Journeys in Japan

Tsuruoka lies on the Sea of Japan coast of Yamagata Prefecture. In 2014, it was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the first of its kind in the country.

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, American chef David Wells visits the Tsuruoka area to observe how the local people are keeping alive their food culture, protecting their heirloom crops and continuing traditional practices — such as a 400-year-old slash-and-burn farming method that creates a sustainable cycle linking the mountain and forests with the rivers and sea.

David also climbs a peak in the sacred Dewa Sanzan area, where he is served dishes prepared from the wild plants that grow on the slopes. And he is introduced to the spirit of uketamau — reverence for nature, gratitude for its bounty, and acceptance of things as they are.

Komatsu, a castle town just west of Kanazawa, was forged by stone and time. Born from ancient underwater volcanoes, its stunning gorges and surreal, massive quarries create a landscape like no other. This Japan Heritage site boasts traditional stone architecture and other masterful crafts like porcelain—legacies rooted in the earth. Discover the soul of Komatsu with American actor Charles Glover.
Corrected on June 19, 2026: Fixed errors in the facility location and road name on the map at 27:41.

Nestled in an upland area of Gero City (Gifu Prefecture), the village of Maze is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, especially in the Nishimura district. Home to around 130 people, this community is also the venue for a unique form of green tourism known as the "Satoyama Museum." 

Cheryl Sakurai visits Maze to view its remarkable beauty and to meet the residents. She also tries her hand at angling, enjoys the local cuisine, takes in a traditional festival and immerses herself in the simple charm and warm hospitality of this rural community.

Tokunoshima is a small, semi-tropical island located southwest of Kyushu. Home to many rare species of flora and fauna, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also famous for its association with sumo wrestling, having produced many professional sumo wrestlers. Not only that, it has a culture of bull sumo, where massive bovines go head-to-head. The whole island gets swept up in the excitement of rousing, non-blood tournaments, which take place three times a year. American actor BT explores this and more.