Mt. Togakushi, in northern Nagano Prefecture, has been a focus for religious faith for over 1,000 years. From around the 13th century, it was a sacred center for Shugendo, a mountain religion based around ascetic practices. Then from the 17th century the area became popular among ordinary people as a pilgrimage destination. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Huang Haiyan follows the old Togakushi pilgrimage trail. She visits the workshop of a craftsman making traditional wares, and also tries her hand at preparing the local specialty, soba (buckwheat noodles). Finally, she climbs to the top of Mt. Togakushi together with a mountaineering guide.

The Northern Alps, which has many mountains over 3,000-meters in height, is located in central Japan. It attracts many mountaineers even in harsh winter when it's covered in snow and ice. The operator of a mountain lodge on Tsubakuro-dake in western Nagano hosts traditional events from year-end to New Year. Mountaineering enthusiasts climb up to the lodge to take part in the New Year countdown and mochitsuki rice pounding on the first day of the year. Later they make an offering of a buri yellowtail at the summit to pray for safety throughout the year. On Journeys in Japan, mountain guide Huang Haiyan scales Tsubakuro-dake via the secluded Nakabusa hot springs. She immerses herself in the breathtaking scenery, camaraderie of fellow-hikers, and New Year's rituals.

Only 50 kilometers away from the capital the mountainous area offers historic scenery and gentle trekking courses. Local residents are passionate about preserving their old townscapes, dating back several hundred years, and promoting awareness of their natural environment through eco-tours. On Journeys in Japan, China-born mountaineering guide Haiyan Huang enjoys spring foraging for sansai wild edible plants, as well as taking in temples and architecture on Okumusashi's gentle hiking routes.

The Katsura River runs through a beautiful valley in Yamanashi Prefecture, not far from Tokyo. Fed by springs from Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area, the river is known for the clarity and volume of its water. This episode of Journeys in Japan introduces fun ways to enjoy the Katsura River, such as rafting, tubing, traditional angling, and Sawanobori (river climbing), making it the perfect getaway from the muggy midsummer heat of downtown Tokyo.

Modern mountaineering was born in Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Offering vigorous exercise along with magnificent views, the sport of Alpinism soon caught on around the world and was introduced to Japan in the Meiji period (late 19th century). In Japan, people have been climbing mountains since ancient times, as an important part of their religious practice. Even today, many Japanese people venerate major peaks as the abode of the deities. Traditional rituals are held to mark the opening of mountain trails for the climbing season, and prayers are offered at sunrise on some mountain peaks. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, we revisit some of the sacred mountains that we have featured in the past, introduced by the director who made those programs. He will also climb Mt. Oyama in Kanagawa Prefecture, another peak that has been worshiped since the old days.