Cycle Around Japan
Season 11
202411 episodes
Episode 1
Yamagata - Seeking the Flavors of Autumn
Jan 13, 202449m
Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its food, some unique to late autumn and certain localities. Our gourmet cyclist explores the regional cuisine, from edible chrysanthemums to Japanese taro, turnips and salmon.
Episode 2
Sanriku - A Coast Reborn
Feb 17, 202449m
The Sanriku Coast was the area hardest hit by the massive earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Its restored communities are rediscovering their local traditions and the unique beauty of this landscape.
Episode 3
Awajishima and Ieshima - An Island Journey
Mar 16, 202449m
On Awajishima and Ieshima in the Seto Inland Sea, islanders utilize the strong winter winds and waves to enhance local specialties like sweet onions, handmade noodles, incense sticks and seaweed.
Episode 4
Kiso Three Rivers - Going with the Flow
May 17, 202449m
Our cyclist travels three large rivers in central Japan: the Kiso, the Nagara and the Ibi. He explores unique cultures related to the rivers, like cormorant fishing and an exciting float festival.
Episode 5
Kii Mountains - Climbing Uphill with a Smile
Jun 15, 202449m
Our cyclist climbs the Kii Mountains in western Japan, and encounters the culture that developed on the secluded slopes. Artisans work with rare black bamboo, and make pigment using an old method.
Episode 6
Aomori - Cold Winds, Warm Hearts
Jul 20, 202449m
Aomori Prefecture is beautiful, but its northern climate can be harsh. Our cyclist enjoys the warmest of welcomes in communities that historically had to cooperate closely in everything in order to survive.
Episode 7
Hokkaido - Crossing the Summer Plains
Aug 3, 202449m
A ride through Hokkaido Prefecture in early summer. We meet an artisan teaching handicrafts of the indigenous Ainu to the next generation, and a legendary trainer of an unusual horse race.
Episode 8
Yatsugatake - Riding High
Sep 14, 202449m
Each of the Yatsugatake highlands has a unique character. We see kids discover themselves on horseback, eat prehistoric style, go star gazing with an astronomer and explore a bird sanctuary forest.
Episode 9
Shizuoka - Energy of the Forest
Sep 21, 202449m
Shizuoka Prefecture has everything from beaches to mountains, but this time our road takes us through its deep forests, from wild rides on timber trails to a wild taste experience in the birthplace of wasabi.
Episode 10
Best of the Best - Our Most Scenic Rides
Oct 19, 202449m
We picked our 10 favorite rides from previous episodes and asked our viewers to rank them. These are the results, with commentary from our cyclists, a virtual race and lots of other extras to enjoy.
Episode 11
Niigata - An Older, Simpler Way of Life
Dec 21, 202449m
In northern Niigata Prefecture, we'll see the old ways of living as we try spicy daikon radish rolls and fluffy manju buns, go gill fishing, see cat houses made from rice straw, and a lovely old lacquer craft.