Episodes
Nihonbashi - The Mercantile Center of Old Tokyo
January 8, 2025
Nihonbashi is a district in downtown Tokyo centered on a historic bridge of the same name. We trace its development into a thriving hub of commerce whose mercantile spirit lives on today.
Nakano - From Dog Sanctuary to Anime Wonderland
February 5, 2025
Home to manga, anime and toy stores, the Nakano neighborhood is famous for its subculture spirit. As we explore, we discover its rich past as a dog sanctuary, blossom-viewing spot and military hub.
Along the Setagaya Line - A Taste of the Slow Life
February 19, 2025
The Setagaya Line is a small but central streetcar line in Setagaya Ward. Join us as we explore a 450-year-old flea market, visit a temple brimming with cats and meet members of the community.
Marunouchi - A Marvel of Urban Planning
March 5, 2025
The Marunouchi district has repeatedly reinvented itself through large-scale development projects. We trace its evolution from a samurai quarter to an office district to a sophisticated business hub.
Haneda - Memories of Sky and Sea
March 19, 2025
Join us as we explore the Haneda district, best known for its airport. As we trace its history, we learn about its past as a fishing community and tourist destination famous for its ocean views.
Hamura - The Story of a Tranquil Waterworks Town
April 2, 2025
We visit Hamura in the upper reaches of the Tama River. In this tranquil town far west of the city center we trace the origins of Tokyo's water supply back to the age of the samurai, centuries ago.
Hino - The Granary That Gave Rise to Warriors
April 16, 2025
Hino in western Tokyo is known for irrigation canals and its past as a rice cultivating center during the Edo period. The fertile lands gave rise to the men who would form the legendary Shinsengumi.
Komagome - A Community United Under Cherry Blossoms
April 30, 2025
Komagome is the birthplace of Somei-yoshino, the most popular cherry blossom variety in Japan. We visit a scenic garden, meet locals who cultivate cherry tree saplings, and explore shopping streets.
Tateishi - A Riverside Town of Creative Manufacturing
May 21, 2025
Tateishi is a riverside neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that developed as a center of manufacturing. We learn about the local dyeing and toy industries and explore an old-fashioned shopping arcade.
Yoyogi - A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City
June 4, 2025
The Yoyogi area is sandwiched between bustling Shinjuku and Shibuya. We explore a sacred forest, a friendly shopping street, and more, finding ideas for sustainable urban living along the way.
Hachijojima - An Island Nurtured by Distance
June 18, 2025
The island of Hachijojima is a tourist destination that once served as a penal colony. We learn how the elements and the arrival of exiles and castaways helped shape unique industries and culture.
Ebisu – A Toast to the Brew That Binds
July 2, 2025
The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolution, soak up its old-fashioned charm, and see what makes the community tick.
Gotanda – An Eclectic Town of Hills and Valleys
July 16, 2025
Gotanda is a hilly district shaped by the Meguro River. It's home to high-end residential areas as well as low-lying areas with an industrial past. It also has a growing reputation as a startup hub.
Kasai - The Power of Moving Water
July 30, 2025
Kasai is a bayside town in eastern Tokyo bounded by two large rivers. Join us as we trace its history as a hub of water transport, go river fishing, and get to know the local Indian community.
Daiba – From Defensive Forts to Innovation Hub
August 13, 2025
We trace the ongoing evolution of the Daiba waterfront district, which began as defensive fortifications and transformed over time into a tourist destination, residential area, and innovation hub.
Otsuka - A Hidden Gem Regains its Sparkle
September 10, 2025
Otsuka was a busy terminal of Tokyo's historic streetcar network before being overshadowed by its neighbor Ikebukuro. But international residents and redevelopment are now revitalizing the town.
Ryogoku – A Resilient Neighborhood with Sumo Spirit
September 24, 2025
Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17th century. It turns out that the neighborhood has a history of bouncing back!
Karuizawa – The Story of a Beloved Mountain Retreat
October 15, 2025
Karuizawa in Nagano Pref. is a mountain town with deep ties to Tokyo. Originally a bustling lodging town, a Western missionary's love for the area paved the way for its rebirth as a summer getaway.
Hinohara – Ridge Trails as a Way of Life
October 29, 2025
Hinohara is a mountain village located along the border between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture. We explore its ridge trails, which served as a lifeline for local settlements throughout the centuries.
Kagurazaka – Alleys That Gave Rise to a Cultural Legacy
November 12, 2025
Kagurazaka is a neighborhood in central Tokyo that retains an old-school charm. We explore cobblestone side streets, meet a geisha community, and see how locals are blending tradition and modernity.
Shibuya – The Labyrinth Nestled Within a Valley
November 26, 2025
Shibuya is nestled at the bottom of a valley shaped by rivers. Join us as we trace how its unique topography gave rise to a multi-level transportation hub and ever-evolving arts and culture.
Mt. Takao - A Sanctuary for Faith and Nature
December 10, 2025
Join us for a hike up Mt. Takao in western Tokyo, said to be the most visited peak in the world. Along the way we'll learn about its samurai history, connection to Mt. Fuji, and abundant nature.
Nippori – Steeped in Scenic Charm and Fabrics
December 24, 2025
Nippori is known as one of Japan's top districts for textiles. The hillsides are home to many Buddhist temples that historically became sightseeing spots known for nature and picturesque views.
