Itoshima, in western Fukuoka Prefecture, has been drawing attention in recent years as a popular place to relocate to from major cities. The reasons? Easy access to the prefecture's biggest city, Fukuoka; stunning beaches and mountains, alongside a vibrant startup culture and art scene. On Journeys in Japan, Brandon Chin, an American who fell in love with Itoshima for its ideal work-life balance, shows us around his adopted town.

The island of Tsushima, in Nagasaki Prefecture, lies between Japan and South Korea, just 50 kilometers from the South Korean port city of Busan. Thanks to its location, the island developed as a thriving hub for trade and cultural exchanges between Japan, the Korean Peninsula and mainland China. Tsushima has also played a strategic role on the frontline between the regional powers. From the Battle of Baekgang (663) and the Mongolian expeditions of Japan (1274 and 1281) to Japan's invasions of Korea under Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1592-1598) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-5), it has had a long and turbulent history but has overcome all challenges. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Brandon Chin explores Tsushima, meets the residents, and discovers the important role the island has played in Japan's history and international relations.

Japan has about 6,800 islands that are larger than 100 meters in circumference. More than 500 of them are classified as "remote border islands." On this episode of Journeys in Japan, we revisit 3 of them -- the Oki Islands, Iki, and Tsushima -- to explore their culture, traditions and distinctive history on Japan's frontline.

Matsue, in Shimane Prefecture, is renowned as a center for wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Around the 18th century, more than 100 kinds of confections were created there, elevating the city as one of Japan's most famous centers for wagashi, alongside Kyoto and Kanazawa. To this day, this culture remains an important part of daily life, and for many people it is customary to enjoy these confections as a snack with tea each day in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This culture was introduced to Matsue some 300 years ago along with the tea ceremony by the feudal lord of the Matsue domain, Matsudaira Harusato―who is also known as Lord Fumai. Many of the wagashi treats developed in the city during his life are still favorites with the local people. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, American artist Brandon Chin explores the world of wagashi in Matsue, meeting local artisans who are still carrying on the tradition.