The miners of Iwami Ginzan worked in cramped darkness, risking their lives for fortune and glory. The area once produced vast quantities of silver yet had little impact on the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Over it's 1,000 years history, Kyoto has seen the blossoming of an elaborate culture that combined the finest arts and crafts. We trace the history of Japan's national identity by exploring the Buddhist temples that represent it and enjoy the fleeting beauty of spring cherry blossoms.
The lush forest of Yakushima Island is home to yakusugi, a unique species of cedar tree. Some yakusugi are thousands of years old. Once threatened by deforestation due to logging, the yakusugi have been preserved by local residents for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Until the islands of Okinawa became part of Japan, they were home to the Kingdom of Ryukyu. The kingdom fostered trade among its neighboring nations and left behind a unique architectural and spiritual tradition that remains a part of daily life for many island residents.
In the 16th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu united the warring states of Japan under an umbrella of peace that lasted for 250 years. His remains are interred among the historic shrines and temples of Nikko, still a focus of religion and spirit for the Japanese.
Isolated at a remote location in the Pacific Ocean, the Ogasawara Islands are home to unique species of both flora and fauna. Their interconnected cycle of life is supported by efforts to control invasive species that threaten their delicate balance.
Once known as Michinooku or "the back country," the town of Hiraizumi in the Tohoku region was founded in the 12th century. Its temples were built over three generations by the Fujiwara clan in an attempt to recreate the Buddhist Pure Land, an ideal world free of defilement and suffering, exemplified by the Golden Hall at Chuson-ji Temple.
In the 19th century, when Japan emerged as a modern nation, the world's most advanced spinning technology brought raw silk into mass production. By 1909, Japan became the world's largest exporter of raw silk used in products worldwide. Now defunct, the property offers a glimpse of the development of modern Japan.
Remote Okinoshima is the "island where the deities dwell" where Shinto beliefs originated. It is the spiritual home to the Japanese people. Restricted public access to the island means that valuable artifacts offered to the deities have been preserved almost intact. Ancient Japanese believed deities resided in the island's huge rocks; many of those beliefs survive among the locals to this day.
Founded in the 7th century, Horyu-ji Temple in the Nara region is home to one of the oldest wooden structures in the world. Under imperial rule, Horyu-ji was established to spread Buddhism, which had just been introduced to Japan from China. We look at the Japanese social concept of wa or harmony and the survival of these buildings over the centuries.
Shirakami-Sanchi or Shirakami Mountain Range is situated at the northern end of Honshu and home to one of the world's largest beech forests. This 8,000-year-old pristine landscape is nearly untouched by modern development. Its rich ecosystem is home to a myriad of plant and animal species as well as a group of hunter-gatherers who coexist with the nature.
The Kii Mountain Range is made up of a series of soaring, 1,000-meter peaks. This area is home to three deeply spiritual locations, including Kumano, home of nature worship; Yoshino and Omine, a training ground; and Mt. Koya, a foundational site for Japanese Buddhism. Although formed in different eras, and for different beliefs, a 300km pilgrims' path connects all three locations. This verdant and spiritual route is still followed by visitors today.
The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture, juts into the Sea of Okhotsk. Its center is lined by 1,500-meter peaks. The heavily forested area is home to a diverse group of animals, including the Blakiston's fish owl, which is at imminent risk of extinction. Shiretoko's waters are home to creatures who feed off the bounty of floating pack ice. Explore an extraordinary ecosystem which connects the rich environments of both land and sea.
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's snowiest regions. It's famous for its traditional thatched-roof Gassho-style homes. The triangular roofs distribute the weight of heavy snow evenly, and the steep slopes allow residents to remove snow with little effort. Hearth fires provide heat that dries out thatch and soot that blackens pillars and beams. These homes have lasted for so long because they are still inhabited. The cooperative bond between residents is a key part of life here and is essential when rethatching these homes. Come and visit a mountain village that appears to be frozen in time.
Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest and most famous peak. As an active volcano, it has also inspired awe and terror. Mt. Fuji has also inspired artists, including Katsushika Hokusai, as seen in his famous "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Many 19th-century prints of Mt. Fuji contributed to Europe's japonisme trend. Explore the beauty of a mountain that inspires both artists and faith.
An astonishing 49 burial mounds of various shapes and sizes are scattered across Osaka. These 1,600-year-old mounds are the resting places of past rulers and elites. Research reveals new discoveries.
Christianity came to Japan in 1549 via Portuguese missionaries. It spread swiftly, especially in Nagasaki and Amakusa. But concerns about foreign influence led to it being outlawed and viciously suppressed. Japanese Christians went into hiding, and despite having no priests or churches, kept their faith alive for 250 years. Explore the ruins where some made their last stand, as well as the beautiful Oura Cathedral.