[BS Nittele] Japan Has Roadside Stations! Hidden Specialties, Spectacular Scenery, and History Across the Country... "Dear, From the Roadside Station"

There are over 1,200 roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) across Japan, oases for drivers. BS Nittele will broadcast a special program "Dear, From the Roadside Station" on June 9th (Tuesday) at 8 PM, which uses these roadside stations as bases to uncover local hidden gems! While roadside stations are often just convenient stops during a trip, this program intentionally sets them as starting points. It introduces exquisite local cuisine, stunning views, and the heartbeat of the people rooted in each area—unique charms that can't be found elsewhere. Actor Takeshi Naito will guide the journey as the voice traveler. Enjoy!

Natural Hot Springs and Foreign Tourists... The journey starts from Nara Prefecture. Beginning in Asuka Village, known as the birthplace of Japan where the first capital was built, we visit numerous shrines and temples. The murals of Kitora Tomb evoke life in those days. This area is also where milk first spread in Japan, so we savor Asuka hot pot made with milk. We also visit Tamaki Shrine, an important sacred site for Kumano pilgrimage. It is said that only those called by the gods can reach it, and the chief priest offers surprising testimony to support this...

In Wakayama Prefecture, we see foreign women in swimsuits by a clear stream surrounded by greenery, which seems out of place. What's going on? Apparently, they have come to enjoy the natural hot springs, which are popular among inbound tourists. A short walk from the roadside station Oku-Kumano Kodo Hongu leads to Tsuboyu of Yunomine Onsen, a World Heritage site. It is also crowded with foreign tourists. "Did our ancestors also find relief from fatigue here?" Naito ponders the history spanning over 1,400 years.

Furthermore, we visit Nachi Falls, known as the sacred object of Hiryū Shrine and praised by poet Kyoshi Takahama. With a drop of 133 meters, it is one of Japan's finest waterfalls. Seiganto-ji Temple stands at the overlook. The sound of conch shells echoes through the ancient temple rebuilt by Hideyoshi Toyotomi after war damage. The mountain ascetic appears to be a woman. Why did this woman, who lived in Tokyo, come to such a remote place for training? From the roadside station, we venture further. In Wakayama, we also savor a superb ramen made with plums, a local specialty.

Unyielding in the Face of Disaster... The Heartbeat of Noto's People The scene shifts to Saga Prefecture. At the roadside station Saga, you can experience the mudflats of the Ariake Sea through an activity. The Ariake Sea accounts for about 40% of Japan's tidal flat area. Participants get covered in mud while feeling the breath of nature. Saga is also home to famous sake breweries. What are the sweets made with local sake and the local cuisine full of sea scent?

We also head to Ishikawa Prefecture. The scars of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake are still painful, but the resilience of people living with smiles can be felt even at roadside stations. In Nanao City, the eastern gateway to the Noto Peninsula, you can enjoy natural rock oysters in summer. Apparently, local fishermen dive without oxygen tanks to catch them. While enjoying grilled oysters, the departure signal for a sightseeing boat sounds...

The roadside stations in Ishikawa Prefecture are a parade of specialty products. In Anamizu Town, we bite into local dumplings made with specialties. At the roadside station Noroshi in Suzu City, creamy tofu made from soybeans whets the appetite. In Salt Village, staff take on the challenge of making salt using a method unchanged from before the earthquake. What will the result be? The finale is a spectacular view with the vast Sea of Japan in the background. At the magnificent scenery, unique in Japan, Naito can't help but exclaim "Uhyah~!"

[Title] Dear, From the Roadside Station

[Program Overview] Dear, Writing from a roadside station. Lately, roadside stations have been my starting point for travel.

At the Noto roadside station, I felt a solid sense of recovery. At the Ariake Sea roadside station, I got muddy on Japan's largest tidal flat. A journey toward Kumano Kodo while feeling ancient romance also starts from a roadside station.

A journey of continuous new discoveries and rediscoveries starting "from" a roadside station. Please join us next time.

[Broadcast Date and Time] June 9th (Monday) 8:00 PM - 9:54 PM

[Broadcasting Station] BS Nittele / BS Nittele 4K

[Voice Traveler] Takeshi Naito

[Credit] ⒸBS Nittele