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 (5)
1. Bonsai: Harmonious Beauty and Eternal Life
Aired 29 January 2026 • 28 min
Bonsai came from China over 1000 years ago, evolving into a unique artform. In Kyoto, the emphasis is on beauty and harmony in space, the same aesthetic that flows through ikebana and the Way of Tea.
2. Taitan Cooking: Steeped in the full flavor of dashi stock
Aired 12 February 2026 • 28 min
Taitan is Kyoto-style cuisine in which seasonal heritage vegetables are simmered until they are infused with dashi stock. The method evolved from vegetarian dishes made at Kyoto's Buddhist temples.
3. Tsukemono: Vegetable Pickles Embody Wisdom and Expertise
Aired 5 March 2026 • 28 min
Traditional Tsukemono, or pickles, preserve centuries of wisdom, allowing the vegetables' inherent flavors to shine. Picklers uphold tradition while embracing new challenges for modern tastes.
4. Plasterers: Artisanal Beauty in Traditional Earthen Walls
Aired 16 April 2026 • 28 min
Specialists rebuild a sturdy, mud-walled storehouse to safeguard cultural assets, scientifically examine plastering techniques, and strive to incorporate wattle and daub walls into modern structures.
5. Morning Tourism: Leisurely Activities to Clear the Mind
Aired 30 April 2026 • 28 min
Kyoto is implementing measures to ease congestion at peak hours and combat over-tourism. One way encourages visitors to discover the city's true charm in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.