We travel through the mountainous area 100km northwest of Tokyo, covering Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama Prefectures. We focus on timber and meet local residents who appreciate the blessings of nature.

Travel Kagoshima Pref. on the Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, JR's southernmost line. Discover a 400-year pottery tradition, walk around a samurai neighborhood, and admire views of an active volcano.

Late April, spring has arrived in northern Japan. Travel the JR Ou and Gono Lines, discovering cherry blossoms, hiking a lush beech forest, soaking in a seaside spring and trying fermented soybeans.