Jane McDonald: Lost in Japan

The presenter visits a ninja to learn about his world. Crawling stealthily through forests of bamboo, Jane learns how to swing a sword, and undergoes some of their rigorous and secret training. No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling sake, and Jane also heads to the famous Tsukiji market to enjoy some wine as well as eating local sushi.

The presenter explores Kyoto, a place of beautiful shrines and temples, atmospheric tea ceremonies and geishas dressed in exquisite kimonos. Arriving in the city via the super-fast bullet train, Jane decides a slower-paced form of transport would be more appropriate, so takes a rikshaw ride around the city before coming to a stop in a beautiful bamboo forest.

Jane travels on to ‘Japan's Kitchen', Osaka. Arriving at this foodie favourite via a beautiful wooden train, complete with an on-board garden, she gets straight into the centre of the city, where the canals, neon lights and multicultural atmosphere of the downtown Dontonbori district are reminiscent of Manchester.

A food tour includes some of the best katsu that Osaka has to offer, as well as a local sweet treat called a mochi and octopus balls. But the best meal of all is a home-cooked affair when Jane visits a friend and gets to try her hand at preparing a Japanese feast.