Journeys in Japan: 8x9
Odate: The Land of the Akita Inu
The statue of Hachi the Dog sits near Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing. Hachi was an Akita Inu, a breed designated as a national natural monument. The breed originated in Odate City, Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. Odate thrived on mineral mining and forestry from the beautiful forests of Akita sugi, a type of cedar. But today, it’s especially known as the birthplace of the Akita Inu. On Michael’s travels around Odate he meets the famed dog and gets a glimpse into locals’ everyday lives. He also takes part in the Amekko Festival, which dates back 400 years.
8 - 1Koza: A Rhythm All Its Own Jan. 31, 2017- 8 - 2Ogawayama: A Rock Climber's Paradise Feb. 07, 2017
- 8 - 3Niseko: Snowy Adventures Feb. 14, 2017
- 8 - 4Suruga Bay: The Bounty of the Deep Feb. 21, 2017
- 8 - 5Tokoname: City of Ceramics Past and Present Feb. 28, 2017
- 8 - 6Ibaraki: Savoring Winter Flavors Mar. 07, 2017
- 8 - 7Hokkaido: Sculpting Winter's Ice and Snow Apr. 04, 2017
- 8 - 8Mt. Norikuradake: A Peak Winter Experience Apr. 11, 2017
- 8 - 9Odate: The Land of the Akita Inu Apr. 18, 2017
- 8 - 10Oya, Utsunomiya: Stone Town & Quarry Ruins Tour Apr. 25, 2017
- 8 - 11Nagoya: Samurai Warlord Chronicles May. 02, 2017
- 8 - 12Hakuba: Off Piste to a Hidden Hot Spring May. 09, 2017
- 8 - 13Nara: Ancient Sanctuary for all Living Creatures May. 30, 2017
- 8 - 14Monobe, Kochi: Tales from the Magical Mountain Hamlet Jun. 20, 2017
- 8 - 15Manazuru: Good Living by Design Jun. 27, 2017
8 - 16Nanyo, Ehime: Water for Life and Fun Jul. 04, 2017- 8 - 17Meiwa-cho, Mie: An Ancient Legend Comes to Life Jul. 11, 2017
- 8 - 18Mount Daisen: Mystical Rites, Local Life Jul. 18, 2017
- 8 - 19Murayama, Yamagata: Local Delicacies, Local Pride Jul. 25, 2017
- 8 - 20Tottori: Sculpted by Nature Aug. 01, 2017
- 8 - 21Deep into the Unspoiled Forest: Shirakami Sanchi Aug. 08, 2017
- 8 - 22Yonaguni: Wild West Escapades Aug. 15, 2017
- 8 - 23Obuse, Nagano: Walking and Running for Fun Aug. 22, 2017
- 8 - 24Taisetsuzan: Summer Alpine Discoveries Sep. 12, 2017
- 8 - 25Kochi's Summertime Fever: The Yosakoi! Sep. 19, 2017
- 8 - 26Awa Odori Festival: Spirited Away in Tokushima Sep. 26, 2017
- 8 - 27Yanai: Old Town of Goldfish Lanterns Oct. 03, 2017
- 8 - 28Nagara River: Pristine Beauty, Waterborne Bounty Oct. 10, 2017
- 8 - 29Minami-Izu: Unspoiled Seaside Getaway Oct. 17, 2017
- 8 - 30A River Runs Through Hokkaido Oct. 24, 2017
- 8 - 31Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of "Kuro" Culture Nov. 07, 2017
- 8 - 32Kikuma, Ehime: Pride and Pageantry Nov. 21, 2017
- 8 - 33Togakushi: Autumn Hues at a Sacred Mountain Nov. 28, 2017
- 8 - 34Passage of Time: Lake Towada in Autumn Dec. 05, 2017
- 8 - 35Karatsu: Festival Floats, Deep Community Spirit Dec. 12, 2017