Journeys in Japan

tv show

poster for Journeys in Japan

526 total episodes

-

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.

Karatsu: Festival Floats, Deep Community Spirit poster unavailable

Karatsu: Festival Floats, Deep Community Spirit

Season 8 - Episode 35 - 0h 28m

Air Date

December 12, 2017

Overview

Karatsu Kunchi is a three-day festival held in November each year in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The highlight is the gigantic floats known as hikiyama that are hauled through the streets of the old town. This tradition has a history dating back more than 300 years. In 2016, the festival was included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Kyle Card visits Karatsu to discover the spirit of Kunchi. He observes the 14 floats, which each belong to a different neighborhood. And he meets some of the men who make this event happen.