Journeys in Japan · SEASON 7
Iwate Winter Rite
Episode 9 · 2016-04-19

- Documentary
Episode overview
Deep in the north of Japan at a mountain temple, a festival called the Somin-sai and nicknamed the Naked Festival, has been held for around one thousand years. British actor, Dean Newcombe, travels to Oshu, in southern Iwate, to join in this enigmatic festival. First he takes in some of Oshu's other ancient winter rites. And then he visits a Zen training temple to practice asceticism to focus his mind for the harsh festival. The finale of his trip-the Somin-sai-was an experience beyond Dean's wildest dreams.
28 minutes
Season 7 episodes
1. Takachiho: Dancing for the Deities2016-02-02
2. Miyako: The Island of Song2016-02-09
3. Koyasan: New Year at a Traditional Power Spot2016-02-16
4. Kushiro: The Crystalline Sounds of Winter2016-03-01
5. Okinoerabu Island: Home Away from Home2016-03-15
6. Kakunodate: Pride in the Samurai Tradition2016-03-22
7. Yatsugatake: Outdoor Winter Play2016-04-05
8. Kinosaki Onsen: Bathing in Tradition2016-04-12
9. Iwate Winter Rite2016-04-19
10. Okayama: Into the Deep Red2016-04-26
11. Chichibu: A Springtime Pilgrimage2016-05-03
12. Akiu: In the Footsteps of a Legendary Warlord2016-05-17
13. Mihonoseki: Land of the Gods2016-05-24
14. Ise-Shima: Experiencing a Lifestyle Close to Nature2016-05-31
15. Tendo: An Enduring, Evolving Passion for Wood2016-06-07
16. Nara: Tranquil Temples and Bountiful Blooms2016-06-14
17. Komatsu Kabuki Kids2016-06-21
18. A Taste of Nagasaki2016-06-28
19. Iejima: Resilient Land, Resilient People2016-07-12
20. Okayama: The Profound Spirit of the Rocks2016-07-19
21. Sabae: Eye on Design2016-07-26
22. Bounty of the Wild North: Cape Soya, Hokkaido2016-08-02
23. Hokkaido: Summer Gardens Under the Northern Sky2016-08-16
24. Hidden Village Kuma2016-08-23
25. Aomori: Out of This World2016-09-13
26. Akita: Swaying Lanterns Brighten Summer Nights2016-09-20
27. Deep Into Kurobe: Toyama Climbing2016-09-27
28. Uchikawa: A Retro River Townscape2016-10-11
29. Tanegashima: Guns, Rockets and Surf2016-10-18
30. Yubari: Mining the Nostalgia2016-10-25
31. Walking the Nakasendo: A Road to the Past2016-11-08
32. Chichibu: An Autumn Pilgrimage2016-11-15
33. Munakata: The Sea and Goddesses2016-11-22
34. Sacred Mt. Ishizuchi: Autumn Trekking2016-11-29
35. Hagi: The Cradle of Modern Japan2016-12-13
36. Isumi-Ichinomiya: Fresh Air and Laid-Back Living2016-12-20