Kita-Akita City lies in the north of Akita Prefecture. It is a land of mountains and thick forests. The Akita Nairiku Line runs north-south through this wild terrain. Michael Keida visits 2 areas that can be accessed along this railroad. Since ancient times, there has been a long tradition of hunting in the Ani district. Known in Japanese as "matagi," these hunters developed their own language and customs, many of which have been passed down to the present day. Michael meets a modern-day "matagi," and learns how these hunters continue to live in harmony with the forests and the animals there. In the Takanosu district, an annual festival is held, in which gigantic drums are played to pray for rain and abundant harvests. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Michael meets the people of Kita-Akita, and joins them in celebrating their close connection with the natural environment.

In this episode, we visit Kyoto Prefecture, the old capital of Japan, and enter the world of meaning "a girl of the arts," is how geisha are referred to in Kyoto. We meet a young apprentice, or maiko, who is learning the tricks of the trade.

Artist Tomokazu Matsuyama acquired a following since moving to the U.S. in his 20's. 2020 was intended to bring a triumphant return to Japan, until his plans were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.