Through the Kitchen Window — Season 1, Episode 7: Harie, Shiga: A Town Living with Water

Episode synopsis

Lake Biwa is the largest body of fresh water in Japan. There's a town, Harie in Shiga Prefecture, on its northwestern shore, with a constant sound of water. Canals run throughout the town, as if to surround each house. Flowing there is all natural water that wells from underground. To make efficient use of this precious water, local people have created a type of kitchen, Kabata, that's unique to this area. Inside of this kitchen, the beautiful water flows from a well. This water has been supporting people's lives for 300 years. We'll visit some families in Harie, and see how these people have been creating the circle of life.

About Through the Kitchen Window

These short documentaries take an intimate look at the lifestyles and culinary passions of people across Japan. Their stories are sure to warm the heart and whet the appetite.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Tama Hiyama: Chirashi Zushi Home-party Sushi
• E2Akemi and Satsuki: Shojin Ryori, Buddhist Cuisine
• E3Akio Okamura: Sardines Pickled in Rice Bran
• E4Sayaka Mori: Seaweed Maki Roll
• E5Misao Kuwata: Mochi Rice Cakes Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves
• E6Jiyu Gakuen: Salmon Chirashi Zushi
• E8Shimi-konnyaku, Ibaraki
• E9Hayama: Bringing Seafood Back
• E10Iga: Creating New Out of Old
• E11For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish
• E12First Bites, Big Smiles
• E13The Wasabi Brothers: Finding the Spice of Life