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The 12 Best Documentaries About Tokyo

Dec 8, 2023 | Best Of , Geography

tokyo travel documentary

Discover the secrets of Tokyo through ten of the best documentaries about this vibrant city. From its cutting-edge architecture to its historical neighborhoods, discover a side of Japan that few outsiders get to experience. Whether it’s an exploration of traditional culture or a journey into modern fashion trends, these films will let you explore Tokyo like never before. So grab your popcorn, settle in and get ready to be transported into the heart of a city like no other. From the past to the present, explore Tokyo through these captivating documentaries.

1. Tokyo Noise (2002 Documentary)

Explore the roar of Tokyo in this unique documentary! Dive deep into the bustling urban jungle, as you immerse yourself in an enlightening journey. Witness a remarkable view of Japan’s capital through interviews with renowned photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, game designer Shono, musician Mayuko Hino and more. Discover fascinating topics such as robotics, shintoism , “love hotels” and a photoclub devoted to the iconic Mount Fuji. Get ready to embark on a fascinating experience as you explore Tokyo and its unique culture! The documentary captures the essence of life in Japan’s largest city, exploring vibrant themes such as robotics and shintoism.

2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown | Tokyo | S02 E07

Anthony Bourdain, the globetrotting chef and storyteller, travels to Tokyo in search of its hidden depths and mysterious underground. His journey takes him through a land of paradoxes – where traditional values of conformity and dedication coexist alongside unique subcultures. Throughout his exploration, he encounters some of Japan’s most renowned sushi chefs such as Yasuda, whose craftsmanship has created an international reputation. Exploring the city through its dark and unusual lens, Bourdain explores Tokyo’s secret side and discovers that Japan offers much more than what meets the eye.

3. World’s Busiest Station: Shinjuku Station Tokyo

The world’s busiest station, Shinjuku Station Tokyo, is the hub for incredible precision and disciplined organization. From the staff to the 3.6 million customers that pass through daily, everyone works together in perfect harmony – with a smile on their faces. This documentary takes a deep dive into this remarkable feat of modern engineering and shows what it takes to keep the station running smoothly. From the intricate network of train lines and platforms, to the untold stories from its passengers, this film truly captures the magic of Shinjuku Station Tokyo and offers viewers a unique glimpse into one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

4. Imperial House of Japan: Tokyo – The New Capital

Embark on a journey through the ages and explore how Japan’s storied Imperial House has shaped the country’s culture, national identity and tumultuous history for over 3000 years. From legendary founding Emperor, Jimmu, to current ruler, Naruhito of the Chrysanthemum Throne, follow this extraordinary dynasty’s historical progression as one of the oldest continuous hereditary monarchies in the world. Journey to the sacred home of this Imperial House, Tokyo, and discover how this modern metropolis is firmly rooted in its past while embracing the future.

5. Tokyo’s Fateful Sarin Gas Attack in 1995

It was March 20, 1995. Tokyo’s commuters were going about their daily routines, unaware of the tragedy that was about to unfold. Suddenly, passengers aboard the subway were overcome with a choking sensation – sarin gas had been released in the station, and many people began to pass out from its toxicity. The perpetrators were members of an obscure new religion, who believed that by killing all of humanity they could save mankind. The attack was an attempt to bring their beliefs into the public consciousness and spark a revolution. As news of this tragedy spread throughout Tokyo, it caused a deep shock in the city – one that has not been forgotten even today.

6. Rise of Tokyo in Color – World’s Largest City: Tokyo, Japan

Standing tall like a giant of industry, Tokyo is the largest city in the world. For over 150 years it has grown and evolved from a small town of wooden buildings to a sprawling metropolis. The journey to modernization wasn’t linear however with an earthquake and bombings along the way bringing destruction and heartache. But Tokyo rose from these ashes like a phoenix – bigger and more incredible than ever before. Rise of Tokyo in Color is a digital documentary that charts this fascinating transformation using rare, colorized archival footage to bring the story to life like never before.

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tokyo travel documentary

With international trips dissipated to pretty much non-existence, for the past few years we’ve had to turn to different forms of entertainment to try and satiate our desires to travel.

Unsurprisingly, consuming online content was one way that many people realized was going to be as close as they could get to experiencing the other side of the world.

Watching as real people explored foreign cities, ate peculiar foods, and interacted with strangers somewhat filled that void that we all wished we could go out and fill ourselves with.

Netflix saw the opportunity and absolutely leaped into the task of spoiling us with huge additions of travel shows and documentaries that were made to engage us in ways that makes us feel like we’re actually there in that moment.

Their best content has helped us keep the travel bug at bay and fed into our wanderlust desires in the best ways possible.

Watching these shows, whether it be about countries we’ve already visited or ones that we’re eager to visit once we’re allowed to, inspires us and gives us insight on how we can better plan the trip when the time comes around (and it will come, hopefully sooner rather than later!).

And to be honest, they’re just super fun and easy to watch!

There is currently a plethora of shows about food, travel, and/or culture – but the best ones are the ones that combine all three.

Let’s look into the 10 best Netflix travel shows and documentaries out right now!

1. Street Food Series – Asia (2019)

The Street Food series is a much-loved global series that’s the perfect viewing experience for foodies around the world. Every episode follows the story of a local chef and shares how their famous street food stall came to be.

If you’re a fan of journeys, this series will take you on some wild rides. You’ll be pretty much learning the origin stories of some of the chefs, some who literally started from the bottom, some of who took over flailing family businesses to completely turn them around.

The first series focuses on Asia, taking you for a tour around popular Asian destinations such as Thailand , Singapore , Delhi, Seoul , and many more. The second season focuses on Latin America.

2. Twogether (2020)

Veteran South Korean entertainer Lee Seung Gi and popular Taiwanese actor Liu Yi-Hao (stage name Jasper) are thrown in the deep end in this fun travel and exploration documentary series.

Basically, before starting filming in Indonesia, they met briefly for the first time when they were told that they would be filming this show. Fast-forward to months later and they’re both stepping off the airplane in Yogyakarta, a foreign Indonesian city neither have ever visited before.

From there, both parties must navigate through ‘missions’ (tasks) as submitted by their various fans across multiple cities around Asia, all whilst trying to overcome their language barrier and adapt to their environment.

From the get-go, you get the strong feeling that this is not scripted, as both parties are as awkward as it gets. Communicating in Taiwanese, Korean, and a sprinkle of English, you can feel them warming up to each other as the show goes on, and eventually they form a wonderful brotherhood you just can’t make up.

Both Seung Gi and Jasper are adventurous, comical and overall, wonderfully likable in this amazing series.

3. Somebody Feed Phil (2020)

In this fun and light-hearted travel, food and culture documentary, Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the classic sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” travels the world to indulge in delicious local cuisine and explore more about the culture of the destinations.

Some of the cities that he visits include Bangkok , Saigon , Seoul, and Singapore.

Unsurprisingly, his genuine interest in local customs, openness to trying even the strangest of foods, and amusing dry humour have hooked hundreds of thousands of people around the world. There are currently 4 seasons available to watch on Netflix.

4. J-Style Trip (2020)

Chinese artist Jay Chou is synonymous with legendary music. Many argue that it was he who put C-pop on the global map; if not, then it was he who expanded it beyond its horizons.

On the surface level, this documentary showcases Jay and his crew traveling around different destinations around the world. They perform crazy magic tricks, participate in fun and adventurous activities, and generally have good banter.

However, if you’re a long-time C-pop music lover, you’ll find that this series is much more than what it appears to be.

Whilst there is the glitz and glamor of visiting Paris and globetrotting through Singapore, there are moments of nostalgia as Jay Chou talks about his childhood dreams and inspiration. Certain conversations delve you deeper into the thoughts of the musician and remind you that he is a human before he is an artist.

Regardless of whether you’re a Jay Chou fan or not, this is a great series to binge.

5. The Hungry & The Hairy (2022)

Globally renowned k-popstar Rain and veteran South Korean comedian Ro Hong-chul are a pair of two unlikely friends in their late 30s who get together to traverse the country for light adventure and great food.

The synopsis of the series is basic enough: from Jeju Island to all the way back to Seoul, the two friends dip into various locations with their motorbikes to savour the scenery and sample the local food offerings.

This is a super laid-back, easy-going travelogue show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  

From the ridiculous outfits to the never-ending banter, you’ll find yourself immersed in the chemistry of the two as well as the gorgeous shots of the areas they go exploring.

One highlight of this show includes the endless drone shots of the long stretches of highways with mountains and beaches flanking the sides, reminding you that there is a whole world out there to explore soon.

Another highlight is the food they devour. When Rain is not showing off his culinary skills and cooking up a storm, they’re stopping into some restaurants that are local favourites to eat until they pass out (literally).

6. Midnight Asia – Eat Dance Dream (2022)

This eclectic show is unique in that rather than show celebrities, it follows the lives of individuals living life in some of the craziest night scenes across Asia.

Brightly lit neon sign boards, big personalities, and stunning drone shots characterize this show. This travel documentary series specifically shoots late at night to really showcase the party vibes of the city it’s highlighting.

The first episode focuses on Tokyo . In Shinjuku, we’re introduced to Sumiko Iwamuro, an 85-year-old DJ.  

We get to know Rogerio Ignacio Vaz, a Brazilian born to Japanese parents, who’s a mixologist.  

We follow Shotaro Komijo, as he drags his bar cart, Twillo, to a random location and then sends an update to his followers via his social media.

These are only a few of the personalities you’ll get to meet.

From Tokyo to Mumbai, Seoul to Taipei , East Asia has its moment in this series.

7. Ugly Delicious (2020)

Part cooking show, part documentary, Ugly Delicious the gold standard for those interested in how food and culture intertwine.

David Chang is a renowned chef who is the owner of the globally popular Momofuku restaurant group. From noodles to fried chicken sandwiches to pastries, his culinary ventures have left little for the imagination.

He starred in both seasons of Ugly Delicious, traveling the world, sampling and breaking down dishes and providing commentary and insight on its concept and history.

Viewers will like how grounded this show is. It isn’t merely just about the food itself; David features guests who sit down over a meal, conversing easily and candidly. There are nostalgic memories brought up, discussions about comfort foods being commercialized, and immigrants opening up shop to provide a taste of home.

David Chang ultimately drives home the message that food is a universal language, and it brings people together.

8. Zulu Man in Japan (2019)

In this short documentary, South African rapper Nasty C takes to the streets of Japan , immersing himself into the local culture, collaborating with local artists, and exposing himself to the vibrant creative arts and music scene.

With only a 48-minute running time, this is a quick and easy watch. You follow Nasty C as he freely and liberally explores the country’s night scene, gets into the thick of the local fashion and arts, attends concerts and more.

For those who have travelled to Japan before, you would know that the vibes in this country are unmatched.

So, to witness an up-and-coming rapper who’s never visited the country before take in the electric scenery, energy, and people the same way you did – in awe and wonderment – it will make you feel things.

9. Flavorful Origins

In this colourful documentary series, Flavorful Origins masterfully takes us through the various traditional cooking techniques of the Chaoshan Cuisine.

The history and culture intertwined with the real individuals in this series provides us with an insight into this relatively unknown branch of Chinese cuisine.  

Each episode focuses on a different dish, some we may have come across before, and others we’ve likely never ever heard about.

The in-depth look at how the chefs, some of whom have had techniques passed down to them from generations before, prepare and cook the food will amaze you.

Frying, grilling, steaming – no cooking method is left off the table.

Whilst there are a whopping 20-episodes, which might seem a tad long for some people, the standardized approach yet fresh content of each episode will have you eating away at the show quicker than you realise.

10. Midnight Diner Tokyo Stories (2019)

The Midnight Diner Tokyo Series is a little bit different from the rest of shows mentioned above. Rather than filming real people traveling the world and exploring food, this show is a work of fiction.

However, it’s not fiction as you know it. Rather, with nuanced characters and clever script-writing, it can be described as a travelogue, a food review show, or even a commentary show on the Japanese lifestyle.

The show itself follows the story of ‘Master’, the owner/chef of a small diner in Tokyo who serves a variety of Japanese dishes to his customers. The diner is open from midnight to 7am, and you quickly find that customers are generally regulars who come for Master’s listening ear and comfort food.

If you’re missing hearing the Japanese language, are looking for something to watch that won’t challenge your thinking too hard, and just want to have a feel-good show on, Midnight Diner Tokyo Stories will introduce you to some unique characters.

I hope you enjoyed our selection of the best Netflix travel shows and documentaries. If you’re looking for some shows to get you out of that (lack of) travel funk, we’re sure that any pick off this list will do the job.

Travel shows and documentaries work wonders in making us feel inspired about the future of travel.

Whether you’re determined to visit your favourite country next year and just want something to tide you over for now, or looking to get some ideas about where you can go next once restrictions fully lift – we hope you find it watching one of these remarkable shows.

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7 Netflix Shows That Will Help You Understand Japan

An unmissable list of shows, films and documentaries about japan.

tokyo travel documentary

From Japanese idol culture to historic propaganda to informative trivia, this list has something for every binge-watching Netflix viewer looking to open their eyes to another side of Japan.

It’s that time of year again in Tokyo: the parasols are out, the air is sticky, the crowded trains are sweatier and more humid than usual, and that spot on the couch beneath the air-conditioner next to a box of popsicles is looking more and more appealing. Why not stay inside this weekend and deepen your understanding of Japan, its culture and its people? Here is a list of seven historic, informative and interesting shows that will help you do just that! We’ve included a wide range of Netflix favorites (with English subtitles) focusing on Japan and the Japanese people, all for your viewing pleasure. 

The Birth of Sake

This award-winning documentary explores the lives of sake artisans working in Yoshida Brewery. Here, a small group of employees aged between 20 and 70 brave unusual working conditions and the intense winters of northern Japan to preserve the 2000-year-old tradition of sake. However, in this industry of intense competition, where sake drinkers are overwhelmed by choice, Yoshida is under immense pressure to keep-up their world class quality and reputation. The documentary focuses on the lives of Yoshida’s workers—particularly Yamamoto (65), a veteran sake maker, and Yasuyuki Yoshida (27), the sixth-generation heir to the brewery—and gives a unique insight into the sacrifices of the workers who dedicate their lives to this time-old tradition.   

Tokyo Idols

AKB48, Nogizaka46, Momoiro Clover Z … idol music is a genre and culture largely unique to Japan: spend five minutes in Akihabara , and you will be inundated with posters and advertisements of pretty, young women and girls in matching costumes dancing and singing to pop music. Tokyo Idols is a documentary that explores this cultural phenomenon, and the superfans who devote their lives and personal finances to it. Filmmaker, Kyoko Miyake looks at the obsession with young female sexuality in Japan’s hypermodern society, and offers a critique of this changing industry where the internet is becoming increasingly influential but female idols are growing younger and younger.

Know Your Enemy: Japan

tokyo travel documentary

Now considered a culturally-insensitive piece of military propaganda, Know Your Enemy: Japan offers a look into the history of Japan from the 16 th century up until the 1930s, and gives insight into the Pacific region during the time of World War II. Commissioned by the U.S. War Department, and directed by Frank Capra, the film was initially created to prepare US soldiers before their deployment in the Pacific. However, as the war ended shortly after the film’s completion, this did not come to be. If you’re a history buff, be sure to check this one out.

Terrace House: Opening New Doors

tokyo travel documentary

Terrace House: Opening New Doors is an addictive reality TV show about six young people who, despite being total strangers, all move into a beautiful house in Karuizawa. There is no script. Just a camera crew, six strangers and the stories and interactions that unfold. Released in 2017, Opening New Doors is currently the most recent Terrace House season. While the immensely popular original Terrace House : Boys and Girls Next Door is also on Netflix, it does not have English subtitles. But, if your Nihongo is A+, feel free to check that out as well!

Chef’s Table Season 1: Niki Nakayama

This episode of Chef’s Table explores the life and career of Niki Nakayama. Born in the US to Japanese parents, Niki is a highly successful chef and restaurateur who runs the award-winning Los Angeles restaurant N/Naka. N/Naka serves modern kaiseki: a multi-course dinner that is artfully constructed, and carefully brings out the ultimate flavors in every ingredient with different cooking techniques. The episode follows Niki’s career, the day-to-day duties of running a Kaiseki restaurant and the adversity she has had to overcome as a woman working in the food industries of both Japan and the US.     

Japanese Style Originator

tokyo travel documentary

Want to learn more about a wide and miscellaneous variety of Japanese traditions? Japanese Style Originator is the perfect show for you. From the correct etiquette to use at a tempura restaurant, to the proper way to wear yukata , to tips for making the best miso soup: this show has a little bit of everything. Those who like trivia, history and bringing up interesting factoids at dinner parties should definitely check this out!  

tokyo travel documentary

This is a romantic, reality TV show with a premise like no other: 18 men and women looking for love are placed in beautiful Okinawa with the hope of finding a significant other. Sound uncomplicated? It’s not. Each contestant is burdened by a dark past and a harrowing secret. From criminal history to addiction, to previous affairs, these contestants must reveal their secrets and accept the flaws of others in order to find love. Hosted by comedian Atsushi Tamura, REA(L)OVE is an unconventional dating show with moments both heartbreaking and hilarious.  

Happy TV binging!

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For those interested in learning more about Japanese culture, Netflix has a great selection of documentaries about the curious land of the rising sun. While some exclusively focus on Japan, others feature a deep dive into one aspect of the culture in a single episode. From samurai and street food to kabuki and idols, there is something for everyone in these Japan documentaries.

Netflix Documentaries About Japan

age of samurai

Editorial credit: Cream Productions / Netflix

1. Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

This historical Netflix docuseries tells the story of 16th-century feudal Japan starting with Nobunaga Oda becoming the head of the Oda clan after the death of his father. It involves well-known historical figures such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who unified the nation, and Ieyasu Tokugawa, the powerful daimyo who became the shogun after Toyotomi. This dynamic, fast-paced series delivers a rich and compelling story about the eventual birth of the Tokugawa shogunate, which lasted for over 250 years.

2. Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki Featuring Toma Ikuta

In this documentary, popular actor and idol Toma Ikuta joins his childhood friend and kabuki artist Matsuya Onoe in the final season of an independent kabuki production called “Idomu” (Challenge). He fulfills his dream of acting in a kabuki play while trying to master the fundamentals of kabuki over the course of a few short months. Not only can fans of Ikuta watch their idol learn a new skillset, they can also catch a rare glimpse into the world of kabuki from rehearsal to the pre-show make-up room. This is a movie about passion, friendship and the ancient art of kabuki.

3. Daiki Tsuneta Tokyo Chaotic

This documentary follows Daiki Tsuneta, the leader of Japanese rock group King Gnu, as he works on the musical collective “Millennium Parade.” King Gnu are one of the most famous rock bands in Japan. Their song “Kasa” was number one on the Billboard Japan Download Chart in October 2019, while their album “Ceremony” was one of the 10 best-selling records of 2020 worldwide, selling around one million copies. Their tracks “Ichizu” and “Sakayume” are also in the popular anime movie  Jujutsu Kaisen 0 . The film crew documents from the start to the finish, the entire three months of the creation of Millennium Parade’s special track “2992.” Fans of King Gnu and those interested in the Japanese music scene will enjoy this enlightening documentary. 

4. Ride on Time

This four-season docuseries follows a different top male idol group produced by Johnny & Associates each season. Those interested in peeking behind the scenes at a top idol agency in Japan will appreciate the insight of this docuseries that tracks the groups over several weeks. It’s named after a Tatsuro Yamashita track that is also the theme song of the show.  Yamashita is a city pop artist  whose hits remain popular alongside songs by Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Matsubara . The male idol groups in this docuseries, such as Johnny’s West, Naniwa Danshi and SixTONES, are more contemporary artists.

Netflix Documentaries With Episodes About Japan

street food asia

Editorial Credit: Kosuke Arakawa / Netflix

5. Street Food: Asia: Osaka Episode

Episode two of Street Food: Asia introduces Netflix’s global audience to stalls, shops and izakaya in Osaka , a city known for its famous street food that includes okonomiyaki and takoyaki. In the 32-minute episode the audience learns about the owners of the popular Izakaya Toyo, one of Osaka’s oldest takoyaki stalls Umai-ya and an okonomiyaki shop called Fue. This documentary inspires both an appetite for food and travel.

6. Dark Tourist: Japan Episode

New Zealand filmmaker and journalist David Farrier travels to morbid destinations in Japan, including Fukushima, Aokigahara and Hashima Island, in episode two of season one of the docuseries Dark Tourist . Fukushima was hit by three deadly disasters on March 11, 2011 when a tsunami, earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster devastated the prefecture. Aokigahara is known as the suicide forest in Japan while Hashima Island (commonly known as Gunkanjima) is a tiny abandoned island near Nagasaki that used to be a coal mining island until 1974. Farrier speaks with locals about the macabre history behind each location, bringing to life the stories tied to each place.

7. Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream: Japan Episode

Episode one of this docuseries throws viewers into the diverse, adrenaline-inducing world of Tokyo at night. The audience gets a sneak peek into the lives of the oldest professional club DJ in the world, 87-year-old Sumiko Iwamuro, renowned bartender Rogerio Igarashi Vaz and fetish partygoers at Department H, Tokyo’s longest-running fetish club. If viewers want to know what life is like once the trains stop running in Japan’s capital, then they should try living vicariously through the Tokyoites in this episode.

salt

Editorial credit: Netflix

8. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Salt Episode

In episode two, chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat introduces viewers to the wide variety of salt in Japan and teaches them that salt tastes different depending on where it comes from and how it’s produced. Amazingly, Japan has over 4,000 different types of salt and each one has its own special flavor. Viewers also learn how miso, dashi and soy sauce provide saltiness and umami to Japanese dishes.

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21 Great Shows and Documentaries about Japan to Watch Now

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This post may have been slightly inspired by the current state of affairs of stay-at-home orders and quarantine with COVID-19 running amok. I tend not to be a big TV watcher but when you are stuck inside all the time, it helps to know about some shows to watch during quarantine (or in general!). Here at Kristen Abroad, we’re all about Japan so, what do you think I’ve been watching (besides my normal Crunchyroll anime binges)?. Starting with my favorite documentaries about Japan we’ll move into some TV shows and finish out with some fun manga adaptations.

Whether it’s learning something about the culture or just watching some silly slice-of-life inside view with these shows and documentaries about Japan, these options should keep you busy for a while. I know for me they give me a multitude of items to check off my bucket list when we’re all back to traveling and exploring. You may want to take some notes!

Update January 2021: Since the time I originally wrote this post about documentaries about Japan earlier in the quarantine, I’ve watched even more documentaries and shows about Japan that I’d like to share with you. What started as 11 documentaries and shows about Japan (or actually 9 if you look at the permalink for this post), is now 21. Only because I’m not counting the countless resources that NHK World has to offer on-demand in the total.

Stay healthy out there everyone and even when we can go back to traveling normally, these shows and documentaries about Japan are great for giving you a glimpse into Japanese culture at any time.

9 Documentaries About Japan

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Disclosure: Kristenabroad.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. For some links to products or services in this article, I may earn a small commission by you using my link.  The price for you is not affected.

Just as a heads up, all three of these documentaries about Japan have Japanese tracks with English subtitles. If that’s not your thing, know that these documentaries are worth it! If that still doesn’t get you, there are a few English track options in the next section (look for the *). However, note that while learning even basic Japanese, hearing native speakers does wonder with your pronunciation, comprehension, and your speaking abilities .

I’ve tried to mark if any come from a specific streaming network for these shows and documentaries about Japan but the easiest way I find to do that is to check the search function on my Roku for where they reside.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

This 2011 documentary by David Gleb about Japan’s 3-star sushi chef might have been what got me interested in documentaries in the first place. 85-year old Jiro Ono (小野 二郎, Ono Jiro – remember in Japanese, last names come first!) is amazing to watch.

His restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has a total of 10 counter seats and serves omakase sushi only. For what is a $400 meal (as of 2020), people like to comment on it being “just in some subway station!”. It is in Ginza though, Tokyo’s ritziest upscale shopping area.

While it held the award of a 3 star Michelin star for a decade, it actually recently lost it, not due to a decline in quality, but that it has become so exclusive to get in the original store that even Michelin can’t get in! That being said, Jiro still holds the title of oldest chef to earn a 3-star ! Most recently updated in March of 2019 at a ripe old age of 93 years and 128 days.

Thanks to the near impossibility to get into Sukiyabashi Jiro, which has been in business since 昭和40年 (Showa 40, or 1965 to the rest of us), it makes it an even more special to watch as far as documentaries about Japan go.

This documentary of Japan’s probably most recognized sushi chef delves a lot into what it means to be a 職人 (しょくにん, shokunin). A title that is earned that can be used for any profession that means you have mastered your craft. Jiro started working in a kitchen at 9 years old, and as you’ll see through the film, he’s never given up on becoming his best.

The Birth of Sake

The film makers (Director Erik Shirai was a cinematographer for ‘No Reservations’ with Anthony Bourdain), lived through a full season of sake brewing to capture this film. Staying at the brewery with the workers to see what it truly means to make sake in the traditional manor as it has for thousands of years.

This documentary about sake is set in Tedorigawa Yoshida Brewery , a small family-run brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture founded in 1870. Once Yachan Yoshida takes over for his father, the company’s president, he will be the sixth generation of his family to lead the brewery.

The movie is very artistic and shows how much craftmanship (that 職人, shokunin, again) that goes into making sake. The head brewer, Teruyuki Yamamoto who was 68 at filming, uses his senses instead of just a formula and machine to make their premium brand.

It’s a grueling half a year in which the workers must leave their families from October to April, waking at 4:30 a.m., eating, and working together, most days past dinner. The dedication is intense.

Ramen Heads

Ramen Heads showcases Osamu Tomita, who opened Chuka Soba Tomita (中華蕎麦 とみ田) in 2006. At the time of the film, Tomita’s had earned best ramen in Japan four years in a row.

The documentary reveals Tomita’s unfaltering desire to have great ramen. He LIVES ramen, and even when they do segments with his family, that’s what they eat – ramen . Notably, the film makes a big deal of him showing everything that goes into his broth. Tantalizing quantities of high-quality ingredients that he totes “shops that won’t share what they do is because they don’t want to show you that it’s nothing special” (I’m paraphrasing).

The movie also takes you to five other shops (bucket list of ramen anyone?) so you get a feel for several different types of ramen and the history of some of the great ramenya’s (ramen shops) of Japan.

Really it just makes me want to go try them all out for myself!

Miso Hungry

I have a soft spot for food/transformation documentaries, combine that with my love of Japan and voila, you have Miso Hungry (and it doesn’t hurt I love the play on words with “ miso ” in the title)! Australian award-winning actor and comedian Craig Anderson stars in this documentary in a quest to get healthy eating only Japanese food for 12 weeks. How does he learn how to do that? He heads to Japan for the first several weeks, of course!

In Miso Hungry he learns about what the typical Japanese diet is, how to make it and what “home-cooked” Japanese food looks like, information about green tea including a 茶道 or tea ceremony, and even some shojin ryori, the traditional vegetarian dining of Buddhist monks.

Instead of making a conscious effort to do more exercise, he just lives like the Japanese, and well, walks everywhere. He uses a wearable to track his steps (I love my Garmin Fenix 6s that I upgraded to for my birthday) so he can continue the same back in Australia during the later part of the experiment.

Like any good diet documentary, it has the pre-and post-health specs, but for me, I really like the dive into Japan’s food culture with the quirky humor mixed in.

Wa-shoku Dream: Beyond Sushi

More food documentaries about Japan! This one is not diet focused but focused on the Japanese food itself. After all, UNESCO did name it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It starts with Noritoshi Kanai who is credited with bringing Japanese food, especially sushi – he apparently was the one that coined the term “sushi bar”, to America. In that aspect, a good chunk of the documentary is peering into Japanese food culture in America.

It might be worth watching just for the ridiculous sushi restaurant with people dancing around yelling about sake bombs, not something you would see in Japan.

It does delve into shojin ryori momentarily so it can be transitioned into kaiseki (which is based off shojin ryori), and the plating will have you salivating for some of your own. But just as soon as you are there, next you are seeing sushi food trucks and ramen burgers.

As such, I’ve seen some comments that people think it jumps around a lot but I like it as far as documentaries about Japan go if nothing else for the wide range of Japanese food it shows. There are many tokens of information that I learned from watching this documentary about Japan, and to me, that’s what makes it worth it. Always learning.

Naration is in English, but many of the interviews are in Japanese with subtitles.

James May Our Man in Japan

You probably know of James May from one of his various TV shows. Usually car related though I do like his cooking show, but this one is him running North to South in Japan. What it does well is go into different aspects of Japanese culture that aren’t normally highlighted except for specials on NHK. Though even there, I think it’s the first time I’ve ever heard about competitive snowball fighting!

He meets a train melody composer – lots of train stations in Japan have special songs! Something you may notice in Japan and wonder who comes up with that?! There’s a lot of “typical” Japan travel scenes of ordering from a ramen machine or trying Kobe beef , checking out the famous fancy toilets of Japan , but there is a small treasure trove of extra experiences that are available that may not be thought about.

Or there are things travelers may have heard about, like the Kanamara Matsuri fertility festival but never been able to experience. At just six episodes, it’s an easy binge-watch of Japan.

Prison Life: Justice in Japan

As part of my orientation to living in Japan, they spent a good chunk of time warning us of the conditions of Japanese prisons. Mainly stemming around scare tactics for not drinking and driving (Japan’s legal limit is 0.03 vice American where it is 0.08, making even one evening drink suspect the next morning) but not only. As you can be thrown in for weeks “on miso alone” without being told while you are there. Needless to say, when I found this title I was curious to see the actual conditions and what it meant to be in prison in Japan.

They start by going over the particulars of the difficult hoops they had to jump through for this documentary about Japan prisons could even get off the ground. Two prisons allowed them under strict circumstances.

Of course, everything looks orderly, like the slippers outside their doors because why wouldn’t you have a genkan? Curiously, they are woken up not just by the guards but by classical music, which amusingly reminded me of my friend’s toilet room that played classical music when you entered.

Regulation is key though. Everything timed, everything precise. Each day they clean their own cells, much like school children clean their own class rooms (yikes, if that’s not a comparison, I don’t know what is). If everything isn’t perfect, they can be punished. With the likes of having to sit 正座 (seiza, Japanese style kneeling) or 胡座 (agura, cross-legged), in the middle of their room, with no books, no TV for UP TO SIXTY DAYS!

Touching on Charles Ghosn’s fleeing Japan, a festival “celebrating” prisons, as well as the increasing older population, it’s an interesting watch into the lives of inmates as well as the judicial system of Japan.

This documentary about Japan focuses on the lives of five “hafu” Japanese. Hafu (ハーフ) is the term used in Japan for someone of mixed-race, or “half” Japanese. It’s a very candid look and touches on some tough topics. With the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reporting that one in forty-nine babies in Japan have one non-Japanese parent, the number is growing. When you hear all the time that Japan’s population is dwindling, it is something to look at.

And while not indicative of all experience, as someone that knows many half-Japanese/half-American children (Yokosuka has an American base, after all) and friends, now that I’ve seen the movie, I’d like to delve more into understanding their experiences. As an outsider to the experience, I found it well done.

Big in Japan

One of the weirdest documentaries about Japan features a few Australian guys and their quest to make one of the “famous in Japan” is absolutely ridiculous but I loved it. As someone that always wanted to get into the modeling scene, but didn’t have the time to hop to Tokyo on a Wednesday at 9 am – hello engineering job – it’s an interesting foray into not just modeling, but what it means to “be famous”.

With some interludes from university professors on the topic, it mostly revolves around the crazy antics of what they do over nearly two years in Japan to try and make it big, to which they ultimately fall short but make a good crack at it.

Watch it for the ridiculousness but also for the Japan scenery.

While I love documentaries about Japan, there’s plenty of other varieties of programming to keep you busy, namely mini-documentaries, a few travel shows, a cooking show, and some manga adaptions.

Chef’s Table (*)

Hear me out on this one. While the show (available on Netflix) is not entirely Japan, if you liked Jiro, David Gleb is also the creator of the Netflix original series “Chef’s Table”. Consider them mini documentaries showcasing a different chef each episode. Fantastically produced, I’m a little jealous that David is only a couple of months older than me.

Where’s this fit in with Japan? The first season has an episode showcasing Niki Nakayama who is chef and owner at Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles. Specialization? Kaiseki. Japan’s traditional course meal. If a star wasn’t enough to get you curious about it, Food and Wine also named n/naka one of the best restaurants in the world in 2019 .

Japanese Style Originator

The original name is 和風総本家 (wafuu souhonke) and it is a Japanese TV program that began in April of 2008. Some translations are available on Netflix under the name “Japanese Style Originator”, which is an interesting choice of translation but I get it.

If you are familiar at all with Japanese television, you will know that they LOVE panel shows. This is where a group of celebrities watch clips together and weigh in on what is learned/seen. They were popular back in the 50s and 60s in America and are still going strong in Japan. There is usually a quiz component which Japanese Style Originator definitely deploys. In this case, it greatly adds to your understanding of each cultural aspect. The panel has a few consistent members and several guest panelists each episode.

On Netflix, you’ll find a subtitled version of the first season, though episodes list from 1 – 54, they skip a bunch and in total there are 27 episodes available. In Japan, it ran every Thursday evening for 12 years! If Netflix could do the rest, I’d definitely watch them! It had it’s last episode on March 19, 2020.

Each episode starts with a cute interlude where a Shiba Inu named Mamesuke (豆助, which is literally “soy bean” “help” which amuses me) goes shopping at a Japanese sweets store for it’s owner. In total through the history of the show, there were 23 animals that played this role. From there, a mix of culture, food, craftsman, etiquette and unique Japanese customs are presented.

If you love Japan, this should definitely be added to yours shows to watch about Japan.

No Reservations by Anthony Bourdain (*)

I like this play on directors/creators that’s working out. As I mentioned above, the director for The Birth of Sake also worked on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. While this show goes all around the world, more than a few times, No Reservations makes quite a few appearances in Japan.

Season 2 has a two-hour special shared with China that focuses mainly on Osaka. Season 4 takes you to Tokyo for one episode; Season 7 to Hokkaido and in Season 8 he heads to the “Cook it Raw” event.

If you have never seen No Reservations, they are fun episodes to watch and are available on Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Possibly one of my favorite shows ever. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories or 深夜食堂, (Shinya shokudō) as it’s known in Japan is set in a small 12-seat izakaya in Shinjuku. It’s based off a manga of the same name and has 5 seasons, the two that are available on Netflix are actually seasons 4 and 5.

Don’t let that deter you, as each episode mostly stands on it’s own. It follows “Master” in his daily openings from midnight to 7 am. Quick note, calling the bar proprietor “Master” is very common in Japan (there’s other words for izakaya proprietors but I’ll explain that another time).

There are some regular customers with a few visiting and each episode generally focuses on one of them, with a heavy hand to play by the food of the evening as well. Usually the highlighted customers favorite.

If nothing else, it will make you hungry for izakaya food and enjoying a window into the night life of Japan. Being a regular at the local izakaya is something of a warm happy glow (one day I’ll tell you about Sakatoya, a 100+ year old establishment in Yokosuka).

Another mouth watering manga/anime adaption is Wakakozake. I originally found it in it’s anime form which are short 3-minute animations. Surprisingly there’s many anime’s of that length with how Japanese television time slots are set up. The anime as well as the first two seasons of the drama are available on Crunchyroll.

The story follows Murasaki Wakako (where the Wakako in the title comes from), a 26-year-old that’s hobby is to go eat and drink my herself after work. The second part of the name is “sake” but in this case, when it gets added to the first, the pronunciation changes it to a “z”. (I love Japanese, if you want to learn it, I highly recommend starting with my hiragana and katakana post and checking out Minna no Nihongo )

The ridiculousness that is this show is that when Wakako has something – whether food or beverage – she likes, she makes this silly “Pshuuu” sound. It’s worth it just to watch an episode to experience that!

Samurai Gourmet

Similar to Wakakozake is Samurai Gourmet. The 12 episode original Netflix program based off a manga by Masayuki Kusumi of the same name follows another person on the hunt for good food. This time a newly retired businessman named Takashi Kasumi.

Parts of it are cute and him trying to figure out this new life. You may be wondering about the “samurai” part though. That’s where this one gets fun.

The only way I can describe it is he gets into weird situations in which he wants to help but doesn’t have the guts to do it. So he hallucinates a samurai coming and saving the day, which inspires him to act.

For instance, the first episode he realizes he’s retired and can have a beer with lunch if he wants! But can’t get the courage, so the samurai waltzes in with an “Edo period” styling and then, tada, he can have a beer!

It’s something you have to see. Really cute and entertaining.

Prime Japan (*partially in English)

Prime Japan is a series of 12 hour long episodes that I would consider mini documentaries about Japan doing a deep dive into different cultural aspects of the country that you can watch on none other than Amazon Prime! (The irony is not lost on me).

The name in Japanese is a bit more eloquent at “にほんのこころに出会う” or “Meet Japan’s heart”.

Very well put together it follows Jonathan Sherr around the country. Personally, the narration is what brings out the best in it. Topics include sushi, ryokan, ramen, design, Japanese tea, Japan’s love of cats, wagashi (Japanese sweets), shrines, zen, swords and sake.

Pick your favorite topic and have at it!

Sachie’s Kitchen (*)

Another available from Amazon Prime for those cooking show lovers amongst my readers is Sachie’s Kitchen.

Sachie is the chef behind New Zealand’s most Awarded cooking school based in Auckland, New Zealand. She was born in Japan and immigrated to New Zealand and like’s to discover new recipes.

For Sachie’s kitchen, she does quick interludes in Japan checking out ingredients or trying a new dish and then segways into showing you how to make your own. They’re quick episodes with tricks if you can’t find the right ingredients which is always a plus if you don’t have the easiest access to an Asian market!

Midnight Diner

The original post talked about Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, as it was released first on Netflix, so that’s why it is listed first. However, Tokyo Stories is actually season 4 and 5 of the Midnight Diner story. Midnight Diner brings you back into the small izakaya “めし” (meshi means meal but also rice harkening to the fact it is often the main ingredient of a meal) and the antics of its patrons.

If you liked Tokyo Story, you’ll like these as well. Don’t forget to pay attention to the end where you can get quick tips on making Japanese food dishes.

Street Food Asia: Osaka Episode

One of Netflix original series, get a glimpse at this tiny street side izakaya, known as Isakaya Toyo in Osaka. He’s been there for 26 years at the time of filming. A quick watch and the proprietor Toya is so energetic and fun to watch, it makes you want to run off to Osaka right this second to experience it. You also get a small look at Osaka. Osaka is known as Japans kitchen. Where as Okinawans may eat “hara hachi bun me“, food historian Mana Kumagai at the beginning talks about how Osakan’s “eat till they drop”.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Japan Episode

Another Netflix original, the Japan episode of “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” takes you to four different homes around Japan, and while they are not like most homes you will find in Japan, they are definitely Japanese characteristics incorporated. If you like interesting architecture, definitely check this episode out.

Enter the Anime

This is not a recommendation, this is a warning that you may be hitting your head against a table if you watch this. Netflix original that is painful to watch if you know even a smidge about anime. Just ask my friend I made watch it with me, it hurts. In the end, we both looked at each other and concurred it was a glorified hour long advertisement for Netflix’s anime programs – but only the most violent of them.

The director and narrator “newbie” to anime, who just apparently discovered it in her late 20s as she tells you early on does, in fact, prove she blatantly knows nothing of the subject. (My first question, why did they pick her???). So I guess there’s the “documentary” part of it.

While this may be directed at other newcomers in a jest to get them interested in Netflix’s shows, it doesn’t do any service to what anime truly is. And seriously, who are these people living under rocks and haven’t at least heard of them? Or at least harkening back to days when it was referred to as “japanimation” [cringe].

There are a few highlights, like the segments at TOEI Animation and a look at music’s connection with anime. While I liked the interview with Yoko Takahashi who sung the theme song from Evangelion, I don’t recall them mentioning the -name- of said anime, but a newby is supposed to know what it is from clips from a show that came out in the 90s??? Sigh.

This is not the anime documentary I hoped for by the title but if you want to make a drinking game out of how many times the girl curses, have at it.

First of all, if you don’t have the NHK World App for your Roku , get it now – so many options for shows and documentaries about Japan. It’s not the best but it is nice having it already preloaded. Their streaming website is actually better so if you like to Cast to your TV (I have a Chrome Cast but find it just as easy at that point to watch things on my laptop), that’s also a good option.

There are tons of options on NHK. You can just stream “live” TV but depending on the program, you can actually choose to watch some of them out of order. Additionally, there are plenty of documentaries about Japan as well as cute shorter regular programs. Some that I’ve enjoyed lately:

  • The Tale of Granny Mochi: Kuwata Misao – Follow Kuwata Misao, 92 years old, on how she makes 50,000 mochis a year.
  • Japan Railway Journal – This one gives you lots of information on the trains in Japan, the railways and also shows some places to go.
  • Trails to Oishii Tokyo – Focuses each episode on a different ingredient.
  • Journeys in Japan – I bet you can guess what this one may be about!
  • Train Cruise – I love traveling by train so these ones are great! Follow the host on a small train journey bouncing through several locations.

There is a search function, but you can also look by categories such as Art & Design; Biz/Tech; Culture & Lifestyle; Current Affairs; Debate; Disaster Preparedness; Documentary; Drama; Entertainment; Food; Interview; Learn Japanese; Pop Culture & Fasion; Science & Nature; Sport; and Travel.

Shows range from a few minutes to over an hour and you won’t run out of things to watch. If you can’t decide, check out the playlist options. I like the ones in different cities which will show you several programs for the area.

You definitely have your pick with these! Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll each have a few but not all of these. Seems like most people have more than one streaming service (or can borrow a friends in a pinch). I’ve tried to include where each is offered but as we all know, that can change from day to day.

Crunchyroll is hands down the best if the majority of what you are looking for is Anime – and they simulcast!

But here’s some important information for you — did you know if you have a library card you can use a service called Kanopy for free? Kanopy has over 30000 documentaries, classic and indie films! It’s officially my go to place for documentaries about Japan or any topic! Especially when you like documentaries as a lot of time you have to pay for some of the lesser known films with other services.

I’d love to hear what you think of any of these shows and documentaries about Japan or if you have some more suggestions for me to add to the list. Let’s have a conversation, leave me a comment below :).

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4 thoughts on “ 21 Great Shows and Documentaries about Japan to Watch Now ”

We have flights booked to Japan in November, who knows if the are going to be able to go or not but these will give me some inspiration!

I severely hope it’s well over by then and you have an awesome trip! Please feel free to reach out if you have questions. Do you know where you’re planning on going yet?

Yes, give me all of the Japanese shows to watch! I watched Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories last year, though I can’t quite recall if I finished all the episodes or not, I’ll have to check on that. I had no idea it was technically a sequel, so I will have to check out the original series. I absolutely love watching documentaries but I think anime is my top thing to watch currently, there are so many great shows out there!

Anime is my top thing too, and there are sooooooo many great shows currently, so I feel you there! I’m glad this list gave you some extra “about japan” things to watch :).

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15 Best Documentaries About Japan To Watch

  • by Jonny Duncan
  • November 12, 2023 December 15, 2023

These are 15 of the best documentaries about Japan selected for different genres to help understand the country better. They give a very good insight into Japanese culture and Japan as a whole and I highly recommend all of them.

Do not be surprised that there are a bunch of food-based documentaries as Japan’s food culture is a big part of Japanese tradition and Japanese food is famous all over the world.

After spending several months travelling around Japan and writing travel guides for the places I visited I decided to write articles about Japanese culture, books, movies, and more (links in this article to some of those posts).

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan or are just interested in Japan, then these will all give a good insight into the Japanese way of life.

Disclaimer : I own none of the images in this post. They are used in fair usage terms to publicly discuss the documentaries about Japan.

Note: I’ve added links in the article to where you can watch some of these documentaries on Japan at Amazon and they are affiliate links which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you watch them there. Thanks .

Jiro Dreams Of Sushi (2011)

best documentaries about Japan - Jiro Dreams of Sushi

If you love sushi then you will love this documentary. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is about Jiro Ono an 85-year-old sushi master (his age when the documentary was made in 2011) and his son who is learning the business from his father.

Jiro has a tiny sushi restaurant in Tokyo that only takes 10 people at a time. Watch this especially if you are interested in sushi and exploring parts of Tokyo.

Watch it here:

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2019)

tokyo travel documentary

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is one of the best new historical documentary series about Japan based around the samurai.

It explores the tumultuous period of Japanese history known as the Sengoku period, which lasted from the late 15th century to the early 17th century and was characterized by political upheaval and almost constant military conflict among various daimyo (feudal lords) vying for control over Japan.

The series uses a combination of dramatic reenactments, expert interviews, and historical analysis to look into the lives of key figures from the Sengoku period.

It also explores the strategies and battles that shaped the course of Japanese history during this time. If you want to learn more about the age of the samurai in Japan, this is the documentary series for you.

You can watch this series on Netflix:

Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands (2015)

tokyo travel documentary

Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands is a nature documentary series that consists of three episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of Japan’s diverse natural environment. The series explores the wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Japan unique.

The three areas explored in the three episodes are:

  • Honshu : This episode explores the main island of Honshu, where Tokyo and Kyoto are located. It showcases the contrast between the bustling urban areas and the serene natural landscapes. You get to see iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji and the snow monkeys of Jigokudani.
  • Hokkaido : This episode focuses on Hokkaido, the northernmost and least developed of Japan’s major islands. It highlights the island’s wildlife, including the brown bears and the red-crowned cranes, as well as the winter landscapes that attract skiers and snow enthusiasts.
  • Kyushu : The final episode explores the southern island of Kyushu, known for its volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. It showcases the active volcanic region of Aso, the hot springs of Beppu, and the marine life around the island.

This series is easily my favourite out of these documentaries about Japan for the nature of the country.

Clip from episode one:

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)

animation documentary

This is one for the  Japanese animation  fans.

It follows one year in Studio Ghibli, the most famous of all Japanese animation movie studios.

It’s where Hayao Miyazaki (see another documentary below) has made his famed animation movies over the decades, such as Spirited Away.

If you’re in Tokyo and love Japanese animation then going to the  Studio Ghibli Museum  is a must. Be aware though it gets booked up weeks/months in advance so get your tickets beforehand.

Joanna Lumley’s Japan (2016)

tokyo travel documentary

Joanna Lumley is one of my favourite TV travel presenters and in the documentary series that consists of 3 episodes she travels across different parts of Japan exploring all she can see.

She starts in the far north in Hokkaido, then visits some of the main sights on Honshu, before ending in Kyushu in the far south.

This will give you a great insight into some of the best things to see and do in Japan while having a look at the culture and people of the country.

Mifune: The Last Samurai (2015)

tokyo travel documentary

Ok, I’m biased on this one as I love Japanese samurai movies .

This documentary focuses on the career of Toshiro Mifune the ultimate samurai actor in chinbara (sword fighting) movies in Japan.

He’s the actor in many of Akira Kurosawa’s (legendary Japanese filmmaker) movies, such as Seven Samurai.

If you have any interest in Japanese samurai movies and Japanese movies then watch this.

The Birth of Sake (2015)

sake documentary

Set at the Tedorigawa Brewery in northern Japan this one is for those interested in traditional sake making, which is part of Japanese culture.

It follows the family-run sake business for one winter season.

Tip: You can get a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime (get with that link) where you can watch these documentaries about Japan if you don’t already have an account.

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2016)

documentaries about Japan Hayao Miyazaki

As mentioned in the previous documentary Hayao Miyazaki is the most famous of all Japanese animation movie creators.

This follows the last days of his time making animation. An intimate portrait of a Japanese animator legend.

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo (2009)

Japanese documentary

Did you know Japan likes insects? Or has an obsession with insects you could say.

This takes a look at the culture and history, such as the insect-selling businesses in Japan from the early 1800s, all the way to today.

Japan has some strange fascinations and this shows just one aspect of that and shows it beautifully. This is one of my favourite documentaries about Japan.

Fun Japanese insect fact: The first emperor of Japan named Japan the ‘Isle of the Dragonflies’.

The Inland Sea (1991)

the inland sea documentary

The Inland Sea is based on the same book written by an American (Donald Richie) in Japan in the 1970s where he wrote about his travels on Japan’s western coast.

The documentary follows in the footsteps of his time spent there and shows good insight into rural Japan and the traditional culture that is slowly disappearing.

Get The Inland Sea on Amazon.

This is the link for the book on Amazon that the documentary is based on.

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom (2011)

tsunami documentary Fukushima Japan

After the disastrous tsunami of 2011 in Japan survivors and residents of some of the hardest-hit areas are inspired by the cherry blossom season and the new hope it brings.

A look at the tsunami of 2011 and the courage of the Japanese people to rebuild their lives. It’s a short documentary but a good one to watch about the tsunami.

Budo: The Art of Killing (1979)

tokyo travel documentary

Budo: The Art of Killing is a great Japanese documentary about martial arts in Japan, such as karate, aikido, and judo.

It shows the philosophy of martial arts as well as the history behind them and the ultimate budo samurai way of life.

If you have any interest in Japanese martial arts then watch it in high quality on Amazon:

You can also watch the documentary for free on YouTube but the quality is very low (240p).

A Normal Life. Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler (2013)

tokyo travel documentary

A Normal Life follows a teenager as he joins a sumo-wrestling stable only to be confronted with the hardships of life as a sumo wrestler.

This is a good one to watch if you want to learn more about the traditional sport of sumo in Japan.

You can watch the trailer here .

Miso Hungry (2015)

tokyo travel documentary

Miso Hungry is a great food documentary about Japan from a foreigner’s perspective as it follows comedian Craig Anderson for 12 weeks in Japan where he just eats Japanese food.

Watch this documentary about Japan if you love Japanese food and have an interest in the Japanese diet.

James May: Our Man in Japan (2020)

James May our man in Japan documentary

I’m adding just one more to the list that isn’t a documentary on Japan in the strictest sense as it’s a travelogue series but it is a lot of fun to watch.

James May, a British journalist and TV presenter, has always had a fascination with Japanese culture and in this series, he explores everything he can about Japan.

It’s funny, interesting and recent (released in 2020) so gives an up-to-date view of all things Japanese.

One extra for the foodies…

Ramen Heads (2017)

tokyo travel documentary

Looking for the perfect ramen?

The ramen dish (soup and noodles) is a staple of Japanese food and is found everywhere in Japan, with most regions having their speciality.

Osamu Tomita, the ‘king’ of ramen, shows you his life in the creation of making the best ramen in Japan, if not the world.

Love Japanese food ? Then watch Ramen Heads.

Top tip: There is an excellent channel on YouTube called NHK World-Japan that has many documentaries about Japan, some short and some long.

Some are news style, some are travelogue style, but most cover various aspects of Japanese life, from the old traditions to the modern.

They have so many documentaries which are more web-based and not famous which is why I didn’t add them here, but you can find some of the best information on Japan there.

This is my favourite channel on YouTube for everything Japanese-related.

Best Documentaries About Japan

There are lots of other documentaries about Japan to watch but these are my favourites that I have seen so far and that I recommend to you.

If you have a favourite documentary on Japan that is not shown here then mention it in the comments.

More Japan reading:

10 of the best movies about Japan

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Journeys in Japan

Journeys in Japan (2010)

English-speaking visitors travel the length of Japan, exploring the local culture, meeting the people and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks. English-speaking visitors travel the length of Japan, exploring the local culture, meeting the people and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks. English-speaking visitors travel the length of Japan, exploring the local culture, meeting the people and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

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TV Shows & Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

Created On: April 17, 2020   |   Updated: January 5, 2024   |   1 Comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

TV Shows & Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

Have you run out of things to watch on your favorite streaming services? We’ve got you covered!

We’ve created a massive list of TV shows and movies that inspire travel to Japan. Some you’ve probably seen before, but others will hopefully be new to you! There is something for everyone to enjoy from dramas to documentaries to cooking shows and some family-friendly movies too!

Psst , before we get started, most of these TV shows and movies set in Japan have English options but if they are originally in Japanese we recommend watching the subtitled version if possible. 🙂

Drama Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

Seven samurai.

This is the oldest film we have on our list but it’s still an amazing one to include. In this epic drama, you’re transported back to 1586. There you’ll follow the story of a farming village that hires seven masterless samurai to fight off a group of bandits who are stealing their crops. If you like historical dramas, definitely add this one to your list!

Where to Watch: MAX

ISLE OF DOGS

Wes Anderson does it again with this unique stop-motion animated film, Isle of Dogs. In a dystopian future, all canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to Trash Island, fittingly named after the piles of waste and garbage found here. 

But, 12-year-old Atari is having none of that. He takes off alone to Trash Island in his Junior-Turbo Prop plane to find Spots, his bodyguard doggo. While on Trash Island he befriends several other forgotten dogs in a journey that takes them across the island, a journey that eventually determines the future of Megasaki City.

Where to Watch: Disney+

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Lost in Translation isn’t a Japanese film but it is set in Tokyo and has been somewhat of an inspiration to American tourism to Japan. The movie explores modern Japanese society and the themes of loneliness and culture shock.

It stars Bill Murray as Bob, a “washed up” aging movie star, and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte, a young newlywed who finds herself uncertain in her new marriage. Together, Bob and Charlotte form a meaningful bond.

Where to Watch: Rent from Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube

Sweet Bean is centered around Sentaro, a middle-aged man who owns a small dorayaki shop outside of Tokyo. When he begins looking to hire someone to assist with his workload he is approached by Tokue, a woman in her seventies that claims she has always wanted to work in a dorayaki shop. 

At first, Sentaro is uncertain because of her age but when he tries the sweet bean paste she makes, he realizes that it’s better than anything he’s ever had before. This film is very touching but pulls at the heartstrings too as it takes you through the twists and turns in Sentaro and Tokue’s lives.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video (Premium Subscription), Vudu

Romance Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

Memoirs of a geisha.

You’ve probably heard of Memoirs of a Geisha and already read the book or seen this movie, based on the book. I was hesitant to put Memoirs of a Geisha on this list because of the bad history between author Arther Golden and Mineko Iwasaki, whom he interviewed when writing his book. Although the story isn’t a complete personal memoir of her life, he did use parts of her story that she told him in privacy.

However, I am including it because it is an inspiring film that features many beautiful places in Japan. But, when watching, disregard some of the sexual connotations in the film because that is NOT a part of geisha or maiko culture.  For more issues with this story read more here .

The beginning of the film takes you to the 1920s when 9-year-old Chiyo and her sister Satsu are sold into a life of servitude by their father. Chiyo is taken to a geisha house in Gion that is run by Kayoko Nitta, the proprietress of the house.

The story follows Chiyo in her transformation into Sayuri, the most captivating geisha of her time, and later to World War II plus the struggles during and after the war.

Where to Watch: Rent from Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu

READ MORE : Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

THE RAMEN GIRL

The Ramen Girl is a romantic comedy that stars Brittany Murphy as a young girl who becomes stranded in Tokyo after a rough breakup with her boyfriend. Unsure of what her next move is, she finds herself in a ramen shop where she then trains to become a chef. The movie is a little cheesy, but is still cute!

Where to Watch: Tubi

Documentaries and Docuseries That Inspire Travel to Japan

The birth of sake.

The Birth of Sake focuses on the Tedorigawa Brewery which is over 144 years old. It shows the behind-the-scenes of the intense labor and craft needed to produce sake – a brewing process that happens during the winter.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

JAMES MAY: OUR MAN IN JAPAN

If you want to see several unique places to visit in Japan AND enjoy some funny humor you’ll love James May: Our Man in Japan.

This travel documentary takes viewers from northern Japan to southern Japan featuring activities of samurai sword-making, karaoke, Kanamara Matsuri fertility festival, sumo wrestling, a traditional tea ceremony, and viewing the Shiki-shima luxury train where tickets cost $3,000-$10,000!

THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom is a touching documentary that follows survivors of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami as they prepare for Japan’s infamous sakura (cherry blossom) season which resembles hope and beauty.

Where to Watch: Vimeo , YouTube

JAPANESE STYLE ORIGINATOR

Japanese Style Originator is originally a show on Tokyo TV but has been adapted for Netflix. It’s a great intro to Japanese TV and walks viewers through Japanese traditions, cuisine, culture, and the arts. I like this one because each episode is very specific and it has fun facts and trivia along the way!

Where to Watch: Netflix (This show has sadly been taken off but we hope it will come back!)

PRIME JAPAN

If you are interested in learning the basics about Japanese culture, cuisine, and more, Prime Japan walks viewers through many concepts such as aesthetics, ramen, technology, confectionery, ryokan, and more. Although I found the Western narrator to be a bit rigid, the rest of the show makes up for it!

Japanology is a series that shares life and culture in Japan while interviewing experts in different areas. This is a terrific show to learn more about Japanese culture, life, food, religion, and more!

Where to Watch: NHK , YouTube

Food Related Shows & Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

Chef’s table.

Each episode of Chef’s Table concentrates on a different world-renowned chef as they share personal details from their lives and inspiring culinary skills and cooking styles. Episode 4 is all about Niki Nakayama, a Japanese-American chef who owns n/naka , a Michelin-starred restaurant in Los Angeles that focuses on kaiseki-style dining.

Where to Watch: Netflix

MIDNIGHT DINER: TOKYO STORIES

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories focuses on human connection through food in the late evening at Meshiya, a small diner in Tokyo. Despite the strange hours of this diner (12am-7am) people flock for the comfort food and companionship of the restaurant’s owner. Though the stories are fictional you’ll find yourself laughing with the characters and wanting to follow their journeys. It is by far one of my favorite Japanese TV shows.

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI

If you’re already considering a trip to Japan, you’ve probably heard of world-renowned chef Jiro Ono. Jiro is a 94-year-old chef who owns Sukiyabashi Jiro, a sushi restaurant with three Michelin stars (the highest honor a restaurant can achieve). 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary that follows Jiro’s restaurant and life along with his two sons, who have followed their father’s footsteps and are also sushi chefs in Tokyo. Even if you aren’t a sushi fan, you’ll find yourself entranced with this film.

Where to Watch: Hulu, Peacock, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video

STREET FOOD: ASIA

Street Food is centered around chefs, and their specialty dishes, and even gives a sneak peek into their lives. The entire street food series is amazing but episode 2 is all about Osaka, Japan’s kitchen. We’ve spent a lot of time in Osaka and eaten at a ton of different restaurants but not the ones that are in this episode! 

READ MORE : Where to Eat in Osaka: Dotonbori Street Food & Restaurants

SAMURAI GOURMET

Based on an essay and manga of the same name, Samurai Gourmet is a slice-of-life series that revolves around Takeshi Kasumi, a retired man who seeks meaning and rediscovers the joy of eating and drinking. In doing so, he discovers his inner persona – a samurai living freely in the age of Japan’s civil wars.

SACHIE’S KITCHEN

Sachie’s Kitchen takes views on a culinary journey through Japanese cuisine including dishes like Japanese BBQ, ramen, sweets, pickled vegetables, rice, and more. Throughout each episode, Sachie shows highlights of a foodie area of Japan and then takes a break in her kitchen in New Zealand to show you how to prepare a few specialty dishes.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN: NO RESERVATIONS

Anthony Bourdain will always be an inspiration for us to travel more and step out of our comfort zone. In No Reservations, he goes on a global quest for culinary hotspots and interesting travel spots. During the series, he gives perspective on local culture, customs, and dining.

List of Episodes Featuring Japan

  • Asia Special: China & Japan – Season 2 Episode 1
  • Osaka – Season 2 Episode 7
  • Tokyo – Season 4 Episode 16
  • Hokkaido – Season 7 Episode 8
  • Japan Cook it Raw – Season 8 Episode 5

Where to Watch: Apple TV or YouTube TV (rental)

ANTHONY BOURDAIN: PARTS UNKNOWN

After his successful series, No Reservations Bourdain hosted a new series titled Parts Unknown. As he explores the world the goal of No Reservations is to “eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice … [and] open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get.”

He tries to open viewers to places that they may have never seen before on television or considered visiting in real life while also rediscovering popular places.

  • Tokyo – Season 2 Episode 7
  • Okinawa – Season 6 Episode 3
  • Japan with Masa – Season 8 Episode 7

Where to Watch: YouTube TV, MAX, Amazon Prime Video (Premium), Hulu (Premium)

Reality TV Shows in Japan

So I’ll have to admit, none of these may inspire Japan travel, but they’re interesting, touching, and funny nonetheless so I simply had to include them!

TERRACE HOUSE

Similar to the concept of the hit TV series Big Brother, Terrace House follows the lives of six strangers who move into a house together for a summer. Members of Terrace House discover romances and friendship as they live their everyday lives. This one has become super popular and there are several seasons to watch!

QUEER EYE: WE’RE IN JAPAN!

The “Fab Five” style experts travel to Japan to explore Japanese culture and spread joy. This is such a nice feel-good show that gives you glimpses of Japanese culture but mostly focuses on four Japanese men and women finding the confidence they need to be themselves.

Anime Shows & Movies That Inspire Travel to Japan

There are several fabulous anime TV shows and movies that aren’t listed here, but I wanted to focus on the ones that I felt would best inspire you to visit Japan. However, if you are looking for more Japanese anime to watch, we’d be happy to give you lots of recommendations! 🙂

Akira is a Japanese cult classic film that is considered to be one of the most highly regarded animated films ever made. The beginning of film is set in July of 1988 when the Japanese government drops an atomic bomb on Tokyo as a cover-up for their ESP experiments on children. 

By 2019, Tokyo will be rebuilt but will be plagued by corruption, gang violence, and protests. The film centers around Kaneda, a bike gang leader, and his friend Tetsuo who has been taken in for testing of supernatural abilities and secret government projects.

Where to Watch: Hulu

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION

Another cult classic Japanese anime is Neon Genesis Evangelion which came out in 1995. It is so popular that additional films and revival episodes have been created and it is one of the most iconic anime of all time. The original show focuses on a fifteen-year-old boy named Shinji Ikari who is summoned to visit his estranged father, Gendo who is the director of a secret paramilitary force called Nerv.

Nerv was created to fight what are known as Angels, a monster set on destroying the world. Alongside some other counterparts, Shinji is synced with one of Nerv’s Evangelion bio-machines as they are the only weapons capable of fighting the Angels and his fight for humanity begins.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video (revival)

KIMI NO NA WA (YOUR NAME)

Kimi No Na Wa is one of the most beautiful animated films of all time. It surrounds the stories of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a teenage girl living in the mountainous Itomori area of Japan, and Taki Tachibana, a teenage boy living in Tokyo. 

Mitsuha is bored with the monotony of her seemingly isolated country life and makes a wish to become a handsome city boy in her next life. She and Taki begin switching bodies intermittently (kind of like a Freaky Friday situation) and they discover that they are falling for one another but when they decide to meet in person, things get complicated.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video , Crunchyroll

SPIRITED AWAY

Spirited Away is one of my favorite Ghibli films. It features Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who is moving from her home with her parents. On the way to their new house, they find what is seemingly an abandoned amusement park. 

While exploring the park, Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs. Chihiro then meets Haku, who tells her that the park is for spiritual beings and that to save herself and her parents she must work for Yubaba, the witch that owns the bathhouse resort.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

My Neighbor Totoro is the beloved animated tale that follows two sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to a mysterious country cottage with their father while their mother recovers from an illness in the hospital. While exploring the woods by their home, they find Totoro a massive cuddly forest spirit.

Also, if I can add, ALL Ghibli films are phenomenal so if you find yourself wanting more after watching Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, here’s a list of more favorites .

IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD

This is a sobering, yet beautiful love story set in Hiroshima 10 years before and after the atomic bomb. Though the story is fictional, it has many real stories and facts woven into the narrative. The plot revolves around Suzu, an 18-year-old girl quiet, kind girl who loves drawing. 

While working for her family business she is told that a young naval officer named Shusaku from a nearby city is planning to propose to her. Though he appears to her as a stranger, he remembers her from a time when they met as children and has always wanted to return to her since. 

The two are married and navigate through their new love, war, death, and many other hardships. Suzu finds strength in herself in many ways and the film has a very beautiful message – this is one of my favorites.

Where to Watch: Free on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Peacock, Sling TV

THE GARDEN OF WORDS

The Garden of Words is a Japanese drama film that focuses on 15-year-old Takao Akizuki, an aspiring shoemaker and Yukari Yukino, a mysterious 27-year-old whom he finds himself always runs into at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo.

The two form a unique connection and friendship as they begin sharing their struggles, goals, and accomplishments with each other. Each element of this movie has been beautifully chosen from the art to the music.

Where to Watch: Apple TV

READ MORE : 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

MISS HOKUSAI

The beginning of Miss Hokusai is set in 1814, during the Edo period of Japan. It centers around the life and works of Japanese artist and ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai, from the viewpoint of his daughter, Katsushika O-Ei.

Where to Watch: Rental on YouTube TV, Apple TV, Prime Video

Anohana is the story of six friends who grew apart but are reunited due to one special person. The story focuses on mainly Jinta Yadomi who is a recluse who skips school to stay home and play video games. But, things change when his childhood friend Menma appears and asks him to grant a forgotten wish.

He believes he is hallucinating due to the summer heat because Menma died a few years ago and decides to ignore her request. His mind is later changed when he continues to see her ghost. He begins to convince the rest of their childhood friends to help fulfill her wish so her spirit can finally rest.

So there you have it! Just a few options to get you crushing on Japan. Let us know which ones you enjoy!

Looking for movie and tv show ideas to watch while in quarantine or social distancing? This massive list includes TV shows and movies that inspire travel to Japan! There are documentaries, cooking shows, Japanese reality TV, and even family-friendly Japanese movies.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply, comments & reviews.

skaizun says

September 7, 2023

There was an animated series about an American family who visited Japan and tried all kinds of Japanese foods. It was based on the true story written by the American author. Any idea what it was called?

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Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho Piss Alley during the day

3 TV Shows to Watch Before Your Japan Trip

They say preparation for a big trip is half the fun. I love browsing travel magazines, reading travel blogs, and watching TV shows that talk about the next big destination I will be visiting. Especially for a long-haul trip like to Japan, it is great to get some inspiration before booking the trip so I know what kind of sights and experiences to look for in a tour or tour package. Luckily, there are many TV shows about all kinds of subjects that have featured Japan. What are some of the best TV shows to watch before you travel to Japan to get you in the mood?

TV shows about Japan often feature Japanese symbols like these dancing cranes in Hokkaido

Joanna Lumley’s Japan (tour through Japan)

This lovely 3-part series shows a curious Joanna Lumley who travels all the way from Hokkaido to Okinawa in an amazing journey past many of Japan’s most beautiful sights and cultural curiosities. Japan’s unspoiled nature features heavily in the series, and you are going to want to get off the beaten path to immerse yourself in the natural bounty the country has to offer to find your inner peace.

We organize tours that include pristine nature as seen in the series in Hokkaido and Kyushu .

You can watch Joanna Lumley’s Japan here .

Netflix Shows : Midnight Diner

In this cute, somewhat nostalgic series you will be told somebody’s private story in each episode while they are eating at a place called Meshiya which simply means ‘meal shop’ in Japanese. It is the humanity in the stories that make the series interesting, and the typical Japanese vistas and cultural elements you will see will make you want to dive deeper.

The very Japanese dishes that are cooked during the story will definitely induce your appetite, each episode focuses on the dish that is requested by the person whose story you will hear. Most of the dishes are typical home-cooked meals that you won’t find in an average Japanese restaurant abroad, so be prepared to learn a lot more about Japanese cooking while watching this heart-warming series.

We organize tours that include Shinjuku , the area where the story takes place.

You can watch Midnight Diner on Netflix .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

In season 2, episode 7 the late Anthony Bourdain takes you to the underbelly of Tokyo in his famous series where gourmet food plays a central role. Tokyo’s most interesting and extreme subcultures also play a prominent part in the episode, and Mr. Bourdain makes his viewers wonder whether what antics you see displayed in the underworld of Tokyo are really that different from what goes on behind closed doors and in the back of our minds in other parts of the world. The connection with the perfectionism of high-end Japanese sushi chefs is also made, as nowhere in the world are chefs so serious about the tiniest detail and the honing of a skill until it is nothing but perfect.

We organize tours that include off-beat locations in Tokyo like in the Parts Unknown Tokyo episode.

You can watch Parts Unknown, Tokyo here .

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tokyo travel documentary

Tokyo Skytree and the Waterways of Edo

Dive in tokyo.

Since opening in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become one of the city's most popular tourist spots. But what's less known is that the area was also a leisure destination centuries ago in the Edo period, thanks to its many temples and shrines. Then, as Japan modernized, it became an industrial center and logistics hub that helped build the foundations of modern-day Tokyo, including Tokyo Skytree itself. Join us as we learn how the city's waterways set the stage for this iconic broadcasting tower.

Tokyo Skytree is one of the capital's most iconic landmarks.

It's a broadcasting tower that stands 634 meters tall.

And it's surrounded by rivers and canals that were once bustling with activity.

It turns out that this area has a history as a tourist destination.

This was a place for relaxation as well as worship.

It was home to many temples and shrines,

and attractions like wisteria flowers and plum blossoms.

But as Japan modernized,

it was transformed into an industrial area served by waterways.

Growing traffic at the local freight terminal established it as a logistics hub.

Today, I'll go in search of Tokyo Skytree's historical roots.

Wow, this is amazing.

I've lived in Tokyo 20 years,

and I've never been up here in this kind of place before.

"Dive in Tokyo."

Join me as I explore the waterfront area

around the foot of Tokyo Skytree.

Tokyo Skytree opened in 2012.

At its foot is a larger shopping and entertainment complex

that includes over 300 shops and restaurants.

And with attractions like an aquarium,

it's become a popular tourist destination.

The tower is located about five kilometers northeast of Tokyo Station.

It's right next to a canal called Kitajukken-gawa.

My name is James Farrer.

I'm a professor of sociology, and as part of my fieldwork,

I explore the streets of Tokyo.

My first stop today is along the canal.

All right, so this is it. This is the famous place

where you can take a picture of the Skytree upside down.

Now, this is now a famous tourist spot in Tokyo.

But, actually, back in the Edo period,

this was also a tourist spot.

And that's what we're going to see on this trip.

But first, I've got to take a picture of the upside down Skytree.

Nice view, isn't it?

This canal was built in the second half of the 17th century.

It's said that, at that time,

there was a famous leisure district here called Yanagishima.

Oh, okay. So here's the Yanagishimabashi.

Now, I've heard about this place.

And what's interesting on the relief is,

you can see the old buildings that were here,

and also a lot of traffic in these old boats along the river,

something here that people would come to.

One of the things, right across here,

it looks like there's an exhibition or something going on with Hokusai,

the famous painter. So maybe these people here

will know something about what was in this area.

So let's go take a look.

It turns out that this is a temple called Hosshou-ji.

Suzuki Ryokei is the 39th-generation chief priest of the temple,

which was established in 1492.

This is the main hall.

Hosshou-ji belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism.

On the second floor, they have a gallery space

dedicated to works by Hokusai and others.

Wow, this is like a museum! Amazing.

Hosshou-ji is actually famous for its association

with Hokusai who was a devotee.

I asked Suzuki which print is his personal favorite,

and he pointed to this one of Mt. Fuji.

This one shows the sacred mountain in all its glory.

"Red Fuji" is the one that makes the strongest impression.

Yes, among Hokusai's works this one definitely stands out.

So what was the local neighborhood like back in Hokusai's day?

This is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige.

It depicts Kitajukken-gawa and Yokojukken-gawa.

Pleasure boats were all the rage.

This is the Yanagishima area, with our temple here.

Across the street was a "ryotei" restaurant.

At the time, the area north of Kitajukken-gawa was all peaceful farmland.

On the south side was Yanagishima,

a leisure destination where the well-to-do would show up in pleasure boats.

Yanagishima was synonymous with this temple.

Similar to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, or Shibamata Taishakuten in Shibamata.

The townspeople would come here to rest, relax, and worship.

On the grounds, there's a sacred place

where it's said Hokusai would come to pray.

Myouken Hall.

Enshrined here is a bodhisattva called Myouken.

Myouken is worshipped as the deification of the North Star.

This image of the great bodhisattva is affectionately

referred to as "Myouken-san."

It's said that those who pray here are blessed with good fortune.

And you see also these paper elements hanging from the rope.

So it's a really curious design.

And also, this colored, like, ribbon going through the ceiling.

Legend has it that Hokusai once prayed at this hall

for 21 days in a row,

and subsequently became famous and successful as an artist.

What were the boats like that carried worshippers

and pleasure-seekers out to Yanagishima?

To find out more, I met with a group of people

dedicated to preserving traditional wooden vessels.

All right. Well, this must be it here. There's old Japanese boats.

This waterfront park is centered on a dammed-up area along the canal.

This is Tomizuka Tomio, or Tomi for short.

He leads a group of volunteers who work with Koto Ward

to honor the tradition of "wasen" wooden boats

and the rowing techniques associated with them.

Their activities include providing free wasen boat rides

and rowing lessons at this park.

How do these differ from Western-style boats?

You face sideways. And push and pull.

Seems difficult!

This oar works like a fish fin.

It's the same principle.

It's time to head out onto the water.

Does that require a lot of strength?

- Not really. You use your body weight. - I see.

He says the trick is to lean your full body weight into the oar.

Once you get some momentum, the boat practically glides through the water.

In the Edo period these boats were used for many purposes.

Ferrying passengers and cargo.

Recreational activities and so on.

There were lots of them.

Boats like these would take people to pleasure quarters.

Places with geisha houses and ryotei restaurants.

You'd flag down a boatman who looked fast.

Someone who could get you there quick.

Apparently, you wanted to get there early

so you could book the company of your favorite geisha entertainer.

I got to try my hand at sculling the boat.

The group offers free rowing lessons to the public,

and hopes to hand down their skills to future generations.

I'm doing my best!

So you have to learn to kind of keep it even with the power on both sides.

So there are some tricks to it, that's for sure.

It's not as easy as it looks.

The group has over 50 members,

many of whom are working or retired salarymen.

I enjoy talking to passengers.

There's a lived-in feeling to the wood.

You can tell where past guides handled the boats.

The wood is imbued with their spirit.

We've been getting retired salarymen who are eager to volunteer.

We train them to be oarsmen.

We want to hand down our rowing techniques.

To that end I think we've got a good thing going here.

So how did the canals around Tokyo Skytree come about?

For the next leg of my journey, I hopped onto another boat,

this time, one powered by a motor.

My guide, Hirayama Takashi, is an expert on Tokyo's waterways.

Our first stop is a junction

where Kitajukken-gawa meets another canal at a right angle.

This is like a street intersection! What's the story here?

The Great Fire of Meireki burned much of Edo to the ground.

They needed to bring new areas under development

to build mansions for feudal lords and samurai.

These canals were built as part of those efforts.

The Great Fire of Meireki was a massive conflagration

that destroyed most of old Tokyo in 1657.

This area was developed in the aftermath.

That included a network of canals like Kitajukken-gawa.

Many temples and shrines were also relocated here.

The steady flow of worshippers led to the opening of

fine dining establishments, and the district flourished as a result.

This area was on the outskirts of Edo.

It was a great destination for a day trip.

So they say it got a lot of visitors.

Along the river are a series of traditional banners.

They mark the approach to historic Azuma Shrine.

Apparently, the shrine had an interesting design.

It looked like it was floating on the water.

Here's a woodblock print that depicts the shrine in the Edo period.

It was nestled among trees, with an approach that cut across a marsh.

Visitors came both by boat and on foot.

Today, the shrine remains an important place of worship for the community.

Another nearby attraction was a mansion

whose grounds featured 300 plum trees.

Every spring, revelers came from far and wide to enjoy the blossoms.

- Are the fish here safe to eat? - Of course!

- What types of fish? - Mostly goby.

Hey there, are the fish biting? Goby?

- That's great. - Looks like they're after goby.

Next, we took a turn and headed south down another canal.

Up ahead is Tenjinbashi bridge.

It's right by Kameido Tenjin Shrine, which is known for Japanese wisteria.

This is the bridge here.

Back in the Edo period, you could get off at this bridge to go visit the shrine.

So what's Kameido Tenjin Shrine like today?

I said goodbye to my ride, and headed over to see for myself.

Wow, there's a pond in here, too.

It really matches the town that we're seeing here

back in Edo with all the water, the canals,

the greenery.

It's a bit like stepping back into the old city in that period.

Kameido Tenjin was founded in 1662.

The shogun granted this land to the shrine

so that it could watch over the newly developing neighborhood.

This place is famous for its wisteria which bloom in spring.

Their beauty is immortalized in many woodblock prints from the Edo period.

These are all wisteria vines, right, all throughout this shrine,

the grounds of this shrine.

So it must be really, really amazing, like, when in May,

this is all wisteria hanging down from here

and just all over this whole shrine ground.

The shrine's annual wisteria festival runs from mid-April until early May.

It's no wonder Kameido Tenjin has remained a popular destination

for locals and tourists alike for centuries.

In the second half of the 19th century,

Japan started down the path to modernization.

The canals became even more vital

as water-based transport systems further developed.

With the push for industrialization,

businesses set up large factories in this area.

This company was among them.

I visited their corporate museum to learn more about the local history.

This is Kato Reiko.

- This company is known for detergent. - Yes, that's right.

This major manufacturer produces household goods

like soap and laundry detergent.

It was founded in 1887,

and is famous for being among the first to introduce

cosmetic soap to Japanese households.

Why did the company build a factory in this area?

As you can see, it was built along a waterway.

They could transport goods.

The ease of water transport was a major factor.

This factory was built in 1902.

They used boats to supply the facility with raw materials

and ship out finished products.

Across this area that we now call Sumida Ward,

there were all sorts of factories that used water transport.

Factories producing soap, glass, leather, and more.

At the time, these were the outskirts of Tokyo.

You could buy land for cheap.

And you could secure a workforce.

Water transport. Land. Workers. That's why this area was chosen.

Several decades later,

this area was devastated by the Tokyo air raids of World War II.

About five minutes from Tokyo Skytree,

there's a spot that still bears the scars of the firebombing.

So I heard there's a tree in this neighborhood

that survived the bombing of Tokyo during the war.

And I think this has to be it.

You could even see that...

It looks like it's burnt all along the outside. You can see these marks.

It was burnt almost like it was struck by lightning or something.

As the district grew as an industrial center,

more munitions factories were built.

Their strategic importance made them a target for air attacks,

and most of this area was destroyed as a result.

But this ginkgo tree managed to survive the inferno.

Estimated to be 500 years old, it continues to thrive to this day.

I spoke to the chief priest of this shrine to learn more.

These burns are from a fire caused by the air raids on March 10, 1945.

The fire came from over there.

The flames came up to this area.

So the fire stopped here.

Yes, it stopped in this vicinity.

Much of the area over there remained intact.

He says that some residents believed

that the gingko tree's sacrifice saved their neighborhoods.

Here's the other side. They say it was almost burned out.

So you can really see how it's burnt up here

really deeply into the tree,

all the way up into quite far up into the tree.

I mean, this tree was really burnt all the way around the entire tree.

But when it was burnt, some of the bark on this side is clearly not burnt,

and so that's how it survived because the bark was still on the outside.

That's amazing. It's amazing that it survived.

And it's growing really well now.

After the war, Tokyo focused its reconstruction efforts

on the burned-out areas of the city.

When you overlay Tokyo Skytree

onto a photo of the area taken right after the war,

you can see that the site used to be a large railyard.

And there appears to be a port-like facility along the canal.

Why was this site chosen for Tokyo Skytree?

It turns out the railyard belonged to the same company that owns the tower.

Yamada Takako is the curator of their corporate museum.

One of the exhibits is an old locomotive

that hauled the company's freight cars for 60 years.

Did this train come to the Skytree area?

Yes. Our company set up freight lines to that area.

And we built a dock on Kitajukken-gawa.

There, cargo could be transferred between steam locomotives and boats.

In the region to the north were mines

for limestone and other raw materials for cement.

This railway operator built routes to connect them to Tokyo.

In the postwar period,

Tokyo needed construction materials to build infrastructure.

Trains carried cargo into the city.

The freight yard was located where Tokyo Skytree is today.

In 1949, a ready-mix concrete plant was opened nearby.

The concrete from plants like these was used all over Tokyo

to build the foundations for the city's postwar recovery.

Today, a concrete monument

at the foot of Tokyo Skytree commemorates that legacy.

Eventually, trucks overtook trains

as the primary method for commercial transport,

and the freight terminal was shut down.

In 2003, one of the operator's commuter lines

was connected to the Tokyo subway network

to accommodate passenger demand.

That left the company with a large empty site above ground.

Right about that time, the city was in need of a new broadcasting center

to replace Tokyo Tower.

Thus, construction began,

and in 2012, Tokyo Skytree was completed.

Tokyo Skytree was built to support the city's information infrastructure.

The fact that this land can continue to serve society's needs in this way...

is quite miraculous.

You can feel the flow of history.

Yes, exactly.

11 years on, this area has become one of Tokyo's busiest tourist spots.

And recently, some of the areas along the canals have been reimagined.

So now it looks like they've re-created a new tourist destination

along the canal here just like in old Edo period.

You've got hotels, you're going to have cafes.

So it's coming back again, a place where people come to have fun in this area.

This waterfront shopping district that opened in 2020

makes use of the space underneath the elevated train tracks.

And last, but not least...

Welcome to the observation deck!

I visited one of the tower's observation decks,

350 meters in the sky.

Wow, I've never seen this view.

You could see the canals down here, though.

So you can see from up here,

you can see how they're going past right where we are right now.

As I looked down, it became clear

how Tokyo Skytree is rooted in these historic canals.

And you just see this tower,

you don't really realize how it's connected to the history of the city.

You don't, you know, see those connections to old Edo.

But it really is connected because of transportation,

because of the way in which all the transportation hubs came together

and created a space here where they were going to end up building this tower.

So for me, that's really something that I learned.

So it's really a lot of fun to visit this place.

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'Tokyo Stories': An interview with the director, David Bickerstaff

tokyo travel documentary

Following Ashmolean Museum Oxford’s successful 2021 TOKYO exhibition comes the stunning new film, TOKYO STORIES. Coming to UK cinemas on 23 May 2023 , TOKYO STORIES takes audiences on a mesmerising tour of the Japanese capital via the incredibly diverse art it has produced over the last four centuries and the extraordinary artists behind it. To get ready for the hype, we’ve not only teamed up with Exhibition on Screen for an exciting Instagram giveaway where one lucky person will win a free pair of tickets to see the film at a cinema of their choosing as well as a bag of Ashmolean TOKYO exhibition goodies ; we also spoke to David Bickerstaff – the creative mind behind the film itself! – about his work, inspirations and Japan travels. 

tokyo travel documentary

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. To start off, please tell us a bit about yourself.  I am an independent artist, film maker and creative director of media for narrative spaces. I was born in Australia but moved to the UK in 1989 where I now live and work. 

tokyo travel documentary

How did you get into filmmaking and, more specifically, filmmaking about art? I started my artistic life as a fine art painter and actor, moved into graphic design which introduced me to the computer. I then became a producer of digital art in the 90’s and devised new media experiences for museums and heritage sites. I had known Phil Grabsky and Amanda Wilkie from Seventh Art Productions , for a long time and we often talked about collaborating on arts projects. They then invited me to co-direct a couple of projects like 'Heavy Water: A Film for Chernobyl' and 'Making War Horse' which had broadcast releases. Phil then asked me to join the team at Exhibition on Screen to direct several of their innovative arts documentaries of which 'Tokyo Stories' is the latest.

tokyo travel documentary

Your latest film, ‘Tokyo Stories’, is due to be released in UK cinemas on the 23rd May. If you had to, how would you describe it in one or two sentences? 'Tokyo Stories' is a vibrant and fresh look at one of the world’s greatest cities as seen through the eyes of a series of unique and talented artists that span Tokyo’s 400 years of existence. From early Samurai objects to the photography of contemporary artists like Moriyama Daido and Ninagawa Mika, this film takes you on colourful and engaging journey through Tokyo’s creative soul.

tokyo travel documentary

What was your personal relationship with Japan like before, and how has it changed after making this film?  Japan has always been a source of fascination for me though my knowledge was defined by how it was mediated in film, literature and popular culture. I grew up with Osamu Tezuka’s manga like Kimba the White Lion and Astro Boy which was my favourite programme as a child. Growing up in Australia, Japan was always talked about in the news and its post war industrial growth was the envy of the world. I was a bit like someone who engaged with Japanese culture though magazines and travel documentaries but had never travelled there. I was so excited when the opportunity was presented to make a film about Vincent Van Gogh and his relationship with Japan. This meant travelling to Japan for the first time, exploring its rich culture with experts, exploring various cities and filming its magnificent landscape. I have returned three times now and the experience has been so different every time.

tokyo travel documentary

Exploring 400 years of Tokyo’s incredibly dynamic art scene and compressing it into a single sitting is no easy feat, especially with so many different and exciting genres! How did you go about accomplishing this? The films we make at Exhibition on Screen are mostly based around landmark exhibitions and 'Tokyo Stories' was based on a sensational exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum called 'Tokyo: Art and Photography'. The curators were very clear with their narrative and had selected important examples of Japanese art and a range of artists, historic and contemporary, that best supported the story they wanted to tell.

tokyo travel documentary

This is a great help for us in formulating our own script and devising the narrative flow for our own story. We always start with the exhibition catalogue and plan the key interviews that will deliver an engaging and informative experience over 90 minutes. Through the process of interviewing and our own research, the plot develops and the works we need to film become more identifiable.

tokyo travel documentary

Was there a particular genre or time-period of Japanese art that struck you most? What was it you learnt about it that made such a deep impression? Before this project, I was not so aware of the post war ANPO movement where there were protests and riots against the occupation of America in Japan. The rise of reactionary photography and performance during this period was fascinating to me. I love the Vivo group of photographers and feel very privileged to have interviewed Moriyama Daido for our film who really encapsulated that spirit of freedom, experimentation and passion for their craft. I also enjoyed finding out more about the artist collectives in Tokyo like Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group who are very individual in their approach to art, innovative and willing to push the boundaries of what art is. 

tokyo travel documentary

Where does the TOKYO exhibition, which took place at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford in 2021, come into this film? What was it like working with the museum?   The whole film centres around the exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum who have a very good collection of Japanese art. We journey seamlessly from the exhibition spaces to the streets of Tokyo and back again which adds a visual richness and narrative context. I made a previous film with the museum about Pissarro and they are one of the most generous museums we have every worked with. So helpful and keen to give us the best access possible and to facilitate our filming which is invaluable. 

tokyo travel documentary

‘Tokyo Stories’ was largely filmed in the Japanese capital, but did you also travel to any other regions of Japan? Do you have any recommendations? For 'Tokyo Stories' we stay in the confines of the city but for my previous film, 'Van Gogh and Japan', we travelled from Kyoto to Osaka, Tokyo and Kawasaki and also filmed the landscape around Mount Fuji. I loved Kyoto for its authenticity and ancient culture. The ramen was delicious!

tokyo travel documentary

What is at the top of your list of things-to -do when you’re next in Japan? I would love to explore the north of Japan if given another opportunity. Hokkaido looks amazing and I am interest in finding out more about indigenous traditions and the people who live there. 

tokyo travel documentary

Lastly, are there any future projects that you would like to let our readers know about? 

Exhibition on Screen has an exciting programme coming up later this year and 'Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition', which invites audiences to a private view of the historic show at the Rijksmuseum, is currently in cinemas nationwide.  Thank you for talking with us!

tokyo travel documentary

TOKYO STORIES is released in UK cinemas from 23rd May. Check your local cinema for details or find a screening here . 

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Far from a standard gallery tour … Tokyo Stories, part of the Exhibition on Screen strand

Tokyo Stories review – artistic immersion into the city’s creative life

The Exhibition on Screen documentary series delves into the boundless energy of the Japanese megalopolis

H aving achieved impressive box office results with its Vermeer film , the Exhibition on Screen strand makes bit of a detour from its comfort zone with its latest film: an overview of artistic takes on Japan’s megalopolis and capital city, ranging from Edo-era paintings to street performance events. Having established itself by largely focusing on the golden eras of art history, dominated by the big names of the Renaissance and the late 19th century, here the net is spread to include contemporary artists who will be (mostly) not especially familiar to non-devotees. And while the conduit for the film is the Tokyo: Art & Photography exhibition staged by Oxford’s Ashmolean museum in 2021, this is far from a standard gallery tour: the approach is near-total immersion in Tokyo itself, along with a series of interviews with a string of practitioners including “girly photographer” Mika Ninagawa, veteran pop-era painter Keiichi Tanaami, and representatives of a wacky collective called Chim-Pom.

The results are as handsome as ever, with the film dominated by spectacular photography of Tokyo’s urban landscape in all its glory. For rather obvious reasons, not much of the city survives from before the second world war, but there are traces of ancient Japan to be seen, and accounts – through 17th-century depictions of the marshy, sparsely populated locale – of the embryonic Edo before it became the fortress of the Tokugawa shogunate. These days we are of course much more familiar with the Blade Runner-esque city of glowing neon and retrofitted chaos, but Tokyo as shown here seems to have moved on again, with plenty of pristine new-builds and fancy monuments.

How much you respond to this film will, no doubt, depend on your response to the artists involved; they all come across as approachable, enthusiastic and articulate. You can see, though, that this is a riskier film for Exhibition on Screen than, say, Leonardo: The Works or Van Gogh’s Sunflowers – or even those on more shadowy figures such as Mary Cassatt or Edward Hopper. Even so, there’s a lot to hold the interest here, with the overarching sense of a city of boundless creative energy.

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Street Food Asia

The best documentaries about Japanese food

Learn about the history, flavours and techniques of Japanese cooking with Anthony Bourdain, David Chang, Niki Nakayama, Jiro Ono and more

No matter how much you love Japanese food – and we love it a lot – it’s impossible to know everything that goes into making your meal, be it a bowl of nourishing ramen , a delicate morsel of sushi or an elaborate kaiseki dinner.  There’s the personal story of the chef, the philosophy of plating, the history of the recipes, the cooking technique, and so much more. These documentaries, available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Vimeo, will take you behind the scenes of the wonderful food in Japan – and you'll come out with a better understanding and appreciation for your next Japanese dining experience.

RECOMMENDED: Best Japanese shows with English subtitles  on Netflix

A feast for the eyes

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (Episode: Salt)

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (Episode: Salt)

'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat' is a four-part Netflix series exploring the fundamentals of cooking with chef Samin Nosrat. In the second episode , ‘Salt’, Nosrat travels to Japan to explore salt as a raw ingredient and seasoning in Japanese cuisine. Guided by Yuri Nomura of renowned Tokyo farm-to-table restaurant Eatrip, along with cookbook author and long-time Japan resident Nancy Hachisu, Nosrat visits a salt farm in Hiroshima and meets a master of organic miso and a fifth-generation soy sauce brewer.

Follow Nosrat’s journey and discover how Japanese salt is made from seaweed, that miso is for much more than just soup, and how real soy sauce can taste rich and caramel-like.

Chef’s Table (Episode: Niki Nakayama)

Chef’s Table (Episode: Niki Nakayama)

The Japanese word kuyashii describes the feeling when somebody puts you down and you have the burning desire to succeed to prove them wrong – it also describes Niki Nakayama’s motivation as a chef, as this episode of Chef's Table shows.

Born in Los Angeles to Japanese parents, Nakayama grew up in a family where the role of women was only to support men. Determined to prove her own independence and value, Nakayama worked at Takao, a renowned sushi restaurant in LA, then moved to Japan, where she became enamored by kaiseki cuisine. Now running her own Michelin-starred restaurant (n/naka) in Los Angeles, Nakayama serves her version of modern kaiseki cuisine – the food is meticulously creative, but it’s the journey that led to it all that’s truly eye-opening.

The Birth of Sake

The Birth of Sake

This captivating documentary offers a rare look inside life as a sake brewery worker, told through a season at Tedorigawa, a 144-year old sake brewery in Ishikawa prefecture. Follow the process of making sake from start to finish, which is still done by hand at Tedorigawa, and get a deeper understanding of the complexities of what goes into creating Japan’s delicate national drink.

The gruelling work, harrowing hours, and harsh weather are balanced by scenes revealing the close bonds between the brewery workers, their home lives, and reverence for their craft. Directed by Erik Shirai – formerly a cinematographer on 'No Reservations' with Anthony Bourdain – the slow pace of The Birth of Sake makes this film poetic to watch.

No Reservations (Episode: Tokyo)

No Reservations (Episode: Tokyo)

' No Reservations ', the late Anthony Bourdain ’s 142-part series on cuisines around the world, is the starting point for so many food-obsessed travellers. If he had to stay in one city forever, Bourdain says Tokyo would be his pick, and in this episode, you can see that’s true.

It’s impossible not to share his joy as he hunts through Tokyo for a kitchen knife, revels in the technicoloured sensory overload of the Robot Restaurant, goes bar hopping in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho ,  and eats sushi, soba and chicken sashimi. Bourdain was beloved for his honest approach to food and charismatic, huskily delivered wit, and he’s in fine form in this 'No Reservations' Tokyo episode. Anthony Bourdain, we miss you. 

Street Food (Episode: Osaka)

Street Food (Episode: Osaka)

Street food doesn’t loom quite as large in Japan as a lot of other countries in Asia, with most dining done indoors. But Osakans move to the beat of their own drum, and the emphasis on street food in the city’s culinary landscape reflects this.

In this episode of the Netflix series about street eats, you’ll visit the outdoor and standing seafood restaurant Toyo Izakaya – where the energetic owner is as much a performer as a chef – along with takoyaki (octopus balls) stand Umai-ya and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) stand Fue. Plus, you’ll meet a spirited cast of local Osaka chefs along the way.  

Washoku: Beyond Sushi

Washoku: Beyond Sushi

In 2013, washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) was designated by Unesco as part of Japan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. It joins just two other cuisines to receive such an accolade: French and Mexican. While sushi may be the poster child of washoku, this documentary is determined to leave you with a greater impression of traditional Japanese cuisine through interviews with famous chefs and industry figures like Nobu Matsuhisa, owner-chef of Nobu restaurants, and ramen master Shige Nakamura.

' Washoku: Beyond Sushi ' not only covers the different ingredients and types of traditional Japanese cuisine, it also acquaints you with the principles and philosophies that underlie Japanese food, including religion, nature and a focus on umami. 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

An unremarkable subway station in Ginza is home to a particularly remarkable sushi restaurant: Jiro Sukiyabashi, the first sushi restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars, whose list of diners includes David Beckham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Barack Obama.

' Jiro Dreams of Sushi ' is a sentimental portrait of owner-chef Jiro Ono, who opened the 10-seater restaurant in 1965. The documentary also provides an insight into Japanese shokunin (artisan) culture. As the 85-year-old Jiro puts it, 'even at my age, after decades of work, I don’t think I have achieved perfection. But I feel ecstatic all day – I love making sushi. That’s the spirit of the shokunin .' 

Ramen Heads

Ramen Heads

If you consider yourself a ramen head, you’ve probably heard of – and maybe even eaten at – Tomita Ramen in Matsudo. It’s headed by legendary noodle chef Osamu Tomita, who is at the centre of this 2017 film documenting his exacting process in creating the perfect bowl of noodles. Woven through the story is the history of ramen in Japan and the show takes a look at several other top ramen shops, revealing the philosophies and flavours of each, along with tips on getting ramen just right.

Kakehashi

Tokyo born and raised chef Nobuo Fukuda always felt out of place growing up in Japanese society. At age 20, Fukuda moved to Arizona to take a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant kitchen. Over the next few decades, Fukuda opened several successful Japanese restaurants in the US and even received a prestigious James Beard Award for his cooking.

When Fukuda was born, his father wrote that he wanted his son to be kakehashi , or ‘a bridge between Japan and other cultures’. Over the course of ‘ Kakehashi ’,  you can see Fukuda slowly become – and realise he is becoming – that bridge. More than a portrait of a chef, it’s a look at how food can change cultures and people. 

Ugly Delicious (Episode: Pizza)

Ugly Delicious (Episode: Pizza)

You might think that an episode set in Japan would focus on noodles or fish, but in the very first episode of ' Ugly Delicious ', host David Chang (chef and owner of the Momufuku restaurant group) goes to Japan hunting for pizza. Along with food writer Peter Meehan, Chang embarks on a journey extending from pizza purists in Brooklyn to chefs in Japan who are both re-creating classic Naples-style pizza and putting their own spin on it.

If you’re familiar with pizza in Tokyo, you’ll recognise the restaurants Savoy in Roppongi and Serinkan in Nakameguro. It’s a timely reminder that Japanese culinary prowess extends beyond traditional Japanese cuisine.  

The Final Table (Episode: Japan)

The Final Table (Episode: Japan)

Not technically a documentary, 'The Final Table's Japan episode features all the fanfare you would expect from a cooking competition. By episode 8 in the series, it’s down to just a handful of accomplished chefs.

The challenge? One hour to create a three-dish kaiseki meal that displays seasonality and a progression of flavors. That includes a hassan course – an array of small bites that sets the tone for a meal – agemono, a deep-fried course, and mukozuke, sliced seasonal sashimi. The atmosphere heats up even more when the guest chef and judge is announced: it’s Yoshihiro Narisawa, owner and chef of two-Michelin star restaurant Narisawa in Tokyo. 

More to watch

Best Japanese movies and series with English subtitles on Netflix

Best Japanese movies and series with English subtitles on Netflix

Locally produced, binge-worthy titles to add to your watch list

The best Japanese horror films

The best Japanese horror films

Forget the Hollywood remakes – Japan produces some of the best and most original horror movies around

10 best Studio Ghibli films

10 best Studio Ghibli films

Just in time for Studio Ghibli’s 35th birthday, we’ve compiled this list of the studio’s best anime films. Spoiler: it’s not all about Miyazaki

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