Journeys in Japan

tv show

poster for Journeys in Japan

526 total episodes

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16 seasons

First Aired February 02, 2010

Overview

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

tv poster

The Trail to Chiyanoki: Mountain Biking Revives Village

Season 12 - Episode 15 - 0h 28m

Air Date

July 27, 2021

Overview

A stunning mountain bike course has been carved into a mountain of a Genkai-shuraku -- a marginal hamlet where more than 50% of the population is aged 65 or over -- in Saga City. The trail has attracted new faces and energy to Chiyanoki Village, which is facing depopulation and super-aging. Masunaga Eiichi, who ran a mountain bike shop in Fukuoka City, spearheaded the trail project and eventually relocated there. He spent years cultivating relations with the locals before they would allow him to design and build his trail. His strategy was patience, and offering community volunteer work along with his bike rider friends. Eventually, he got the green light. And in return he and his colleagues regularly help trim back vegetation and clear roads. Residents and newcomers are now forging a vibrant culture.