
Train Cruise (2013)
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Nelson Babin-Coy as Self - Presenter
Episodes 8
Autumn in Japan's Northern Island
From the Kushiro Wetlands teeming with wildlife to the deep blue Sea of Okhotsk, we travel along the Senmo Line for the 160-km journey from Kushiro to Abashiri, discovering some of the most stunning panoramas of Hokkaido while autumn is in full swing.
Read MoreVisiting the Land of Japanese Myths
This time, we'll travel on trains through Shimane Prefecture, a spiritual part of Japan where Japanese gods and humans have a strong bond. We ride a pink train to Izumo Taisha, a shrine where all the gods come to assemble. We start our journey asking the gods to help us connect with others. Afterwards, a wide-open trolley takes us through a mountain range home to the mythical snake beast Orochi. Using a technique called "switchback", the trolley climbs up the mountain for a breathtaking view. We then get on a train designed with kagura, a traditional form of Japanese entertainment. We experience an exciting kagura performance about the god who comes to vanquish the Orochi. Travel with us back in time to the mythical world of Japanese legends.
Read MoreHokkaido: Into the Harsh Winter of Japan's Far North
Our journey takes place in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where we travel to the northernmost part of the island using local train lines. The harsh Hokkaido winter scenery passes outside the windows, treating passengers to dreamy frozen landscapes bustling with wildlife. We even catch one of the few trains in Japan that runs through areas of heavy snowfall, as well as visit a travel lodge built in the style of an old train station, and even indulge ourselves with some famous eki-soba. This two-night/three-day trip will fill you with the magic of Hokkaido's winter.
Read MoreAlong the Coast of the Seto Inland Sea
Located in western Japan, the Seto Inland Sea is home to about 700 islands. This episode, we travel from Okayama Prefecture to Hiroshima Prefecture along the coast. The La Malle de Bois train is perfect for tourists with free Wi-Fi and outlets, while the Setouchi Marine View's huge windows allow for amazing views of the ocean. While taking in the beautiful sights, we stop at Kurashiki, Onomichi, Takehara, Kure, and finally Hiroshima, enjoying all that they have to offer.
Read MoreAlong the Mountain Rivers of Fukushima and Miyagi
This time, we travel through Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures, a region that has maintained a close relationship with nearby rivers and mountains. We start off heading north alongside Japan's 6th largest river, visiting a mini steam locomotive and enjoy some river boating along the way. In the city, we find a subway train that climbs up mountains and crosses rivers, and at times offers some nice scenery. Our journey ends with a specialty tourist train and a visit to 1,000-year-old hot springs.
Read MoreBuilding the Future on the Miyagi Coast
This time, we travel the Miyagi coastline across northeast Japan, an area that was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. We travel in trains with unique designs and experience a new method of transportation while indulging in delicious seafood and tasting local Japanese sake crafted to pair with the fish of this area. We also meet a famous symbol of Miyagi Prefecture that has made a major impact on recovery efforts after 2011. Don't miss this special recovery episode of Train Cruise.
Read MoreAlong the Sparkling River into the Heart of Japan
The Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's most beautiful. Running for 72.1km north-south along the stream is the Nagaragawa Railway. The run takes about 2 hours and includes 38 stations. The people who live along the line have intimate relationships with the river. A highly skilled boatwright who uses ancient techniques to build wooden river ships. A middle-aged couple celebrates the river and mountain scenery at their country inn. A man refocuses his life on the river after giving up on his dream of making music overseas.
Read MoreQuaint Sketches of Life in the Nagano Countyside
Travel the verdant countryside of Nagano Prefecture in early summer. Our journey starts at a hot-spring town on the Ueda Line where the conductor plays harmonica for passengers. Trains rattle through rustic, hilly terrain along Nagano Electric Railway. The Shinano Line gives new life to colorful, old trains. The JR Shinonoi Line has a view of 1,500 terraced rice fields. The JR Oito Line runs along the foot of the majestic Northern Alps. We peek into the lives of the residents who live each day with thanks to nature.
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