Movies Logo
January 31, 2024

Season 3

01. Kyojima - A Window into Tokyo's Good Old Days

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.

28min
January 31, 2024

02. Machiya - Cultivating the Spirit of Craftsmanship

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.

28min
February 14, 2024

03. Yotsuya - Echoes of Old Edo

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.

28min
February 28, 2024

04. Tsukiji - A Town Reclaimed from the Sea

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.

28min
March 13, 2024

05. Yaesu - The Other Gateway to Tokyo Station

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.

28min
April 3, 2024

06. Senju - A Sojourn in a Former Post Town

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.

28min
April 17, 2024

07. Takashimadaira - A Community Centered on "Danchi" Housing

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.

28min
May 1, 2024

08. Ochanomizu - A Lively Hub of Learning

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.

28min
May 15, 2024

09. Mt. Mitake - The Sanctuary in the Sky

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.

28min
May 29, 2024

10. Kamata - A Town with Working-Class Spirit

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.

28min
June 12, 2024

11. Shinjuku East Exit - A Colorful Hub of Excitement

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.

28min
June 26, 2024

12. Sawara - An Old Merchant Town with Festive Spirit

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.

28min
July 10, 2024

13. Shibaura - The Tides of Transformation

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.

28min
July 24, 2024

14. Harajuku - A Wellspring of Creative Energy

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.

28min
August 7, 2024

15. Nishi-Ogikubo - Fertile Ground for Small Businesses

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.

28min
August 21, 2024

16. Akasaka - A Town of Heartfelt Hospitality

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.

28min
September 11, 2024

17. Okutama - An Oasis in Tokyo's Backyard

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.

28min
September 25, 2024

18. Landmarks of the Tokyo Tower Area

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.

28min
October 9, 2024

19. Fussa - American Vibes and Multicultural Charm

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.

28min
October 23, 2024

20. Machida - A Suburban City with Satoyama Spirit

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.

28min
November 6, 2024

21. Ueno Park - At the Crossroads of Edo and Meiji

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.

28min
November 20, 2024

22. Zoshigaya - A Town Protected by a Repentant Demoness

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.

28min
December 4, 2024

23. Hakone - From Barrier Station to Relaxing Retreat

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.

28min
December 18, 2024