Reporter JJ starts his journey through Kanagawa Pref. in the naval city of Yokosuka and heads to Kamakura. This ancient seat of political power is alive with samurai culture and history. From there he heads to Enoshima on the nostalgic Enoden line that lazily runs through the streets and along the Pacific coast. Then he takes to the skies for a thrilling ride on a suspended monorail. And for the climax, he rides a train into the mountains of Hakone in search of a stunning view of the heavens.

We depart on our 120km journey from Mojiko in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Pref. Its grand station built in 1914 has been restored to its former glory. We travel through the world's first undersea tunnel to Shimonoseki, whose specialty is blowfish. After feasting on seafood, we head east along the stunning, azure seas of the Sea of Japan coast bound for Hagi, Yamaguchi Pref. We visit unusual sea stacks, feel the power of a millennium-old tree, and talk to the locals who live along these tempestuous seas.

The Sanriku Railway Rias Line runs 163km the length of Iwate Pref. in Japan's northeast, from Kuji Station in the north through Sakari Station in the south. The only way to conquer the rugged coastline was to go through it, with no fewer than 80 tunnels. Brilliant scenery and the sea awaits when you exit each tunnel. Travel the Sanriku Railway that was the beacon of hope for the region's quick recovery after the Sanriku coastline suffered much damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

We start our journey from Fukuyama in southeastern Hiroshima Prefecture bound for Kurashiki in southwestern Okayama Prefecture via JR and the Ibara Railway. The area once prospered on cotton cultivation and textile production. The traditional weaving techniques are used today to make denim, and brocade items for temples and shrines. We also visit historic townscapes dating back to the 16th through 18th centuries, and taste some local sweets. At our destination, we encounter masterpieces of art.

We journey the JR Hakushin and Uetsu Main Lines of Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures in search of traditional food culture in one of Japan's major rice-producing regions. At Niigata Station we sample sake from the dizzying array on offer. We visit an old brewery that has converted one building into a tourist attraction. One sightseeing train—so popular it's always fully booked—offers spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. Along the way we try exquisite salmon dishes and other culinary delights.

Travel Iwate Pref. from popular destination Morioka to the Pacific coast. Eat your fill of soba noodles, dive into in a fantastical world, fish with cucumbers and go spelunking.

Journey through the tranquil rustic landscape of Shimane Pref. Traditional fishermen catch clams. One temple offers blessing for eye ailments. And, residents make unusual sculptures for the deities.