A train ride into Japan's past | DW Documentary
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Published 2021-01-20
The rail journey begins in Fukuoka - a city with a metro population of 2.5 million - and ends at the southern tip of the island, in the city of Ibusuki. As the train rolls along, it travels through time - and reveals the amazing diversity and contrasts of the most southerly of Japan's four main islands. The trip provides spectacular landscape views, as well as deep insight into a foreign culture, and its ancient traditions and modern lifestyles.
In the West, Kyushu is one of the lesser-known regions in the "Land of the Rising Sun." Even for the Japanese, the green, mountainous island is seen mostly as a holiday spot. Europeans rarely visit this part of the country - but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that have names like "Wolfgang," "Bavaria," or "Côte d'Azur." Travel guides say that these words sound "European" to Japanese.
The family of the emperor, or Tenno, comes from Kyushu as well. This is also where the dynasties of the proud warrior class, the samurai, have their roots.
And there are a number of active volcanoes on Kyushu. One of the most famous is Mount Aso. Its caldera - the cauldron-like hollow at the top -- has a circumference of about 120 kilometers.
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All Comments (21)
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I have a profound admiration for the Japanese and how they aspire for perfection in every task. Greetings from Portugal.
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I like how the Japanese have maintained their culture while modernizing at the same time.
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Even before I watch this documentary, I know I'm going to love it. Thank you DW
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My wife and I always enjoy our trips to Japan. Clean, courteous and organised. Hope we can get back in 2022. 😉
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Tea seller's house is stunning. Bento seller is amazing. Everything is so clean and beautiful. I love Japan. 👏
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I have long had the desire to visit Japan and always interested in continental train journeys. Sadly I am beyond such opportunities, but your film gave me a happy glimpse...beautiful!
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Japan has such a fascinating culture. It's great to be able to watch this well produced documentary and learn a little more about this beautiful country. Thank you sgain DW!
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Wow Japan is so BEAUTIFUL. Mr.Kircher did fantastic work. Please make more Japan documentary. ❤️
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Love Japan, nature, culture, people. Sublime.
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My family traveled Japan by train in the early 1960s. Some of the trains were very old, with open windows. We were able to see the amazing, ancient countryside. The bullet train at 120mph, was terrifying. The view through the train windows was a blur. I still have the kimonos my mother bought for us. What a treasure.
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Beautiful documentary. Japan is so elegant, so charming, so calm. I hope to visit Kyushu one day.
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When I was on Osaka station a luxury train similar to Seven Stars was stopping by, so I and my girlfriend took some photos of the train. An elderly couple riding the train noticed us, and the grandma smiled and waved to us. It was so heartwarming.
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My mum's family's from Kyushu. Thanks for the wonderful documentary, DW!
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Japan documentary always the best ❤️
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Beautiful country and people. I have great admiration for the Jananese people. Greetings from USA.
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Japan is a beautiful nation with deep history and culture, thank for taking us across this nation and educating non-Japanese about this nation
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Why every documentary that touches japan seems so beautiful. we need more beauty in this rudderless world. Big kudos to DW. love it !.
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I spent 3 months in Tokyo, Hatakaya...5 minutes from Shinjuku by train. All I can say is of all the countries I've visited, Japan and Israel are top on the list
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Just one word to describe it : " AWESOME "
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🇯🇵is a beautiful country with unique traditions✨
