J-Trip Plan — Season 1, Episode 6: Japan in the Summer Rain & Cute Tohoku Kokeshi Dolls

Episode synopsis

We look at rainy season in Japan and talk with our correspondent about the hydrangeas at Kamakura's Hase-dera. Our reporter travels to Naruko Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture, to discover the charms of kokeshi dolls. The kokeshi motif is noticeable everywhere. She watches the lathe turn as a kokeshi comes to life from a block of wood and tries her hand at painting a kokeshi. The dolls are ever evolving, and various souvenirs feature kokeshi designs. One kokeshi becomes a torch in case of emergencies.

About J-Trip Plan

This travel show aimed at overseas visitors offers info on where to go, what to see, and how to experience Japan, like an expert.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Cherry Blossom Scenery & Cycling Ehime's Islands on a Rental
• E2Your Stunning Scenes of Japan & An Industrial Nightscape outside Osaka
• E3May Festivals & Experiencing Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima Style
• E4Cheap, Popular, Local Dishes & Nearby Narita Airport, The Gateway to Japan
• E5Mystical Spots around Japan & Delicacies of Ise-Shima
• E7Summer Festivals & The Goldfish of Nara
• E8Summer Waterfront Retreats & The Gardens of Hokkaido
• E9Takaoka, the City of Kawaii in Toyama Prefecture & Summer Fireworks
• E10The Ninja of Iga, Mie Prefecture & Good Luck Charms
• E11The Tastes of Fall & A Soy-Sauce Tour in Wakayama Prefecture
• E12Japan's Great Outdoors & Discovering Ehime's "Machu Picchu"
• E13The Hot Springs of Kyushu & Country Life in Tottori Prefecture