Documentary backdrop image for Central Japan (2014)

Documentary backdrop image for Central Japan (2014)

201460 minPGdocumentary

7.0/ 10(1 rating)• TMDB

Historical Events

Central Japan

201460 minPGdocumentary

7.0/ 10(1 rating)• TMDB

In Central Japan, Megan McCormick explores Kyoto's historic temples, Osaka's culinary scene, Iga-Ueno's ninja heritage, and Sado Island's natural beauty.

Historical Events

Genres

Directors

Synopsis

In Central Japan, Megan McCormick explores Kyoto's historic temples, Osaka's culinary scene, Iga-Ueno's ninja heritage, and Sado Island's natural beauty.

People

Chris Ledgerdirector

Ian Cross

Ian Crossdirector

Megan McCormick

Megan McCormickcast

Synopsis

Central Japan features Megan McCormick exploring the cultural and historical significance of the region. Starting in Kyoto, the former capital, she visits renowned Buddhist temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At a local flea market, McCormick highlights traditional craftsmanship. The exploration continues in Osaka, celebrated for its diverse cuisine, and Iga-Ueno, a city with a rich ninja heritage. The program also showcases Sado Island's natural beauty and cultural importance, concluding with Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of Japanese architecture.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

Japan The Way of Zen : Zen Buddhism Documentary (2016)

Japan The Way of Zen : Zen Buddhism Documentary

20 percent of the Japanese population is over the age of 65, reflecting the country's demographic challenges amid its rich cultural traditions.

Japan The Way of Zen : Zen Buddhism Documentary

The Dark Truth of Japan's Paradise Island (2026)

The Dark Truth of Japan's Paradise Island

Okinawa, Japan's poorest prefecture, welcomed 10 million tourists in 2019, revealing a stark contrast between its idyllic beauty and economic hardships.

The Dark Truth of Japan's Paradise Island

A train ride into Japan's past (2021)

A train ride into Japan's past

Kyushu showcases Japan's cultural heritage through a train journey from Fukuoka to Ibusuki.

A train ride into Japan's past

The Cradle of Traditions (2024)

The Cradle of Traditions

Honshu Island's Chubu region showcases the Japanese Alps, ancient crafts, and the cultural significance of cities like Kyoto and Osaka in a blend of tradition and modernity.

The Cradle of Traditions

Know Your Enemy: Japan (2016)

Know Your Enemy: Japan

2016•1h3m•★5.9TMDB

Japan's historical evolution, from the rise of Shintoism and the Shogunate to its modernization and involvement in World Wars I and II, is examined through key events and figures.

Know Your Enemy: Japan

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya (2026)

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya

In Kyoto, Japan, traditional machiya homes embody centuries-old architectural and cultural practices, reflecting the harmony and aesthetics of Japanese life.

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya

The Kanazawa railway hub - Where tradition and high-speed meet in Japan (2025)

The Kanazawa railway hub - Where tradition and high-speed meet in Japan

Since 2015, high-speed Shinkansen trains have been operating in Kanazawa, significantly boosting the city's economy and increasing visitor numbers.

The Kanazawa railway hub - Where tradition and high-speed meet in Japan

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya (2025)

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya

In Kyoto, traditional machiya houses exemplify Japan's architectural heritage with their wooden structures, tatami floors, and inner gardens that reflect a harmonious lifestyle.

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya

Japan, the Land of the Eternal (2024)

Japan, the Land of the Eternal

A 1,200 km long ribbon of islands in the Ryukyu archipelago features unique traditions and a deep connection to the sea among its inhabitants.

Japan, the Land of the Eternal

Cute Cats In Japan (2023)

Cute Cats In Japan

Ten cats sleep in a pram in Tokyo's biggest shopping district, illustrating Japan's deep fascination with feline culture.

Cute Cats In Japan

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History (2019)

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people worldwide than combat during World War One.

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi (2025)

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi was a significant religious center where priestesses conveyed prophecies from the god Apollo.

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

Explore Central Japan

People Topics FAQ

Browse more like this

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya (2026)

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya

In Kyoto, Japan, traditional machiya homes embody centuries-old architectural and cultural practices, reflecting the harmony and aesthetics of Japanese life.

Secret Asia: Living Inside the traditional Machiya

No digital watch option in your country

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya (2025)

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya

In Kyoto, traditional machiya houses exemplify Japan's architectural heritage with their wooden structures, tatami floors, and inner gardens that reflect a harmonious lifestyle.

Paper-Thin Houses: Living Inside a Machiya

No digital watch option in your country

Japan, the Land of the Eternal (2024)

Japan, the Land of the Eternal

A 1,200 km long ribbon of islands in the Ryukyu archipelago features unique traditions and a deep connection to the sea among its inhabitants.

Japan, the Land of the Eternal

No digital watch option in your country

Cute Cats In Japan (2023)

Cute Cats In Japan

Ten cats sleep in a pram in Tokyo's biggest shopping district, illustrating Japan's deep fascination with feline culture.

Cute Cats In Japan

No digital watch option in your country

Cat Nation (2017)

Cat Nation

2017•52m•★6.7TMDB

On Aoshima Island, cats outnumber humans by six to one, reflecting the unique role of felines in Japanese culture.

Sakura Petals: The Samurai (2002)

Sakura Petals: The Samurai

2002•40m•★6.0TMDB

One of Japan's top three gardens is featured alongside the reconstructed Crow Castle in Okayama, a city known for its preserved architecture from World War II.

Sakura Petals: The Samurai

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

2004•2h45m•★9.5TMDB

Tokugawa Ieyasu's establishment of control during Japan's Edo period fostered a unique cultural identity, explored through diverse perspectives from Shoguns, Samurai, and peasants.

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

From City to City (2006)

From City to City

2006•30m•★9.0TMDB

Chip Tsao visits iconic British cities like London and Oxford while Eason Chan examines Japan's culture in cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

From City to City

Planet Food: Japan (2012)

Planet Food: Japan

2012•50m•★7.0TMDB

At Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market, Merrilees Parker learns sushi-making from master chef Romeo, who emphasizes the dedication needed for perfection.

Planet Food: Japan

Satori Stress (1984)

Satori Stress

1984•1h15m•★9.0TMDB

Thousands of suit-and-tie executives fill the streets of Tokyo, a city rich with KABUKI theater, geishas, and vibrant nightlife.

Descending (2012)

Descending

In 1200, Kyoto celebrates the changing seasons with vibrant festivals that connect its cultural heritage to the natural environment.

Tokyo City Guide (2005)

Tokyo City Guide

2005•1h•★7.0TMDB

A climb to the summit of Mount Fuji offers breathtaking views and camaraderie among climbers in a city that blends ancient traditions with modern innovations.

Tokyo City Guide

Kyoto Shiki Hyakkei The Four Season of Kyoto The Beautiful Ancient Capital (2012)

Kyoto Shiki Hyakkei The Four Season of Kyoto The Beautiful Ancient Capital

Kyoto's cultural heritage is showcased through its historical sites, including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, alongside traditional festivals like Hanami and Aoi Matsuri.

Kyoto Shiki Hyakkei The Four Season of Kyoto The Beautiful Ancient Capital

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film (1998)

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998•1h28m•★7.6TMDB

Abraham Zapruder's footage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, is digitally remastered to reveal new details and its impact on public perception.

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

Dancing Through Life: The Dorothy Toy Story (2017)

Dancing Through Life: The Dorothy Toy Story

2017•26m•★10.0TMDB

At 99 years old, Dorothy Toy Fong continues to perform, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to tap dance and the joy it brings to audiences.

Dancing Through Life: The Dorothy Toy Story

Good Kurds, Bad Kurds: No Friends But the Mountains (2000)

Good Kurds, Bad Kurds: No Friends But the Mountains

2000•1h12m•★6.5TMDB

Seventy-two minutes of footage show how Kurdish identities change based on different perspectives in conflict-ridden Iraq.

Good Kurds, Bad Kurds: No Friends But the Mountains

Browse more by Chris Ledger

View all films →

Tough Boats: Journey Down the Nile (2022)

Tough Boats: Journey Down the Nile

2022

Is this your film?

If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.

License it with us →