About this season
Tokyo: where both tradition and the latest trends coexist. Join us on a journey to discover the real Tokyo as we dive into its historic old towns and encounter many fun surprises along the way.
Episodes (23)
1. Kyojima - A Window into Tokyo's Good Old Days
Aired 31 January 2024 • 28 min
We explore Kyojima, a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that retains a remarkable amount of old Tokyo character. Along the way we meet local residents and see how they cherish the bonds of community.
2. Machiya - Cultivating the Spirit of Craftsmanship
Aired 14 February 2024 • 28 min
We explore Machiya, a town in northeastern Tokyo known for its artisanal spirit. Along the way we visit traditional workshops, meet local craftspeople and learn about the area's history.
3. Yotsuya - Echoes of Old Edo
Aired 28 February 2024 • 28 min
Yotsuya is a central neighborhood that sits between the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku. Join us as we venture down side streets and encounter pockets of Edo—the former name of Tokyo.
4. Tsukiji - A Town Reclaimed from the Sea
Aired 13 March 2024 • 28 min
Tsukiji is famous for its fish and seafood market. As we explore, we learn about how it was created 370 years ago through land reclamation and follow its evolution up to the present.
5. Yaesu - The Other Gateway to Tokyo Station
Aired 3 April 2024 • 28 min
We visit the Yaesu district, which borders Tokyo Station to the east. We'll explore drinking alleys, an extensive network of underground passageways and experience some old town culture.
6. Senju - A Sojourn in a Former Post Town
Aired 17 April 2024 • 28 min
Senju in northeastern Tokyo developed 400 years ago as a post town providing lodging for travelers. We explore this historic area and meet the people and places at the heart of the community.
7. Takashimadaira - A Community Centered on "Danchi" Housing
Aired 1 May 2024 • 28 min
Takashimadaira, north of central Tokyo, is home to one of the city's largest "danchi" housing complexes. We explore the grounds and meet members of the community who are making an impact.
8. Ochanomizu - A Lively Hub of Learning
Aired 15 May 2024 • 28 min
Ochanomizu is a college town with roots going back 200 years to an academy started by the Edo shogunate. Come along and see why the area is known for used books, musical instruments and curry.
9. Mt. Mitake - The Sanctuary in the Sky
Aired 29 May 2024 • 28 min
We visit Mt. Mitake in western Tokyo, known for the Shinto shrine on its summit and sacred areas of virtually unspoiled nature. We learn about samurai devotees and the tradition of mountain worship.
10. Kamata - A Town with Working-Class Spirit
Aired 12 June 2024 • 28 min
We visit Kamata, a commercial district in southern Tokyo bustling with factories, cozy bars, public baths and more. Along the way, we learn its history and meet the people who call it home.
11. Shinjuku East Exit - A Colorful Hub of Excitement
Aired 26 June 2024 • 28 min
We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.
12. Sawara - An Old Merchant Town with Festive Spirit
Aired 10 July 2024 • 28 min
This time we venture out to Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. It's a 300-year-old town where merchant families prospered thanks to the Tone River. We see how the community is upholding its traditions.
13. Shibaura - The Tides of Transformation
Aired 24 July 2024 • 28 min
We visit Shibaura on the edge of Tokyo Bay and unravel its transformation from a maritime hub to a town of high-rise condos. Throughout its history, it has played a key role in Tokyo's development.
14. Harajuku - A Wellspring of Creative Energy
Aired 7 August 2024 • 28 min
We explore Harajuku, a neighborhood on the cutting edge of youth culture and fashion trends. Along the way we learn about its evolution from humble beginnings into a bustling shopping destination.
15. Nishi-Ogikubo - Fertile Ground for Small Businesses
Aired 21 August 2024 • 28 min
Nishi-Ogikubo is an eclectic town on the western edge of central Tokyo. Join us as we learn about its roots as a farming area and trace its evolution into a cozy neighborhood of small businesses.
16. Akasaka - A Town of Heartfelt Hospitality
Aired 11 September 2024 • 28 min
We visit Akasaka, a commercial district in the heart of Tokyo. As we explore, we learn how the hilly terrain shaped its development as a hub for politicians, business leaders and foreign dignitaries.
17. Okutama - An Oasis in Tokyo's Backyard
Aired 25 September 2024 • 28 min
We visit Okutama, a town nestled in a mountain range on Tokyo's western edge, and learn about the complex history behind a large reservoir that serves as a vital water source for the metropolis.
18. Landmarks of the Tokyo Tower Area
Aired 9 October 2024 • 28 min
The iconic Tokyo Tower was built in the center of the city over 60 years ago. Join us as we learn how the landmark came to be and take in the sights of the historic Shiba neighborhood around it.
19. Fussa - American Vibes and Multicultural Charm
Aired 23 October 2024 • 28 min
We visit Fussa, a suburban area in western Tokyo known for the presence of a U.S. military base. Join us as we discover its rural roots and trace its evolution into a vibrant multicultural town.
20. Machida - A Suburban City with Satoyama Spirit
Aired 6 November 2024 • 28 min
Machida is a suburban city about 30 minutes west of central Tokyo by train. Join us as we trace the local history and discover the charms of this hilly area that has been inhabited for millennia.
21. Ueno Park - At the Crossroads of Edo and Meiji
Aired 20 November 2024 • 28 min
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's oldest public parks. Join us as we take a stroll around the grounds and unravel the story of the city's transition from the samurai era to a modern society.
22. Zoshigaya - A Town Protected by a Repentant Demoness
Aired 4 December 2024 • 28 min
Despite being next to the busy Ikebukuro district, the residential neighborhood of Zoshigaya has managed to avoid the trend of redevelopment. We explore the area and witness the bonds of community.
23. Hakone - From Barrier Station to Relaxing Retreat
Aired 18 December 2024 • 28 min
We visit Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. Once the site of a security checkpoint for traffic in and out of old Tokyo, it evolved into a hot spring resort, now with an increasingly diverse community.