Thanks to their appearance in hit Asian films, locations throughout Japan are being thrust into the spotlight. Previously unknown to most travelers, these locations are now must-see spots for movie buffs from both in and outside Japan. We visit these new tourist hotspots with the stars of the films that made them famous, hearing the behind-the-scenes stories of those hit movies. Plus, an inside look at what makes each location special, including local places, faces, food, history and more. This time, a winter journey to breathtaking Hokkaido, the setting of hit Thai film One Day, with its star Nittha Jirayungyurn, also known as Mew. First, to a ski resort, where you can enjoy the top-quality snow for close to half the year, and to a romantic spot featured in the film. Other highlights include an ice restaurant where Mew tries a unique dish, a collection of over 25,000 music boxes, a reunion with a shopkeeper Mew met while filming One Day, and a special slow food unique to Hokkaido.
This time, we continue our winter journey to Hokkaido, the setting of hit Thai film One Day, with its star Nittha Jirayungyurn, also known as Mew. First, to a hot spring resort with a surprising name where Mew takes in breathtaking views. Next, to Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, where she discovers classic Japanese toys, chomps down on soul food and learns winter survival tips from locals. Finally, to a key location from One Day, a chapel that's a romantic must-see spot for fans of the film.
This time, a trip with Kao Supatsara Thanachat, also known as Gao, star of the hit Thai TV series Stay. Gao takes us to Saga Prefecture, the setting of the series, which is full of natural scenery and kindhearted people. First, to Mitsuse, and a farmhouse B&B with traditional Saga cuisine. Next, to Yobuko and its famous morning market, seafood dishes and mysterious caves. Finally, to Cape Hado, known for a place where you can see Saga's sea life in action and for its delicious shellfish dishes.
This time, we continue our trip through Saga Prefecture with Kao Supatsara Thanachat, also known as Gao, star of the hit Thai TV series Stay. First, Ureshino, where Gao visits a hot spring and tries making green tea. Next, to Karatsu, a castle town with a 350-year-old festival and a giant pine grove. Then a boat ride to Takashima, where Gao meets some adorable cats. Finally, to Yutoku Inari Shrine, where Stay's climactic scene takes place, which is now popular with visitors from Thailand.
This time, a trip with Phuong Anh Dao, star of the hit Vietnamese film Summer in Closed Eyes. Anh Dao takes us to beautiful Hokkaido Prefecture, the northern island that served as the setting of the film. First, to the photography-centric town of Higashikawa, and to a craft workshop run by a couple who appeared in the film. After a bowl of gourmet ramen, Anh Dao takes a refreshing horseback ride through the great outdoors. Finally, to the town of Hokuryu to cycle around its famous sunflower fields.
We continue our trip to Hokkaido Prefecture with Phuong Anh Dao, star of the hit Vietnamese film Summer in Closed Eyes. First to Biei and its famous multicolored patchwork crops and 15-hectare flower fields. Here, Anh Dao has a korokke taste test. Next, to Higashikawa, famous for a shrine that's over 120 years old, an eatery featuring fresh local cuisine, and clear mountain water used to make tofu, coffee and more. Finally, to Mt. Asahidake for a ropeway ride and a scenic climb to cap off the trip.
We take a trip to Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures with Mia, the star of hit Taiwanese series My Teacher is Xiao-he. Located in the Tohoku region, both feature beautiful winter landscapes, unique local cuisine, and kindhearted people. In part 1, Mia visits the remains of Sendai Castle and has a special reunion. She also visits Matsushima, a famous scenic spot, where she makes prayer beads and eats fresh oysters. Finally, Toyoma, a city filled with historical buildings where a key part of the series was filmed.
We take a trip to Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures with Mia, the star of hit Taiwanese series My Teacher is Xiao-he. Located in the Tohoku region, both feature beautiful winter landscapes, unique local cuisine, and kindhearted people. In part 2, Mia takes the Sanriku Railway, a symbol of recovery from the 2011 earthquake. Next, to an idyllic beach in Miyako, then Morioka, where she gets a lesson in making local crafts. Finally, Minamisanriku, where Mia learns how the city is working to thrive following 2011.
CLASH, a rock band from Thailand, set the music video for their song "LONELY" in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture. This time, we travel with Bank, the lead singer of CLASH, on a tour highlighting both prefectures' great local food, scenery and music. On day 1, we enjoy the island of Tsunoshima by rental cycle, then visit Moji Port, which features great local ramen and a traditional banana auction. We also visit a jazz cafe and even see Bank perform a jazz version of "LONELY" with some local musicians.
CLASH, a rock band from Thailand, set the music video for their song "LONELY" in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture. This time, we travel with Bank, the lead singer of CLASH, on a tour highlighting both prefectures' great local food, scenery and music. On day 2, the castle town of Kokura, where Bank tries on a kimono, experiences the city's long taiko drum tradition and visits a food market. Next, a taste of Kitakyushu's high-tech robot industry. Finally, we wrap up with a look at some great scenery.
This time, we visit Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture with An Yuexi, the star of hit Chinese series "Whirlwind Girl 2." First, to Enoshima Island, where we stay at an inn over 400 years old and eat octopus crackers! Next, we take a local tram to the famous Kamakura, Japan's ancient political capital, for an experience involving samurai swords and armor ... and even samurai food once eaten on battlefields! Finally, to the seaside of Katase, where a key scene from the series was filmed.
We continue our trip to Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture with An Yuexi, the star of hit Chinese series "Whirlwind Girl 2." First, to Kashiwa, Chiba, and a 1,200-year-old temple where you can hear sutras. Next, to Takadanobaba in Tokyo for an authentic tea ceremony. After that, it's Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most popular tourist spots, where we attempt to break roof tiles, then try making a special type of sushi. To finish up, we hang out on a terrace and enjoy the Asakusa night view.
The music video for the hit "Won't Cry" by Jay Chou with Mayday Ashin was set in Tokyo. We visit locations used in the video with Miyoshi Ayaka, one of its stars, and see how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the city. First, to a spot where you can see Tokyo Tower. Next, to trendy Harajuku, where we try a popular Taiwanese dessert. Then to hip Shimokitazawa, where Miyoshi tries a festival dance, visits a new open-air space and learns how the pandemic is affecting locals.
The music video for "Won't Cry" by Jay Chou with Mayday Ashin was set in Tokyo. In our second episode, we continue to visit locations used in the video with its star Miyoshi Ayaka and see how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the city. First, to upscale Ginza to see a vintage camera store and learn from a pro photographer. Next, to a sweets store that's launched a project helping local businesses during the pandemic. Finally, to Yanaka to meet a bamboo artisan and eat fermented foods.