Takachiho is located in a mountainous area in central Kyushu. According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is said to be the place where the gods descended from heaven. There, you can still find many things and places that are related to these ancient stories. One of the mythical ruins is Amano-Yasukawara. The cave is said to be a place where the gods gathered to discuss what to do when a sun goddess hid herself, plunging the world into darkness. However, the highlight of this trip is a traditional dance called "Kagura" which is passed down From one generation to another for almost a thousand years. The dances which include stories from the old myths are performed all through the night to thank the gods for a good harvest. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan travels to Takachiho and discovers how Japanese people have lived with gods from the ancient time.

The Kohoku region, north of Lake Biwa, is home to many culturally important Buddhist sculptures. The area around Nagahama City is known for its worship of the bodhisattva Kannon. Buddhist statuary - some over 1,000 years old - have been preserved by villagers, instead of being enshrined in temples. Our traveler Peter MacMillan meets some of these guardians and discovers their warm faith.

In this episode of Journeys in Japan, poet and artist Peter MacMillan visits Yoshino Town in Nara Prefecture, which many consider to be the best site for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. On his walk up Mt. Yoshino, he passes by some 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom. These trees are not indigenous. Starting about 1,300 years ago people began planting them for religious reasons. They are still regarded as sacred. Peter comes across an annual festival related to the cherry trees, which dates back more than 1,000 years. He gains insights into why the Japanese have so much affection for cherry blossoms. Peter also stays overnight in temple lodgings to experience the beauty of nocturnal cherry blossom viewing.

The Izumo district of Shimane Prefecture is revered as the heartland of the gods. It is home to Izumo Taisha, one of the largest and most venerated Shinto shrines in all Japan. Renovation work is conducted on the shrine every 60 years, to renew the buildings and keep alive the skills and craftsmanship required for their maintenance. Since the completion of the latest renewal work last year, people have been flocking from around the country to worship in front of the honden (main shrine), as its spiritual power is believed to have increased. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan is shown around the precincts of Izumo Taisha. He witnesses the rituals of the annual Daisairei Festival, held each year in May. He relaxes at one of the most highly regarded hot springs in the area, where the ancient deities are believed to have bathed. And he tries his hand at making magatama, a form of power stone associated with this sacred region since ancient times.

Ine is a beautiful fishing village located in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is famous for its distinctive architecture called Funaya. These wooden structures, which are nestled together on Ine's bay, consist of a boat garage on the 1st floor and living quarters on the 2nd. Ine is also deeply associated with the popular folktale "Urashima Taro". Our traveler, Peter MacMillan meets people living with the sea and discovers their legends.

The ancient town of Kakunodate, in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, is steeped in history. For visitors, it is like a time slip — back to the period when the streets were filled with samurai warriors. In the old days it developed as a castle town and became a regional hub, both economically and culturally. Many vestiges remain from the Edo Period (1603-1868), including former samurai residences, which are open to the public. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter MacMillan explores this fascinating town, which is known as the "little Kyoto of the Michinoku region".

The warlord Date Masamune rose to power during Japan's Warring States period in the 16th century, and went on to control a large area of Tohoku (northeastern Japan). Thanks to his rule, the castle town of Sendai developed into the largest city in the region. It is now a major industrial, economic and cultural hub for the region. Date Masamune was highly skilled in the military arts, but he was also known for his love of literature and his progressive thinking. He enjoyed composing waka (Japanese poetry), and loved sophisticated banquets. He also had a great interest in the world outside of Japan, and he sent special envoys as far as Europe. Even today, Date Masamune remains one of Japan's most popular historical figures. On hunting trips, the warlord would often visit a place called Akiu, where he would relax in the pools of natural hot-spring water. Peter MacMillan is a poet and printmaker from Ireland. In this edition of Journeys in Japan, Peter arrives in Akiu on the cusp of spring.

Munakata City is located in northwestern Kyushu, facing the Sea of Genkai. As an ancient maritime trade route, Munakata opened its doors to international commerce and cultures, playing an important role in history. The city has been nurtured by deep faith since mythical times. And the 1,400-year-old Munakata Taisha, which worships three sister goddesses, is at the center of that faith. Munakata Taisha holds an annual ritual in which the two elder goddesses-who live on nearby islands-travel to join their younger sister in Munakata. Hundreds of fishing boats take part in the spectacular Miare Festival, carrying vibrant banners. Poet Peter MacMillan visits Munakata Taisha and observes the ritual-getting transported back in time.

The ancient city of Nara lies close to Kyoto and Osaka. Around 1,300 years ago it was the capital of Japan, and numerous sacred sites are preserved there dating back to that period of history. Located at the foot of wild mountains covered with thick forest, many of the traditional beliefs and religious rites in this area concern the relationship between people and the living creatures that inhabit this area. There are deer that roam freely around the compound of Kasuga Taisha, the city's main shrine. They have long been considered as the messengers of the deity worshiped there, and to this day the local people take great care of them. Foxes, snakes and monkeys are other animals that are believed to have a connection with the deities. And an annual ritual is held to remember the living creatures that have sacrificed their lives in daily life. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, poet and scholar Peter MacMillan explores Nara and the spiritual practices of this timeless heartland.

Hieizan (Mount Hiei) rises high to the northeast of the city of Kyoto, straddling the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Japan, and has been a focus for people's faith for over 1,200 years. The precincts of Enryakuji temple cover the entire mountaintop, and to this day many priests live there, undergoing spiritual training. Peter MacMillan is a researcher of Japanese literature from Ireland. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, he visits Hieizan to explore the deep spiritual connection that people feel for this sacred mountain.

Across Japan, communities highlight their distinctive charms to attract visitors. On this episode of Journeys in Japan we revisit 3 locales that have come up with creative ways to put themselves on the map, becoming known not only in Japan but around the world.