Japan from Above

Season 12018

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Japan's amazingly diverse landscapes, as well as intimate portraits of people leading contrasting lives.

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5 Episodes

E01 The Great Wild North

From the limpid waters of Lake Mashu to the steaming hot springs of "Hell Valley" in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido presents some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Japan. On our journey, we meet a photographer, cheesemakers, a hot spring "doctor" and a horse lover, as well as a group of women upholding fascinating folk traditions. Each life unfolds in harmony with the seasons.

September 3, 2018

E02 Gifts from the Mountains

We begin our journey in Aomori Prefecture in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan's largest main island. From there, we fly over the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture and visit the east coast of Tohoku, an area still battling to recover following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. We meet people who harness the power of nature to grow crops, breed fish and make unique cuisine, and then finally go behind the scenes at a fish market and a public bath in Tokyo.

September 4, 2018

E03 Cradle of Traditions

We explore central and western parts of Japan, starting in the Kansai region. Kansai, which includes the ancient cities of Nara and Kyoto, is the cradle of Japanese culture and religion. As well as enjoying stunning scenes from the air in the heartland of Japan, we meet a sword maker, a plant hunter, a traditional entertainer and a pair of paper makers. Whatever their chosen path in life, they seek to uphold knowledge and wisdom passed down through the years.

September 5, 2018

E04 Land of the Prayers

We begin our journey in Hiroshima Prefecture and explore sacred locations in Chugoku and Shikoku regions in western Japan. In Shikoku, we join a couple on a famous pilgrimage. We fly to Izumo to visit an ancient Shinto shrine, and then on to Tottori Prefecture with its other-worldly sand dunes. The people we meet tackle diverse and demanding challenges: a woman who shares a message of peace in Hiroshima; a man who grows olives on an island; and a teacher of kagura, an ancient form of dance and drama.

September 6, 2018

E05 Treasure Islands

We explore Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture in southwest Japan. Kyushu is a hotbed of volcanic activity, from the onsen resort of Beppu to the towering majesty of Mt. Aso. While the forces of nature may wreak havoc, they also bring benefits and stimulate the imagination. In Okinawa, we visit graves that nurture happy families. We also touch on Okinawa's tragic wartime history before moving on to a scenic island that one man finds perfect for free diving.

September 7, 2018

Japan from Above

E01 The Great Wild North

E02 Gifts from the Mountains

E03 Cradle of Traditions

E04 Land of the Prayers

E05 Treasure Islands

Mr. Plankton

The Witcher

Pure Genius

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

Lady in the Lake

Happy Days

Hand of God

The 8 Show

Africa

The Day of the Jackal

Dune: Prophecy

Game of Thrones

Landman

Trapped

Private Practice

My Demon

Red Dwarf

Shantaram

Death Comes to Pemberley

Humans

E01 The Great Wild North

E02 Gifts from the Mountains

E03 Cradle of Traditions

E04 Land of the Prayers

E05 Treasure Islands