond Tokyo, late autumn transforms the gingko trees into a blaze of brilliant yellow. This often-overlooked region holds a wealth of natural beauty and unique traditions. We witness a family of dollmakers i…

For thirty years, James Hobbs has made his home in Japan, now teaching at a medical university in Iwate Prefecture. He invites us to join him on a demanding weekend ride with cycling companions, followed by a camping excursion with his wife…

Cycling south from northern Tokyo into Chiba Prefecture during a winter day of sun and snow, New Zealander Paul Imperatrice encounters a diverse array of artisans. He finds an artisan with fifty-five years of experience in traditional Edo e…

For over two decades, Zac Reynolds has called Japan home, and now works for a bicycle manufacturer in Mie Prefecture. A historic juncture along the old Tokaido Highway, Mie retains a distinctive cultural heritage. In the post town of Sekiju…

With the spring cherry blossoms in full bloom, cyclist Bobby journeys through Tokushima Prefecture, traversing the coastline and venturing into its secluded mountain valleys. At the Naruto Straits, renowned for their swirling currents, he j…

As early spring unfolds, Australian cyclist Zac Reynolds journeys through Gunma Prefecture. His route begins in Maebashi, where he encounters a 5th-century ritual performed atop an ancient king's burial mound. He then pedals along the Tone …

Beneath a bright summer sun, we journeyed to the coast of Fukui Prefecture. Following an overnight stay with a fishing family, we were awakened before dawn to assist with their daily catch, the bounty of which would later form the basis of …

The sun-drenched expanse of Okayama Prefecture is a land of rich agricultural tradition. In the coastal town of Kurashiki, we encounter high school students breathing new life into its renowned denim industry. A journey to Kojima Bay follow…

A journey of four hundred kilometers through Kyoto Prefecture reveals a world distinct from the city itself. Here, in verdant countryside, farms nurtured the unique culinary traditions and tea culture that defined the ancient capital. Local…

The landscapes of Fukushima Prefecture, marked by both verdant mountains and a rugged coastline, are inhabited by a resilient people who have not only endured disaster but have also found strength in its aftermath. Here, we encounter a peac…

The ancient highway network of Japan, known as the Kaido, has largely faded from memory. In a new series, we trace the Old Hokuriku Kaido between Fukui and Niigata Prefectures, uncovering distinctive local cultures shaped by those who once …