About this season
The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.
Episodes (19)
1. Alleyways: The Age-Old Wisdom of Town Planning
Aired 16 January 2025 • 28 min
Kyoto has about 13,000 alleys with a total distance of 940km, and an increasing number of their houses are unoccupied. People are working on projects and tours to preserve and revitalize these areas.
2. Fall in Saga-Arashiyama: The Beauty and Colors of Change
Aired 23 January 2025 • 28 min
This iconic Kyoto destination, popular for a millennium, has the perfect climate and topography for fall foliage. Some people create new ways to enjoy autumn, while others uphold fall traditions.
3. Bows and Arrows: Averting Trouble and Drawing Happiness
Aired 27 February 2025 • 28 min
Several annual rituals performed at Shinto shrines involve bows and arrows that are believed to hold divine power and dispel evil. These weapons also hone the spirit through the practice of archery.
4. Shamisen: The Reverberating Tones of Passion and Tradition
Aired 20 March 2025 • 28 min
Shamisen tones, filled with emotion, harmonize with the culture of traditional entertainment districts. The dwindling number of musicians has aroused the effort to keep the instrument and music alive.
5. Raden: The Iridescent Beauty of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Aired 10 April 2025 • 28 min
Raden, a decorative lacquerware technique, uses the glimmering inner layer of shells. The inlay appears to float resplendently on the black lacquer, inspiring artisans to take the art into the future.
6. Shotengai: Bustling Shopping Streets Reflect Their Neighborhood
Aired 15 May 2025 • 28 min
The city's around 150 shopping areas manifest the diversity of the local culture. Some are reinventing themselves to, once again, become the focus of the community as well as handle overtourism.
7. Traditional Roofing: Glittering Tiles Catch the Eyes
Aired 29 May 2025 • 28 min
The dark-grey, clay roofing on shrines, temples, and Machiya townhouses is buffed and smoked to boost durability, water resistance, and luster. Craftsmen and roofers uphold the traditional techniques.
8. Matsunoo Taisha Festival: Local Residents' Prayers Bind the Community
Aired 15 June 2025 • 28 min
Matsunoo Taisha is the guardian Shinto shrine to Kyoto's west. In April and May, the deities are carried through the community in prayer for local prosperity, upholding a 1000-year-old tradition.
9. Proprietresses: Keeping Heritage Businesses Alive and Inspired
Aired 26 June 2025 • 28 min
Women born or married into heritage businesses keep generations of wisdom alive in novel ways. Kyoto's time-honored image and brand would not be what it is without their exemplary conduct and kindness.
10. Handcrafted Bags: Embodiment of the Artisans' Passion and Attention to Detail
Aired 10 July 2025 • 28 min
Traditional Kyoto-style bags are made from Nishijin brocade, Yuzen-dyed fabric, and other locally made premium textiles. Artisans also continue to create practical and durable bags from sailcloth.
11. Tea Kettles: A Universe Within the Iron
Aired 14 August 2025 • 28 min
Iron kettles rust and corrode over time. For centuries metal casters specializing in kettles have cast diverse kettles for tea gatherings, creating a universe of infinite beauty within that corrosion.
12. Ethereal Lanterns: Lighting the Cityscape of the Ancient Capital
Aired 28 August 2025 • 28 min
Lanterns still bring charm to traditional settings at night. Kyoto artisans uphold their skills despite decreasing demand, producing lanterns for use across Japan, while embracing new initiatives.
13. Trends in Footwear: Health, Beauty and Functionality Born from Tradition
Aired 11 September 2025 • 28 min
New footwear styles are gaining traction in Kyoto, home of the kimono. Age-old techniques are used to create geta sandals for healthy feet and leather shoes that suit Japanese and Western attire.
14. Natto: The Authentic Umami of Fermented Soybeans
Aired 25 September 2025 • 28 min
Kyoto has a rich fermentation tradition, from soy sauce to sake. Recently, natto has been gaining global attention as a superfood, with new efforts underway to boost its appeal and appreciation.
15. Handcrafted Accessories: Refined Beauty Adds Life to Any Outfit
Aired 9 October 2025 • 28 min
Kyoto artisans feel a sense of crisis about the future of their distinctive crafts. To keep traditional skills alive, they are adding chic accessories to their product lines to create new demand.
16. Fish Paste Foods: Tradition Shapes the Bounty of the Sea
Aired 23 October 2025 • 28 min
Fresh fish was a luxury for people in landlocked Kyoto, so they incorporated dishes made from ground fish into their cuisine with Kyoto flair, allowing everyone to savor the rich essence of seafood.
17. The Autumn Moon: Gratitude and Prayers for Bountiful Harvests
Aired 13 November 2025 • 28 min
Ancient nobles admired the full moon in autumn with elegant parties. Those pastimes evolved into local temple and shrine festivals now held to celebrate nature's bounty and pray for next year's crops.
18. Repair & Restoration: A Respect for Objects and Memories
Aired 27 November 2025 • 28 min
Kyoto is a trove of historical and cultural assets. Architecture and artworks are being restored daily. The custom and wisdom of cherishing everyday objects too is an ingrained part of Kyoto culture.
19. Foreign Residents: Infusing New Life into Tradition
Aired 25 December 2025 • 28 min
Many foreigners make Kyoto their home and bring innovation to traditional culture. Their creativity and global perspective spark revitalization and inspiration as they breathe new life into the city.