Great Japanese Railway Journeys

Great Japanese Railway Journeys is a wide-ranging exploration of a country synonymous with rail innovation. The series starts with Michael in Osaka, he journeys from Kyoto's imperial heritage to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, from the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu to the vast urban system of Tokyo, before continuing through the Seikan Tunnel to Hokkaido. Along the way, he explores a nation where technological innovation and long-held tradition sit side by side, using the railway to connect stories that have shaped modern Japan. 

Show Info

Web channel: United Kingdom BBC iPlayer (2026 - now)
Average Runtime: 29 minutes
Status: Running
Show Type: Documentary
Genres: Travel
Episodes ordered: 15 episodes

Official site: www.bbc.co.uk

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Next Episode

Kagoshima to Chiran

Episode 1x06; Apr 20, 2026

Michael starts a journey in and around Japan's southernmost main island, Kyushu. He begins in Kagoshima, an extraordinary city which sits in the shadow of Japan's most active volcano, Sakurajima.

Previous Episodes

Episode NameAirdateTrailer
1x05: Japanese Alps: Nagano to Narai JukuApr 13, 2026
1x04: Kanazawa to Kurobe GorgeApr 13, 2026
1x03: Shima Peninsula to NaraApr 13, 2026
View full episode list »

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