Journeys in Japan — Season 1, Episode 2: Toyama City, Toyama

Episode synopsis

Toyama is a city surrounded by tall mountains and has a population of 400,000. It's a place where unique businesses have sprung up since the days of old. Toyama's medicine became famous, in particular, for this gastric medicine, first made here three centuries ago - it's a blend of over 20 ingredients extracted from medicinal herbs found in the mountains of Toyama. The recipe may have changed slightly over the years but the medicine is still used today. Traveling salesmen used to peddle this medicine all over the country. In an age when there was little medicine available, the cures these salesmen offered were very much appreciated. This was how Toyama's medicine spread to households nationwide. (Excerpt)

About Journeys in Japan

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka
• E3Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled
• E4Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art
• E5Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit
• E6Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology
• E7Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji
• E8Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes
• E9Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature
• E10Toyokawa, Aichi
• E11Himeji, Hyogo
• E12Naruto, Tokushima
• E13Miyazu City, Kyoto - Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure